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AJI
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
AJI
8.6
A small, reservation-driven sushi counter that leans into a paced omakase experience with clean, fish-forward bites rather than big, sauced rolls. Come here to let the chef drive—this is the kind of meal that rewards a focused sit-down and a slow, structured progression.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase (chef’s choice tasting), Sashimi dinner, Shrimp shumai
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A tight, chef-led omakase flow in a small Lakeview room.
Who should go: Omakase-first sushi fans
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest pacing
What to order: Omakase, sashimi dinner, shrimp shumai
Insider tip: Go in with minimal add-ons—the pacing is the point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 6pm, allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but polished date-night attire fits the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, especially at the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins are unlikely to be seated.
Weekday lunch: Typically no lunch service—check hours before planning.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can accommodate with vegetable nigiri or custom bites if requested in advance.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with advance notice, but not the core focus.
Gluten-free options: Generally yes—most fish-forward items are gluten-free; flag soy sauce needs to the chef.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with a quiet, chef-led experience—it’s intimate and conversation-friendly but less casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s unlikely, especially at dinner. This is a reservation-driven counter, and planning ahead is part of the experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the format is slow-paced and adult-focused, better for teens who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Paced omakase, fish quality, and an intimate, chef-guided progression rather than flashy rolls.
Skip if: You want big specialty rolls, a loud scene, or a quick in-and-out sushi meal.
AJI
8.6
A small, reservation-driven omakase counter that leans fish-forward and paced, with a more classic progression than a roll-heavy night out. It’s strongest when you let the chef’s sequence lead and keep add-ons minimal so the balance stays intact.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase, Uni bite, Wagyu course
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A tight, chef-led omakase flow built for a paced sit-down.
Who should go: Omakase-first sushi fans
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing
What to order: 15-course omakase, uni bite, wagyu course
Insider tip: Skip heavy add-ons—let the sequence do the work.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and side streets; availability tight after 6pm, rideshare recommended on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; no formal requirement, but most guests lean polished for an omakase night.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate counter setting where conversation is easy and the chef’s explanations are audible.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Typically no lunch service; dinner-only omakase.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not ideal — menu is seafood-focused with no true vegetarian omakase.
Vegan options: Not accommodated in standard format.
Gluten-free options: Mostly gluten-free by nature; soy sauce substitutions may be available if noted in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with a structured, chef-led experience. It’s intimate and conversation-friendly, but less flexible than a casual sushi spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seats are limited and tied to the omakase pacing, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? No. Best suited for adults who can sit through a full, paced tasting menu.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want a classic, fish-forward omakase with clear progression and minimal theatrics.
Skip if: You’re looking for à la carte sushi, a lively party atmosphere, or flexibility to customize the meal.
AJI
8.5
A tiny, reservation-only omakase counter that turns a date into a paced, chef-led experience. It’s most romantic when you treat it as a set-menu evening—no add-on chaos, just the progression and the conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase, Seasonal nigiri progression, Chef-selected sashimi course
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: An intimate omakase counter with a chef-paced tasting flow.
Who should go: Couples who love sushi and quiet focus.
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest seating.
What to order: Omakase, any seasonal upgrades, sake pairing.
Insider tip: Eat light beforehand—let the full progression land.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; availability varies and can be tight after 6pm, so plan extra time or use a rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—no jacket required, but most guests lean polished for a special-night feel.
Noise level: Low—quiet, focused counter dining where conversation is easy and uninterrupted.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; walk-ins are very unlikely to be accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—service is centered around reserved dinner seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can sometimes be accommodated with advance notice, but the experience is seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Not ideal—the omakase format is built around fish and shellfish.
Gluten-free options: Often workable with advance notice; soy and preparation adjustments may be possible depending on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with an intimate, chef-led experience—conversation flows naturally, but the close quarters mean it’s best when both people enjoy focused dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No—this is a reservation-only counter with very limited seats. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—the setting and pacing are designed for adults, and there are no kid-focused accommodations.
Best For
Better for: A calm, intimate omakase where pacing, technique, and attention from the chef matter more than flash or volume.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, a lively room, or a quicker, lower-commitment sushi dinner.
