Ajja

Have been trying to get a reservation for ages and have not been able to (and I now understand why!) we walked in just after open and grabbed a table to celebrate a great week at work and we were not disappointed. The drink menu was great and I really enjoyed their European wine options (I had a Croatian crispy white that was perfect for a summer evening). Everything about the atmosphere is great. It’s elevated but comfortable, free and breezy at the same time. Loved everything we had. Highly recommend the trout if it’s still on the menu. I think some of the best prepared trout I’ve ever had!

The food was absolutely delicious. Our server was super friendly and attentive. Unfortunately I forget their name but they had a ponytail with dark hair and some bleached parts. The drinks were great as well and very unique. I got the lamb which was super tender and tasted so fresh. My fiance got the lemon chicken and it wasn’t overly lemony which was great! All the flavors blended nicely!

Modernized Mediterranean – A Flavorful Twist to Classic Dishes Restaurant Review: Ajja – Raleigh NC I have been searching high and low in the Raleigh-Durham area for a restaurant that I could truly say has it all, with no reservations. Ajja is the first to fall into this category – from Ambience, Staff, and Culinary Creations – the restaurant has now raised the bar, challenging local restaurants to really push the envelope. Over the past 20 years, I have traveled to more than 68 countries, 33 states, and six continents. Often, the restaurants that truly rank higher are those you least expect. Restaurants that are set in more "local" areas, peculiar places, or just not in the typical outside setting that you would think when thinking of 5-star or Michelin-level culinary experiences. Ajja is nestled in the heart of the Five Points residential area, across the street from old-style craftsman homes. Walking up to the restaurant it presents an inviting local vibe, welcoming friends, family, and couples to come together in an environment where you feel free to talk, laugh, and enjoy the company you're with. The service was on point. The waitress brought excitement, personality, positive energy, and knowledge that allowed us to enjoy the overall experience with our family truly. We started with some of their curated cocktails, followed by a series of amazing dishes, including the Trout Dip, Ajja Mezze Platter, Sweet Potato & Peanut Masabacha, Charred Cabbage and Broccoli, BBQ'd Short Ribs, and the Whole Fried Trout. Rather than going dish by dish – my broad overview is that Ajja has taken some classic foods and really pushed the envelope with flavors and ingredients that create a culinary journey in your mouth that goes beyond amazing. There wasn’t a single dish that disappointed, even when combining flavors that you wouldn’t necessarily think would work well together. If you're looking for a culinary experience that truly makes the evening unforgettable, you must try Ajja in Raleigh!

Ajja exceeded all expectations! We went for a date night on our first wedding anniversary, and the ambiance was perfectly romantic and sophisticated. Our server was incredibly helpful and made us feel right at home. We started with the breads with feta and hummus dips (forgot to take pictures of those) alongside some cocktails. They were divine and top-notch. For mains, we got the chicken kebabs and trumpet mushrooms. The flavors were so complex and delicious. We finished the night with the sorbet based dessert. This is easily one of the best restaurants in Raleigh. We can't wait to go back!

There were a lot of vegetarian and vegan dishes available. We had the ajja platter of which was 3 break apart bread rolls and 3 dips (2 hummus, 1 yogurt) and oil. I had the whole fried trout and my husband had the short rib. I also liked the mocktail-picardo spritz. The cocktail menu was extensive. Everything was delicious and our server, Ashley was super attentive and friendly. Will likely return.

Ajja has been on my list for awhile now and I am happy to have gone last night. I have read countless reviews and I will agree- it is very good. But, it was not knock-your-socks-off amazing. I enjoyed the meal but I must say, the dessert stole the show. Flies did kinda take away from the ambience - but I get it, it’s summer in Raleigh and we ate on the coveted patio. I’ll go through what we ordered: - htipiti: the whipped feta that reminded me of pimento cheese. Really enjoyed but it was a very small serving for $11 (9/10) - assorted pickles: good I am a pickle lover and just wanted to try them (7/10) - spinach and cheese sfiha: (not pictured) tasty but not as cheesy as the title suggests. I thought it was very acidic and I don’t know if I loved the addition of pickled mushrooms (again I love pickles it was just a bit much, didn’t feel like those flavors meld together) (6/10) - coffee roasted carrots: tasty but nothing spectacular. I wanted more flavor on these. (6/10) - charred cabbage & broccoli: this one was extremely unique. Again very acidic but I reallly enjoyed the flavors. The porcini tehina balanced out the acid but there wasn’t enough of it imo, the mushroom 'nuoc cham' was really what elevated this dish! It had an Asian infused flavor that was enjoyable. This dish would have been addictive if the acidity was toned down a hair (7/10) - lamb seekh: saw this on many reviews. Very tender but did get some questionably chewy bits. The flavor was very good though. The accoutrements however: labneh, sweet pea chermoula, pistachio - I could have eaten by the spoonful (7/10) - blueberry posset: now this, I could bathe in. The brown butter tahini chantilly- I didn’t know how bad I needed this in my life. It was addictive. Paired so well with the blueberry, the tahini oat crumble & kataifi crunch was the perfect touch to give it some bite. (10/10 absolutely no notes) I would go just for this. Perfectly salty & sweet. Again, I came for my birthday and it was nice. The meal was good. The dessert was great. Overall, I just wish everything was a little less acidic! Some things were almost hard to have more than a few bites of. I’m curious if anyone else has these thoughts. Next time I would get the tagine. I wish they had 1 more salad-esque dish from the market menu.. The service was awesome though! And vibes were great. There were a lot of flies though (like at one point there was probably 7-9 flies on our food…)

