Aji Sushi — Restaurant in New York

I've been poking around this city in search of a go-to sushi place, with middling success. Back in Seattle my place is Azuma Sushi, has never let me down, but New York has been tricky. Generally the places I can somewhat afford haven't knocked my socks off, and the places with the best quality fish have been of the break-the-bank variety. It can get bleak. One begins to lose hope. But as luck would have it, I was deep in the internet 'sushi near me' trenches of the interweb and up popped this little spot, which I saw was sporting something called a 'Sushi Sashimi Dinner'. 9 pieces of sashimi, 5 nigiri AND a roll for 26 bucks, which seems not cheap, but when you consider that's about the cost of an egg right now you figure it's a pretty decent thing to put your money toward.

I ordered that, subbed the roll for an eel cucumber one because I know what I'm about and I love unagi, also got miso and a salad because Japanese restaurants know how to make a hell of a ginger carrot dressing. I don't like squid or octopus, whatever morality scale I'm on excludes them from my pescatarian diet. They're too intelligent and it makes me feel bad. Sorry fish. But anyway the woman who took my order was very nice about not including them in the sashimi. My order was ready crazy fast- I got it to go because eating out alone makes me feel weird but the restaurant was very pleasant, nice lighting, soft but not dark, good color, the people working were very cheery. And SKILLED. Because this fish. This fish people. Just melt in the mouth, clean, buttery, I could feel my brain getting smarter and my bones getting stronger and my hair growing and my superpowers setting in and all the problems in the world healing magically as I ate this fish. The salmon! Again it was just the best, most fresh, buttery, highest quality. Everything was tied for or was the best sashimi of that type of fish that I've had. Every one. Miso was great, of course, salad was great, of course, the bill was reasonableness defined and after the meal felt like the steal of the century. It took me two years but I found it people, the sushi spot hath been secured. I'm oddly relieved! And very delighted. Weight off the shoulders. To conclude. This place is fabulous! And I hereby pledge myself a...

Aji Sushi, located on 2nd Ave in Midtown Manhattan, offers a delightful blend of traditional Japanese cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're stopping in for a casual lunch, a business meeting, or dining with a large group, Aji Sushi ensures a comfortable and satisfying experience.

Pros: The atmosphere at Aji Sushi is one of its standout features. The restaurant is bright and inviting, with a homey feel that immediately puts you at ease. The decor is simple yet elegant, creating a comfortable environment that’s perfect for both casual dining and more formal gatherings. The layout of the restaurant is spacious, making it ideal for hosting larger groups or meetings. You can confidently bring colleagues or friends, knowing that the staff will treat everyone with the utmost care and attention.

The menu offers a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes, from fresh sushi and sashimi to comforting bowls of ramen and other classic entrees. The quality of the food is consistently good, with fresh ingredients and careful preparation evident in every dish. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or new to Japanese cuisine, there’s something on the menu to satisfy your taste.

Service at Aji Sushi is another strong point. The staff is attentive and personable, treating you like family from the moment you walk in. They’re quick to accommodate special requests and make sure that the needs of your entire group are met, contributing to a seamless dining experience.

Cons: While Aji Sushi excels in many areas, it can get quite busy during peak lunch and dinner hours, which might lead to slightly longer wait times. Additionally, the menu prices are on par with other Japanese restaurants in Midtown, which means they’re not the cheapest option around, but the quality of food and service justifies the cost.

Overall: Aji Sushi provides a five-star dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with a bright, comfortable atmosphere. Whether you're dining solo, hosting a business lunch, or gathering with friends, Aji Sushi offers a welcoming environment and attentive service that makes every visit enjoyable. If you’re in the area and looking for a reliable spot for authentic Japanese dishes, Aji Sushi is a...

This review is a PSA for those seeking Japanese food in Turtle Bay, Murray Hill, and anyone in the area. Don't eat here.

Aside from the "spring rolls" being a version of LaChoy (meaning obvious manufactured frozen food) and the "gyoza" the same, the spicy tuna, salmon, and yellowtail rolls weren't spicy and were identical in size and form (even sushi masters are human with their maki-making skills), the pineapple presented was from a can or frozen (which my friend and I knew based on the fruit's color, texture, and every piece was identical in size and shape), and when I asked the waiter to break a $10 so I could complete my tip in cash, he brought me two fives. Yes. I could have asked him for a five and five singles or ten singles. And I will do that the next time I don't have singles. So the waiter received a 30% tip.

The best sushi (and assorted Japanese dishes) in Kips Bay/Murray Hill/Turtle Bay is served at Ryusei, on East 39th between 3rd...