Ajisen Ramen (North York) — Restaurant in Toronto

As a longtime fan and patron of the Spadina location, I have to say that the North York Ajisen is a shameful dishonor to the good Ajisen name. Note: We dined on a Tuesday night around 6:00 pm, in a dining room that was about half capacity, not especially busy. Food: I've eaten the spicy chicken ramen a thousand times, and the North York offering is abysmally below standards. The broth, usually so good I'll fight the spice to drink the last drop, here is simply unbearably salty and mouth-numbing, not the hearty, spicy, delicious broth I'm used to. Curry is served over severely unappetizing clumpy, dried out rice. Gyoza are served in a paltry serving of 5 but are otherwise fine, if a little greasy and offered with a shallow splash of sauce, which denies a diner the pleasure and satisfaction of dipping. None of us finished our entrees.

Service: Absent-minded and almost purely stiff and transactional. No pleasantries are offered, and, where the Spadina location offers tea and pickled cucumbers, the North York location gives plain water, no ice (in the same cups Spadina serves tea in, which produces an unpleasant shock when you take your first sip expecting tea). Server doesn't ask what you want to drink and walks away before you can order a beverage. Appetizer is dropped off at the table of three without side plates. Atmosphere: Lousy radio music plays too loud in the dining room, seats are uncomfortable and trashy people cause disruptions and make everyone else uncomfortable, which goes unmonitored and unchallenged by staff, who seem to prefer to pretend it's not happening so as to avoid a conflict. We couldn't wait to get out of there.

This place has none of the standards, charm or heart that the Spadina location does, and seems like just another Toronto franchise restaurant run by people who don't care what they do to the chain's good name. I don't know if other Ajisens are like this, but I know I won't be risking it again at anywhere other than the Spadina location where the food and service have always been flawless.

Sorry, Ajisen, but this branch is doing proper damage to your reputation for people who don't get downtown to the good stuff. It's...

During our visit, we indulged in two variations of ramen: the Black Garlic Broth Spicy Chicken Ramen and the Spicy Mayo Broth Spicy Chicken Ramen. The broths were the undeniable stars of the meal, each boasting a depth of flavor that perfectly balanced spice and richness. The black garlic broth delivered a smoky, umami punch, while the spicy mayo broth had a creamy yet fiery kick, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. However, the chicken in both dishes fell short of expectations. It lacked the tenderness that would have elevated the experience, leaning instead toward a slightly chewy texture. That said, I’m inclined to believe this was an off day for the kitchen, as the restaurant has a reputation for excellence, and the broths alone showcased their potential for culinary mastery.

The ambiance was another highlight of the evening. We visited on a snowy evening, noses running from the chill, and found solace in the restaurant’s cozy interior. The warm lighting, comforting aromas, and welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect retreat for savoring a hot bowl of ramen. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind and feel truly at home while enjoying a hearty meal.

While the staff appeared to be slightly understaffed during our visit, those who were working managed to deliver service with efficiency and a friendly attitude. Despite the busy evening, they ensured our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable, a testament to their dedication.

In conclusion, the experience was memorable, with a few minor hiccups that I am confident do not reflect the usual standard of this establishment. The broth was a standout, the ambiance was delightful, and the staff did their best under pressure. I look forward to revisiting and perhaps finding the chicken as tender as the broth...

I have been a LONG TIME supporter of Ajisen Ramen—and have been visiting the Markham location for over 4 years. However I was very disappointed with my recent visit to the Yonge St location, in North York.

I will start with the positives: 1.) Staff was friendly and polite. 2.) The location has plenty of seating—even during busier times. 3.) The Ajisen Raman & Pork Ramen that my friends ordered were still delicious. The broths were flavorful, and the noodles cooked to the correct texture.

Negatives: 1.) This location felt disorganized (namely the kitchen) Three (3) ppl in my party placed orders at the same time; they all came out at different times (roughly 10 mins apart). My dish was first & by the time the last persons order came out, close to 20 mins elapsed—which basically means my food is cold if I wait, or I’m rude for starting without the others. The order was submitted together, so this should have happened and is unacceptable for a restaurant. 2.) The “Japanese fried rice” was unfortunately—horrible. That’s a strong adjective, but the truth. I’ve had fried rice all over the Yonge/Sheppard area, and this was by far the worst. The rice was overcooked and mushy, and appeared to be 25% made up of onions. Again, I’ve had the Fried Rice at the Markham location—nothing alike. 😔

Overall I was more disappointed than angry. With so much restaurant competition in the Yonge/Sheppard corridor you would expect higher level food quality. The rice dishes need to be re-evaluated and corrected if they want to advertise as “Japanese Fried Rice”.

This location get 3 STARS for the...