My boyfriend and I had an amazing experience at Ajja — we tried the dips, the lamb, the dolmas, gazpacho, and the blueberry posset. Everything was truly exquisite. Each dish was meticulously thought-out and beautifully executed. I kept noticing little details in flavor and presentation that showed just how much care goes into the food — it was deeply appreciated. I did notice some reviews mentioning price and portion sizes. Here’s the thing: Ajja isn’t about volume, it’s about craft. You have to come in with an appreciation for the creativity and effort behind each plate. If you’re looking for large portions of standard Mediterranean fare, there are plenty of other places for that — but Ajja is something special. I also want to commend our waiter. He was so attentive and brought out complimentary champagne for my boyfriend’s birthday. Regrettably I forgot his name - he was stationed inside near the bar on 19 July.

We held a graduation dinner at Ajja recently. Our server Octavio and his counterparts were so friendly and attentive. The atmosphere with the open air door and windows made the experience extra special. The family style dishes were plenty and the food tasted delicious. I especially loved the pickled veggies and the roasted trout. I can’t wait to go back! Thank you to everyone who made our experience so special.

Secret gem of Raleigh. A bit tucked away in a neighborhood but this one of the most unique dining experiences in Raleigh. Definitely suggest adding it to your list of places to dine in Raleigh.

CHEETIE KUMAR AND PAUL SILER have been a core part of Raleigh's independent business community for many years. They first opened music venue Kings in 1999, after years of touring the US and Europe with their bands The Cherry Valence and Birds of Avalon. In 2013, Kings moved to downtown Raleigh on Martin St, and soon after they opened their cocktail bar Neptunes, and Cheetie's first restaurant, Garland. Garland was a downtown eatery that closed in 2022. If you must drive to them, you are welcome to use the parking space at the front of the Electric Supply Co building next door to Ajja, as well as the adjoining lot. Their neighbors at Urbage, Hair of the Dog, Bungalow, Wild Art and Little Oak Collective also generously allow us to use the space in front of their shops as parking in the evening. There is also some free street parking along Bickett Blvd and Fairview Rd. They do ask that you are mindful of their neighbors as you park, and ensure that you do not block anyone's access to their homes. We did order some yummy small plates- WARM MOROCCAN HUMMUS - Marinated sweet peppers, tahini yogurt, sumac onions, savory corn flakes, chili oil, sultanas, poppy seeds GF* V VG*. Also, MUHAMMARA - Roasted Piquillo and sweet peppers, toasted walnuts, pomegranate molasses, dill, parsley GF* VG and Lamb dolma-stuffed savoy cabbage rolls, jasmine rice, tomato braise, sweet and sour kashk, toasted almonds and dill. All so yummy! By the way, I did have a great drink - HAPPY TEARS Reposado tequila, raspberry, cardamom, rose, lime. It was so delectable! Tali, was out waitress and she was very attentive! And to top it off- my friend got the WINTER BERRY POSSE--Rose Chantilly cream, basil seeds, sugared crispy rice GF V. And aimirdered an Americano-the coffee was just so so. Also next time I would balance out with the small plates and remove one and order tabbouleh instead. I like the ambiance . It's very eclectic. We sat at the bar and I didn't live the cold from the open door blowing in. I put the blanket on my chair and the big heater was on as well. So be careful when you make your reservation where you will be seating!

I confess I somehow never made it to Garland, so I didn't want to make that mistake again and not get to experience this Chef's award-winning food. Nothing about this Mediterranean restaurant is usual. The location, ambiance, food, drinks...everything about it is very unique. Make reservations! Even early on a Wednesday night they were hopping. We had reservations for the bar on the covered patio. Excellent service. Each of us found a wine we liked from the uncommon selection. Mine being a Blazic from Slovenia. For the two of us, we shared Fisherman's Dolma, Charred Broccoli Crowns and the Whole Fried Trout. Both of us were unimpressed with the Dolma. The shishito peppers needed to be blistered more. A few were very raw. Neither of us could detect any seafood flavoring in the stuffing. Nor eggplant. They could also have really used some extra seasoning, especially salt. Now the Broccoli on the other hand was both of our favorites... A wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Yum! As for the Trout, it was quite a visual marvel. Gotta love the work that went into it. Deboning a whole fish has got to take some serious talent. Sis thought it should have been served hotter. I think the sauce that was put on it made it cool off faster. She also thought it could have used a touch of salt. I thought it was very good, but a bit of a spicy spice (cayenne perhaps?) might have really helped balance out the other sweet elements. There was just enough leftover for me to have a light lunch and I have to say it was all very tasty mixed up together warmed over LOL. I will say we had read from previous reviews that wine pours are inconsistent. We would agree with that. Had also read about flies on the patio, and we did experience some pesky ones at the bar. Bartender was kind enough to bring out a special fan that helped keep them away. But otherwise it's a really nice ambiance. Dining rooms looked really nice as well.

Fun and interesting restaurant off the beaten path. We started with an old fashioned, espresso martini pickled season vegetables and the warm Moroccan Hummus which was a huge hit! For dinner we enjoyed the King Trumpet Mushrooms and Chicken Kabobs which was the better of the two. The service was just ok especially since we were few of the first patrons for dinner. Definitely a unique dining experience with a good neighborhood vibe! We will return for more Dips and Spreads.

Greater experience! Food: ordered the fried trout to share and a few side dishes. Everything was amazing! Great flavors including the cocktails. Nothing was greatly overpowering just a great balance. Dishes are shareable. Note that if you have dietary restrictions they do use the same oil to fry fish and meat. Service: our server was very attentive, gave great recommendations and was constantly present for questions and to check on how things were going. Ambiance: loved the decor! There's a nice surprise outside! It was raining and could not enjoy but there is plenty of seating outside and a fire pit. Apparently they do markets outside once a month. It's a nice rest with a chill vibe. Very warm and welcoming.

Called day of and got a patio reservation. Most of the seating is outside, and it's a great vibe! I tried: + Frozen hibiscus rum punch - perfect + Peas-y does it cocktail - also loved this; really impressed at the snap pea flavor + Warm Moroccan hummus - awesome, like a chickpea curry + Whipped feta - excellent + Heirloom tomatoes - can skip + Chard eggplant dolma - good + Whole fried trout - excellent + Chicken kebab - can skip + Pearl couscous - good + Spanish anchovies - incredible, would get these again + Seasonal sorbet coupe - coconut + Blueberry ekmek tart - my fave of the two desserts, but both were great Easily a contender for one of the best restaurants in Raleigh.

I came on a Saturday evening with my wife, arriving at 5pm without a reservation and promptly getting seated. We started with the Warm Moroccan Hummus, which came with some of their housemade bread. The hummus had a lot of texture to it - not only were there whole chickpeas inside the hummus, it was also topped with sweet peppers, sumac onions, sultanas / raisins, and savory corn flakes, which all added an extra layer of crunch, sweetness, and acidity that went so well together. The bread was also delicious - it was probably my favorite thing about the meal. I loved the bread so much that I ordered another plate of just bread. It had a nice crunchy crust but was soft inside - definitely a must-try. I ordered the Spare Ribs, which had a peach-tamarind glaze and came with pickled cabbage. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of tamarind, the tamarind was not overpowering and actually went well with the sweetness of the glaze and tartness of the cabbage. There was smokiness in the seasoning that wasn't too spicy but added depth of flavor. The texture of the meat was perfectly bite-off-the-bone - a nice crust with a soft, juicy interior. My wife got the whole fried trout, and it was also enjoyable. The trout came out whole, but was fully deboned, so it was easy to eat. It came over a sweet potato puree, farro, tabbouleh, and parsnip and apples. The fish itself had such a crispy exterior, which I loved, and perfectly cooked interior - very moist, and not dry. The tamarind was a little heavier on this dish, but I thought the flavors overall were still good. The service was very friendly and prompt, and with it being a nice day, the outdoor seating overlooking Raleigh was perfect. Parking was no problem at all, and the space is clean and well-kept. Overall, we had a great experience!

Ajja offered us a very unique and romantic evening. We explored new foods and great cocktails. And the service was very friendly and welcoming. We started with drinks and warm olives and seasonal pickles at the outdoor bar (both covered and heated). Then for our reservation we chose the indoor bar. Here we tried hummus, stuffed savoy cabbage, hasselback squash, and beets. Each dish was delicious as the next. My favorite was the squash. I'll be craving another or may even try to recreate it at home. So yummy. If you're in the Raleigh area you will not go wrong stopping in for a drink or dinner.

Coming here I had no idea what the expect. The restaurant is located in a residential area but has a great atmosphere. They have both outside and inside seating and is very well decorated with some pretty good views. The atmosphere itself was definitely a 5/5. We ordered a couple different items and I have to say I was rather disappointed in the food. The menu itself was limited which was okay since it's focused. We got a plethora of apps but most of them were very mildly or not well spiced at all. The best was probably the creamed feta but the others were just not up to par. The bread itself looked good but the texture was not exactly what I was expecting (almost too crunchy to actually use with the dips). The dessert was pretty good and pretty creative as well. I did really like the drinks they had and would probably come back for that. The service was pretty good. We made a reservation beforehand which helped and food came out quickly. Parking was not bad since they have a lot a couple buildings away or street parking. Staff was also helpful and friendly. Overall, I would come back for the vibes and drinks but probably not the food (unless there are new items to give a try). I would probably give this place a 3.5 mostly bc of the food but if you want a place to just hangout and vibe this is def a good place.

Had a great experience at Ajja. The ambiance of the place is incredible. Very good use of lighting, subtle music, and interior design. A very cozy, yet modern setting. We came without a reservation, and they were still able to accommodate us and get us seated. Our waiter was very nice and gave us great recommendations on the menu. The food was spectacular. Ajja is a place where you come to experience and to try new flavors. Each dish was something new and an interesting take. Like many others, I do think that the portion sizes were rather small. They sort of pushed the food to one side of the plate, which made it feel even smaller. Overall great experience, come for the taste and vibes, not to have a large meal and leftovers.

Tucked away on a side street in Five Points East, Ajja offers a remarkable culinary experience featuring a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. We've dined there four or five times since the restaurant opened last June, and have never been disappointed. Favorites include the soft shell crab, whole fish, warm Moroccan hummus, chicken kabab, lamb seekh, eggplant dolma and the broccoli raab. The fusion of flavors and textures is extraordinary and delightful. Cocktails are inspired and average $15. As long as it's not too hot, I recommend you ask for seating in the covered patio area. Don't worry about parking: plenty of spots are available in front of neighboring businesses and on the street. I'd give Ajja ten stars if I could!

I loved the ambiance here! I love what they did to the back of this building. It really is quite the vibe. Also loved all the signage telling you where to walk to get in. The service was super friendly and efficient. I started off with a glass of wine and the pour was so tiny. I never finish a whole glass before appetizers even hit the table, but this time around I did. I ordered a second glass and the pour was double the size of the first. I originally just thought maybe they had small pours. The menu had a ton of variety and it is an great spot for vegetarians. We started off with the pull apart bread, it was a nice classic start. We also got the stuffed squash and the tomato salad. The tomato salad was the favorite of the group, super flavorful and beautifully plated. We also got the spare ribs which were good. The lamb was the only dish we didn't like, the meat was super chewy and tough. To end the night we got some fresh mint tea! I look forward to going back and trying other dishes.

Ajja is a cute, trendy Mediterranean option. The dining area inside is small but the patio is a bit larger. I tried two cocktails, the happy tears (tequila) and lucky cat (rum), and my husband tried the house-made ginger beer. For food we split the ajja baba, stuffed summer squash, chicken kabab, lamb seekh and mango & saffron posset. It's expensive for the portions but the drinks and food were good. It's a good spot for a date night or night out with friends. Reservations are recommended.

Ajja in Raleigh is a true gem! The Mediterranean-inspired dishes are bursting with flavor--don't miss the whipped feta or pork belly. The ambiance is chic and retro, with attentive service that makes you feel right at home. Save room for dessert; the turkish cake is divine. A must-visit spot in Five Points!

Oh my god. Just go here. Seriously just amazing food, great drinks, cute patio, and did I say amazing food?!?? The ONLY thing to nitpick about is our server was a little slow but it's inconsequential. The menu is seasonal, the food is fresh, and the flavors are so innovative and bright. Everything I ate was unique and just a complete joy to eat. One of my favorite dining experiences in a while, possibly my new favorite restaurant in Raleigh. I can't stop telling everyone I know to go here. If they still have the whole trout, you need it in your life.

Overall really solid. Not amazing but really quite good. Service was stellar, pretty neat ambiance (especially the outdoor area, though we ate inside). Would definitely return, though nothing we had was so good I would order it again. As to the food: 1. Pickles -- pretty good but measly portion. Did especially enjoy the daikon. Overall a pass; 2. Lamb croquette -- pretty measly for 11 bucks and I didn't try it but my wife loved it; 3. Citrus salad -- fantastic. Hard to go wrong with fresh greens and citrus. Love the combination of castelvetrano olives and pecorino with citrus!; 4. Beet borani -- kind of one note -- just shredded beets and yogurt. I love beets and still thought it was boring. Least good dish of the night; 5. Whole trout -- fantastic. Definitely on the pricey side but really really crunchy and tasty. Absolutely our favorite dish And 6. Posset -- I don't like possets and I didn't like this one. The texture was as runny and unappetizing as I remembered. Why not just firm it up and make a panna cotta? My wife likes possets and really liked this one but again I hate possets. Yuck. Maybe a bit of nitpicking but yeah overall I liked it a whole lot!!

The food here is amazing! Everything we had was on point. After just getting back from Portugal, we were surprised to see Fried Sardines on the menu. We had fried sardines several times in Portugal, and even went on a tour at a sardine factory! These were every bit as good, (and I might say even better) than we had in Portugal. We also loved the seasonal pickles, the Lamb Seekh and the couscous. The atmosphere is colorful and cozy and our service was top-notch. We can't wait to go back!

Decided to try out Ajja after it was named one of the best new restaurants in the US. I sat outside on their heated patio which was pretty cozy even on a cold-ish night. The patio is beautifully decorated so props on pulling off a good vibe. The bartender was friendly and gave tons of great recommendations. I got the lamb croquette to start, the whole trout with farro tabbouleh (totally worth it - the fish was fried perfectly) with the pull apart bread which was great! I got the sorbet to finish the meal. Wouldn't say it's the best meal I've had in Raleigh as of late but definitely a solid option if you're looking for something nicer in the Five Points area

So excited to finally try this place! Husband and I reserved a table on the patio. Even though it was June the patio is covered and the temperature was perfect with fans. I ordered the Happy Tears cocktail which was absolutely perfect. Not too sweet, good size. Husband ordered the caipirinha and enjoyed it. We ordered the Toor Whip to start. It was a creative twist on hummus made from lentils instead of chickpeas. Very creamy and the tomatoes were blistered perfectly. I liked that for a slight upcharge I was able to have gluten free bread with it. Second appetizer was the chard and eggplant dolmas. It was absolutely fabulous. Slightly nutty texture and flavor from the wild rice and walnuts. My only complaint was that there were only three. It was really hard to split that third one with husband -- four would have been nice. Our final dish was the lamb. I'm honestly not a lamb fan so it wasn't my favorite but husband loved it. Loved the relaxed outdoor vibe. I'd definitely sit outside again. Do be aware that it is close to the train track so you may hear some loud trains.

The exploration of fusion cuisines has become increasingly popular in recent years, as chefs and food enthusiasts seek to combine different culinary traditions to create unique and exciting dishes. One fascinating fusion that has gained attention by Raleigh locals is Ajja. Chef Cheetie has seamlessly blended Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with other cuisines. Mediterranean cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, and vegetables, while Middle Eastern cuisine is famous for its rich spices, grains, and meats. By blending these flavors with elements from other culinary traditions, Chef Cheetie has created innovative dishes that are both delicious and unexpected. Congrats Cheetie x Paul-- Paul is amazing! Save this post for your next family dinner, date or girls night -- reservations are recommended. Here is what we ordered: COCKTAILS: HAPPY TEARS Reposado tequila, raspberry, cardamom, rose, lime LEFTY LOOSEY Vodka, green tea, orange - FROZEN DIPS 'N' SPREADS: MINTY PEA DIP Cucumber, charred spring onions, shallot, olive oil, crispy bread DF GF* VG TOOR WHIP Blistered cherry tomatoes, lemony lentil puree, ricotta salata, almonds, crispy bread GF* V VG* FROM THE GRILL: CHICKEN KEBAB Boneless Joyce Farms thighs, buttermilk, lemon, cilantro, pickled onion DF* GF GRILLED NC STEAK GRAINS: HOUSE-MADE TEAR 'N' EAT BREAD DESSERT: KONAFI Crispy shredded phyllo tart, roasted white chocolate-peach cream filling, golden milk semifreddo, blueberry-lemon glaze, pistachio V

Came here for dinner after seeing it make the national spotlight. Overall I admire what they're aiming for, but the portion sizes and relatively mild and safe flavors at that price point wasn't for me. My favorite dishes were the king trumpet mushrooms. Umami and charred perfectly. We also had the carrot houriya, tear bread, kuku sabzi, spare ribs, lamb seekh, and chocolate souffle cake. Carrot houriya - the carrots were lightly sweet and minced. The contrast of the yogurt (which seems to provide the contrast in a lot of their dishes, it got a little repetitive) was great, and the goat cheese flavor was wonderfully creamy, almost like cream cheese/sour cream. But the carrot part of the dish was too mild to make an impression. Kuku sabzi - The tomato notes came out well, and lots of delicious herbs including a light hint of dill. The puck of frittata almost reminded me of haggis, in a good way. Although there were many herbs, the flavors were not very strong but I appreciated veg-forwardness of this dish. Again, a dollop of yogurt for contrast but I wish there was something a little more. Lamb seekh - Grilled lamb was a little tough in places, and the spread was over-salted. Portion size was super small for the price (and I've been/lived in major metro areas too with expensive costs). Spare ribs - Ribs lacked flavor but were cooked nicely. There wasn't a lot of meat. The cabbage slaw was a nice tangy pickled contrast but a bit plain. Herbs were not super prominent. The pick of ribs and sparse meat made this another dish that did not deliver in value. Trumpet mushrooms - Mushrooms beautifully charred and very juicy and meaty. Sauce was decent. Salad was a nice complement and thrown with a very light vinaigrette. Chocolate souffle cake - There was a mix of cinnamon, light caramel, and oats with cherries soaked in amaretto syrup. This was the dish where their use of yogurt - a light tangy cream with slight yogurt notes - made a lot of sense, and loved the rich chocolate taste of the cake. It was light in texture and a decent end to the meal. The cocktail we had was amazing though. There was a salt rim with cumin, and provided a beautiful and deliciously savory pairing with the mezcal base. It was probably one of the most inventive and tasty cocktails I've had all year, and it was perfectly balanced between cumin, umami, and smokiness. Overall, I like the fusion concept they're going for here. It seems rooted in Middle Eastern flavors with a milder flavor profile/Southern spin - maybe it's suited for the neighborhood, but I found it to be lacking in flavor. And they need to focus on delivering quality and choice meat selections in some of their dishes, which fell short of the price point.

