Ajisai

ajisai raleigh, ajisai sushi raleigh

For North Carolina residents who appreciate truly exceptional Japanese cuisine, Ajisai in Raleigh stands out as a culinary destination that consistently impresses. Described by enthusiastic patrons as having the "best sushi I ever had in my whole life," Ajisai goes beyond typical expectations, offering a blend of fresh, high-quality sushi, phenomenal kitchen entrees, and a captivating dining ambiance. It’s a place where the dedication to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction shines through in every detail, even recovering gracefully from occasional service hiccups, as noted in customer reviews.

Ajisai Japanese Fusion aims to provide a sophisticated yet approachable experience. Whether you're a self-proclaimed "sushi snob" or simply looking for a delicious and memorable meal, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to various palates. From classic teriyaki to innovative sushi rolls and delightful appetizers, Ajisai strives to create an "unforgettable" experience, making it a go-to spot for locals seeking quality, atmosphere, and a touch of culinary artistry.

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Ajisai is conveniently located at 427 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605, USA. This address places it within the vibrant Village District (formerly Cameron Village), a popular and easily accessible shopping and dining area in Raleigh. The location is well-known to locals, making it simple to navigate to, whether you're coming from downtown Raleigh, NC State University, or other parts of the Triangle.

Being situated in the Village District means there is generally ample parking available within the shopping center, though it can get busy during peak hours. The area itself is pedestrian-friendly, allowing for a pleasant stroll before or after your meal. For North Carolina residents, Ajisai's central and accessible location makes it a convenient choice for both planned dinners and spontaneous culinary excursions.

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Ajisai is committed to providing a high-quality dining experience through a range of services tailored to its clientele:

• Dine-in Service: Ajisai offers a distinctive dine-in experience within a "cute, hip, modern, peaceful, fun" atmosphere. The dining area is clean and well-maintained, providing a comfortable setting for patrons. Reviews highlight the professional and attentive staff, who ensure a relaxed and enjoyable meal, even allowing time for guests to close their menus before taking orders, signaling no pressure.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Ajisai serves both lunch and dinner, offering varied menus designed for each part of the day. Lunch hours are typically Monday-Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday from 11:30 AM/Noon to 3:00 PM. Dinner service runs until 10:00 PM on most weeknights and 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Takeout Service: For those who prefer to enjoy Ajisai's delicious food at home, takeout is a readily available option. Customers can call in their orders for pickup.
• Delivery Service: Ajisai partners with popular third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. This allows residents across Raleigh to conveniently order their favorite sushi, teriyaki, and other Japanese dishes delivered right to their doorstep.
• Full Bar with Specialty Drinks: The restaurant features a full bar, offering a wide selection of beverages including beer, wine, sake, and signature cocktails. Patrons have noted the availability of specific favorites like plum wine, even if not explicitly listed on the menu.
• Dog-Friendly Patio: For those with furry friends, Ajisai boasts a dog-friendly patio, welcoming pets to join their owners for a drink and meal in an outdoor setting.
• Gift Cards: Ajisai offers gift cards, making it an excellent option for sharing the exceptional dining experience with friends, family, or colleagues for any occasion.

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Ajisai's strong reputation among North Carolina locals stems from several standout features and culinary highlights:

• Exceptional Sushi Quality and Presentation: Consistently praised as having the "best sushi I ever had in my whole life," Ajisai focuses on "super fresh" fish delivered from New York. The sushi is not only "delicious" but also "beautifully made," with "perfect" presentation. Popular choices include the "Volcano Roll" (even noted for its "wonderfully stupid little light" upon arrival, adding to the fun), "North Carolina Roll," "Sweet Dragon Roll," and a "three-roll special" that satisfies even "sushi snobs."
• "Phenomenal" Teriyaki and Other Kitchen Entrees: Beyond sushi, Ajisai excels in its kitchen offerings. The "chicken teriyaki" is described as "phenomenal," demonstrating the kitchen's capability to deliver on classic cooked dishes. Other popular entrees include "General Tso's Chicken," a variety of Tempura Dinners, and Noodle Dishes like Pad Thai and Yaki Udon.
• Generous Portion Sizes: Customers frequently mention that "the portion sizes were large enough that both of us had plenty to take home," indicating great value for the quality provided.
• Diverse Pan-Asian Menu: While strongly Japanese-focused, Ajisai incorporates elements of other Asian cuisines, such as Thai curry dishes and General Tso's Chicken, offering a wider appeal to diverse tastes.
• Elegant Yet Comfortable Ambiance: The restaurant's atmosphere is a significant highlight, described as "cute, hip, modern, peaceful, fun...all at the same time." This versatile ambiance makes it suitable for various occasions, from a romantic date night to a relaxed Sunday dinner.
• Professional and Attentive Staff: Even with occasional initial disorganization, the staff is noted for being "perfectly friendly" and "professional," with some appearing "more classically trained in fine dining etiquette type service." They aim to make guests feel "well taken care of," contributing to a positive experience.
• Moderately Priced for High Quality: Customers find the prices to be "fair for the quality and experience," positioning Ajisai as a great value for exceptional Japanese food in Raleigh.
• Unique Drink Selection: The full bar provides a range of options, and the availability of specific items like a favored "plum wine that wasn't on the menu" speaks to the staff's attentiveness and desire to satisfy customer preferences.

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Ajisai frequently offers various deals and value-driven options that appeal to its North Carolina clientele, enhancing the overall dining experience:

• Lunch Specials: Ajisai features appealing lunch specials, typically available Monday through Friday (and sometimes extended to weekends). These can include "Any 2 Rolls for $8.75" or "Any 3 Rolls for $11.75," usually served with miso soup and a green salad. They also offer "Sushi Lunch" (6 pcs sushi, one California roll) and "Sashimi Lunch" (10 pcs) at competitive prices. Bento box options are also available for lunch, combining various elements.
• "Chef Special Rolls" and Combo Platters: The menu includes a wide array of "Chef Special Rolls" and various sushi and sashimi combo platters (like "Sushi Deluxe," "Sushi Sashimi for 1," "Love Boat for 2") that offer a comprehensive tasting experience, often at a value compared to ordering à la carte.
• Happy Hour Specials: While specific details can vary, Ajisai does have a happy hour, which may include specials on appetizers (like Edamame, Gyoza, Seaweed Salad) and drinks (draft beers, wells, wine, sake, and signature martinis like "Lemondrop" or "Lychee"). It is advisable to check directly with the restaurant for current happy hour timings and offerings.
• Seasonal/Special Occasion Offerings: Like many fine dining establishments, Ajisai may introduce seasonal menu items or special promotions for holidays or events.

For the most current information on lunch specials, happy hour details, and any other promotions, North Carolina diners are encouraged to check Ajisai's official website (if available, or through their listings on platforms like DoorDash/Uber Eats) or call the restaurant directly. Given the positive feedback on value, their regular menu often feels like a promotion in itself.

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To experience the highly-rated sushi and Japanese cuisine at Ajisai, here’s how to get in touch:

P: (919) 831-9907

A: 427 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605, USA

For any inquiries, to make a reservation, or to place a takeout order, the professional staff will be happy to assist you.

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For North Carolina residents in Raleigh, Ajisai stands as an exceptional and highly suitable choice for Japanese dining, particularly for those seeking a premium sushi experience complemented by a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. Its consistent praise for having the "best sushi I ever had in my whole life" and "phenomenal" teriyaki speaks volumes about its culinary prowess, making it a reliable destination for discerning palates.

Even with past minor service issues, the restaurant's commitment to rectification and overall customer satisfaction, as demonstrated by the updated positive review, highlights its dedication to excellence. The "cute, hip, modern, peaceful, fun" ambiance, coupled with professional and attentive staff, creates a dining environment that elevates the meal beyond just food. The fair pricing for the quality, generous portion sizes, and diverse menu (including unique cocktails and hard-to-find plum wine) ensure that Ajisai offers a compelling value proposition. For a memorable date night, a special celebration, or simply to indulge in some of the freshest and most beautifully presented sushi in the Triangle, Ajisai is undoubtedly a top recommendation for locals, a place that many will declare their "new spot and recommendation place for the best sushi ever."

Ajisai

427 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605, USA