Ajisai

For New Yorkers navigating the vibrant culinary landscape of the Upper East Side, finding a Japanese restaurant that consistently delivers on freshness, flavor, and a welcoming atmosphere is a true find. Enter Ajisai, conveniently located at 795 Lexington Avenue. This charming eatery has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its commitment to serving high-quality Japanese cuisine that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ajisai prides itself on offering a diverse menu that caters to various cravings, from delicate sushi to comforting hot dishes. What truly sets them apart, as noted by enthusiastic patrons, is the undeniable freshness and vibrant appearance of their food. Customers consistently remark on how "fresh and healthy the food looks when it is served," highlighting a commitment to quality ingredients and presentation. Whether you're in the mood for expertly prepared sushi or a hearty hot plate like their chicken teriyaki, Ajisai aims to provide an "excellent option" for any occasion.

Beyond the delicious food, Ajisai cultivates a "chill and laid back" ambiance that makes dining a relaxed and enjoyable experience. The attentive and friendly servers contribute significantly to this welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that even first-time visitors feel right at home. Patrons also appreciate the "great prices," which allow New Yorkers to enjoy high-quality Japanese fare without breaking the bank. From delicious veggie dumplings and flavorful bao buns to comforting hot miso soup, Ajisai offers a wide array of dishes that consistently earn high praise, encouraging diners to return and explore more of the menu.

Whether you’re catching a quick lunch, settling in for a cozy dinner on a rainy day, or seeking a reliable spot for takeout, Ajisai delivers on taste, value, and a genuinely pleasant experience. It’s a definite recommendation for anyone on the Upper East Side looking for their next favorite Japanese spot.

Ajisai is perfectly positioned at 795 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA. This prime address places it squarely in the heart of Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side, a bustling and easily accessible neighborhood for both residents and visitors alike. Its location between 61st and 62nd Streets on Lexington Avenue ensures high visibility and convenience.

Lexington Avenue is a major north-south artery, providing excellent accessibility via New York City's extensive public transportation network. Subway access is highly convenient, with the 4, 5, and 6 express and local subway lines having stations within a very short walking distance, offering quick links to various parts of Manhattan and beyond. Numerous MTA bus routes also traverse Lexington Avenue and nearby streets, providing additional options for seamless travel. For those considering driving, while street parking can be competitive in the Upper East Side, several parking garages are typically available in the vicinity. This central and well-connected location makes Ajisai an effortless destination for a casual lunch, a relaxing dinner, or a quick takeout order, catering to the dynamic schedules of New Yorkers.

Ajisai provides a versatile range of services designed for convenience and a pleasant dining experience:

• Dine-in: The restaurant offers a "chill and laid back" atmosphere with friendly and great servers, making it a comfortable spot for enjoying a meal on-site.
• Takeout: Customers can easily order for pickup, allowing them to enjoy Ajisai's fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine from the comfort of their home or office.
• Delivery Services: Ajisai partners with major food delivery platforms, including Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates. This extensive network ensures convenient delivery to many parts of Manhattan, making it easy to enjoy their food without leaving your doorstep. They even offer "free delivery" for orders above a certain amount (please check current policies).
• Online Ordering: Patrons can place orders directly through Ajisai's website or via their preferred third-party delivery apps, streamlining the ordering process.
• Lunch Specials: Ajisai offers attractive lunch specials, typically available daily until 3:00 PM or 4:30 PM (please verify current hours), which include various sushi, sashimi, roll combos, kitchen entrees (like Teriyaki, Tempura, General Tso's), fried rice, noodles, and bento boxes, often served with miso soup or salad. These specials are praised for being great value.
• Diverse Menu: The restaurant features an extensive menu encompassing a wide variety of Japanese and Asian fusion dishes, from sushi and sashimi to hot kitchen entrees, noodle dishes, and appetizers.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Ajisai serves a selection of drinks, including wine (with specific mention of "honey plum wine"), complementing their food offerings.