Everything was perfect! The food, drinks, ambience, and staff were all so amazing! Our new favorite spot! Definitely recommend!

Delicious! Exquisite! I think the chef (former owner and chef of Garland --- a downtown fusion eatery that closed in 2022) is the Yottam Ottolenghi of Raleigh. She never rests on her laurels by bringing familiar dishes to the masses. She in facts fuses food, culture, and experience to provide us a true concept of a melting pot... and elevates it. All the dishes we ordered ( appetizers and mains) were delicious and exquisitely integrated to create new taste experiences. They had three desserts of which the sorbet is not a sorbet but a rich VEGAN eco unit ice cream with sugared boondi and pineapple. Delicious! What can I tell you? Taste to calorie ratio is huge!!! So... don't bother counting... just go enjoy this fusion or middle eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean... tapas style or shared menu items. Enjoy! Enjoy! If I can promise myself to not over eat... it's on my list of places to go weekly. It's that good.

Was very excited to try this place after or making a top new restaurant of 2023 list. The atmosphere and service were excellent. Definitely try to get a spot in the dining room if possible. The food itself felt a bit small for the size. My favorite dish was hands down the king trumpet mushrooms - a must try here. Everything else was not bad. I was surprised by the lamb though as our server said this was one of the most popular dishes. Not sure if it was an off night, but it was not evenly salted with some bites being crazy salty. It was also very dry / tough, and did not love the plating style of half the plate being empty. Ribs also did not have much meat - something I had higher expectations for since it's the south. I would recommend this for a nice dinner, but more for the ambiance rather than all the food itself.

Such a great spot! One of the best spots in Raleigh! All the food was really outstanding, the cocktails were also delish, and the vermouth flight is fun! Quick service. And the decor is so fun and cute! Fun colors everywhere and really great ambiance.

Amazing atmosphere, service, and food. I love the mix of flavors. We enjoyed every dish and have a hard time deciding a favorite. We really enjoyed the Brussels sprouts. I think the favorite dish is the trumpet mushrooms followed closely by the trout. Can't wait to come back.

Great vibe, great cocktails, great food. Service is as good as it gets. Every server we interacted with was knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, energetic- with a genuine passion for food. We really enjoyed sitting on the patio. Now the food - pickled vegetables were a great starter with cocktails (cukes, pickled beets, bok choy, radish). Creamed Feta - amazing. CHARD-EGGPLANT DOLMA - OMG so good, nice kick, Fried Trout - best thing I have eaten in a while. A must

Came here for our date night and I will say the food was quite good! We started with the toor dip and lamb croquette. The lamb croquette was out of this world delicious. We could've eaten 10 but it just comes with one. The toor dip was pretty good, kind of similar to dal, if you've ever had dal. The blistered tomatoes on top added a good pop of freshness. I was also in love with the bread. We also got the Kuku sabzi which is in the sweet side and I loved it. For entrees we got the lamb seekh and spare ribs. I thought the ribs were really great and the lamb was good as well... a little tough for my partner but tough meat doesn't really put me off. Overall, we just docked a point because we felt service was a little slow and we didn't love our drinks. We felt the drinks didn't taste much like the descriptions but otherwise the food was delicious! The ambiance here is very nice and colorful! We do love the seating and colors of the restaurant

My partner and I had dinner here just the other night and had a fantastic experience. The ambiance is cozy both inside and outside of the restaurant, and based on other reviews, it seems they may have expanded their seating recently. Their back patio even has a view of downtown. We had the butternut squash dip with gluten-free bread as an appetizer. The dip was sweet and delicious, although I do wish they served more bread with it. For our meal, we shared the winter salad and chicken kebab. Both of these dishes were incredible and paired really well together! I've seen some reviews so far mentioning the blandness of some of the food, but this was not our experience at all. The service was prompt and the owner even brought out our appetizer. Overall a great experience and I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking for some new flavors! The only downside is the portion sizes, although the menu suggests that plates should be shared, and the restaurant is closer to a tapas bar in that way.

Imaginative food with original concepts! Wonderful ambience and service! We had the hummus, whipped feta, lamb seekh and the fried fish. All were incredible!

