Rodney H.

After many aborted attempts to eat at Ajishin i was finally successful today & arriving on the dot at 12 pm to a Super busy place was pleasantly surprised to find ourselves seated within 5 mins. Now i hope it never happens but if i was only allowed to eat one cuisine for the rest of my life it would be Japanese, i just like the variety, the seasonal specialties, the presentation, the freshness & the great tastes that Authentic Japanese food has. Sadly in Michigan we have too few great Japanese places, Kitchen Hanzo is an excellent Isakaya & Sharuku Is very good for Sashimi & tempura. I had only heard mostly good things about Ajishin, now too me Ajishin is a noodle House rather than a full menu Japanese restaurant, yes they do serve some sushi, but it has the look & the feel of a Noodle house & the menu is mostly Udon or soba. On a rainy cold Michigan day nothing beats a good Soupy noodle dish. We sampled Tetsugaku udon which is a curry based broth with fried tofu & Ajishin udon which is shrimp with veg tempura, fried tofu & boiled egg. I really liked the Tetsugaka, mild but tasteful Curry broth with excellent chunks of seaweed & Tofu. The Ajishan was for me nothing special, a weak or subtle Broth. Also i was not wowed by the noodles. along with the meal was served some complimentary Sticky Rice sushi & we also ordered Egg sushi. Both were OK. Service was good & the decor very nice, original art work on almost every open surface. Clearly they do very good business & a lot of our Japanese friends speak very highly of Ajishin, but truth be told i was not wowed in the way i am at Kitchen Hanzo or Sharuku. Both Udon is very good comfort food & at $7.50 for a bowl at lunchtime you cant go wrong, I'm just glad i didn't have to queue for 40 mins like other reviews.
(3)
April Q.

I wish this restaurant is next to my house so that I don't have to drive 35 minutes every weekend to get there... or whenever I'm craving for the grilled salmon ... and udon ... and sushi... It's becoming a tradition for both my roommate and I to drive to Novi almost every weekend just to eat at this restaurant. My favorite dish to get: 1. the grilled fish combo, which consists either grilled salmon (choice of the fillet or salmon chin) or cod. I've never tried the salmon chin before, but I absolutely love the fillet, it's fatty but good fat... right? fish oil~ omega-3~~~ 2. udon, now this comes with the grilled fish combo. Perfect soup for the winter. Mm mm~~~ 3. Yellow tail sushi!!! this restaurant has the most fresh fish! enough said. "Tricks" you should know: Before going to the restaurant, call them 30-40 minutes prior and ask them to put your name down on their sign-in book, so that you don't have to wait 45 minutes just to get seated, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around dinner time
(5)
S O.

I'm not sure if it's a cultural thing but the service here is horrid. I've been to Ajishin twice. The first time was for dinner, we waited for almost an hour to be seated, after another party simply waltzed in front of us and sat down. I am aware of their call ahead option, these people did not call ahead. During my second trip to Ajishin I opted for a carry out. After explaining the udon soup I wanted very thoroughly, the person who took my order still got it wrong. What's worse is they refused to correct it. They insisted the curry udon soup (btw, skip this one it's nothing special) was what I in fact ordered. I won't be visiting Ajishin in the future. There are far too many restaurants that are eager to please their customers. Those are worth my time.
(1)
Allie Y.

The fact that this place is at least a 30 min drive away from my house in the best of traffic does not preclude Ajishin being my most frequented Japanese restaurant in the area. Yes, this place is just that good. Here are a few reasons why: - The food here is delicious! Of course that's the most important thing, right? Top picks are the Ajishin udon (a classic, very satisfying) and the daily special. Wait - you say - that's not a specific dish that I can get when I go there myself! But that is just a testament to how great this place is - I have NEVER disliked a daily special. And I'd say 85% of the time I go here I get the daily special. Why? you say. First, the daily special is always tasty and gives you TONS of good. Every daily special has a basic format: a basic udon noodle soup (no meats, just noodles, the basic garnishes, and a piece of imitation krab) and a fish. The fish can be a simple roll, a baked filet, or like today, yellowtail chirashi! It's like receiving an awesome surprise present every time you go. The second reason why the daily special rocks is that it's hands down the best deal on their menu. It's $7.00 for their special, and other udons on the menu are about $6.50. Do the math! This brings me to my next reason why this place is great... - Prices here are very reasonable! Not easy to find at Japanese restaurants, but this place balances quality food with reasonable prices. - The sushi rice here is amazing. They must sprinkle a little bit of magic in with their mirin, because it's sort of ridiculous how addicting Ajishin's sushi rice can be. Beware! (but enjoy :)...) - Re: the curry, it's traditional Japanese style. I enjoy it, but one of my friends was less impressed. Who knows why - maybe not enough food?Well, not compared to daily special! I still think it's good though. Some extra notes: This place is closed on a weekday - I think either a Monday or Tuesday. So take note. Also, this place is also tiny and the wait for a table can get long really fast during peak hours... so either try to come near opening time or plan to hang out for a while.
(5)
Rachel C.

Even though I only like one thing on the menu cause I am a really picky eater I really enjoy going to Ajishin. Its very lively and comfortable for families with children. The staff is always polite and kind.
(4)
Deep A.

Great food and very fresh sushi. Horrible service, poor and unattentive servers, partial towards Asians, no waiting space, no proper reservation system.
(3)
o o.

oishii! I come here at least once a week and it never disappoints! I come for both dinner - usually no wait - and lunch - on a good day a 15 min wait - but if you read Japanese they have a manga library to pass the time. The food is excellent. At lunch, I usually opt for the udon - i can never say no to that tasty broth! The curry rice is also not to be missed. For dinner, the sushi is fresh and good. I think the sashimi / nigiri / chirashi is some of the best in the area. For dessert head on down the strip to hippo. The atmosphere is nice too. I LOVE the cat tank - it's probably the best in the world. it must be a good sign when your the only one not speaking Japanese.
(5)
Amy Y.

They have the best Japanese soup I ever had and inexpensive for some reason. The seafood udon noodle is AMAZING. We use to travel just to get that soup. No one makes it better than that chef. I also heard he never takes a day off work except like one day of the year. It is a small place but very good.
(5)
Natasha R.

If you are reading this review before heading out there, I would call and see if there is a wait. If not, be prepared to wait. This place is small and they really should expand because everyone loves it! My bf and I always share an order of Tatsugaku which is a curry udon noodle soup. It's delicious. I wish that it had more pork in it, though, as I always seem to get 1 piece of meat in it, thats a drawback but hey, still tastes like a party in my mouth. I also usually get 2 avocado sushi rolls as I don't eat seafood but love the idea and taste of vegetarian sushi. My boyfriend usually goes for the spicy tuna roll. The atmosphere is friendly and comfy. There is usually a bit of a wait and i've sometimes seen them put 2 people at a 4 person table when there is a line out the door, so it really is "first come, first served". There is a shelf full of comic books/manga if you are bored during your wait. My bf and I came with his family one time and it was 5 of us, we were put at a 4 person table. We didnt mind, we were just happy to sit down, but they will honestly try to take care of you. The wait staff is frazzled but very nice and they try to do their best. Oh, one more thing. My bf and I came here last week and it was during a rush. We were waiting on 2 other people who wound up being late, we were sat at a table and didnt order or anything and were being "those people" on a packed day, and they were still very nice to us and understood.
(5)
Dan N.

Went there because of the great reviews. The food was good, the service was atrocious. We were given a small plastic cup filled with a liquid that smelled like fish-food. Had to specifically ask for a drink. The sushi was good, the Udon was good. Nothing really blew me away.
(3)
Danielle P.

This place is really very busy, at least in my experience. Some friends and I went for lunch recently, and fortunately we had called ahead to put our name on the wait list. All in all I think we waited only about 15 minutes or so, but I could see how it might be longer on an especially busy day. The place only sits about 65 people, and the food is quite good so I understand why. We got come basic sushi rolls, and I really enjoyed them. In fact, I ate the little bit that my friends had leftover. Next time I'll try the curry rice, as it smelled incredible. The service wasn't great, but I'd say that's because it was overwhelmingly crowded in there and our waiter looked pretty young. One friend thought the overall experience was only ok, as she likes sushi places with more fancy rolls. The other friend hadn't tried sushi much before this and really enjoyed the food, especially the salmon roll. I'd quite happily return here myself for a quality and straightforward experience. I ate enough that my friends called me a "fat kid at heart", so I definitely think that the food is worth the wait.
(4)
Greg M.

The best sushi I have had in Novi, I have been to one world market and in my opinion Ajishin is the clear cut winner. Have been here multiple times and it is always busy, so if you are coming at a peak dinner time be prepared to wait. The dining area is pretty small...
(5)
Enrique B.

Alright, so I read through some of these reviews and I have to say that several are accurate and its obvious the writer took time to think about what they were writing. Ajishin is not the best sushi joint on earth. Its probably in the top 3 in Michigan. Take that for what its worth. The lines can be really insane, and the service is so slow that you wonder how they make any money within their limited hours. However, it is high quality and uniform. I get the same great quality sushi and udon each time. The noodles are not made fresh. They are the same as the stuff you can buy in most asian grocery stores. The fish is much better than what you'll find at some other area sushi restaurants. The waitstaff do an adequate job, but I've never tipped especially well at Ajishin because its obvious they don't provide excellent service.
(4)
Toni B.

I finally tried the noodles and I loved them. Specifically I had the Ajishin Udon which I found delicious. I still love the sushi. My friend and I frequently go here for lunch and although it is crowded you can call ahead and get put on the list. It really does help you get seated faster. Totally worth the wait every time.
(5)
Olga P.

Really enjoyed the sushi here, fresh and tasty. Wish it was a little fancier as far as rolls but by the time we finished the soup, we were full anyway. We tried the fried tofu soup and Ajushin one, they were very tasty, it look a little bit to get used to the fishy taste but they were delicious. Overal a great experience, glad we put our name down 1/2 hr in advance, the place was packed.
(4)
Jay A.

I wouldn't have known about this place if my friend didn't take me here. Whenever I visit Novi, I always go to One World Market to get some asian groceries and to-go sushi. This restaurant is almost next to One World Market. It's in a strip mall and hard to notice. Oh well, now I am a fan of Ajishin! Best japanese foods in the area. I tried lunch special [only $7] and they served sushi rice with sardine fish and shrimp and a bowl of udon. I don't know how they can make sushi rice so tasty! Gotta try it yourself!!!
(4)
Jeff C.

This is hands-down the best japanese restaurant in Michigan. From their low prices to the high quality of their food...it's 5 stars. I highly recommend their curry and spicy tuna roll. Everything's great though and the service is good. The only downside is that it's small and so popular that there's often lines to get a seat. You can even order a half order of the curry so you can get an udon or some more sushi.
(5)
Miran S.

Very tastes and good price. Loves Ajishin udon
(4)
Mei O.

Delicious, authentic Japanese food. The menu may not be seven pages long, but what they do, they do well. We loved all of our sushi rolls, and the udon was quite yummy, in a home cooked way. I could not believe the wait to get in, it's definitely worth calling ahead and making a reservation!
(4)
Ching-Fan L.

Two years in the Ann Arbor vicinity and I've yet to find another place that tops Ajishin! The food is consistently good with fresh fish and lovely udon, I like the portions too, no itty bitty rolls or thin-cut nigiri fish slices, a mouthful at a time yes but that's how it's meant to be. My favorites are: the salad-it's not on the menu, just ask for it, it comes with a very refreshing daikon-mayo dressing and costs just $3; the large sushi lunch-a cali roll and 6 nigiri including an enormous and delicious tamago nigiri, you can also sub anything you don't like for another nigiri variety; the udon!-strong broth and perfectly cooked noodles everytime, if you like your tempura crisp ask for it to be served on the side, not in the soup. The greatest thing is the price, $2-4 for individual nigiris, $4-5 for rolls and just $7 for the lunch special, which always comes with their signature udon and is very filling. If you're not going to arrive before they open on weekends, call ahead and ask to be put on the waitlist, that'll shorten the wait considerably. Also, if you like japanese pastries, head over to the Hippo House Bakery in the same plaza, my favorites are the English loaf and the danish loaf!
(5)
Abby C.

Ajishin is the only place that I go to eat when I'm in Novi. I was introduced to Ajishin by a couple of friends in college, and I have been eating here for about 7 years now. The udon is hands down the best udon in Michigan. After having the udon at Ajishin, I tried the udon at other Japanese restaurants and it's just never the same. All of the ingredients that go into the udon taste fresh and savory, but I think what makes the udon particularly great is the broth. The udon by itself is enough for a meal, but I believe you can also order half orders of the udon even though the menu doesn't indicate that. While the udon is great, the sushi holds its own as well. It's reasonably priced and tastes fresh. I am particularly fond of the spicy sauce that they use on rolls such as the spicy california and spicy tuna. Unlike other sushi restaurants, miso soup and the ginger dressing salad that a lot of people are used to automatically receiving w/ a sushi order aren't served at Ajishin unless you order them separately. But one shouldn't feel gypped because of that. I also love the green tea that they serve at Ajishin. It never tastes bitter and over-brewed, and I have yet to find a green tea that I like as much. Ajishin is small (enough to probably count as a bit of a hole-in-the-wall). Seating probably totals around 30-35 people so if you go at a peak time, you will have to wait for a seat awkwardly in the small entrance way (or outdoors if it's nice out). Groups larger than 4 are probably difficult to fit in the restaurant. Any wait is worth it, and you can always go to the Pastry House Hippo in the same shopping center and buy some pastries while you wait.
(5)
Yuko K.

I LOVE and miss udon from Ajishin. I used to go there weekly when I lived in Farmington Hills. Definitely the best Udon I had in Midwest. I have yet to find something remotely close in Bay Area, which is hard to believe... but oh so true. Ajishin is the place that helped me get back on track, ending my over 20-year streak as a die hard curry udon hater (as a result of unfortunate incident when I was 5). When I think of food I miss in Michigan, Ajishin definitely tops my list.
(5)
C-kol O.

When I really want authentic Japanese food, I try to see who the owner/staff are. If it is run by Chinese or Korean, then it is most likely a restaurant that does not target Japanese customers, meaning that it is more Americanized (nothing wrong with that). In those restaurants, you will often see Chinese food as well such as sesame chicken. Chance is that you will likely eat at Japanese restaurants run by those who are not Japanese. This restaurant is run by Japanese, meaning that it is authentic. Seeing a lot of Japanese customers show that they like this place too. I tell you, its udon is great. Broth, in my opinion, what separates this from other udon places. With most udons priced between $6 and $8 and delicious, you could see why this place is so popular! If I have to pick a negative, this place is rather small and crowded. It may be hard to dine in there if you have a large party.
(5)
Christy C.

Authentic sushi and noodles. It is always busy - come early and plan to line up most weekdays at lunch. Atmosphere is fine. Staff is ok though less attentive than I would hope. Service is usually quick unless there's any problems then they seem to flounder. The curry is awesome! Sushi lunch special is excellent. The menu is short and simple; nothing fancy or Americanized. If you like authentic Japanese noodles or sushi this is the place.
(4)
Stine M.

Very good! Very small place, try to go during non-prime eating times or get take out. Turning left out of the parking lot can be a pain. Saturday nights are an hour wait. I miss this place!
(5)
Christie M.

I love this place but it is a battle to eat here; from long waits out the door to getting your order. Food is fantastic here but I do feel bad eating (when we got seated) and seeing other people still in line watching me eat. I'm not much of an udon lover as I am a ramen lover but their udon was just fabulous. I just can't not love it. I have to agree with everyone that their sushi was delicious. Service was good for us but we were in no rush. I was starving waiting for my food but I usually am anyways. Oh one more thing...not a good place for large groups.
(4)
Stephanie K.

As mentioned by some of the reviews below, the wait can get very long but is well worth it. This is my favorite place to go for some good noodles. If I'm craving some udon I like to get the Maiko or the Ajishin. Their broth is the best I've ever tasted. However, if I want some soba noodles, I like to get the Nishijin. I prefer the sushi at One World but always end up getting a roll with my food; Preferably the spicy tuna or the tempura roll.
(5)
Julie C.

I've only been here once and I feel comfortable giving this place 5 stars. The sushi was delicious, the fish was fresh, the noodles were great. I tried to bring some friends here on a Tuesday, only to discover that Ajishin is closed on Tuesdays! Will definitely be back soon though.
(5)
Katie M.

I love their soba or udon. I come out here a lot when I'm in MI.... Great Japanese noodle for lunch!!! But make sure to go there early because it gets packed during lunch hours!
(4)
Jeanette B.

Udon was great, but their sushi was just ok.
(4)
Michelle I.

Ajishin's huge udon soups are the ultimate comfort food for me! Add in some sushi and I am one happy camper! I've been going to Ajishin for a number of years now but not as often as before (mainly because Sushi Ko, my fav, is closer to my house). Food is always great, the soups are a definite must! I love the udon base...so yum! The sushi menu is limited but is always fresh. The resturant itself is small and some tables can be a bit cramped. Be prepared to wait for a table on busier nights, such as friday or saturday. I've had to wait over an hour once (when the wait was supposed to be 40 min) for a table for two. More often than not the service is pretty good here. Just be prepared to be patient for a busier night.
(4)
Ann P.

to break up the mundane work week, i love coming here for their lunch specials! i consider it a lucky day if i manage to catch their spicy tuna over rice special with udon.. 99% of the time I visit though, i can't stop myself from ordering the 1/2 curry & udon combo (thanks to my friend jeff!) i consider it the perfect lunch: a heaping portion of curry, udon, and an impressive side salad with an amazing garlicy dressing! if you make it out for dinner, i love the himuro (a seafood salad with udon noodles and a delicious dressing!) be forewarned, there is a high probability there will be a wait, but it is definitely worth it! (besides, you can always pick up some amazing pastries from hippo bakery while you wait!)
(5)
Christine P.

This is no ordinary sushi place. You know its authentic when there's a bunch of Japanese people waiting outside the door. This place is a jewel amidst the coldest of days in Michigan. Their Udon soup is just perfect for below freezing weather. The broth has just the right flavor and the noodles has a certain crisp to it that makes you keep eating even if its burning the roof of your mouth. I like the plain Udon because it comes with just the right garnishes of seaweeds, green onions and this crunchy breaded stuff. I usually go here for lunch and the lunch menu is pretty cheap for what you get. I will always ask for the special because whatever it is will only be a bonus because it comes with a big bowl of Udon soup and for $7.00 that is good on its own. The sushi is actually not so fancy like all the other Americanized sushi rolls but their fish is very fresh and combined with their perfectly seasoned rice it definitely is a party in your mouth. I did go here for dinner one time and had the sampler chirashi bowl( or should I say 5 mini bowls) I was actually a little disappointed because they didn't give enough fish for the amount of rice. I pretty much had 3 bowls of rice left after eating everything else. This place pretty small so taking a group larger than 4 seems very difficult. I usually go with one other person and our wait is about 10-20minutes. I think you can call in to get your name on the list before you get there, which I will try the next time I go. But if you're there make sure you put your name on the note book next to the door. Definitely worth the wait...Enjoy!
(4)
Penny K.

Very tasty noodles and everything is made fresh. I recommend the Ajishin and Curry Bowls.
(5)
stanley t.

Pretty good udon! :P
(4)
Parisa K.

So far, I've been here two times, but it is easily one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The sushi both times was clean and fresh and crisp (there is just a little too much rice on some of the rolls). Further, the udon soup is among the best I've had in a long while. Overall, this is the type of place you go to when looking for a more authentic sushi experience. The menu is limited, as there are no complex, Americanized rolls. So if you are looking for a volcanic-dynamite-firecracker-inside-out-tempura roll, this is not your place. But if you are just looking for good sushi at more than affordable prices(!!), then Ajishin is a treasure. The biggest drawback is that there is a good chance that you will have to wait and wait and wait. The place is tiny, and the seats are almost always filled. The big differences between my two experiences were the wait and the service. The first time we went during the dinner peak, we waited nearly an hour to be seated and the service was terrible. The food was so good, however, we didn't hesitate to go back. The second time we were luckier, we went right after the lunch rush and were seated almost immediately, with excellent service throughout the meal. If you are looking for good sushi, you must go!!! I've already recommended this place to all my friends, and I will not hesitate go back again (and again and again).
(5)
Dobie D.

Can't find more authentic sushi in the Metro Detroit area! Read manga while you wait and enjoy the nice fish tank. Gets crowded pretty quickly because of its popularity and small size.
(5)
Catherine Y.

It's a freaking love and hate thing between me and Ajishin. I love their food but hate the name. It has the same name as the girl whom my ex fooled around with. She ate there before too. Oh well. The main reason I hate coming here is actually the line. No reservation allowed and the waiting space is, wait, there is no space for you to even stand to wait!!! For the amount of $ they earn from the loyal patrons, they need to expand this place. Other than that, I really like the food. Especially the curry, the stack-up sashimi combo (5 little cups stacked up with small portion of different fishes in there), the daily special (usually the grilled fish) and the Soba for sure. Love them all.
(5)
Donna C.

I was on a business trip in the area and on the way to the hotel, drove by the various Olive Gardens and TGIFridays. I was disappointed until I had a chance to do some research and found this place and all the wonderful reviews! For an out-of-towner, this place was rather difficult to find as it is hidden away in a strip mall and it didn't help that the sign was only half lit. I was happy to see that it was packed inside with one group waiting ahead of us. We passed the time at the bar at the other end of the mall for a drink and headed back to no line but the place was still busy. This place had amazing sushi. None of the rolls are tainted by "spicy mayo" or heavy teriyaki sauce. Pure fresh delicious fish. Two of my favorite surprises were the salmon skin roll (it was not like any salmon skin roll I've ever had before but it was delicious in its own right) and the crab nigiri (with fresh crab!). With no drinks, price averaged to $25 per person! Amazing. The only regret I have is not trying the udon. Almost every table had a bowl of udon and they all looked Japanese. I love udon but was so stuffed with sushi that I was unable to do so... next time!
(5)
Raphael C.

Authentic Japanese Restaurant with great sushi bar, friendly staffs, and clean environment. This place usually gets busy around dinner time. My personal favorite dish is the Grilled Fish Combo- it comes with grilled fish, Udon, Rice bowl. The price is not bad for the combo and it fills you up. They also have good sushi and the price is not too bad. Great place to come for Lunch and Dinner.
(4)
hugh p.

this is a great place to eat if you really enjoy food. like people have already said, its a bit of a hassle to get a table. i normally go for lunch on the weekends and there is always a line outside before the restaurant opens at 11:30. service is friendly but isn't quick; probably because they have always been packed when i've been there. but the quality of the food is well worth it. its the best sushi and udon noodles i've had in michigan. i recommend ordering the daily special so you get a bit of both. it typically comes with a bowl of rice topped with fish (off the top of my head i remember grilled salmon, raw whitefish, and spicy salmon on different days) and a side of their amazing udon noodle soup. and it only costs 7 dollars. on food quality and cost you can't beat this place. but definitely get there early or be prepared to wait.
(5)
Duke A.

Everyone's favorite place for sushi and sanuki udon noodles. But this place can be packed with 30+ minutes wait. Hippo, a wonderful Japanese bakery, is in the same strip mall.
(4)
ClosetDork ..

The wait is bordering on ridiculousness. As well as the cramped space they make us wait in. Considering the alternative (of standing outside in the middle of unforgiving Michigan winter), the cramped space always ends up being a much better choice. I still couldn't understand how the owner of this place manages to procure fresh fish for their tasty sushi given that they are nowhere near the coast. The chirashi is probably one of the best I've had. Good enough that I didn't even bother perusing the menu trying to decide if I should branch out and order something else each and every time I visit.
(5)
Tina W.

The udon here is fantastic! It's a very small place, but very cozy and well-worth the visit. Definitely try the Ajishin udon at some point -- it's my favorite! And an added bonus? This place is loads cheaper than other Japanese restaurants I've been too. It just doesn't get any better than that!
(5)
Elle K.

I love sushi, and I love udon. Because of this, I tend to eat a lot of it. This place is definitely one of my favorite places... The udon is very addictive with a flavorful soup base that is a bit atypical to the ordinary udon I've had at other places. The sushi is fresh and the chef does a great job with the rice to fish ratio. California rolls are just the way i like it. Avocado fresh and the crab meat mixed with a hint of sweet mayo. What's really also awesome about this place is the price. They have these daily specials for 7 bucks which is a bowl of udon and the rice bowl of the day and I have never been disappointed. I've tried virtually everything on their menu including the curry which I think is good and chirashi bowls. All this in the middle of MICHIGAN!
(5)
P L.

This place is always packed... for a good a reason!
(4)
CrazyforMakeup M.

Yes, this is more like a noodle house and I'd not make my ratings based on sushi (although is not bad is not the star of the show either). Say, if you go to a steak house would you rate them for the pasta that they served? If you're this kind of person, then you'll not appreciate my review. But if you a focused review, keep reading. So back to the noodles, I don't know what other peple are talking about, because this is quite authentic Japanese Udon. Now listen to this : NOWHERE ELSE in the entire Michigan you'll find udon like this. Nope. The issue is, if you don't like udon, you'll most certainly not like here. Now this is the only problem I see in this restaurant... first is very busy. Arrive in the wrong time and you'll be standing in a small cubicle area for 30min... unless you go early for lunch or dinner, don't even attempt to drag your kids under 5. Second problem, if you have never been or know all the japanese terms used in the description of the dishes, you'll be quite confused on what to get and therefore potentially disappointed. Third, the waitresses ... oh gosh, they speak little English so the warning here is to speak slowly and smile. Smile a lot, they will take a great care of you. Finally, call ahead, they have weird hours of operation, is not like a Red Robin where you just show up whatever time and they are opened... Many times I got there, and they were closed... bummer. But all the these issues are minor in my opinion when you get to taste the food... soooo good, especially for winter... I always get either the Ajishin or the Curry Noddles... maybe I'll stop by tonight!
(5)
Tim B.

Ajishin is just great. I recommend sticking to their noodle dishes, which is definitely their specialty. There are also several ways to deal with the wait, such as calling ahead of time to add your name to the waiting list.
(5)
John M.

food + atmosphere is A+. unfadeable kitsune udon and an amazing curry udon. super great. service, on the other hand, is a bit brutal; i've watched groups of customers with reservations, including pregnant women, turned away from here because they RSVP'd for 6 people but had 7 or other similarly minor offenses. slurpers beware. call ahead because the schedule is somewhat irregular.
(5)
Andy W.

Okay, we waited for the table for one and a half hour but it was worth it. Having been a Californian for a few years, plus a few months living in Japan, it makes me wonder whether this place was still as great as it used to. Nevertheless, It was on top of my 'must-go' list for my homecoming weekend in Michigan. We went there late and were all cranky while we waited, and might have over-ordered due to the starvation and 'everything- looks-good' in the menu. We had several rolls for sharing as appetizers, and I had a bowl of chirashi and udon combo. I also tasted the popular grilled cod my friend had. OMG, everything was unbelievable! The sashimi was fresh, theorizing that fresh fish are not only at the coastal cities. Anyway, we were all stuffed and overjoyed in the end, traveling back happily to Ann Arbor in the midst of Michigan winter.
(5)
Taesu B.

i haven't had sushi rice that is better for MY taste buds anywhere else in the world, yet. i LOVE the sushi here. i fully acknowledge how ajishin does it is by no means traditional in taste (traditional taste is MUCH lighter sushi rice taste that barely complements the fish. sushi chef's hand should be cold. cut of fish for nigiri differs from cut of fish for sashimi). i don't like snobs that say something isn't "traditional" in a condescending manner. who has fermented fish sushi anymore the size of baseballs like when it was first invented? people who lambaste to take the fun out of food really irk me. i cannot stand the noodles in hot broth here. broth is terrible. read below if you must know why. hot udon/soba noodles are fair at best. the best japanese noodles in this area, does not preclude other noodle shops to make it bar none. no dragon rolls or tempura fried rolls here. i think the craziest they get is a shrimp tempura roll. some people look down on these sushi eaters. i like dragon rolls. this just isn't one of those restaurants. no sake or suntory or beer. go to FUMI or Sharaku for alcohol. or even W.F. Bibimbab. i love how their rice is over seasoned. love the strong vinegar taste. one of my best friends can't stand ajishin's rice. go at the wrong time and you'll wait in line for 45 minutes. closed tuesdays. closed between lunch and dinner. get some overpriced pastries at Hippo Bakery in the same mall afterwards. DETAILS: if you are a sushi snob (people that could taste the quality of fish was better in the rooms than the dining rooms at Musashi in Southfield before it closed) go to Sharaku in West Bloomfield. but you'll pay 3 times more. but Sharaku has alcohol. Ajishin does not. and i can't stand the noodles. actually, its the broth i can't stand (hondashi based, not soy based. thats fine, but its too much). the best japanese noodles in this area, does not preclude other noodle shops to make it bar none. if i MUST have noodles, i go with one of the cold soba dishes or the himuro. a lunch special without the half bowl of noodles is $5. i'll order three of those rather than the full $7 lunch special. their Uni has a very strong taste. order the tsu-boo-gai if they have it in. its a type of clam. but he rarely orders it. curry rice is $6 at lunch. not on the menu, but you can order it for $8 at dinner. also try the grilled fish dinner or gyojunotoh for something different. grilled fish choices change everyday, but cod and salmon is available almost everyday. they'll have jaw choices once in a while. white tuna tastes amazing, but you'll regret it in the bathroom the next day. yellotail grilled is fantastic. i ask for no salt/seasoning on my grilled fish. but you should try it with the salt first. gyo-ju-no-toh is many different small portions of chirashi (rice bowls with toppings). fun dish to order with a date. this may be my favorite restaurant. i always take value and skill into consideration. ability to trick a customer's taste buds rather than true fresh ingredients and skill is also considered. i've been going for maybe 12 years now? maybe more. i did eat the udon/soba noodles for a few years, but i got sick of it. definitely not sick of the sushi yet. (just to give you a measuring stick, i've had an all o'toro meal from a whole tuna fish. they grated the wasabi from a fresh plant at the table side. i ate ONLY toro until i couldn't eat anymore. the other 4 people ate much less than i did. bill was $4000. i STILL prefer ajishin for the price.)
(5)
Bob M.

Great food, always crowded, be prepared to wait to be seated.
(5)
Heather M.

Best Udon Noodle soup! I get it every time I go. They are packed every time I have been, but service is still good and friendly.
(5)
Mark C.

Fantastic udon. Great bounciness in the noodles and the broth is always savory. Very consistent time after time. Whenever I am in town, invariably I make a trip to Novi to this place to get my fix. Although there is some good udon in LA, the sweet memories of enjoying this place while I lived here brings me back again and again. I'll be back in November!
(5)
M J.

My husband is very particular about where we eat Japanese food. We were excited to try a place we had heard so much about. But, after what we went through TWICE, I will NEVER go again...I don't care how good the food is... The first time we went was a weekend. We were told the wait would be 25-30 minutes. Not only was there nowhere to wait (all the people waiting stood huddled in the main isle where waitstaff is going through), there is priority for those who call in. On top of that, they will not adjust the seating for the people waiting. So even if you've been standing there 40 minutes and are a party of 4, they'll seat two parties of 2 that just walked in!!! It happened several times.... Both times we waited at least 1 1/2 hours. Nothing is worth that. There is a waiting list, but there was no one assigned to keep track of it. Busing was not coordinated well. Some staff would clean, but not set up for the next party, and others would walk by as best they could with the huge crowd of patrons WAITING. Once we were seated, the service was dry and almost seemed as if we owed them for the favor of finally sitting and eating. The HORRIBLE service outweighed anything I ate. I didn't even enjoy the food becuase I couldn't focus on anything other than the fact that I wasted valuable time from my life that I will never get back. I wish I had gone with my orginal thought: Eating at IKEA, where my kids could eat free and I would've had 1 more hour of shopping...NEVER NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
Lou T.

The very best sushi you can get in metro Detroit. Expect at least 15-30 minute wait for lunch and dinner rush but the wait is worth it every time. Try the Today Special for lunch!
(5)
Leah K.

Previous reviewers have covered all the bases, but I just wanted to mention the grilled fish they serve for dinner. No fancy sauces or seasoning, just the best cooked fish you will ever eat.
(5)
Cathy H.

Ajishin serves up authentic Japanese fare, from udon to sushi. I would travel 30 minutes from Ann Arbor just to get my Japanese fix because no Japanese restaurant in Ann Arbor can compare. It is worth the gas-guzzling trip.
(5)
Nicole B.

This is the best Japanese food in the area, at least that I have found. The five star rating is for the food but the atmosphere leaves much to be desired for those accustomed to traditional American restaurants. The restaurant is small and cramped so it is not the best place for an intimate date, for example. However, the food is excellent. If you have never been there before make sure to call ahead first. We made that mistake on our first visit and ended up waiting 1.5 hours. But, it was worth it!
(5)
naomi g.

This is a really good place BUT check the hours of operation if you want to go on a Sunday. They're closed during the middle of the afternoon and open again at 5 for dinner. There is no mention of this on this site. We drove 50 miles to get there one Sunday and were very disappointed. So call first.
(5)
Nabeel N.

Simply wow. So couple of quick pointers. Get there early. Seating is limited and lines form quickly. You have to put your name down on the wait list. Don't wait for someone else - you should put yourself down!! As for the food. Try everything! I had the stock sushi lunch with a small side of their curry. It was absolutely delicious.
(5)
George C.

This place is one of the best reviewed places in Novi and there seems to be a wait no matter when you go! When you walk in there will be a notebook on your right hand side where you write down your name and that is the list they go by to seat you, so be sure to put your name down! The food itself is definitely good and all of it is pretty cheap as well! As others have mentioned you can split the udon or curry in half so you can get both in 1 meal. The cost is half the cost of the respective dishes +$1. I decided to get the ajishin which came with tempura shrimp, crab stick, sea weed and marinated tofu among other things. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are well cooked. The curry also came with a couple pieces of tempura shrimp but was a little on the salty side. As an added bonus, they brought me a salad and one onigiri as well which was an added surprise. It was definitely tons of food for 8.50! I would definitely consider coming back although it seems some of the wait times can get long. I got lucky and only had to wait 10 minutes! Definitely would recommend this place if you're craving curry or udon!
(4)
Jennifer T.

This place can get crowded. Even with called ahead seating, we still waited until the rest of the waiting crowd got seated, so not really sure if call ahead seating helped any. The place has quite the range of udon noodle soup choices, more so than any place I've ever been prior. Definitely come for the udon. Their broiled cod also was done nicely, perfectly tender and naturally flavorful. However, their sushi rolls were extremely sad, the rice had too much vinegar and the rice was falling apart from the roll.
(3)
Christina O.

reading all the amazing reviews i had high expectations for this place. first of all there was a long wait and once we were seated it took forever for us to get water and even longer to get our meal. the waitress didn't clarify my question about the entree i wanted to order and just walked away.. i ended up ordering something i didn't want. their sushi and sashimi are mediocre..very limited selection of rolls. their udon was good and it seems like they do a lot of to-go orders. i was embarrassed to take my asian inlaws here and don't plan on coming back.
(1)
Jenny K.