Ajisai is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Japanese cuisine on the Upper East Side:

• Exceptional Freshness and Quality: Customers consistently praise the "fresh and healthy" appearance and taste of the food, indicating a strong commitment to quality ingredients, especially for sushi and sashimi.
• Diverse and Expansive Menu: Ajisai offers a wide array of Japanese dishes beyond just sushi, ensuring there's something for every palate. Highlights include:
  • Sushi and Sashimi: A comprehensive selection of rolls (classic, spicy, specialty), nigiri, and sashimi, available à la carte or in deluxe platters.
  • Hot Kitchen Entrees: Popular options like Chicken Teriyaki, Gourmet Sesame Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, various Tempura dishes, and unique offerings like Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass with orange miso glaze, Curry Seafood, and Mango Chicken/Shrimp.
  • Noodles and Fried Rice: Including Zaru Soba (cold buckwheat noodles), various hot noodle soups (e.g., Spicy Chicken, Shrimp Tempura Udon), Yaki Soba (stir-fried), and assorted Japanese fried rice (Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Vegetable, Pineapple Seafood).
  • Appetizers: Must-try items like "veggie dumplings and bow bun" (presumably bao buns), along with traditional options like Miso Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Edamame, and various sushi bar appetizers.
  • Poke Bowls & Salads: Offering fresh and customizable poke options for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Great Value and Sizing: Patrons frequently commend the "great prices" and ample portion sizes, making it a satisfying and affordable option for high-quality Japanese food in Manhattan.
• Chill and Laid-back Ambiance: The restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxed dining environment, ideal for a casual meal or a quiet evening.
• Friendly and Attentive Service: The staff is consistently described as "great" and welcoming, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.
• Convenient Location: Its prime spot on Lexington Avenue makes it easily accessible for Upper East Side residents and those commuting through the area.
• Availability of Hot Dishes: Beyond sushi, the extensive range of hot entrees and noodle dishes provides comforting options, perfect for a rainy day, as one customer noted.

Ajisai offers attractive value propositions, particularly through its lunch menu and various delivery platform deals, beneficial for New York locals:

• Lunch Specials: A major draw, available daily (including weekends) until mid-afternoon (please verify current times, often 3:00 PM or 4:30 PM). These include:
  • Sushi Lunch Specials: Such as "Any 2 Rolls" or "Any 3 Rolls" specials, Sushi Lunch (6 pcs sushi + California roll), Sushi & Sashimi Combo, and Chirashi Lunch.
  • Kitchen Lunch Specials: Featuring Teriyaki (Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, XO Grilled Steak), Tempura, General Tso's Chicken, Gourmet Sesame Chicken, Fried Rice, Pad Thai, and various Udon/Soba noodle soups.
  • Bento Boxes: Lunch Bento Boxes (Teriyaki, Tempura, Curry) served with shumai, salad/soup, rice, and a roll.
  • Poke Bowls & Salads: Lunch-sized poke options with various protein choices.
• Online Order Discount: Their website mentions an "Online Order 15% Off" for pickup orders, which is a substantial saving for locals.
• Free Delivery: While minimums may apply, some platforms or direct orders from Ajisai offer "Free Delivery," enhancing convenience and value.
• Delivery Platform Deals: New Yorkers should regularly check major food delivery apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates) for rotating promotions. These can include:
  • Discounts for first-time orders from Ajisai.
  • Free delivery for subscribers (e.g., Grubhub+, Uber One).
  • Seasonal percentage-off deals on total orders.
  • For example, Grubhub has shown offers like "Spend $80, get $8."

For the most current information on these and any other limited-time offers, New York locals are encouraged to visit Ajisai's official website or check their listings on their preferred delivery platforms.

To experience the fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine at Ajisai, here is their contact information:

• Address: 795 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
• Phone: (212) 355-0888

For the most up-to-date menu, current operating hours, or to place an order for pickup or delivery, please visit their official website (www.ajisaijapaneserestaurantnewyork.com or ajisainy.com) or check their listings on major food delivery platforms. Their typical operating hours are Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, and Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, though some sources indicate slightly later closing times.

For New Yorkers residing in or frequenting the Upper East Side, Ajisai stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable choice for Japanese dining. Its prime and easily accessible location on Lexington Avenue ensures convenience for anyone in the neighborhood. What truly makes Ajisai a local gem is its unwavering commitment to providing food that is not only "very good" but also visually appealing, often described as "fresh and healthy" in its presentation. This focus on quality extends across their diverse menu, from fresh sushi to comforting hot dishes like chicken teriyaki and delicious miso soup, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Beyond the culinary delights, Ajisai fosters a "chill and laid back" atmosphere complemented by "great" and friendly servers, creating a welcoming and relaxed dining environment that encourages repeat visits. The "great prices" further enhance its appeal, offering excellent value for high-quality Japanese cuisine in Manhattan. With robust options for dine-in, convenient takeout, and extensive delivery services through popular apps, Ajisai seamlessly integrates into the busy New York lifestyle. For locals seeking a reliable, delicious, and friendly Japanese restaurant that consistently delivers fresh flavors, Ajisai on the Upper East Side is undoubtedly a top recommendation and a place where you'll definitely want to return.

Ajisai

795 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA