Ajja

Thea Pan a month ago

The fried trout is amazing. the grilled shrimp was okay - not too unique or Mediterranean-esque. the lamb entree looks like three turds on a plate😭😬but it is spiced and spicy which I really enjoy! Highlight was the whipped feta, and the watermelon carpaccio. Outstanding, delightful, refreshing✨🎉 The cocktails are above average - the old fashioned (sept 2026 menu) was exceptional. The other ones, despite a list of unique ingredients / blend, tastes not much different than a mainstream, common cocktail i have had elsewhere. It’s not bad just saying I wouldnt order a cocktail again after trying 3 different ones tbh. The service was decent but each time I went, I noticed it got very slow towards end of the meal (eg getting the cheque or to get our plates taken away) because dinner time was picking up, and the server got busier and busier sitting other tables down and taking their orders, which takes a lot of of time, so those of us who arrived earlier than the rush would have to wait longer as dinner goes on. The atmosphere is nice in the internal decor is really cute. Especially the dog Polaroids wall☺️ I’d definitely be back for the trout!

Joshua Kleinstreuer 4 months ago

Delicious variety of eclectic Mediterranean dishes. Highly recommend the variety of dips and the roasted shrimp. Interesting selection of cocktails and mocktails with a groovy outdoor patio to boot.

Ritesh Bhattacharya 5 months ago

Very good all around but PRICEY—for context, was visiting from NYC and this was what I would pay at similar restaurants in Manhattan! We ordered the Ajja platter—the feta and hummus were fantastic. And would recommend the chicken tagine and slow roasted shrimp. The asparagus was good but too salty. Service was fantastic and great ambience inside and outdoors. But the big knock is the price point here. $16 per cocktail, $29 for 3 dips with bread, etc. It will easily run you $200+ for 3 people with one drink/person with tax and tip.

Nook H 6 months ago

I recently tried Ajja and it quickly became one of my favorite spots in Raleigh. The whole place has such a cute, stylish vibe but still feels really relaxed. If you go, definitely order the platters—they’re perfect for sharing and honestly the best way to try a little bit of everything. Everything comes out fresh, flavorful, and beautifully put together. It’s one of those meals where every bite feels different in a good way. The lamb dishes were a standout for me. Super tender, well-seasoned, and full of flavor without being too heavy. You can really tell they know what they’re doing with it. Drinks were refreshing, service was great, and overall it’s just a really fun dining experience

Jalal Aljuwaie 7 months ago

I recently dined at Ajja and left with mixed feelings. The food itself was flavorful and well-executed, everything we tried tasted good. However, I was disappointed by the portion sizes relative to the price point. I understand the small plates concept, but even with that in mind, the portions felt disproportionately small for what you’re paying. Even splitting multiple dishes between two people didn’t feel like a full meal. Coming from a Middle Eastern background, I’m used to generous hospitality and value when it comes to food. When a restaurant draws inspiration from cultural cuisines, it’s important that it honors not just the flavors, but also the spirit of hospitality behind them. If culture is part of the concept, then taking care of your guests should be too. Otherwise, it can start to feel like aesthetic over substance. The vibe leans heavily into a bohemian, laid-back atmosphere. That may appeal to some, but the service reflected that same lack of urgency. Out of four staff members we interacted with, only one was especially warm and attentive. I’ll also say this: attentiveness isn’t just about speed — it’s about reading the room. Some neurodivergent people are incredi