Oh wow, I've been coming here for 5 years and I still haven't reviewed this place. Silly me. I guess it's no secret that Ajishin is totally popping all of the time and another 5 star review will not alleviate hunger pangs for the waiting and impatient. This, even though it's teeny tiny in here and they serve no alcohol! Everything here tastes good. Every genre, whether it's chirashi bowls or udon or the cold noodles or the grilled fish, it's all freaking fantastic! And best yet, it is a BARGAIN! The Ajishin udon is only $7.50 and a plain udon is $5. The Himuro, i.e. "ice box" cold noodle salad, is a freaking miracle on a warm day, just $9! It's so refreshing and tart, with the perfect hint of mayo creaminess from the decorate drizzle on top of the raw fish, hmmmm! I also love the grilled fish items here, especially the cod and salmon (the grilled yellowtail is just alright). Upgrade to the Ajishin udon (extra $3) and you'll be set for the evening. And it's awesome that they split a lot of dishes here too, like udon and curry bowls, so you can share with your table. And of course, the service is always superb here. Love the crew that brings noodle and fish happiness into my life each week! Yes, the waiting is a pain and you feel like you're in a mosh pit at the entrance of the restaurant, but don't give up! I once went to Nagomi down the road because I couldn't handle the wait and I was sad the rest of my Sunday.
(5)
Cindy A.

Tip #1 When you sign in to their notebook, "W" means walk in and "P" stands for phone in RSVP. (It's a common question, despite the key indicated on top of the page). Tip #2 Ajishin also closes from 2-5pm on regular days (Hey! Everyone needs a break too!) and closed entirely on Tuesdays. I've made that mistake several times. It's a horrible feeling. Recommendation: a classic Ajishin for cold or rainy cool days. Himuro (sashimi salad on top of cold udon noodles for the hot summers). Anyway, Four stars. Every time. Now, when you head here for dinner just know dinnertime at Ajishin is a pretty popular idea in the Novi community. Pack a snack in the bag if you're hungry. And if you call ahead? There's still so many people who walked in before you, that you're probably most likely still going to wait 15-20 minutes. And it's ok. We frequent flyers have accepted this reality. It's just part of why Ajishin is so good and why it's always worth the wait. I really so very badly want to give this place a 5 star however, I wish management can see their incredible potential and make it more efficient to service their demand. You have a hot spot in Novi! For many years now! Please get a bigger location or hire more wait staff to turn tables around!! But I still believe in you. Your food is good. Tea is good. Could we have bigger teacups? I craved this place even when I was in Grand Rapids. But I just don't like to wait that long. :(
(4)
Catherine Z.

If you're looking for good udon in southeast Michigan, you can't go wrong with Ajishin. They have a limited menu, but they're great at what they do. If you come for lunch, you can ask for half & half (I always get half Ajishin udon + half curry rice) - they will charge you 50% of each dish + a $1 surcharge, I believe. I can't speak much about their sushi because I'm not a fan of raw fish but the rolls they offer are simple. It can definitely get pretty busy here, so I recommend calling ahead of time to put your name on the list (they do not take reservations). Even still, expect a wait as it's a small place.
(4)
Jessica C.

This place has a special place in my heart. My friends from michigan have been raving about this place for almost four years and I didn't get to try it till senior year. My first time here and I think i waited over an hour but so worth it. HINT!: Call ahead in the ride over and they will put your name down. When you get there let them know and they'll highlight your name so that you will officially be on the waitlist. This will shorten your wait time but not by that much. Their lunch specials are so great. Prepare your bodies everyone this deal will blow your mind. $7 for a bowl of udon and something special. Ive been lucky and the times I've went it's been a chirashi bowl!!! The udon is always on point. The udon is cooked well and the broth tastes great. The chirashi bowl has fresh sashimi and the rice tastes very good. It's a lot of food and it takes me a little effort to finish but I always do! The curry is also really good! If you're with a lot of people you can all share a half order. People talk about the cold udon with sashimi on top. I made the mistake of trying it instead of the fish combo for dinner once and was very disappointed. It's definitely a personal preference. I don't think i'm a fan of cold noodles and that's why I didn't like it. Other than that the udon was still cooked well and was chewy. The sashimi on top was delicious. I did that that towards the end there seems to be too much sauce and can get overwhelming since it's kind of acidic. I have friends who love this and will only order this when they eat there.
(4)
Linda L.

Delicious!! Came here for lunch so was a little limited by the menu. The servers were polite. We just made the cut off before they closed to prepare for dinner. The sushi chefs looked Japanese but I'm not quite sure. The prices are very fair. We had a free onigiri (rice ball) appetizer with some pickled radish on the side. We ordered the cold soba noodle entree and the sushi lunch combo. The soba was amazing!! It was different then the traditional soba I'm use to, which is cold soba on the side and you dip it into hot soup. This was pre-mixed with grinded radish, scallions, 3 pieces of tempura shrimp and Bonito flakes on top. It was so refreshing and light. I couldn't get enough. The sushi lunch was typical with tuna, salmon, river eel, shrimp, and tamago. The tamago was done very well, perfectly fluffy and sweet. The sushi pieces already have wasabi so be prepared!
(5)
Amy C.

A lot of people like Ajishin for their fresh sushi, but I've always been a huge fan of the udon. The prices here are unbeatable--each bowl is topped generously with a ton of ingredients, and with each bowl starting at just $5, you really can't find a better deal. I always leave feeling full and satisfied, but never sluggish since the food is light and free of grease. Since this restaurant is pretty well known in the area, the one downside is that there is almost always a line. It's almost always packed here and lines start forming before the restaurant even opens, so make sure you factor in wait time when planning your next visit.
(5)
Janice L.

I absolutely loved my experience here! The food was absolutely scrumptious and the servers showed warm hospitality. I ordered two dishes: Ajishin udon noodle and boiled pork udon. I highly recommend Ajishin udon!! It is far more superior than the boiled pork udon. Ajishin Udon noodle has shrimp and the soup tastes very savory! I actually am not a huge fan of shrimp but absolute loved this dish! This is by far the BEST udon noodles I've ever had. On the other hand, I was not a fan of the boiled pork udon. It was tasty, but incompetent with the Ajishin udon dish. Overall, the food was delicious, the service was great, and the price was extremely cheap! Make sure to sign in when you walk in. This restaurant is always crowded due to its popularity. (I waited about 15 minutes in line before being seated). The noise level is pretty low considering its constant profusion of customers.
(5)
S K.

found this place from the yelp review while on biz trip. the sushi wasn pretty good and the clear broth they served instead of miso soup was good. their tamago was better than other japanese place offered.
(4)
Melissa L.

Wow, the hype is real about this place! I drive 40 miles to get here, but it is so worth it. There is always a wait when I go, but it is not too bad. I am so addicted to their udon noodles with shrimp tempura. I don't like the way it comes dumped into the soup so I ask for it on the side. The broth is very tasty and they complement the soft chewy udon noodles perfectly. The only downside is that the restaurant itself is very small so if there is a wait, you have to find a little space to stand. You are guaranteed to be bumped into, but so what? Totally worth it! Also, if there really is a ridiculously long wait, you can walk over to Hippo bakery for some delicious authentic Japanese goods to have as a snack for later.
(5)
Alyson H.

Came with friends from work and was warned to get there by 11:15 as the line gets crazy long. They don't open until 11:30 and by 11:32 there were no seats left in the place! The "special" was delicious, the green tea was so-so. If you want water you must ask for it. The waiters/waitresses are not the most upbeat people, but that's fine with me at a place like this. I was eyeing down someone for our check, then eyeing someone down for change. I would def go back, and make sure I get there again at 11:15!
(4)
Cassandra Y.

About 15 tables & sushi bar. Not a huge restaurant. Very busy during lunch time! Sorry, they don't take reservations. Because the service is fast & food is prepared fast too so the wait time isn't that bad. The Service: Many staffs on duty, very efficient! Menu, hot tea, ready to take order within a few minutes!! Food is served in less than 5 minutes. Kitchen has done a great job prepping ahead. The Food: Ajishin Udon - udon with several toppings such as shrimp and vegetable tempura, fried tofu, boiled egg and tangle flakes (handmade udon, great texture, thick & chewy noodle, so many ingredient in this wonderful bowl of udon!!! Good portion for one~) Curry Udon - Strong curry flavor Selection of Sushi - handroll sushi are okay The Parking: Plaza parking lot.
(4)
Lina A.

Drove all the way from Royal Oak to discover what's the fuss is all about. Made telephone reservation and even with that we only got seated 50 mins after we arrived. So be prepared to wait, for a long long time. The servers were friendly but our server either didn't speak English or didn't have time to explain the dishes so we just ordered some and crossed our fingers. We ordered Ajishin chirashi (assorted seafood) that came with plain udon - very good. The grilled cod (came with a bowl of rice & yellow pickle) was good too although the particular cut had too many bones. Maybe I should have ordered grilled yellow tail instead. Himuro noodle salad $9, topped with salmon sashimi & battered shrimps was a nice surprise! Everyone on yelp was raving about it and when it came I wasn't bowled over until I started to dig into it and there was noodle underneath it. Absolutely delicious. The salmon sushi & the salmon skin sushi was just ok. Nothing to shout about. Just don't drive all the way to Ajishin for sushi.
(4)
Mister Foodie 2.

This place is amazing. Listen, if you are looking for fine dining linen service, this place isn't for you. The service can be lacking and space is limited but when lunch is full each and every single day, you know the place is doing something right. They have daily specials, great udon, fresh but limited sushi and their green tea is always super hot. The owner/chef is friendly and will chat with you if you sit at the sushi bar. There is no alcohol served but this place has more of a cafe feel to it anyways. If you're going there for lunch make sure you call ahead and put your name on the waiting list and also check in when you arrive or they won't know you are there. Like I said, the place is busy!! They also do a great carry-out which is an option if it's too busy, but again, you need to grab the attention of the a server when you walk in to tell them you placed a carry-out. You're not going to get 5 star service here but the food is well worth it. Give it a try if you haven't already. Best place for sushi and udon in Novi hands down.
(5)
Nicholas K.

While the wait here, even if you come right when it opens, can get ridiculous, the food has always been consistent, cheap, and absolutely delicious. Since Ajishin is an Udon house, you can never go wrong with their udon and its addictive broth. Aside from that, their curry rice, grilled salmon, and sushi are always excellent choices and ones that I cycle through at each visit. The sushi is always fresh and their Tamago especially is amazing. Their curry is rich and a tad spicy which is a nice kick. And their grilled salmon is accompanied by a bowl of rice and side order of udon -- so yes, you can have the best of both worlds. Aside from the food, the service is fast and (most) waitresses are very kind. If you still have room in your stomach, you can swing by the Pastry House Hippo for dessert.
(4)
Rory B.

Super friendly staff and a perfect bowl of udon. Too bad we showed up at 1:00. The line was crazy long. Took about 45 minutes for a table for two. The hostess did not go outside to call our names either so we were skipped and had to wait a few minutes longer for the next seat. That part needs work when you are that busy. We stood outside to leave room for everyone inside. And we were not the only ones. The food made up for the delay
(4)
Andrew P.

Jam packed restaurant with great noodles and sushi. My sister in law goes there even though she lives an hour away. Had the Ajishin noodles along with the Sushi Lunch Large and was left very satisfied. Go there if you are in the Novi area!
(5)
Kelly S.