I had a wonderful dinner experience at Ajja recently. I came without a reservation but was quickly seated at the bar area. The restaurant is gorgeous with an indoor and outdoor space. It was much bigger than I expected it to be. I ordered a delicious mocktail and I appreciated that they had cocktail and mocktail options. They have a robust wine and beer list as well. The bartender/server was very helpful, starting our conversation by walking me through the menu. I order the Brussels sprouts, spare ribs, and apple cake. Everything was delicious, well prepared and extremely flavorful while also being unique. I wished the apple cake had been a bit warmer however I loved the paring of the sorbet with the cake. I went alone so I order just two items but if you go with someone or even friends, it could be a great place to share plates and try things. Overall, It was a wonderful dinner experience and I look forward to coming back.

We had a really tasty lamb skewer. I thought the mushroom dish was pretty good. The creamed feta and mafghoussa dips were okay. I didn't like that it only comes with like 3 bread sticks. I guess you need to order the bread as well. The Happy Tears cocktail was pretty tasty.

I am a big fan of middle eastern/mediterranean food, as well as trendy, cooly branded places. Ajja delivered in spades on the trend vibe, but the food left a lot to be desired. First of all, the place is really really small. There is a larger space outdoor than inside, but they're working on expanding. There are several wire table and chair areas beyond that, but they do not serve to those (it's for waiting area). The restaurant itself looks like it's in the middle of an industrial park and parking is behind more storage areas and feels a little unsettling. Take rideshare if you can. The warm squash dip was flavorless, which was shocking since it featured brown butter, kashk (similar to sour cream), pomegranate molasses, and spiced pepitas. The eggplant dolma was charred but more burnt than anything, with a kind of unpleasant earthy taste. It was also really small and we ordered it because it came with halloumi...which we couldn't find in the roll-up! There was a salad, I forget exactly what was in it but remember it being the best part of the meal. I believe it was seasonal with citrus and herbs. Cocktails were A+ and they have mocktails too. I'd go for drinks but maybe skip it for a meal!

We went to Ajja on the 2nd or 3rd weekend weekend after opening and had a fantastic time. Highlights were definitely the ribs with an orange glaze, the baklava whiskey sour, and the lamb croquette. I'd suggest going with a group of 3 or 4 people, so you can sample all over the menu. We probably ordered ten or so dishes, and I loved the variety. I hope they rotate the dishes every now and then to keep their focused menu from stagnating. Service was prompt and friendly. Our waiter made sure to ask the kitchen about what I could eat with my seafood allergy. Sadly I couldn't have the steak because of anchovies in the marinade, but I'm thankful our server called that out. The space is primarily on a covered patio outside with a neat yard. Nice bar both inside and out, cool place to eat. This is a great treat-yourself spot where you can try several amazing drinks and small-ish plates. Creative presentation and fresh ingredients, definitely worth a visit.

Amazing food and even better atmosphere. Bright and diverse flavors. Absolutely stunning at night.

Ajja is an absolutely beautiful space. They have an outdoor fire pit and bar where we grabbed a cocktail before our reservation. Everything we ate was heavenly and tastes as righteous as it looks in the photos. If you do not start with the lamb croquette you are making a huge mistake-crunchy exterior with ground lamb with a creative spice mix inside. The toor whip features lemon & lentil and was wonderful with crunchy chickpeas and salty ricotta salata to counterbalance the creamy dip. The eggplant had a nutty flavor with halloumi and a perfect sauce. The spare ribs had a delightful peach tamarind glaze and the semisweet chocolate soufflé cake with marinated cherries was a great way to end the meal. I would recommend sitting at one of the bars as they have both an outdoor and indoor one as the service inside was not very attentive and the bar staff was incredible. We desperately wanted more warm bread and were happy to pay for it (the dip only comes with 2 small pieces) to spread that incredible dip on but our server never checked back with us until dessert time. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back

More recently it seems they've expanded their menus and everything we ordered was a hit. Very unique and balanced flavors and textures that were all delicious. We enjoyed the lamb croquette, the toor whip, marinated beets, eggplant, chocolate soufflé cake, and vegan sorbet. We enjoyed everything we ate and drank. Service was excellent as well.

Cozy and comfortable seating on the outdoor patio! Our server was super attentive and provided great recommendations. Food was 10/10!!!

Fantastic good, service, location. Really enjoyed the range of vegetarian options. The ambiance is beautiful and the outdoor space is one of the best in Raleigh.

