I visited Aji-Katsu with a companion at approximately 6:00 PM, only to find the restaurant bustling with activity. Despite the relatively small dining area, the atmosphere felt chaotic, with two groups ahead of us in line and two more behind.
At first glance, the restaurant appeared well-staffed, with an estimated six to seven servers on duty for fewer than 20 tables. However, the team struggled to manage the crowd. The servers’ frantic expressions and uncoordinated efforts created an unsettling energy. Diners waved helplessly in an attempt to flag down staff, and the disorganization was palpable. This lack of professionalism detracted from the dining experience before we even sat down.
After a considerable wait, our server arrived nearly 10 minutes after we were seated to take our order. We opted for a selection of hand rolls and two katsu plates. The hand rolls were commendable—fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. Unfortunately, the katsu was a disappointment. The breading lacked crispiness, and the meat was overcooked, resulting in a tough, unappetizing texture. The accompanying salad was a bright spot, offering a refreshing balance, but it wasn't enough to redeem the overall dish.
Given how busy the restaurant was, I had expected the food to justify the crowd. Instead, it left me wondering if Aji-Katsu's popularity was more a result of hype than substance. While the hand rolls are worth noting, the unpolished service and underwhelming katsu made for a less-than-satisfying visit.
I might suggest visiting during off-peak hours in the hope of a better experience, but as it stands, I wouldn’t recommend Aji-Katsu to close friends unless they’re exclusively seeking decent hand rolls. Overall, the combination of disorganized service and average food earns Aji-Katsu a...
Read moreI cannot believe this place wasn't packed when we came in! The food was absolutely wonderful! They delivered exactly what they say they do - authentic perfection.
I had the Tonkotsu Ramen, which is one of my favorite dishes, and even the first bite of noodles alone was phenomenal. Not only was the texture and firmness of the noodles exactly what I want in a ramen, they were so flavorful already and had me dying to get into the broth. The Cha Shu was a lovely char grilled flavor without being overly charged and incredibly tender. The egg was also the perfect slightly gooey yet not runny texture a ramen egg should be and even though it didn't taste as marinated as others I've had, it didn't need it with how much flavor the broth itself had. Overall, probably the best ramen I've had.
My boyfriend had the Pork Katsu along with a side of curry, which is so unfortunate we were too full to finish because it was such a lovely savory curry with hardly any heat - perfect for my pitiful palette that cannot handle spicy. The katsu, however, was unlike any katsu I've ever tried! It was so crispy so juicy with such a savory flavor that was only heightened by the sauce they make for it.
We will definitely make Aji Katsu a regular place for dinner every time we return to Georgia as it isn't quite light enough for an earlier meal, yet leaves no regrets on being the finishing meal...
Read moreI had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant today. My friend and I, who work nearby, only had an hour for lunch. We called ahead to place our order and mentioned that we wanted to dine in. The person on the phone said “okay” and hung up quickly, so we assumed everything was fine.
When we arrived, we were told they thought our order was for takeout and had already packed it up. We politely asked if they could transfer the food to bowls so we could eat there, but they said the restaurant’s rules didn’t allow that. We were surprised, especially since the restaurant was completely empty at the time and it was raining heavily outside.
My friend asked if we could at least sit inside and eat our food, but again they refused and looked visibly upset. I told them it wasn’t our fault that they misunderstood the order — we had clearly said we wanted to dine in. We were paying customers, just like anyone else, yet we were made to feel like we were asking for a favor rather than a service.
After I expressed my frustration, they finally allowed us to sit and eat, but by that point, the experience had already been ruined. The staff’s attitude and lack of understanding made us feel unwelcome and disrespected. I left feeling more like a burden than a...
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