this restaurant is delicious and has a really cool ambiance. we ordered to drink: the frozen daiquiri & the happy tears cocktail. very delicious but very strong. for appetizers we ordered: the seasonal pickles. the vegetables are pickles, banana peppers, carrots and tomato. SO SO good! and the tomato matbucha (not pictured) came with 3 things of bread..and the dish was similar to a hummus. Was also delicious. And the Spanish anchovies, I am not a fan of anchovies but my boyfriend said they were good and he would order them again. for our main dish we ordered the slow roasted shrimp. the corn & poblano pepper mix was 10/10 and the taro chips on top just made the entire dish come together perfectly. would definitely recommend ordering it. the service and the ambiance of the restaurant was amazing. we were too full to have a night cap out back, but we had a glance at the boat bar area and we will be coming back to have a drink out there- very cool setup! read more

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What a treat dining at Ajja! I was in the triangle visiting a childhood friend and his family and they raved about this spot. Two kids under 12 and the kids raved about this spot! They weren't wrong. We were out on their patio on a summer evening, a mix of fans and a good cross breeze kept it nice and the vibey decor helped us learn into the summer heat. Shared plates, roasted flavors and a cocktail driven menu sets the theme. We started out with a few amazing spreads then shared large format fish, beef and veg. For the starters, the roasted carrots and the roasted eggplant spreads were served up with home made pita served piping hot! Both spreads were delicious, balancing savory and a hint of sweet with just enough spice to add depth w/o taking away from the natural veggie flavors. The fried haloumi was gobbled up so fast I almost didn't get a picture of it! For the mains, we had the fried fish which was ZOMG!!!! Flaky but still juicy, bathed in this east Asian inspired sauce and sprinkled with fresh herbs that gave the whole dish a pop! The kids destroyed most of it. The Short rib fell apart with a fork!! Enough said!! And the charted cabbage and broccoli was such a crowd favorite we almost got another order but had to leave room for dessert. The table shared the strawberry shortcake and I opted for an espresso martini that was both sweet and balanced and so smooth you could take it in one glug. The shortcake was a hit with the kids and parents! The cocktails were all perfectly balanced and the service was immaculate. No notes from me except to check this place out!! read more

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I went here on a date night. I took the room out the back which was very quiet. The next time I visit, I will definitely book for the bar area which seemed more happening. The food was amazing from the starter to the dessert. I had the whole fish. I would highly recommend going again. The only small issue was the slightly confusing waitstaff who didn't seem to know who was serving whom although I did get wonderful service. read more

Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Value: 4/5 We started with the Ajja platter, which came with whipped feta, za'atar oil, eggplant dip, lemon hummus, and three pieces of bread. The whipped feta was my favorite, topped with strawberry jam and absolutely delicious. We ended up ordering an extra basket of bread ($7.50) because we ran out quickly. The bulgur salad was hands down the best thing I ate all night. I'll return for that alone and will probably order a second one to-go for lunch the next day. It had some kind of crunchy element that made the texture incredible. For our main, we had the short rib. The flavors were excellent and I can see why it's so highly reviewed. That said, at $48, I'm not sure the portion size justified the price. We each had two relatively small pieces and some vegetables. Drink-wise, I ordered the espresso martini ($18). It was a fantastic espresso martini, one of the better ones I've had, but again, the size made the price feel a little steep. My spouse ordered the Old Fashioned, which was also excellent and came with a nice orange twist. The restaurant itself is very cute inside with great décor and interesting seating areas. The back patio is beautiful, and according to owner Paul (who was incredibly friendly), they're opening a boat bar and outdoor kitchen, which sounds like it will make the space even better! The only reason I didn't rate the ambiance higher was that it felt a little warm inside during our visit. However, it sounded like they were dealing with a power-related issue, and with the unusually hot weather we've been having, I suspect the older building was having a hard time keeping up. It wouldn't keep me from returning, but I'd probably wait until the fall just in case. I worry as it gets hotter this summer it may always be a little warm. Our total for two people, an appetizer, salad, entrée, and two alcoholic drinks, was about $140 including tax, plus a 3% credit card surcharge (before tip). I'll definitely be back for the bulgur salad and to check out the outdoor space this fall! A boat bar sounds so cool! Parking: Street parking, a small side lot, or neighboring business lots after 5 PM! read more

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Literally such a cute place! The decor and atmosphere of the restaurant is perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. It's a small plate layout setup , so we split everything. My friend is a vegetarian and I appreciated the amount of vegetarian friendly options on the menu. We started with the eggplant ezme, I dont recommend. It tasted like a bland salsa. We also ordered the fried halloumi, late spring salad, and charred cabbage and broccoli. The halloumi was delicious, the grape compote was the perfect pairing for the cheese. The charred broccoli and cabbage was a nice balance of crunch and flavor. read more

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When my son asked where I'd like to go on my birthday, my answer was immediately Ajja! Just walking into the space is like being transported to an oasis! The food is delicious and unique. Every dish a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It was potentially rainy, so we enjoyed the lovely enclosed patio and took a stroll around the outdoor area after dinner to take in the view of the Raleigh skyline. Every dish I've had was amazing, and this visit was beyond my high expectations. A fun fresh cocktail menu, and we loved the dips trio! Our mains were beautiful, and although we were stuffed, we had to share a dessert! We ordered enough for a party of 4 and enjoyed every bite! This is my favorite special occasion spot, but it's also got a nice casual vibe, because truly, the food is the main event! Already looking forward to my next meal at Ajja. If 6 stars was an option... read more

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Dinner for 6 recently at this fun spot in the Five Points neighborhood. Decor is ecclectic, definitely going for a bohemian vibe. Reservation honored to the minute; seats on the covered, heated patio. It's fairly loud, but we were able to converse without shouting. Our server, Abigail did a great job. Explained the menu and made spot-on recomendations. It's tapas-style and dishes are meant for sharing. There were a few gaps in service where we waited longer than we should have between. Portions are small-ish and we should have ordered 2 of a few things so that everyone had more than just a taste. The food is excellent. Started with an AJJA platter, with 3 dips and oil for dipping, plus bread. Hummus is served warm, creamy and rich with a touch of spice. Beet Mast-o Khiar - tzatziki-like but with beets added for color and sweet/tart. Lastly - my favorite - Sweet potato Masabach - pureed sweet potato, boiled peanuts, labneh and candied peanut dukkah. The taste combo is excellent - sweet and a little spicy, creamy and a little crunchy. Also tried Citrus Salad and Coffee Roasted Carrots. Carrots are roasted over coffee grounds, then rinsed and tossed saffron-infused yogurt and ginger glaze and sprinkled with candied pine nuts and dried cherries. We weren't sure about this one - the coffee didn't sound appetizing. But the combo really works, just a hint of coffee and the other ingredients made the whole thing shine. YUM. Next BBQ'd Short Rib, King Trumpet Mushrooms and Braised Lamb Tagine. The Short Rib is the winner - gorgeous chunks of super tender off-the-bone beef glazed and slow braised. The spices are perfect. Lamb Tagine is a stew... well spiced with the meat tender and flavorful. Honestly it didn't taste much like lamb, but was still delicious. All in all, the food was excellent. Service good, but slow. It's a cool vibe and fun experience, with plenty of other things to try for the next trip. read more

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Disclaimer: We visited Ajja for a wedding and didn't have the typical dinner experience. That being said, this place has a really nice feel to it. The restaurant decor is both casual but also elegant. It's decorations make you feel like you're in a unique place. And the servers were all attentive and kind. They had a wide array of foods. Roasted chicken, fried flounder, hummus, whipped feta, shine of the best green beans I've had. All of it was really tasty. I really enjoyed it. Though I confess I don't crave to eat from their kitchen again at their typical price point. I do recommend going at least once though. It's a unique place, and I'm happy it exists read more

This restaurant is the brainchild of Cheeti Kumar, a chef here who has been nominated several times for the James Beard award. I was very excited to check out her homage to Mediterranean and North African cuisine. The ghee roasted delicata was fork tender and superb. The chicken tagine was okay and did not blow me out of the water. Also, we ordered a milk punch drink, and that was quite tasty. The service was very attentive, and on top of refilling waters and bringing food out in a timely manner. The restaurant is very colorful and beautifully decorated. I loved the different lighting fixtures and wallpapers. Overall, I would come back, but I think I would order a different entree other than the chicken tagine next time. read more

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This delicious restaurant is tucked away in the 5 points neighborhood in Raleigh and offers the opportunity for herbivores and carnivores to eat in harmony. Think elevated Tapas and filling main entrees. First, there is ample street parking and availability in a nearby lot as well. Second, the restaurant has a very boho chic eclectic vibe with plants hanging from the ceiling and curtains that provide an indoor/outdoor feel. We were greeted warmly and seated right away. Our waitress was very familiar with the menu and knew which items were vegetarian versus vegan and gluten free. Third, the food is thoughtfully crafted and very tasty. For drinks we ordered House-made ginger beer ,which had a deep ginger taste without being overwhelming, and the Picard spritz, which was just as enjoyable. For our meal, we ordered the Chana hummus (which had the perfect amount of saltiness), crispy eggplant and halloumi (another divine dish), and the pan roasted shrimp. We ate everything! The portions are enough for two people to share and come away sated. If you are looking for a trendy, relaxed vibe with great food, definitely recommend this gem . read more

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New trendy Mediterranean spot! We decided to sit at the bar and grab a quick appetizer w/a Lambrusco wine. The decor is bright orange with other lively colors and has several intimate seating areas. The feta appetizer was good but only came with one small piece of bread. It definitely should be served with 2 pieces of bread for 2 people. The bartender was nice and although very busy, he checked on us regularly. I would recommend this place for something different and fun! read more

Ajja - Feta appetizer - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

My son and I went for dinner when I was visiting him in Raleigh. The restaurant has such cool vibes. Lots of fun dining spaces inside and outside. Food was excellent. Portions were small but every dish is bursting with unique flavors. We ordered the warm olives, the hummus, the fried halloumi and the lamb koobideh. Highly recommend. read more

Ajja - Lamb Koobideh - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I tucked away gem of Mediterranean excellence! Had an amazing diner here with very friendly service. Made the reservation for the patio and really enjoyed the more lively atmosphere but if you're looking for a quieter, more intimate environment, the inside dining has you covered. Only had the Ajja platter and Short Ribs, but that's all I needed to know that this place has top tier Mediterranean! Great spot for a nice casual date night or a dinner with friends read more

Ajja - Ajja Platter - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Ajja is a favorite for my family and me every time we visit, we fall in love with it all over again. Recently, a friend was visiting from Philadelphia. She's a big fan of vegetables, so I knew Ajja would be the perfect spot to take her. We couldn't get a reservation the same day (Ajja is always in high demand!), so we joined the waitlist and decided to walk in. Upon arrival, the host greeted us warmly and did her best to accommodate us. Someone who I believe was the manager suggested we relax by the fire pit while we waited for our table a lovely touch. My friend was instantly taken with the cozy, neighborhood vibe. She told me Ajja is exactly the kind of place she looks for when she visits a new city and already hopes to return with her boyfriend. While we waited, we enjoyed cocktails and a small plate of anchovies by the fire pit absolutely delicious. When our table was ready, we were seated at the bar. Our bartender, who also served us, was kind and attentive throughout the evening. We ordered the Ajja Platter, the chicken, and more cocktails everything was amazing. To top it off, the owner, Paul, stopped by with a new dish created by Cheetie. He shared the story behind it, and it was as tasty as it was thoughtful. Overall, Ajja is a beautiful blend of eclectic design, inviting atmosphere, and incredible food. I can't wait to return especially to check out the new bar they're building! read more

Tried Ajja for the first time this weekend. I can say it's on my list for best meals I've had in Raleigh! We arrived on Sunday afternoon, without a reservation, and we're quickly accommodated with an indoor seating. I can't wait to go back and sit in their beautiful outdoor area. My husband and I share the dip platter and the flavors were out of this world. We then shared the Autumn salad and Grilled chicken entree. First bite of the chicken and I was blown away by how much flavor it had. We will definitely be back and will bring friends next time! read more