Yes its crowded and cramped but the Ajishin udon is delicious it's worth the wait & scrunching in to sit. I get the tempura on the side so it doesn't get soggy. The curry is pretty tasty too but not on dinner menu, ask for it!
(4)
Sarang K.

The Lunch menu and the Dinner menu is different but they serve pretty much everything from lunch at dinner too, although not the other way around. But that's not atypical of most restaurants. All their dishes are really fresh and delicious. My favorite is the himuro (minus the cukes!) and the grilled fish is also always pretty good. At lunch, I often have the curry rice which is delish! That really is the only word for food here at Ajishin. Delicious, fresh, and not too expensive. Admittedly I once ordered a sushi/sashimi platter of chef's choice for $50 and it was abysmally little. But all other experiences have been good. One thing to note is that for those new to Ajishin's udon, the broth is a little on the salty side. Actually a lot. But it's still worth it. The noodles are scrumptiously chewy. The servers are all really good and pretty fast even at their busiest hour. Really not much else to say. All's been said!
(4)
Joyce H.

This place is legit. I agree with Rachael N - it's totally worth it to go into these burbs for this place. Ajishin is a Japanese-run Japanese cafe (refreshing, since so many Japanese places in the Midwest aren't run by Japanese people!). The flavors were very authentic. To avoid a wait, we chose to sit at the bar. The wait wasn't too bad either, especially at 12:45pm on a Saturday afternoon. What we liked: We took Rachael N's advice to split the 1/2 portion of Japanese curry and 1/2 portion of udon. The hubs got the Ajishin udon and I got the mountain vegetables one. They use the same broth, but because they have different toppings, the flavor will change a bit. If you order the split portion, you'll pay about $1.00 more than if you were to get either by itself. You each get a salad (I think with a sweet japanese yam dressing) and a small rice ball. It's a LOT of food. I REALLY liked the curry. It's a pretty simple dish - Japanese curry with some beef, shrimp tempura, and pickles. I would definitely come back to eat this. The udon was also great. I was really full from the 1/2 portion of udon! The mountain veggies were pretty plentiful, and so were the noodles. We really enjoyed the salad too. Too full to eat the rice ball, which seemed mostly to be a filler. Note: This place is definitely cafe-style and has great curry and udon. We thought of the sushi more as side dishes, as they weren't super high grade. We ordered a 6 piece salmon roll and 1 uni (sea urchin) for me. The rice on the sushi was pretty sticky and it was rolled ok. The flavor was still good. The uni... still had that ocean-flavor that stuck in my mouth. It wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't come expecting super well prepared uni. We were so full that we went to take a walk afterwards...turns out that our walk brought us to a Japanese bakery...!!!
(5)
Qian Y.

This place is best known for their tasty udon but check out the cold soba noodles - they are delicious too. Sushi/Nigiri on the other hand is not the best, it has a nice big cut of fish but overall freshness is not enough. Sometimes, the sushi rice is a bit too hard and dry. Here is my to go place for udon but not the sushi. But the yellow tail and BBQ river eel nigiri are my favorites here after all. Service - hmmm...how should i put it? Server attitude and responsiveness solely depending on how busy this place is at the time? But usually this place is packed...so good luck.
(4)
Nathasja T.

On a recent, massive sushi kick, my husband and I decided to check out Ajishin in Novi. Upon arrival he mentioned he'd been here before and has eaten the udon several times in the past. Udon? Score! Nothing better than a big bowl of steamy soup on a blustery cold February night, so we promptly ordered some rolls (spicy tuna, California, tamago, urchin) and two bowls of udon. Curry for me, egg for him. Woah - the curry udon were amazing! It has such a deep, 'warm' curry flavor.. every bite was more addictive than the previous. The sushi was good also.. the egg was huge; the largest I've ever seen. It was pretty much a large V shaved omelet with rice inbetween. The evening we visited, many of the rolls were very loosely rolled, some even falling apart upon pick up with our chopsticks. This made for very clumsy and unpleasant eating. I would absolutely return for the (curry) udon; these are highly recommended! On the sushi I may pass, and stick to our favorite place nearby. Also, they serve grilled fish here - including hamachi kama (yellowtail collar), which makes me very happy, indeed.
(4)
Nicole Z.

Ajishin has been my favorite Japanese Restaurant all the time. Their fish is always fresh, udon is tasty, and my favorite is their grilled cod fish! Price is very affordable, the grilled cod combo contains a big bowl of udon soup, a bowl of rice and big portion of cod. Highly recommended! And the owner (the sushi chef) is very friendly too!
(5)
Geekar L.

So fresh, soo good! I told myself I had to hurry up and write this review because when I think about Ajishin, I crave their sushi again! They opened at 5:30 p.m. and we got there around 5:45 p.m., the place was packed and a bunch of people were waiting already. After 15 mins. we were seated and given our menus. My sister ordered the Kamogawa udon and I ordered a soft shell crab roll and a salmon avocado roll. My only regret was that we were pressed for time and I didn't order a 3rd roll! Everything was great, from the food to the service. Despite the amount of people waiting, service was still friendly and they didn't rush anyone at all. I honestly have yet to find a place like this back in NY, it's really the entire package. I'd eat here every day if it were an option. The prices are very reasonable as well. I'm so glad that I got to try this place and would love to come back. I definitely recommend them! =)
(5)
Joe M.

The wait is worth it... whatever they tell you at the front desk or on the phone is wrong by at least 15 minutes.. but be calm and ready to chow. Grilled fish is a must and sushi is bomb by far best udon in town.
(5)
Farid S.

I really love the food at this place and that's why I keep coming back. The ambiance is certainly not distracting, the decor is pretty dated and furniture a little run down. The service is simple, you order food they bring it. Don't expect any suggestions at the time you place your order, a smile before or after and be sure to order a drink or a glass of water at the time you place order because you won't be checked on again until the check arrives. Bottom line is this place is all about the food. Think of it as the Seinfeld episode "The Soup Nazi". I put up with the neglect and sometimes rude service because of how delicious the food is. The best things I've had here are the Spicy Tuna Kyo-Chirashi and of course the Ajishin Udon Soup. I highly recommend those two items and it seems that every time I go there, I ordered the same thing, yeah it's that good...
(4)
Aileen C.

The nigiri was DELICIOUS! The salmon,eel,egg,octopus was my favorite. We ordered to go and eat it at home. The curry and udon was good too.
(5)
Eryn H.

My family and I have been coming to this place for roughly twenty years, and it has been consistently delicious. Ordered the cod and upgraded the plain udon for Ajishin udon ($2.50 for shrimp and vegetable tempura, and tofu skin). I moved to California a few years ago, and I honestly think Ajishin has the best California rolls. 'Til next time!
(5)
Christie P.

If you're in Novi and like Japanese cusine, you're missing out if you don't come here. It's a tiny place with minimal options (they do have full sushi bar) but they do it well. Quick service, great specials for lunch too. It's also a great value. Long lines depending on time of day, but they get people through quickly.
(5)
Lisa N.

Went to ajishin for dinner based on a friend's recommendation. Ajishin did not disappoint. There was no wait when we arrived, and we sat at the sushi bar for dinner. Ajishin is definitely the place to sit at the sushi bar. Watching the sushi preparation is so fun! The pricing is awesome! The best part is that the quality and portion are just as great as the pricing. Great experience overall. Definitely coming back! :)
(4)
Bob W.

Authentic and very good. Tasty Udon and well prepared, fresh sushi. The only thing it was missing was a cold sapporo and some edamame.
(4)
J C.

I have been going to ajishin for many years, so much so that I am surprised I haven't reviewed the place already. The place is quaint but in a charming way. Its open layout makes for a pretty noisy dinner joint... and they don't have a designated hostess so it can be a little bit hectic. So here is what i do. I call in when I am on my way... it doesn't matter if I am calling 10 minutes ahead or 45 minutes... what matters is that you call. Once you get there you generally have to find your way to the cash register (just inside the door, don't worry, you won't get lost). At some point one of the waitresses ... when they get time... will stop by and if you've called ahead you can sign in, if you were a fool and did not call ahead then you just add your name in. Okay. All those logistics aside... The food. Is. So. Good. In all my travels I have not found better udon on this side of the pond. And the sushi is really fresh, clean and tasty (synonymous, i know). I am a tuna, ika, uni kind of girl... but you know everyone has that little kid inside... and every asian kid loves the tamago (egg). The tamago is excellent here and I am not hyperbolizing. Some pretentious (but uneducated) folks may find that juvenile, BUT, in the east, the itamae (the sushi chef) is actually heavily judged by his ability to make the egg. So.. try the egg. Its like 2.50. That's another thing. The price is here is so reasonable. They have always had quality food at affordable prices... they could have easily sold out and pumped up the prices when the sushi craze FINALLY made it to the Midwest but they didnt. The same people have worked it as long as I have been and the food has been consistent. Always. I know there are a lot of places vying for your foodie attention, but this is not one I would want to leave out. Ever. And remember, call ahead.
(5)
Juliana D.

A nice little restaurant that serves good sushi and noodles. I've tried both and was not disappointed. The "spicy" rolls are done without the mayo sauce, so they taste fresher and lighter. Really friendly and helpful staff. I would definitely recommend getting a reservation, since the restaurant can't accommodate a lot of people at the same time, and sometimes is full at unusual times, like 4 pm on a Tuesday :)
(4)
Valeska P.

Best sushi place in Michigan area!! Order nigiri!! Love this place very much! Very decent! Will definitely come back again.T_T why it's so far aways from Ann Arbor! Tips: come earlier, usually waiting in line, but worth it!
(5)
Michelle B.

I don't care about the wait! This place is the best. My husband and I dine in here at least every week. We know the staff--- all great! We know the food--- always the best. Ajishin soup, grilled fish Cod, Himuro and Spicy Tuna Roll are a few of out usual perfect meal.
(5)
Joel C.

You can tell a great Japanese Restaurant by the quality of fish. You can tell a fantastic Japanese restaurant by the rice. Ajishin's sushi rice has the greatest flavor. I highly recommend this place!
(4)
Joel B.

the village theater 50400 cherry hill canton, mi 48154 box office 734 394 5300 tkts $31.00 live on stage the beach boys tribute from las vegas aug 22, 2015, 4 pm & 7 pm shows
(5)
Joe T.

The udon is good, I would come here for that. The chirashi I got was just OK. The wait time usually pretty long at dinner time so eat off hours or come early. Also the food takes quite a while. Took about half hour for my food I think. Overall, pleasant experience. I'd come back again if I was in the area, but I wouldn't actively seek it out. Happy eats!
(4)
Kevin K.

Update to my previous review. Yes, the food (especially the udon) is as good as ever. The value is still excellent. That being said, because of these things, the place is incredibly busy and their system for a waitlist/having people wait/seating needs some serious improvement. I thought I had the system figured out with the call ahead, the check in when you get there, and generally getting a seat within 20-30 minutes even when busy- unfortunately, this isn't the case. I really can't figure out the system. People seem to get seated in a fairly random order and that has led to our party being seated after people of the same party size that called in later and after people that walked in later as well. Seen it happen a few times to others as well. Pretty frustrating... Also, the dining area basically becomes one huge waiting room with servers having difficulty getting through, people waiting squeezing themselves into awkward places, and feeling like one has to personally keep an eye out for your position on the waitlist or risk getting seated much later. It just overshadows otherwise delicious food and great prices. Still our go to for udon in the area but it really could be such a better experience with a few changes to the waitlist/seating system.
(3)
Eric D.

I ordered the curried rice (not on the menu) and it was pretty good, heavy on the curry. The sushi however seemed tired and a bit tainted in taste by something else it sat next to on the journey to my tongue. The dÃ©cor was fine and what one might expect from an off the beaten path sushi joint. The wait staff were very kind and helpful. Given the choices in the area, as a frequent visitor, I'll not likely return. Too many choices, hopefully one will win and benefit from the paltry few cents (well, $ dollars accounting for inflation) that I can offer on a regular basis.
(3)
Ann C.

