Ajishou Japanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Richmond

There are two things going for Ajishou Japanese Cuisine. Friendly staff and it’s open late. I guess it’s a convenience option. I was craving sushi and karaage but most other sushi restaurants were closed at 9:30 pm. Was thinking of ordering Ninkazu as I saw on Skip and it was quite incredible value along with $5 off $30 but missed it by a minute. Browse around and this was the only thing left. I’ve ordered at Ajishou before so I kind of expected pretty ok sushi; the prices are higher than most other options but when ordering sushi after learning about parasites I tend to avoid cheaping it out (hence was only going to order cooked food at ninzaku or tuna which is less likely to have parasites).

However this time the food was well bellow standard. I guess it’s more a hot pot place now as seeing the promos and reviews. The fish wasn’t fresh.

I ordered chicken karaage which was pretty good and well seasoned along with the dynamite roll which was also pretty tasty but the negitoro which I was craving was very very old and off coloured.

Take a look at the picture. It tasted very fishy and was definitely not fresh. I guess the turn over is bad. And given this price was double that of every other sushi restaurant in Richmond for the negitoro that is quite unacceptable. It’s $8.50 for the small pieces which is $4.25 at sushi Mura or about every other sushi spot in Richmond.

Without ordering the negitoro it’d probably have been a four out of five stars. Pick up was convenient and service was friendly. They are also open late. Just the fish isn’t fresh and it’s worth noting the prices are higher than most other sushi spots for seemingly lower quality.

Total bill was $25.95 for negitoro - $8.50, chicken karaage - 9.50, and dynamite roll - $7.95. I guess the dynamite and karaage was ok but the negitoro was totally inedible. I didn’t like wasting food so I thought to cover it in soya sauce and ginger but feel nausea after. (The highly peppered lamb soup I got elsewhere on Alexandra street which is delicious and great value help with the nausea though.) If they serve food past best before like their negitoro I don’t think I’ll ever be back even if it’s the only sushi restaurant open at the time.

Quite disappointed. Service was friendly but fish is not fresh. Look at the brownish negitoro. Without the negitoro would be a 4 out of 5 with some generosity for the friendly and convenient pick up. Expected more especially when the negitoro was double the price of average...

Ajishou Japanese Cuisine 1610-4791 McClelland Road, Richmond, BC V6X 0M5

Food

Ajishou delivers a well-rounded Japanese dining experience, with some standout dishes alongside a few that could benefit from refinement.

Oyster Motoyaki The Oyster Motoyaki was generously portioned, with a creamy texture and a savory flavor profile that hit all the right notes. It showcased a harmonious blend of umami and richness, making it a satisfying start to the meal. Rating: 8/10

Rising Sun Roll This roll combines chopped scallop, avocado, and aburi tuna belly. While the presentation was appealing, the flavors, though enjoyable, lacked depth. A slight adjustment in seasoning could elevate the dish to excellence. Rating: 7/10

Black and White Roll The Black and White Roll offered a delightful mix of soft-shell crab and avocado, topped with scallop and jalapeño sauce. The flavors were well-balanced, with the jalapeño providing a subtle kick without overpowering the dish. However, the textures could be more dynamic to enhance the overall experience. Rating: 7/10

Tako Yaki Ajishou’s take on Tako Yaki featured warm, crispy exteriors and a soft, creamy filling. The flavor was classic and satisfying, though it didn’t distinguish itself from similar offerings elsewhere. Rating: 7/10

Chikawa Cheese This dish was a clear standout, with its gooey, indulgent texture and perfectly balanced flavors. It’s an absolute must-try and a personal favorite. Rating: 8/10

Sukiyaki The Sukiyaki impressed with its elegant presentation and robust flavors. The broth was rich yet balanced, and the accompanying ingredients were fresh and well-prepared. Rating: 8/10

Ambiance

The restaurant exudes a welcoming atmosphere with a clean and comfortable interior. The modern yet subtle decor makes it an ideal spot for casual dining or a relaxed evening out. Rating: 8/10

Service

Service was satisfactory—neither exceptional nor subpar. The staff were attentive but lacked a touch of warmth that could enhance the overall dining experience.

Rating : 6/10

Price

Ajishou offers good value for money, with reasonable prices that reflect the quality of the food and ambiance.

Verdict

Ajishou Japanese Cuisine is a reliable choice for Japanese fare, particularly if you’re in the Walmart Plaza area. While some dishes stood out more than others, the overall experience was enjoyable. It’s worth a visit for its inviting ambiance and...

After dropping off my daughter to a cooking class, I needed a place to get dinner for myself. I ended up at Ajishou Japanese Cuisine. I had no idea how pricey the restaurant was. I walked in thinking, "Most japanese restaurants have bento box deals, and if they don't have that, they're likely to have some kind of Donburi bowl that I could eat. Even just one or two rolls might suffice." Lo and behold...I opened up the menu and there were zero bento boxes on the menu. As I don't eat meat, the only Donburi bowl that would have been OK for me to eat was the Unagi Don, but at $19.50 it was not my idea of an affordable Donburi bowl. So then I took a look at the rolls. Wow, $7.95 for an Avocado roll! I love my Avocado rolls but...$7.95! Thankfully, I managed to find one option that would satisfy my tummy and my taste buds without hurting my wallet. I ordered a Tenzaru Soba for $13.95. It came with several pieces of tempura, some soba noodles and a dipping sauce for the noodles, complete with an egg (quail's egg, I think). I'd been itching to have zaru soba for awhile and heaved a happy sigh of contentment upon eating my Tenzaru Soba.

There are definitely lots of interesting  options on the menu at Ajishou. It looks like a nice place to go to if you're looking to splurge. It just wasn't really the best place for me, considering my situation that day. I just wanted a modest, tasty, affordable meal before going to pick up my child from an after school activity. I wouldn't recommend the place for anyone who's on a budget. (Unless you're happy to settle with Tenzaru Soba, like me!) The Tenzaru Soba was good though, and they do have very attractive looking items to choose from on the menu, so I would say that it's definitely a place worth checking out for a special occasion!

Service: Good Parking: 🚗Free and plentiful Location: It's part of the Central at Garden City complex where there's a Walmart as well as many other shops and restaurants. Lansdowne Centre is a short drive away, and Garden City Park is also...