Ajja - Autumn Salad - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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So this place was on our bucket list for some time so my husband and I dropped by for date night. The ambience was great. You definitely need reservations and I feel like they kind of messed up my reservation because I had asked for a table on the patio under the lights, but we were seated inside, the setting inside was nice as well. We got a vegetarian option and a seafood option because we eat vegetarian pescatarian or Halal and the shrimp was delightful. I had expected more of a Mediterranean vibe on the shrimp, but it tasted more like southern soul food, which wasn't a bad thing. It's just not what I expected. The portion was huge though. The mushroom on the other hand portion was kind of small, but my husband enjoyed it. We also really liked your appetizers and all in all, it was a very nice experience. read more

Ajja - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Great Mediterranean spot in Raleigh. Great ambiance for a quiet date or small group dinner. We got the Ajja platter mezze dip. The hummus and zaatar oil were great. I'm not a big fan of the whipped feta so I would avoid next time. We got a salad and the lamb seekh for the main course and I would recommend both. Service was good. read more

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It lives up to the hype. I went here with a small group for my birthday and it was really magical. The atmosphere is charming. The waitstaff is professional, attentive, and helpful. The food is incredible. Everything we had was excellent, unique, and prepared well. Great experience. I hope to go back again soon! read more

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AMAZING!!! Divine interior, incredible food, and lively atmosphere. Especially great in summer. Would not make any menu accommodations though - even for cilantro. Excellent otherwise! read more

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FOOD: really good, super flavorful with tons of herbs and spices. Meant to be shared - do not get your own entrees! Very veg friendly. PRICE: a lot. for small portions. Eg. The short rib was $44 and mushrooms ~$26 but neither are meals - just meat, just mushrooms - hence the share recc above VIBE: great service, very attentive. Gorg decorations and ambience with multiple dining areas. We got bread, pickles, short rib, mushroom, two NA drinks. Everything was fantastic and our bill was $100+ Would come back esp w friends for sharesies and feeling cute read more

Ajja - Inside resto - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I was in Raleigh for a work trip and my local friends here took me to this Mediterranean fusion spot. Parking was a bit rough, with tight spots. As soon as I hopped out, there were cute signs leading you to the entrance. I thought that was unique and kind of fun to follow! Murals along the way were cute photo ops. Once entered, the decor was boho/Mediterranean with a hint of southern flair. I had a mocktail spritz (forget the name) but it was delish. We ordered the bread sample platter as an appetizer. It came with four dips I forget the overall flavors but here is the gist: olive oil base with sesame, sweet potato base, curry base, and hummus base. Absolutely yummy and I could go for more if I could!!! The main dishes we ordered to share. I recommend this as the portions of were small and didn't come with many "sides". We ordered the mushroom dish, shrimp, and I forget the other! However, all three were phenomenal with unique flavors. This was fusion done well! I must say, the mushroom dish is a must-order. It was well seasoned and tasted/felt like steak! Service was great, with regular, but not too frequent, check-ins. Water refills were plenty. And they let us use the exit by the parking lot as the rain was pouring down. read more

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My friends and I came here for a celebrator birthday dinner. Ambiance: The brightly colored walls and decor made the space feel very hip/retro/niche. For sure a cool and unique vibe! Service: Great! Our waiter was so nice and helpful. Since we hadn't dined here before he explained the ordering process and gave us plenty of menu recommendations. Time: The food comes out as it is ready and the first few dishes we ordered came out pretty quickly, but as the restaurant got busier, service slowed down (understandably so). Food: We ordered a few dishes to share including the mezze platter, trout, king trumpet mushrooms, and chicken. Everything we ordered was delicious. The mushrooms and chicken were my favorite dishes but everything was great! The food was on the pricier side, especially considering the tapas style (small) portion sizes. Overall dining at Ajja was an enjoyable, unique, and memorable experience. I'd say it's worth checking out at least once for a special occasion, but be prepared to spend $$$ read more

In Los Angeles, we've eaten at many Mediterranean restaurants (it's one of our faves) but never have we had dishes like these! Chicken tagine, pickles, cabbage & broccoli, chickpea salad, the whipped feta - all uniquely distinctive and nothing like we've ever had. The bread is addictive and they should have a bulk rate for them because you will want it to use up any sauces left over from the dishes. Staff great, nice decor. read more