AJI
8.9
A reservation-only omakase counter where the pacing and precision are the point—each course is built to keep the focus on fish quality and clean balance. Treat it as a set progression, lean into the nigiri sequence, and let the room’s quiet energy do the date-night work.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase, Hirame, Toro and uni temaki
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A chef-paced 15-course omakase in an intimate Lakeview counter room.
Who should go: Omakase lovers who want a focused night
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest seating
What to order: 15-course omakase, hirame, toro-uni temaki
Insider tip: Eat light beforehand and skip extra add-ons.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability on surrounding residential blocks and tougher after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if polished, but most guests opt for elevated date-night attire.
Noise level: Low—quiet, focused room where conversation is easy and the chef’s pacing sets the tone.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only omakase service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended—menu is built almost entirely around fish-based nigiri and seafood courses.
Vegan options: Not available—no dedicated vegan omakase offering.
Gluten-free options: Mostly accommodating—many courses are naturally gluten-free, but soy-based elements may require advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with a quiet, chef-led experience—conversation flows easily, but it’s more intimate and serious than playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—this is a reservation-only counter with limited seats, so booking ahead is essential.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult-focused omakase experience best suited for diners who can sit through a long, quiet tasting.
Best For
Better for: Precision-focused omakase dining where pacing, fish quality, and restraint matter more than spectacle.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte ordering, or a lively, social dining room—this is a structured, chef-driven experience.
AJI
8.9
A reservation-driven omakase counter that turns a night out into a paced, chef-led progression where fish quality and clean balance stay front and center. It’s best for special occasions when you want a structured experience that doesn’t require decision-making once you sit down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase tasting, Toro and uni temaki, Hirame nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A chef-paced omakase where the sequence is the experience.
Who should go: Couples celebrating with sushi lovers
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest seatings
What to order: Omakase, toro course, any seasonal upgrade
Insider tip: Eat light beforehand and let the pacing land.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability in the evening, especially on weekends. Rideshare or walking from nearby corridors is often easier.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—no jacket required, but this is a place where elevated attire fits the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for focused conversation and chef interaction.
Weekend wait: Not applicable without a reservation; seating is reservation-driven.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; dinner-focused omakase service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—this experience is seafood-forward and not designed for vegetarian omakase.
Vegan options: Not recommended; accommodations are unlikely to match the intended experience.
Gluten-free options: Generally workable for soy-related sensitivities if noted in advance, but confirm when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established chemistry than a first meeting—the structured pacing and quiet focus shine most when conversation already flows.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a reservation-only omakase counter; plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult, tasting-menu environment best suited for patient diners comfortable with long, quiet seatings.
Best For
Better for: Chef-led pacing, pristine fish quality, and a calm, intentional omakase experience without menu decisions.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte ordering, or a lively group atmosphere—this is about focus, not spontaneity.
AJI
8.8
A tight, reservation-worthy omakase room where the pacing and progression are built for a real date-night arc—slow start, rising intensity, clean finish. It’s at its best when you let the chef drive the experience and keep add-ons minimal so the fish stays the headline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's omakase tasting, Seasonal nigiri progression, Hand roll course
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: An intimate omakase format with chef-led pacing.
Who should go: Couples who want a guided sushi experience
When to visit: Weeknight seating for the calmest pacing
What to order: Omakase, nigiri add-ons, dessert course
Insider tip: Skip big starters—let the omakase rhythm land.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but fill quickly after 6pm. Rideshare or walking is easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for date night.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for focused conversation with occasional chef interaction.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner-focused omakase experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can accommodate with advance notice, but the experience is fish-forward by design.
Vegan options: Not ideal—this is a seafood-centric omakase with minimal plant-based substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Generally manageable with advance notice; most courses can be adapted, but soy-based elements may be limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want a structured, intimate experience that naturally guides conversation without awkward ordering decisions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seats are limited and most nights are fully booked; plan ahead and book as soon as reservations open.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The pacing, price point, and quiet omakase format are best suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: A tightly paced, chef-led omakase that feels intentional and romantic rather than flashy or rushed.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi flexibility, a casual vibe, or strong vegetarian/vegan accommodations.