Nestled in the posh Left Bank apartment complex, Ajia is easy to overlook on a stroll into Center City. But with astoundingly fresh sushi and succulent entrees, this BYO proves that the Walnut Street bridge is a destination in itself.
Upon entering the small restaurant, its wooden tables, large booths and generic upholstery appear to be more dining hall than high-end dining. However, Ajia's food more than compensates for its lack of ambience. Recently under new management, the menu has expanded, and boasts close to 100 a la carte menu items. Opt for traditional with an udon soup and a California roll, or try one of the chef's creative specials. Particularly unique are their house rolls, such as the lobster strawberry roll ($9), which is a combination of spicy lobster and wasabi tobiko (roe), all topped with strawberries.
Even with Ajia's combination platters, the decisions seem endless. For $16.95, choose from a range of entrees, from teriyakis to tempuras, and then pick either shumai (shrimp dumplings) or harumaki (spring roll) to accompany your miso soup, salad, rice and main dish. If you still have room, another decision awaits: banana tempura or fried green tea ice cream? For sushi lovers, there is a variety of combination sushi entrees, ranging from $11 to $23. And if you're feeling particularly hungry, the all-you-can-eat option ($21.95) makes over 40 kinds of sushi yours for the picking. Just be sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach -- leftovers will cost you full price!
Though one might be skeptical about the chef's ability to master so many menu items, Ajia proves that they don't sacrifice quality for quantity. While the miso soup was a bit too watery, the beef teriyaki, served on a sizzling hot platter, was outstanding. The tender meat was cooked to perfection, and the pungent sauce begged to be sopped up by the rice. High quality ingredients, such as creamy, ripe avocados and the freshest fish around make their sushi spectacular. The squid sashimi and the "Rock and Roll" (spicy tuna and avocado) were particular highlights. And for those who can't stomach the idea of raw fish (or even for those who can), the shrimp tempura roll, with sweet, crispy fried shrimp tucked into a bed of cucumber and rice, is a must-try.
If pre-packaged rolls aren't quite doing it for you, Ajia is less than a bridge away and is sure to satisfy.
