AJI

Aji - Review - Lakeview - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Aji falls on the chiller end of Chicago’s omakase spectrum. Dua Lipa songs fill its laid-back, 10-seat space, while a fun, colorful display above the chefs with each course’s ingredients switches up between bites. But despite its more relaxed approach, this Lakeview spot takes its sushi seriously. photo credit: John Ringor Each bite of the $165 15-course meal is delicious. Simpler pieces let the fish’s flavor take the spotlight, like delicate hirame with a little punch of sea salt and lime zest. Others are more complex, like tender itoyori topped with honey pearls, or a rich toro and uni temaki that’s equally tasty as it is indulgent. But regardless of what each course comes topped with, it’s always balanced. And when you throw in some personable chefs who might chat about their favorite R&B throwbacks and a fun, chatty crowd of strangers, Aji makes for a perfect casual sushi experience that also scratches the fancy-sushi-meal itch. video credit: John Ringor RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown While the menu changes regularly, here are some of the types of dishes you can expect to see. Ika We like the smokiness of this slightly blow-torched squid. It also comes with grape mustard that punches it up with some sweetness and tang. photo credit: Karisha Desai Itoyori This piece of threadfin bream has a nice, mild, and delicate flavor. But it gets an added layer of sweetness from some honey pearls that have a fun, popping texture. photo credit: Karisha Desai Toro Temaki Tuna belly, uni, and golden kaluga caviar. Yes, this is very rich and fatty, but it’s also absolutely delicious. photo credit: John Ringor Ice Cream There’s only one dessert course, but it’s great. The black sesame ice cream is topped with freeze-dried berries and mandarin, and a juicy wakamomo peach, all of which nicely complement the ice cream’s nuttiness. photo credit: John Ringor" - John Ringor