Ajja - Outside patio - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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This is a place to treasure for special occasions or to wow out of town visitors! The decor is cute inside or on the patio, and they have a great selection of cocktails and mocktails to get the evening started. The food is so flavorful! We enjoyed everything we ordered - hummus, spinach pie, fried eggplant and halloumi (the stand out!), charred cabbage and broccoli, grilled chicken, grilled trumpet mushrooms and coconut ice cream bar with Turkish coffee caramel. read more

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Tried our Ajja with a friend! Was able to get 7pm weekend reservations about a week in advance. Ambiance is very fun, open air, and casual. Service was fast and staff was very friendly. The food was overall really good, we got one of the dips, chicken, and mushrooms along with some drinks. I do wish the portions were slightly larger given the cost, but they were more tapas sized for entree prices. Would return for cute drinks/apps! read more

Ajja - Martini - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I had a delicious meal at Ajja! The ambiance is very nice and a place to visit. Each dish was very good and unique. I definitely recommend the lamb. My friend brought me to this place when I was visiting Raleigh and I would definitely return. read more

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We absolutely LOVED Ajja. What an unexpected delight!! We were invited to a business dinner by one of my wife's clients. They suggested we order a shared feast and a round of drinks. The menu was fairly diverse, definitely Middle East/moroccan inspired. But lots of very interesting dishes to try. Everything was incredible. And I mean EVERYTHING!! The food, the drinks, everything. The wait staff was a delight...everyone was friendly and happy to talk about their food or drinks, offering suggestions and great insight into the menu. Did I mention there is substantial outdoor/ patio space (PS: the outdoor area is pet-friendly), and the decor was diverse, fun, and very stylish...a very fun spot!! This was one of our best dining experiences since arriving in Raleigh about four years ago and we can't wait for another evening at Ajja!! read more

Forgot to take photos because we loved our food so much. Also forgot our lovely waiter's name. Did NOT forget that we ordered the Ajja platter, charred broccoli and cabbage, whole fried fish, and toffee pudding. 10/10 no notes, worth every penny, I don't even know what else to say. It's rare that I holistically enjoy a meal to this degree, without a single shred of constructive criticism, disappointment, or differing personal preference. Ajja contends for one of the best meals I've ever eaten, and the cocktails were amazing too. read more

Ajja - Rum clarified milk punch - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

For the best vibes and maximal unique but approachable flavor pairings, Ajja is the place to be! Food: 10/10. Their menu is made of sharable plates and you will want to get something from each category (Mezze, Market, Grill, Dessert too!). You can really tell that they take pride in sourcing locally and seasonally. Each of their dishes perfectly adds flavor through spice and texture through layering of garnishes. On top of that, everything is played beautifully. Drinks: 10/10. Their cocktail menu can be quite adventurous but I think that it makes them all the more fun. Ambiance: 100/10. Wow. The space feels almost like an enchanted hideaway. The artists that run this establishment must have been so intentional when designing the space. Bonus: you can see Raleigh from the uncovered patio area! Service: 10/10. I have to hand it to them, everyone I encountered was so welcoming and knowledgeable! I came with a couple food allergies and they made sure to accommodate. Overall: there's a reason why this restaurant has made it to so many "best restaurants" lists! Ajja is an absolute gem in Raleigh and I already look forward to next time. read more

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Ambiance is perfect and the service is great as well. We ordered the dip platter and loved them all. I liked the bread but honestly still prefer pita. The chicken was very good but I expected it to come out in an actual tagine pot which is traditionally how it's served in North Africa. The cocktails were delicious and refreshing. Overall would recommend. read more

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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. read more

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Ajja is our favorite restaurant in the Triangle. The food is always tantalizing, challenging our taste buds. I always find something new to try. Price is appropriate Staff are attentive and knowledgeable. They take walk ins-- worth a visit for small plates and a refreshing beverage. The ambiance is cozy and fun. read more

Every bite delicious!! Our server was outstanding!! A memorable yet quiet girls night catching up with yummy eats and great wine! read more

Ajja - Yummy food!! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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! read more

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Wow, Ajja is gorgeous and the food delicious. The tapas are so good to share. The service is top-notch ambience is beautiful. I have sat inside by the bar and outside on the porch. I love the porch best even in the winter it is magical. Somehow they are able to create something new and delicious every single time. read more

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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. read more

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Wonderful service and delicious food. Great atmosphere too. Would come back. Cocktails were great too.

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. read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

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