We enjoyed the sushi mixed platter & the house namesake, Ajishin. Egg on the Ushon noodle soup. Delicious! Great prices and crowded but comfortable atmosphere feels like a NYC hot spot. The wait is consistently long (45 +) so call ahead to get your name on waitlist or plan some nearby shopping after checkin. No alcohol served but instead hot tea for all, and soft drinks by request.
(5)
Valerie B.

I am hesitant to do this review, because this place is already really hard to get into, but the food here is ALWAYS outstanding! The udon is absolutely perfect - the one with tempura on top is my favorite, but get it on the side so it is crispy when you dip it into the broth! I really like to sub soba noodles in the udon dishes, too. If you have picky kids, they will make plain rice and tempura shrimp for 1$ each - what a deal! I am ashamed to say I have never tried their sushi...the service is always spot on and friendly. Such an asset to Novi dining!
(5)
Frank B.

One of my favorite places to eat. Their food is amazing. There is usually a line for lunch. You need to get there before 1130 if you want a seat. A couple of the waitresses look like they hate humans and are unpleasant. But they always do a good job of bring food out. The menu is hard to understand but it doesnt matter because everything is so good you cant order the wrong thing. I often see people eating things that are not on the menu. I have no idea how that works. I highly recommend this place. Both sushi and Undon are the best in metro Detroit (in my opinion)
(5)
Aybige K.

This is such an unexpected restaurant in a dull strip mall but the food is so good I am really glad that I become acquainted with it. The service is really fast and the food is delicious. The food is very reasonably priced. You should go there as early as possible as there will be a long waiting for sure.
(5)
Rachel M.

Yummmm this place is so good. Consistently delicious udon; the noodles have the most consistent consistency, chewy and soft at the same time, picking up the flavor of the broth. Their sushi is excellent as well - one day the special during lunch was a salmon and white tuna sashimi bowl which was perfect, the rice was on point which is very important, and it came with a full bowl of noodles! For $7! You can't beat that. It doesn't take too long after visiting before the craving for Ajishin returns. I like sitting at the counter, very cozy. The only downside is that one of the waitresses can be very abrupt. She gives you your food on time but that's about it. But if you get one of the younger servers they are much more polite. All in all, Ajishin is a treasure that keeps me making the 20 minute drive to Novi over and over again. And it's so worth it!!
(5)
Vivian L.

Favorite little gem. Curry is good. Freshest sushi around great noodle bowl. My mom and I sneak here whenever we have time. However more often than not there is a wait. They do take call ahead seating. At night get the grilled fish (warning sometimes its a collar piece with more collagen/ fat) with a bowl of udon for only $12.
(5)
Sarah C.

One of the best food I've had in Michigan. It is worth the wait! My friends weren't lying when they say its busy. This place is like Cali, where you wait to get seated. My boyfriend and I was like we can get there at 11.35am and still get a table. It can't be that popular. WAIT! IT IS! It was full when we arrived at 11.35am! We were one of the only two person parties so we were able to get seated in like 15-20 minutes after the first round of people. Lunch! Curry, Udon, and their special. We both ordered the Udon (of course, since its their signature item!) Ajishin (Our special udon with serveral toppings such as shrimp and vegetable tempura, fried tofu, boiled egg and tangle flakes) $7.50 - Their namesake. This was SO FREAKING GOOD. I love how there are a lot of toppings and the broth. I love the broth. I usually don't drink broth since I feel like they are loaded with msg but nope not this. It was see through, light, and bursting with flavor. My boyfriend ordered the lunch special which was a bowl of regular udon. It has a slightly different broth and less toppings. It comes with their special daily rice balls. It was like 7 dollars. Teenage boys are half of the wait staff. The service isn't amazing but you get your food really fast. You might have to flag someone down when you need something or the check. Overall, our entire meal was like 15 bucks! WTF! GET OUT! One of our cheapest dine-in meal ever! I am coming back! LOVE! Tip: Call in and put your name on the list when you are driving over.
(5)
Sara B.

I've been here twice now, and both times were amazing. The main reason for the 4 star rating instead of 5 is because no matter when you go or if you call ahead, you will wait. That said, the food is well worth it and the staff are always polite and friendly despite how busy they are. I always order some variety of Udon soup while I'm here, and it's fantastic. Last time I tried the Ajishin Udon and felt like I was eating a little bit of heaven with tempura tofu and shrimp, and various vegetables. VERY TASTY. I can't speak for any of their uncooked sushi, but the scallop and eel are good. My friend loves the raw sushi and says that it's always fresh and flavorful. It's small, crowded, and worth a visit.
(4)
Smai V.

This place is overbearingly crowded, the wait is insane, there is no wait room seating, so you're left standing next to a bookshelf full of Japanese manga of which you can't read...And yet, giving it 5 stars would be an understatement. Call and reserve an hour or more ahead of time, as the wait can be intensive--for good reason, their food is PHENOMENAL at an affordable price!! I've tried pretty much everything on the menu, and nothing has ever disappointed. Highlights are their cod and udon dishes. And the sushi, simply amazing and cheap! You truly get the bang for your buck here. You'll also notice local artists' paintings on the wall for sale. Very nice decor touches here and there, and their service is great. The servers have the prefect combination of checking in with you, without breathing behind your back so often, nor would you have to yell or wave to get their attention. I recommend this for groups of 4 people or less as seating will be easier to attain, but again, they'll accommodate.
(5)
Andrew K.

I'm from NY and we have all these small little authentic ramen shops scattered about NYC. Ajishin gives them all a run for their money. Granted, you have to wait a while to be seated and served food because it seems like they're always packed, but it's worth it. The sushi is cheap but fresh and generously large. No specialty rolls, but those are for restaurants who need to attract customers because the rest of their menu doesn't meet the same criteria. This place has the best udon I have ever had period. It's as good as Toto ramen's signiture ramen in NYC. I recommend the Ajishin, their signiture dish. Prices are great, food is amazing. I will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Sal A.

I've been out in the area for some work over the past few weeks and by far this place has the best sushi so far. The food tasted fresh and service was accommodating. There's nothing more that I could add with regards to the 200+ reviews already in here. However, if this helps here are the two lunch specials that I was aware of 4 piece sushi + California roll 6 piece sushi + California roll My recommendation to the place is to add a complete menu online for folks who are looking to pick orders up to go. The 4 out of 5 stars has to do with the service for my individual experience of my order being incorrect and myself having to correct it, I would recommend you have them repeat back the order to you over the phone. I'm sure it's nothing that happens on the frequent. I'll be updating this review as I go there more frequently.
(4)
Harris N.

This place is crazy busy. Each time I go there, there's a 30 minute wait even at 5:30pm! What's the deal? They don't serve beer. How can a sushi place not serve beer and be so busy? I think the regulars know better. They call ahead to get their name on the list. When they show up, they mark the sheet that they are there and then the are further up on the list. There were some that pre-ordered and then the food was ready soon after they sat down. The sushi here is good. I had the sushi combo. It comes with about 8 pieces of nigiri and a roll. It's unique in that it has conch in the combo. Normally, it's not in a combo since it's not the top of the list for Americans. I've had their udon and also their grilled fish (cod). Both are good. I saw the table next to me with the curry rice. I asked about it and the story is that it's on the lunch menu and not the dinner menu. They said you can ask for it though. In all, this place is better than average. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. The long wait, crazy dining room (e.g. slow and frantic service) and lack of beer prevents me from giving it a 4 or 5 star rating.
(3)
Regina A.

I thought I would have to go back to Japan to eat food this good. This restaurant is as close to it gets as eating Japanese food in Japan.
(5)
Michal F.

From the looks of the menu it looks like the place specializes in Udon more than sushi, but we got sushi anyway and it was great. As a warning though this is not the typical American sushi place, they don't do the specialty rolls you expect in American sushi but only simple traditional roles and nigri. Here are some of the highlights: Miso soup was a savory broth, without the cloud of thinly cut tofu that usually come when you're stirring miso. Everyone was a fan. I got the Gojyu-no-toh, which is a set of 5 stackable bowls filled with rice and raw fish. The raw fish is what I always really come for so I appreciated that I could eat this dish without the usual rice interference. For those that do appreciate more rice though my friends assured me it was top notch and I could see why, it comes with strips of egg, smelt and a few other flavoring that make this rice a better compliment than most.
(4)
Holly C.

I've always heard great things about this place from my sisters and cousins. There seems to almost always be a line either out the door or a decent wait for this restaurant. It seems very authentic in terms of traditional Japanese comfort food, and they also have great sushi. The prices are very fair, and the fushimi udon I had was really really good! The sushi was fresh from what I could tell even though I didn't try any of it (not a huge fan of raw fish texture), but the cooked scallop was divine! I'm not a fan of wasabi, and they put wasabi on every piece of sushi so be careful if you don't prefer it. I just wiped it off. Overall, very delicious, you have to try it! It's surprising to find a place like this in what I think is like the middle of nowhere Michigan. I would say ordering for takeout to eat at home or in the office would be a better idea since it is a smaller place.
(4)
Ujon C.

Really bad waiting. They don't get reservation yet don't have anyone at front and take care of customers. Yeah maybe they have some good food and relatively reasonable price. They said waiting is 25min, oh, really? Huh I waited for 1hour and 40 min. No value of my time for them at all. Service is awful. Can't think of any reason to be treated like this with paying my money to somebody. 100% positive, I will not go there ever again.
(1)
Anna Y.

The service here was good and so was the sushi. I'm not an udon person apparently and the crab in the udon was overwhelming. Will just get sushi next time.
(3)
Linda T.

I can eat noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they're simply my staple food. That being said, it's very difficult to make a noodle bowl stand out to me. That is... until I discovered the magic of Ajishin! My top 3 favorites are the himuro (cold udon), ajishin (hot udon), and the tetsugaku (curry udon). Life gave me a rough patch in 2013, and I actually found myself here about 1-2 times a week to lift my spirits. Sounds dramatic I know, but really, there's some magic in the bowls that they serve. I genuinely think that I'll never find a place that can serve noodles comparable to Ajishin, particularly their himuro. I would come more often if Ann Arbor wasn't so far away! But be warned... their wait can be quite ridiculously long. Oh yeah... Don't get any of the other cold noodles. (They have 3 other cold noodles other than the humiro.) They're very subpar. But because the himuro, aijishin, and tetsugaku are so outstanding, I'm not knocking off any stars.
(5)
Jennifer X.

OK. I used to hate making the pilgrimage to Ajishin and tripping over what feels like every single Asian family in metro Detroit while waiting in line for hours and hours, but whoa, takeout totally transformed my opinion of this place. No line, no tip necessary, and really cheap/fresh sushi. We usually pick the food up immediately and eat it sitting on the trunk of the car so we can people watch.
(4)
Fengwen S.

Best Japanese restaurant in Michigan! Their Udon has the best broth I've ever tasted (I tried a lot of Japanese restaurants in China that cost more than 60 bucks per person). They probably have the most fresh sushi you can have in Michigan. And MOST IMPORTANTLY, Can you image a well grilled salmon with wonderful Japanese rice and a bowl of Udon costs ONLY 15 BUCKS!!!
(5)
Melody P.

One of the things I miss most about living in Michigan!! I visited a few weeks ago and made sure to stop in here with my family. The fish is bomb, and the udon and chirashi are amazing. It usually only comes out to around $8/person. The line for dinner on weekends is usually a little crazy, so make sure you call ahead and get your name down!
(5)
Vivian K.

