Ajisai Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

We’re locals and have been walking the past this restaurant for nearly a year (with its blinds down, we couldn’t see in). It was only after I saw it open and ready for dinner service, I noticed how cute the place was! So my partner and I booked in for dinner for two.

Service was prompt and we quickly started with a few Japense style cocktails drinks - which were refreshing.

For starters, we had a small mixed sashimi to share which was fresh. We followed this up with a serve of crumbed fried oysters (delish way to have them other than tempura and not oily at all) and the beef tataki which again was fresh and tasty and well presented (see photo).

For our mains, we shared the crispy pork belly and a side of rice and tempura prawns and vegetables and a fruity rice wine to share. The pork was a standout! Never have I had such crackling that melted in your mouth. The tempura as well was done well and not greasy.

We didn’t have space in our tummy on this occasion.

This is such a great local restaurant with character, ambience and an ideal space for romantic dinners or groups. The food was amazing, well presented with such attention to detail and well worth it.

I can’t wait to take my nephews for lunch who will love the robot waiter.

A hidden gem! Support local. We’re so lucky to have great food and cosy ambience on...

Last night I went for dinner with my elderly father and step mother. The entre's were delicious. I have an allergy to sesame so that meant that I couldn't eat everything. Our mains came out and my father and stepmothers dishes looked great. Unfortunately mine looked dry and when I tasted it it was very bitter. My mistake was that I didn't want to create a situation so I didn't say anything, but the beef with ginger tasted terrible. I tried to disguise it with my fathers tempura dipping sauce, but that didn't help. My stepmother asked how my dinner was, as she noticed that I hadn't eaten very much of it. So I told her it was burnt and very unpleasant. I then left the table with my father for some time and when I returned my stepmother said that when she mentioned that the dish was overcooked. The owner said that that is how some people like it. I then said that it was burnt, but still no apology and we had to PAY FOR...

I have been a regular patron and have previously given 5 star reviews on all aspects of the restaurant however tonight was different. On making a booking, was told it was going to be a busy night (I have been told same on other bookings) but it's unacceptable to have to wait almost an hour to be served. My boyfriend and I walked out approaching 50 minutes on being seated. To rub salt into the wound, we were asked to pay for corkage! We refused to pay it. We will not be returning. Message to management: during busy periods, please employ extra staff. You risk losing customers unless you do.

Update, 11.10.25

I spoke to the waitress earlier. She is very lovely. I told her of the dissatisfaction with the dining experience last night. She became very defensive of the waiting times during busy periods, being unapologetic about staff shortages. I for one will not...