Although we didn't have reservations and waited outside during a particularly chilly night, we were given cool blankets and ordered drinks and appetizers while we waited. We weren't familiar with most of the dishes we ordered but they were all really tasty! My particular favorite was the grilled fish

Honestly, I really wanted to love this place especially with all the great reviews. I invited myself and five friends out. We ordered practically everything on the menu and the food was good for what it was. However, it never seemed to be filling enough? The portions were very small, especially when you're trying to share with a group of people. We even ordered hundreds of dollars worth of food and when I left, my husband and I ended up, I'm not making this up, going to Char grill (sp?) Just to fill ourselves up the rest of the way. Now, I will say that the bread was exceptional. And months later, I wanted to surprise my husband and my friend who was with us at the time with a loaf of it. So I called when they opened and asked if I could just pick up a couple loaves. They said 'that's not really how they operate and their restaurant isn't exactly slated for take out orders. But that I could come order a drink and they'd let me buy their bread.' So their restaurant is not in the business of letting you purchase food with money and take the food with you. Got it. We don't need any more pretentious places in Raleigh, please God not another one, is all I could think. So yeah, 2/5.

Exceptional neighborhood gem! Cocktails were amazing, food was all great, and the wine list is a nice surprise. Would highly recommend to all of my friends.

This place is what my fiancé called it "stupid good." If you want a nice romantic ambiance, come here. The servers were super nice. The food was amazing. I've actually been here twice and ordered the same food as last time. My favorite were the spare ribs! I will say, it was all good. But if you only had one choice, GET the spare ribs! You won't regret it. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful.

First time at Ajja and we drove 45 minutes to get there. The servers were all friendly and helpful. The whipped feta was nice and the warm hummus even better. The portions are VERY small. I ordered the whole trout and it was okay. My son had the chicken kabab and while it was okay the portion was so small we all thought for $17 you should get more than 1/2 cup of chicken pieces. The same went for the lamb. Will I return? NO.

We enjoyed a really lovely Sunday evening dinner here thanks to a generous gift card from a family member. We made reservations the same day originally for the heated patio but it was cooler than we realized when we arrived and luckily the restaurant was able to move us inside, which we really appreciated. As a vegetarian, I found plenty of menu options to enjoy, and my husband, found his selections to be well flavored but not overly spicy for his mild palette. We enjoyed various drinks from the bar including the frozen espresso martini, my husband's only complaint was that they wouldn't make a standard espresso martini, which is really what he wanted. The space is quite lively with various outdoor and indoor areas, we can't wait to come back and enjoy the expansive patio during warmer months. Although our food was enjoyable (we enjoyed leftovers for dinner again Monday!), the real star of the show here was the wonderful service we received from our server, Mike. He absolutely made this a five-star dining experience for us, we look forward to returning to try more of the menu in the future.

Delicious!!!! Great atmosphere! It was a chilly night and they offered us blankets. The perfect accessory! Will definitely be bak again!

We loved this restaurant! Beautiful outdoor space, friendly attentive service - let us eat at our own pace and explained menu items. Plus, the food & drinks were delicious! Had the lamb croquette - highly recommend, hummus- definitely unique but a wonderful combination of textures & flavors, spare ribs and grilled shrimp dish. All were delicious- Will definitely return!

The food, service and atmosphere are all amazing. Have been 3 times now and me and my wife have eaten something different everytime and still can't pick a favorite because every was so good

My partner, best friend, and I recently had a disappointing experience at your restaurant, and I felt it was important to bring it to your attention. We visited your restaurant last evening to celebrate my partner's birthday and her recovery after a week in the hospital. While waiting for a table on your back patio, we had our first drink of the evening. Once seated, we asked our waitress about several drink options, as my best friend had previously enjoyed a drink at your restaurant that was no longer on the menu. Our waitress, an older blonde with curly hair and a colorful flower blouse, seemed displeased that my friend had to change her order. After placing our orders, my partner and I went to the bathroom. While there, we overheard two individuals making inappropriate comments insinuating that we were engaged in sexual activity. This made us extremely uncomfortable and left us feeling as though we were being discriminated against. We were simply using the bathroom, yes we might have taken a little longer than normal but aunt flow is in town and I needed to freshen up. Upon returning to our table, we realized that our drinks, which we had ordered almost 15 minutes prior, had not arrived. When I inquired about our drinks, the waitress informed me that our table would not be served any more drinks. I was taken aback and asked for an explanation. The waitress responded by saying, "Your table will not be getting drinks. Your eyes told me you all had reached your peak." I was shocked by this response, as neither my partner, best friend, nor I were intoxicated as we had our first drinks of the day with you all. We were also not slurring words, talking loudly or causing a scene. Feeling targeted and upset, I spoke with the manager, who offered us dessert for the birthday celebration. However, we declined and asked for the bill. As we were leaving, I expressed my disappointment to the manager, who reiterated that our "eyes" indicated to the waitress that we did not need any more drinks. Again, I'd understand if it was more than our "eyes" but we were not slurring our words, talking loudly or causing a scene. Our eyes might have been swollen and a little red only because we have had an emotional week as my partner has been in the hospital. I am deeply upset by this experience and feel that we were singled out because of homophobia. We felt unwelcome and discriminated against, and as a result, we will not be returning to your restaurant.