Aji Japanese Bistro
| Address: | 4361 Town Center Blvd, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, USA |
| Phone: | +1 916-941-9181 |
| Site: | aji-bistro.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 19
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Jeff Aguero
I was home visiting my parents and given the stellar reviews decided to take my dad out to sushi here. Overall, while the atmosphere/decor is pretty good, both the food and service left a lot to be desired. A few general comments: - Seated promptly and told a server would be with us shortly. Waited for ~20 minutes without anyone coming by to even ask about drinks (other than putting a bottle of water on the table). When someone finally did show up, no apology or recognition of the fact we had been waiting at all (almost like they were clueless). - Food presentation was poor (sashimi was smushed together on a small salad plate with carrots on the side). - The actual taste of the food was either incredibly bland (e.g. calamari) or completely over-seasoned (e.g. seaweed salad). Fried pork spring rolls seemed like they came out of a frozen package. Thankfully there are two other sushi places nearby, as I wont be going back here anytime soon.
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David Chao
Good vibe and energy level. Our waiter was friendly and he knew his stuff. Love that. Here is what we had as first timers at this new establishment: Hamachi jalapeño chili: $14. Eight, 2mm thick slices about 2inx2in square-ish cuts. Fresh taste and good color. Not a ton of sauce to drown the hamachi so you can really appreciate the fresh taste. Jalapeño slices on the side for an added kick. Seared albacore: garlic aioli, sweet onion, ponzu: $12. Could have been seared more evenly but still a tasty dish. Nikki tataki: seared filet mignon, crispy onion, oroshi: $14. Good dose of protein! Kalbi tacos: short ribs, kimchee slaw: $8. Four street tacos style. Good value. Great place for a date night or for entertaining friends. Nice find in El Dorado Hills.
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Connor Frace
Service is alright, but the servers are a little pushy, socially. Ketchup does not pass as calamari sauce. Yeah, they just gave us ketchup. Poorly thought and poorly constructed sushi, whether a long roll or a hand roll (or "seaweed cone," as they were affectionately called), is not a good sign for a Japanese-"themed" restaurant. And the ramen is a bland, tasteless, and generally horrible attempt at Japanese cuisine. Furthermore, Aji is a Spanish sauce, and a poor reflection of the food served within. And a bistro type restaurant who cant even convince its employees to wear matching uniforms is in a poor spot, even for a new staff. 0/5, would not return.
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Tom Harper
Our favorite restaurant in the area. Wide variety of foods from sushi to short ribs to kobe cheeseburgers to langoustine po boys. They have a special each day, including $2 short rib tacos on Tuesdays and a very interesting brunch menu on Sundays at 11. Lunch is pretty affordable. Their specials include a main course (sashimi, salmon, chicken, etc) plus rice, salad, miso soup, two spring rolls and two pieces of tuna or california roll. Prices are around $10. They also have an excellent bar area with all sorts of unique drink specials. If you havent been there, check it out. Its also quite family friendly.
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Megan Donaghey
Great place! A little hard to find at first. They have indoor and outdoor seating, as well as seating at the bar. They offer a nice happy hour with drink and food specials. Their artisan cocktails are amazing (Im a beer and wine girl, but I know Im getting cocktails if were going to Aji!) The food is amazing. Weve had sushi and ordered from the rest of the menu and have never had a complaint! Sometimes it gets busy and the bar staff is slow to serve their tables (too busy making those incredible cocktails that take extra time and attention), but other than that we have no complaints! Would definitely recommend!!
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Kelsey Jacoby
Excellent service - like none other in the region, awesome selection of food from MANY Asian cuisines. Although they have sushi, its NOT a sushi restaurant so ask your server for a mixture of recommendations and you wont be sorry! Be sure to make a reservation on weekends as word is getting out and its a popular place! I only wish I lived closer to enjoy it more often!
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JILL BERNI
Asian Fusion doesnt even begin to describe the culinary artistry presented here. Surprise after surprise greets your every selection, especially dining on the best patio view in Town. I found that the Bulletproof Picasso, pared especially well with the "Big Three"(Crispy Gyoza, Pork Spring Rolls & Tempura Shrimps). The most unique Happy Hour selections anywhere.
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Becky Tackett - Houghton
First time visit... was very pleased. We enjoyed a dragon roll, and a duck appetizer. As well as the lunch special a teriyaki bowl and I forgot what my son order but he loved it. Prices were reasonable, service was amazing! The ambience was great! I will be back and I am interested in trying other items on their menu.
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Amber McMurtry
You know its good when its been around for a few years and stays busy. Not too busy for my liking, but a standard 10 minute wait. Good drinks, great food, friendly people. All food is high quality, and fresh. Great crowd as well, mostly adults, but kids are welcome.
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Matthew Rawlings
Great atmosphere, and the owner is awesome. Each time I go and hes there hes always running around talking to everyone and making sure everything is perfect. He even gave me some free appetizers last time I was there just because. Highly recommend for a nice lunch or dinner.
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Jordan Montano
Phenomenal experience and food. I would recommend Aji to anyone. I have had the opportunity to eat some amazing sushi in my life and this place was a great contender with them all. Also had the ribs and they were fantastic. Outside patio has a fantastic view as well.
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Gareth Gabb
Be warned this place is a little expensive but you get what you pay for. Also there menu is ever changing. There seasonal mixed drink always seems to be a treat just look for what is on the chalk board and dont be afraid to ask for advice from your waiter.
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David Reed
Good food, very fresh. Chefs choice sampler is good. Outdoor seating is nice in the late afternoon. I have a general annoyance with any restaurant where they serve an appetizer that cant be easily divided between a couple. 3 gyoza? Really?
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Steph Smi
They deserve all the stars... Amazing service, great food, quality but still good portions, eclectic menu with something for everyone even picky eaters! I ordered a glass of prosecco and they popped the bottle right in front of me!
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Lindsay Yoshitomi
Love this place!!! The fish and chips are amazing. And I love all the different ramens. The portions are big, so come hungry. The atmosphere is fun, but a little loud. And they have a great rotating menu of signature drinks.
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Natasha Raffety
Always a welcoming and wonderful experience when we are here. Service is top notch, food is unique and delicious, and atmosphere is comfortable and fun. Definitely our "go to" place in El Dorado hills!
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Zef Cat
Amazing food, freshest fish, suberb service. Not a sushi place, it is a Japanese bistro with a wide range of dishes. Perfect for the raw fish lover and much more! Also the best full bar around.
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Geoff Berg
Not everyone will like the barbeque sauce but I think its one of the best sweet sauces Ive had. The meats are always amazing and the sushi is also good. Always a good atmosphere in the evenings
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Michael Brook
This place is great. Good good, good drinks,good service, and pleasant atmosphere. Everything you would want from an evening out. Medium priced, but worth what you pay for it.