I was in town visiting for spring break and had a craving for ramen. Udon was going to be the closest I could get since Michigan lacked the amount of Asian restaurants to select from. To my surprise, their udon and broth were very delicious and definitely hit the spot on a cold night. Being born and raised in LA, I'm spoiled with a lot of good Asian food. Ajishin meets my standards and I would even continue to go back if they were also located in California. Their sushi was fresh and I enjoyed their tamago even though I normally dont like them from other sushi places back home. My first time there my boyfriend and I ordered the Ajishin udon and the other udon with duck meat in it (forgot the name). For sushi we had tamago, salmon, sea urchin, and a yellow tail roll. Everything was fresh and this was the best tamago I have had by far that I would not mind getting again. My boyfriend didnt like the duck udon as much though and it did seems a bit plain to me in comparison to the Ajishin. Our second trip their, I had the Maiko udon and asked for only tempura and no shrimp. He got the Hanami, which he enjoyed more this time. Got the tamago and sea urchin again too haha. The udon noodles have a nice consistent texture, not overly chewy or soft. The broth was very delicious and the tempura was just right in the amount that it was crispy. The batter wasnt overdone and I enjoyed the seaweed they added to each bowl. The place is a little small and can get very packed. You can always call in to sign in or just go in to write your name and come back later. The first time we visited, the wait was about 20-30 minutes so I left them my number, asked them to give me a call when it got closer to our seating, and went to walk around in the plazas near by like Walmart. The second time, we were seated right away. I liked that they had coat hangers on the walls so it didnt get in the way of when we were eating in the already small and slightly cramped up spaces and tables. I also enjoyed all the cat decorations they had inside.
(4)
Virginia C.

Aijshin, you did not disappoint me with all the hype. But- are you better than Noble Fish? You aren't better, just different. Must dos: -Try to get here 15 minutes early before the door opens if you don't want to wait for a table. It's not that big of a restaurant - Udon Noodle Soups. The broth is excellent and flavorful. We ordered one bowl and they were able to split it for 2. -Anything Salmon. It's the best here. -River Eel So this is the deal, they don't have a lot of variety in terms of sushi. There are no fancy rolls, but more so sashimi and your standard sushi rolls. I do love their version of a spicy mayo sauce on the side. So if u are waiting, don't forget to check out the Japanese Bakery across the way!
(4)
Chigirl O.

Best sushi I have tasted. There California's rolls are the best. I love their river eel
(5)
Nancy C.

The Ajishin udon here is wonderful! The broth is exploding with umami-ness. The price is right and the service is no nonsense. The sushi is also delicious and competitively priced as well. All are a win in my book! Parking is ample in the strip mall. The only downside is the potential wait, especially during peak hours. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever been able to get a seat without waiting here. But definitely worth it!
(5)
Lylian D.

I have been to Ajishin three times: once for dinner and twice for lunch. I stay in Ann Arbor and the 30-minute drive to Novi for quality & authentic sushi at Ajishin is well worth it! I am an avid sushi eater and everything I have ordered and eaten here has been fresh and delicious. Yes, the wait can be quite long especially if you are with a larger group, but again, it is worth it! My first time at Ajishin was for dinner. I went with the Bo and we got a table right away. We shared the Kyo-chirashi with sashimi toppings, yellowtail roll, and their much loved house Udon. The sashimi tasted wonderful and was beautifully presented. The kyo-chirashi & rice had a sweetness and great textures, which the Bo loved. If I were being picky (which I am haha), I would say that the kyo-chirashi needed a hint of acidity and the rice was a tad over-done. I find yellowtail rolls at most sushi restaurants very fishy, but the yellowtail roll with scallions was not fishy at all and had good flavor. From the mild broth to the chewy udon noodles, the Ajishin Udon was a good accompaniment to our sashimi & kyo-chirashi. The 2nd and 3rd time at Ajishin I got or tried the following items: -Same culprits: yellowtail rolls & udon. Delicious as the first time. -The lunch special: A bowl of cubed white tuna with spicy mashed tuna over rice. This was so damn good. I was sad it was such a small portion, but I had the udon too so it was okay. It was the right balance of flavors, spices, and temps (hot and cold). -Sushi Lunch Large: A selection of nigiri that included tuna, salmon, red snapper, eel, shrimp, sweet egg, and a cali roll. Everything was fresh tasting and melt-in-your-mouth. I even ate all of the cali roll! I don't like ordering at any sushi restaurants, but it came with the meal and was delicious! The only con I have is that there was too much rice on the bottom of the slice of fish. -Uni: This was my first time trying sea urchin and it was amazingly good! Great first experience and not my last! I absolutely love that they give you tea with your meal and the staff are just so polite and friendly. I can't wait to take try more items on their menu!
(5)
Christine C.

Always getting the best food here! Service may take forever, but as many others and I myself will admit is, the wait is worth it! Even if you decide the wait is too log and go some place else, you're highly not gonna receive a decent meal or one that is as tasty and fresh as AjiShin's food. Price is inexpensive and is worth it! Yes there maybe not enough room but it's still a cozy spot to eat out at. My experiences are always well with every time I come here. Honestly this is probably the best Asian food in Novi for as far as I'm concerned. Whenever you get the chance to come to novi and are looking for a spot to eat, come to AjiShin and don't be surprised with the wait.
(5)
Lin H.

First off, whenever a nice hunk of man meat is your server, you know you're gunna have a good time (hubba hubba). Second, when you take that first bite of the negi hamachi roll you ordered not even 10 minutes prior and it tastes perfectly fresh and sweet, you know it's about to be a delicious authentic meal. And then next, when you get your main course of whatever noodle soup you chose, you know you've gotten as close to Japan as possible while sitting in Michigan. So perfect, extremely tasty, and very affordable.
(5)
Adrienne L.

Being a girl that always ordered nabeyaki udon before she learned the joys of sashimi, I was fairly curious about a place that ppl kept coming to wanting sushi but finding udon. Entering the restaurant to see a big sushi poster confused me, esp when siitting at the sushi bar and seeing all the fish precut. That left me a little perturbed, being from CA and having worked in a sushi restaurant, I have never before seen that in my life. So I opted to stick to the udon. Had the ajishin udon, great fish based broth, fair portion, shrimp is not overcooked, regular boiled egg though, and to my pleasant surprise, inari skins instead of regular tofu! Great complement, sweet to the slightly fishy broth (but not overwhelmingly so). Service is not spectacular, but wasn't expecting too much. This place gets packed right round the dinner rush, so try to get in before 7 or later.
(4)
Andy S.

The Ajishin in Novi definitely needs to expand to accommodate more customers at peak dining hours. It's a damn shame to see people walk out on such great food and service because of a 30-45 minute wait to be seated. As a side note, I'd definitely recommend this sushi bar as some of the best udon and sushi in Michigan. Here's to hoping for quality that stands the test of time.
(5)
Brian N.

If you want immediate seating, arrive about 15-20 minutes before they open and queue up outside of the door. Otherwise, you'll most likely stand in close proximity to a group of people in and around the entry way. The size of this group can vary from just a few people, to rubbing elbows. I know waiting is hard for you, but use this time to: A.) Catch up socially with your friends and/or family, B.) Wait for the cat clock on the wall to chime, C.) Be a contributing member of society by holding the door for those coming and going, D.) Browse the comic books, or E.) Relax The roll selection is somewhat small. But let's be serious, I'm not there for the safety blanket of BigCityU.S.A. rolls. I'm there for the Nigiri selection, which is of a very high quality and very reasonably priced. Try all of the Udon selections. The crown jewel is the Curry Rice. These 2 dishes are a great coping mechanism for dealing with the anguish you suffer that is Fall, Winter, and early Spring. The lack of alcohol keeps you focused on enjoying the excellent food and keeps you from feeling guilty for driving home with a buzz. If you really need to get sauced up, there is a bar in the same plaza. If you need service from the waitstaff, just get their attention and ask them. They are continuously busy taking care of the steady stream of customers, so they won't be offended if you flag them down. If you want someone to hover over you and pamper your dining ego, go to a chain restaurant. Ajishin is an experience, so try to enjoy yourself.
(5)
Mike W.

This restaurant has dignity but no decor. Big hot bowls of salty full bodied noodle soup.....fresh from the sea fish arranged carefully on perfectly seasoned moist rice. These chefs deserve a better restaurant. $7 lunch special.
(5)
Layan A.

We stumbled onto this place thanks to Yelp. It was on our way back home. This is the perfect place to satisfy my Asian food cravings. Their Ajishin udon is amazing, I get it every single time. And their sushi is to DIE for! I'm obsessed. I wish they open up another restaurant closer to Detroit! I make my husband drive me the hour here at least once a month. Hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Michigan.
(5)
Annette J.

First off, big ups to every person who wrote in their review to try the curry rice. And big ups to the folks that reported that even though it's no longer on the menu to ask for it and ye shall receive. The response to this dish was so overwhelming that I ordered it (without even really knowing what it was all about) and I was thrilled with it. A dark curry sauce with veggies and some meat mixed in served with some rice and small fried shrimp. I ate to the point of discomfort. We also tried some sushi and my fella got a bowl of the tofu udon. I only took a small taste of the udon but I was really impressed. The sushi was fantastic. No fancy rolls here, just your standard fare like California and Spicy Tuna rolls but it was excellent and amazingly fresh. I also got some salmon and tuna belly nigiri and both just absolutely melted in my mouth. As a matter of fact, I'm craving some right now. Also the price was REALLY cheap for such quality. The space is small but we went at about 8:30 on a Wednesday and didn't have a wait at all. If you're cool with eating later it might be strategic to avoid those long lines I've heard about. Out waitstaff was a-ok as well. At the start they were really attentive and our food came out EXTREMELY fast but once we finished they were no where to be found and I had to flag them down to get our check. Not a big deal since I was too full to really move in a hurry any way but just a warning to maybe ask for your check when your food comes if you're in a rush. It's worth mentioning, I think, that my fella was head over heels for the wasabi here. I'm not a huge wasabi person so I can't compare but he was was all over it. Calling it some of the best wasabi he's had. I CAN say that I did try some of his soy/wasabi mixture because I had a sinus headache that even excedrine couldn't kick and it was gone by the time we left the restaurant. Coincidence or the healing power wasabi? You decide!
(4)
Zoey Z.

the attitude of the waiter is unacceptable. Worst service ever. We found a bone in the sushi the server has no apology but being arrogant. It's not the best flavor in the world!
(1)
Amy G.

I've decided this is my favorite restaurant in MI so far. If you get over the waiting period, which can be minimal i.e. ~10 min or admittedly very long depending on the number of diners in your party and the time, the authentic Japanese food for relatively cheap prices can't be beat. It's a good sign that residents speaking in Japanese and staff speaking Japanese to customers ordering via phone surround one in the restaurant. I am almost in disbelief that I can get a full meal of delicious filling udon for $7.95 = less than $10, including tax and tip. I hope the restaurant doesn't take action on this (shhhh!) but to be honest, they could raise their prices by a few dollars and the experience would still be worth it. Next time I come I will definitely get the grilled fish meal, which I've seen on lots of tables during my visits here and comes with both rice and udon--a huge amount of food! I heard the cat clock meow on the hour last time I came; the feline-themed decor is always entertaining.
(5)
Min Q.

Place was really good except a little bit too small. And have to wait for a little bit. However, it's sooooo worth it. It's really delicious and the prices are really reasonable too. Definitely recommended to a friend and will take my family too.
(5)
Zk K.

The best sushi with the fairest price possibly in the world. For lunch specials the place is a steal. I almost feel bad for not paying more. By far the best sushi in Michigan for it's price index. No doubt worth a drive. Delicious grilled fish and udon as well. This place I miss even while I go to Japan to live. One of the reasons why I love Michigan my home.
(5)
Teresa ..

