Asaka Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) I recently had the pleasure of dining at Asaka Japanese Restaurant, and I must say it was an exceptional culinary experience from start to finish. As a lover of Japanese cuisine, I had high expectations, and Asaka certainly exceeded them in every aspect. Ambiance and Decor: The restaurant's ambiance was serene and inviting, with traditional Japanese décor elements creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. Soft lighting, bamboo accents, and comfortable seating contributed to a relaxed dining environment. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or having a romantic dinner, Asaka sets the perfect mood. Service: The service at Asaka was impeccable. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were eager to answer questions, provide recommendations, and cater to any dietary preferences. The dishes were served promptly, and the servers ensured that we had everything we needed throughout the meal. Menu and Food: The menu at Asaka is extensive and offers a wide variety of classic and innovative Japanese dishes. From sushi and sashimi to hot dishes like tempura and teriyaki, there was something for every palate. The freshness of the ingredients was evident in each bite, and the presentation of the dishes was both artistic and appetizing. We started our meal with a selection of sushi rolls, and they were simply exquisite. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the rice was perfectly seasoned. Next, we tried the miso soup and seaweed salad, both of which were bursting with flavor. For the main course, I opted for the sashimi platter, and it was a delightful assortment of various fish cuts, delicately arranged on a bed of ice. My dining companions chose the teriyaki chicken and beef, and they were equally impressed with the tenderness and taste of their dishes. Dessert: To end our meal on a sweet note, we indulged in some green tea ice cream and mochi. The desserts were a delightful blend of traditional and modern, showcasing the restaurant's ability to innovate while respecting Japanese culinary traditions. Price: While Asaka Japanese Restaurant may not be the cheapest option in town, the quality of the food, service, and overall experience makes it worth every penny. The prices are reasonable for the high standard of cuisine and service provided. Overall, dining at Asaka Japanese Restaurant was an unforgettable experience. The combination of authentic flavors, elegant presentation, and warm hospitality sets it apart from other Japanese restaurants in the area. Whether you're a seasoned Japanese food enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Asaka is the perfect destination to savor the best of Japanese cuisine. I can't wait to return and explore more of their...

I’ve been coming to this restaurant for almost 10 years now, and unfortunately this was my first poor experience in the 10 years. Ordered an 8-piece sushi assortment, gyoza, takoyaki, and Asaka Ramen with extra char-siu pork. Wait time was a little longer than normal, but the longer wait time was expected as the restaurant was fairly crowded. I noticed that the Coca-Cola I ordered tasted off and had a floral scent to the cup. I pointed it out to the staff. After a couple of minutes I was told that a worker last week poured black tea into the dispenser where the Coke should’ve been poured.

I received the ramen, takoyaki, and gyoza at the same time. The first thing I noticed, and is my main grievance, is that all three items were lukewarm to the touch. The gyoza was good with the accompanied sauce. The takoyaki felt overcooked and had mostly mayo dressed on top with not much takoyaki sauce or bonito flakes, so the flavor was not balanced. By the time I finished the takoyaki, the sushi assortment arrived, and it was the best item on the order. The nigiri assortment was presented well and tasted delicious with the portions that were sliced and placed onto each handroll of rice.

I noticed the ramen had a much larger portion of noodles than normal and there was no extra char-siu pork. My first bite was lukewarm and full of noodles; I was not able to grab anything else that accompanied the ramen. I asked the staff about the missing char-siu pork and about the large portion of noodles. It seemed like there was a mixup on the order by the kitchen, who sent out the ramen with extra noodles instead of extra char-siu pork. When the pork was brought to the table, it was still cold from refrigeration and cooled the ramen broth even further to the point where I lost my appetite out of disappointment. I expect a ramen bowl to at least arrive at the table with a little steam rising from the bowl.

To have all three items arrive at lukewarm temperatures gives me, the customer, the impression that the kitchen wanted to send all the items out at one time. I don’t think the temperature of the appetizers should be sacrificed in the time it would take to prepare the ramen and sushi. Had the gyoza and takoyaki appetizers been sent first, this would have been a different experience. The disappointing part is that I paid and left still hungry.

What baffles me is that I was at the restaurant the Sunday prior to this visit, in which the experience was normal and expected, so what changed in the four days’ time? I hope this is a fluke and I get a temperate bowl of ramen on...

Food: Happy hour sushi options are very cost-effective, but all other menus are mediocre. I personally rate fried menu options as bad. For instance, their tempuras are not battered correctly, and if you happen to order tried food during busy times, your tempuras will be disgustingly soaked in oil.

Service: Initially, it was not bad, but due to the high volume of customers, they are not able to help you. If you order a refillable beverage, you always have to bring a waitress's attention. They used to be good 5 years ago, but now they only check your table if you try to stop them.

Tip: You CANNOT order sushis on Sunday. Always pre-order your sushi before open time, and use Instagram. Due to the high volume of customers, your pre-order will most likely be your last order; it will take another 30-40 min to get another round of sushi items. Always call in or DM for a reservation; they may not take your reservation ─ Their standard is pretty unknown ─ but it is better than being stuck in the open queue.

Last Visit: For my last visit, their communication with the customers was abysmal. I was told that my seat would be ready in 30 min, but I was seated an hour later, then it took another 30 minutes to order the food and another hour to get the actual food. Some menus were even unavailable, and I was not advised while waiting. What is the point of being seated anyway if you can't provide the food in a timely manner? I understand there was a large group of Japanese customers, but you must shut down the store for the rest of the customers if you can't serve them properly.

Overall: I have been visiting Asaka for over 5+ years since I was in college; they are famous for budget-friendly or cost-effective sushi options. However, every aspect of this restaurant has plummeted due to the increasing number of customers and the management's decision to take customers beyond their capability. I used to testify this restaurant is one of the most reasonable sushi restaurants in the Midwest region, but I will not recommend this restaurant to anyone anymore.

Will I revisit: Probably with the pre-order happy hour sushi and around opening time only, but not for any other food items. I am already looking for alternative restaurants, but it is indeed hard to beat their...