Aja Asian Cuisine & Lounge — Restaurant in Montgomery Township

Review of AJA in Princeton, NJ

Dining at AJA in Princeton, NJ, was an extraordinary experience that went beyond the usual expectations for an upscale Chinese restaurant. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that AJA is a place where elegance, ambiance, and culinary excellence come together to create a memorable dining experience.

An Ambiance of Elegance and Tranquility

As soon as we entered AJA, we were captivated by the stunning koi pond located at the heart of the dining area. The gentle sounds of water and the graceful swimming of the koi fish created a serene and calming atmosphere that set the tone for a relaxing evening. This central feature was not just beautiful but also added a unique touch of tranquility to the dining experience.

The restaurant’s decor is a perfect blend of modern sophistication and natural beauty. The walls are covered in cool, textured rocks that provide a rustic yet refined backdrop, enhancing the upscale vibe of the space. The soft, warm lighting accentuates the natural elements and creates a welcoming glow throughout the restaurant. Every detail, from the stylish furniture to the tasteful art pieces, has been meticulously chosen to create a cohesive and inviting environment.

Delicious and Plentiful Cuisine

The culinary offerings at AJA are as impressive as the decor. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, each one thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. We began our meal with a selection of appetizers, including crispy spring rolls and delicate dumplings, both of which were bursting with flavor and perfectly prepared.

For our main course, we decided to sample a variety of dishes to share, and each one was a standout. The Peking duck was particularly memorable, with its perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat served with traditional pancakes and hoisin sauce. The General Tso’s chicken was another highlight, featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that was perfectly balanced.

The seafood options were equally impressive. The shrimp with garlic sauce was a symphony of flavors, with fresh, plump shrimp bathed in a fragrant and savory garlic sauce. The sizzling scallops, served on a hot plate, were cooked to perfection and accompanied by a medley of vegetables that were both colorful and delicious.

Portions were generous, ensuring that no one left the table hungry. Despite the upscale setting, the restaurant did not skimp on serving sizes, which was a pleasant surprise. Each dish was not only plentiful but also beautifully presented, adding to the overall dining experience.

Impeccable Service

The service at AJA was impeccable from start to finish. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, always ready to provide recommendations or answer questions about the menu. Our server was particularly friendly and made sure that our glasses were never empty and that we had everything we needed throughout the meal.

The pace of the service was perfect – we never felt rushed, nor did we ever have to wait too long between courses. This balance allowed us to fully enjoy each dish and savor the experience without feeling hurried.

A Memorable Dining Experience

In summary, AJA in Princeton, NJ, offers a dining experience that is truly exceptional. The combination of exquisite decor, highlighted by the stunning koi pond and rock-covered walls, creates a unique and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The food is delicious and plentiful, prepared with great attention to detail and presented beautifully. Coupled with impeccable service, AJA stands out as a premier dining destination. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an exquisite meal, AJA is the...

This was my first time visiting the restaurant and honestly I didn’t have the best experience with the service and was left disappointed. For starters we had a 5:30pm reservation and for some reason we were not put down on the reservation list-thankfully it was still early and they still were able to seat us. Once being seated, everything was fine-our order was taken and we were enjoying the peaceful restaurant atmosphere. We got our appetizers and then soup. Then the entrees came out, but the only 2/3 of us received our meals. I was the one that didn’t receive my meal, but I’m also a server so I was patience and being understanding-giving that I understand the restaurant business. 25 minutes later, without our serve coming to our table to even check to see if anything was okay-I still didn’t receive my food(which was a tempura sushi roll) I finally got my servers attention and told her I never received my meal, she said “okay” and walked away. Another 15 minutes went by and no sushi roll-she then came over and asked if she could take a finished plate, when then had to remind her that we were still waiting on the one sushi roll. She then left and came right back with it, I had to ask for spicy mayo(which I asked for while placing the order). Afterwards the server didn’t come back to check on us the rest of the meal-I had to then get her attention again to ask for the check, after waiting a while to receive the check or the server to check on us. We left the restaurant with no apology, compensation, not even “have a good night” or “thank you” from the server.

I enjoyed every other second of the restaurant, food, and environment. I am going to assume the server was new and in training-so I will definitely be visiting again to give this restaurant another tried, but I hope the manager takes this into consideration and attention. I was observing the other servers and they seemed to be attending their tables perfectly fine. So I would definitely recommend others to at least try out this amazing and cool restaurant environment, it is something different that you don’t...

We went to Aja, and overall, the food was really impressive. I tried one of the dinner bento boxes—it was generous and genuinely delicious. We also shared a variety of sushi rolls and sashimi platters, which were beautifully presented and very fresh. The appetizers, while tasty, were on the smaller side—especially considering we were a party of nine. It would’ve been helpful if the staff had mentioned that so we could order accordingly.

The cocktails were just okay. I specifically asked the waitress to recommend one that wasn’t too sweet and ended up with the Prickly Pear. Despite her reassurance, it was overly sweet and syrupy—pretty to look at but not enjoyable to drink.

Service was where things fell short. The staff seemed overwhelmed and understaffed for such a large and beautifully designed space. Our water glasses were empty for long stretches, and when I finally asked for a refill, only mine was filled, leaving the rest of the table waiting. There were small but noticeable lapses in attention throughout the meal that added up.

That said, the restaurant itself is stunning. The decor is tastefully done, with lovely dinnerware, koi fish accents, a central pond, and elegant statues. It’s much more beautiful inside than the exterior suggests—I was pleasantly surprised once we walked in.

To sum it up: the food gets high marks, but the service could definitely use improvement. With better attention to detail, Aja could easily be a top-tier...