Definitely come here EARLY before they open, and call ahead! There is usually a wait so don't come super hungry! If you want to avoid the wait, come early and line up at the door before the restaurant opens for dinner! Come here and order the Ajishin Udon noodles. They are amazing! One thing I wish they would do differently is put the tempura shrimp and vegetables on the side so they don't get soggy in the soup. I usually order a side of sushi with my udon and while eating sushi and talking, the tempura gets soggy pretty quickly. This place would definitely get another star if they expanded their sushi menu. For the simple rolls they do, it's good, but I would love to see more special rolls! My favorite of all the sushi rolls is the spicy tuna roll. The tuna is mixed with spicy mayo and tobiko, but it adds a great flavor to the spicy tuna!
(4)
Anita C.

Ajishin udon was amazing!!! The broth was very impressive. My fiancÃ© ordered the curry broth but I didn't like it as much as their specialty. He likes very flavorful dishes. The ajishin is also flavorful but not as heavy. It's a clear flavorful broth and you can eat the whole bowl without feeling like you want to drink from a hose. It's a natural great taste. We also ordered the sushi but honestly, I would just stick to their udon. They definitely know how to do it right. I've eaten the best sushi in California and NYC and it's no where near that quality. But they're known for udon and I'm only rating them on the udon. They got it down!
(5)
Becca B.

I went there yesterday evening for dinner with my boyfriend and our friend. Two words: INCREDIBLE UDON. I couldn't believe how fresh and flavorful my fushimi udon meal was. Everyone was more than satisfied with what they ordered. The sushi was very good as well! We ordered the sea eel and cucumber sushi. So tasty, fresh, and clean!
(5)
Yixuan C.

It was a really bad experience dining there. The tempura tasted like cold fried flour, and there was fish bones in one salmon sushi.
(1)
Jiarui H.

really disappointed!!! We derived one hourly to this restaurant and I understand there's only lunch at this time. But the waiter's attitude was like we owe him money! And then I found a fish bone in our salmon sushi, we told this to our waiter, and he said nothing but "so....?" So!!!?so what???! We said we want to cut this out of our bill.and he said "we do not do things like this" and the tempera here is really disgusting! It's fried things but it is cold as if it is just come out of a refrigerator!!!! Finally, we got the tempera out of our bill, and one salmon role replaced, I we got the apologize from the chief in the sushi bar. Which I'm really impressed. I think I will never visit this store again, and definitely will not recommend it to any of my friend!!
(1)
Kem K.

A lot of people recommended this place to me. On Saturday at lunch time, the place will be packed and there is wait for a seat. Overall, the food is worth the wait. Give this place a try
(4)
Madeline C.

My fiancÃ© and I were so excited to finally try Ashijan, we have read so many great reviews and love sushi. While I do not know what a "dine-in" experience is like, we picked up our take out order and it looked absolutely awful and certainly didn't taste much better. We have sushi regularly, and have tried many places in the Novi/Northville area, I have to say this is worst sushi I have ever had. Needless to say we just ordered a pizza.
(1)
Rachael N.

Favorite place to go to for undo and Japanese curry when I lived in Ann Arbor. Sure, it's 30 mins from the deuce, but so worth it! Be prepared though- the place is small, so get ready to wait! The portion are big (definitely bang for your buck), so I usually order 1/2 portion of Japanese curry and 1/2 portion of ajishin udon. They don't advertise this size on their menu-you just got to ask! The curry is so heartwarming and they serve just great udon. The broth is sooooo great too!!! It's worth the drive-my fave place to go for udon and Japanese curry in Michigan!
(5)
Ashley L.

Aji shin special is amazing. The grilled fish here is always on point. There is always a line/wait but I promise it is totally with it. Tip: there is a sign in book next to the phone to the right of the door when you walk in make sure to put your name and how many in it.
(5)
Maxwell H.

Food is a 5. The wait is a 1. Getting my name wrong and having them give away my seat every time is a showstopper. But it is worth it for the food. Always.
(5)
John L.

Had the yellowtail, tuna, salmon, and white fish sashimi here. DELICIOUS!. Also had the sea eel, spicy tuna, and soft shell crab rolls. Loved it. Also ordered the Ajishin Chirashi and Udon combination. All the ingredients and portions were perfect and I was quite satisfied when I left. Great service as well. Will definitely come back many more times. This is a place that often is PACKED with lines out the door. SO make sure you come early in the day because sometimes they may run out of various items on the menu throughout the day (i.e. fried white fish). So come early, and ENJOY! :)
(5)
Zeid S.

I never thought a clear soup could have such an explosion of flavors. The udon here are amazing. If there were 7 stars to rate this place I would have given it 7. Authentic dining experience, high grade ingredients and the flavors are just amazing. We actually crave their udon and are willing to drive 40 minutes to get here. Make sure you reserve ahead of time otherwise the wait could be over an hour!
(5)
Krystal R.

Freshy fresh tasty sushi and delish udon. Service is not their forte but if you go into it knowing that, as we did (thanks Yelpers!) then you can be prepared for that. We went on a Wednesday at 7:30-called ahead and still waited. However, I am pretty comfortable saying they have the best california roll I've ever had, and melt in your mouth nigiri. If you're a specialty roll, fried and cream cheesy kinda person sushi-wise, this is not the place for that.
(4)
Mimi H.

Our lunch is ruined by that rude arrogant Korean waitress , AGAIN !!! Since we live nearby, we go to this restaurant quite a lot . I have noticed this poker face Asian waitress the way she serves her customer. She NEVER NEVER smile, she NEVER NEVER greet her customer and she NEVER NEVER say a word to you. No English? At least you can greet your customer with smile ,right ? Noop ! When she came to your table,she just stared at you ,standing there like a motionless ghost with her stone face without saying a word . No " Hi " or " Hello ". After you place your order, she never repeated it, she just rolled her eyes and walked away without saying anything still ! Unbelievable ! When you finished eating and gave her credit card ,she still looked at you with her stone face .When she came back with your credit card, she still didn't say a word,needless to say Thank you ! Excuse me, what's wrong with you? If you don't like your job then quit! We were praying not to see or even worse, served by this rude and arrogant waitress every time when we went there. But chances are, it's hard not to see her because there's only three servers at lunch hour. There are two other waitresses, one Japanese lady and one young African American girl. Both of them are very nice and courteous . Ajishin, I have to give you only one star this time. How could you allow this kind of bad manner waitress keep working in your restaurant ? Store manger, is she your family member or relative ? Shame on you....
(1)
Edward M.

All the rave reviews as well as a couple tips from my Michigander friends got me to come here eventually. It's a small, simple restaurant with a quaint exterior as well as interior. However, don't let the dullness of the exterior deceive you; the quality of the food inside seriously makes up for it all. Ajishin is known for its udon, which I promptly ordered as well as a plate of sashimi, which I always order at a Japanese restaurant. The udon had a perfect texture, firm and not at all soggy; the ultimate mark of freshness. It wasn't too salty at all. It was a great balance of flavor and texture, with no nonsense, it tasted clean and best of all, authentic. I've been to my share of noodle bars and Asian restaurants, and never have I ever had such a high quality bowl of udon. Coming from New York, I have had great noodles, and this is one of the best! Now with sashimi, I never expect much quality at a small, relatively cheaply priced restaurant, but the quality of the sashimi was absolutely top notch. The quality matched a NYC sashimi restaurant's, salmon and even the yellowtail melting in your mouth. The tuna had a clean taste and had a perfect texture. What was a shame though was that the wasabi was the type that came from a tube. I really wish they had the pure ground up wasabi to complement the fish. Overall, a great place to eat. It's small, so I would expect many people to come during "hot" meal hours. Get a seat here while you can, one of the best Japanese places I have ever been to! By far the best in Michigan!
(5)
Erin B.

Sushi has got to be one of my favorite foods on the planet. So naturally, when I saw a 4.5/5 star review for a sushi restaurant close to my family, I called up my sushi-loving father & we headed out for what we hoped was an overindulgent sushi binge. What we got instead was an overcrowded restaurant, hot tea served in plastic diner cups, and a noodle menu. We managed to acquire an incredibly limited sushi menu - think California rolls & spicy tuna - but the sushi was definitely not fresh. While the price was very good ($60 for 4 rolls & a ton of nigiri), the sushi quality was only a step or two above "grocery store." Also, keep in mind that Ajishin does not have a liquor license, so don't expect sake with your dinner. You may be able to get decent udon there, but a sushi restaurant it is not.
(2)
Violetta V.

Excellent place for hot soup! Very small sushi selection but very fresh and very tasty.
(5)
Rebecca L.

Ajishin has the best udon around. I have a friend who's MSG sensitive, and she comes out feeling fine, so while I don't think they're completely MSG-free, Ajishin is still much better than some other restaurants. Nothing beats Ajishin's $7 lunch special where you get a full bowl of udon and usually some chirashi or roll of some sort. In the Novi area though, if you're looking for sushi, go to One World Market. If you're looking for udon, come here.
(5)
Tara L.

Waking this place up from my last disastrous 1-star review. I recently had to come here numerous times for work-related purposes, and have to say that they have definitely improved in service and efficiency, consequently, making the food just that much more tasty. If service matters to you, do not bother coming here during dinner hour. Not only will you be fighting the crowds, but some of the women staff are not very pleasant. Not all, just a few. The men who run the show during lunch hour are much more cordial, and quicker on their feet. You will be able to get in and out of there within 45 minutes, and that includes the wait time, if there is much of one. They have taken much better measures in improving the turnaround of tables. Even if you show up around 12pm at lunch on a Saturday or Sunday, you won't find yourself waiting more than 30 minutes. MUCH better than before, when you had to wait at least 1 hour. It was pretty ridiculous! Dinner though, still has some issues, but it's safe to say that if you come around 8:30pm until closing, you will not have to wait long, or even at all. Anytime between 6:30pm-8:00pm, you will be looking at a 1 hour wait time. Food wise, I actually think the Grilled Fish special is a great option for the price. You can choose between 2 fish (normally a mackerel, and a salmon) and you get bowl of plain udon noodles in their signature fish and kelp stock. Just an FYI, but this is only available for dinner. If you're a fan of onigiri, come for lunch, as it is not available for dinner. They do have daily lunch specials, so make sure you ask your server what it is. They range from a chirashi all the way up to special curry udon.
(3)
Jon B.

I felt like I was eating in Some Japanese province, taste and ambience wise. ã‚ã‚ŠãŒã¨ãŠã”ã–ã„ã¾ã™ï¼ãŠãŠã—ã„ï¼
(5)
Chaitu B.

Love Ajishin at Ajishin... Sushi is tasty and fresh too..
(5)
Noah T.

As everyone else said, the udon is fantastic. The sushi is also very good, both the rice on the nigiri and the general lightness of the rolls were perfect. The reason I docked 2 stars is because going out to eat is more than the taste of the food, or the value. Neither server who I interacted with smiled or gave much eye contact. The chefs also didn't smile, even when customers came in or left. I left like it was fast food, with everyone doing their job, but no experience-management. Except many fast food restaurants actually train the employees to smile, greet customers, and give eye contact. To cap it off, as I left, no one greeted me or thanked me. It was just a quiet exit, though my server watched me leave (as she picked up the signed receipt). I won't be coming back. I shouldn't have to choose between taste and service.
(2)
Alex L.

Udon is always delicious. Get the grilled fish combo. Never disappoints. Sushi is great. I always stuff myself silly here. Great service here too. Look out for asian Joseph Gordon Levitt. He's a great server too. I took a vegetarian friend here and we discovered there wasn't really much for him to order. I would warn more people of that but being vegetarian is not natural.
(5)
Grace L.

Came here because I had a craving for sushi and udon. It was about 1:30 and the restaurant was still pretty full! I ordered the 7$ lunch special which was a huge bowl of udon and a large tuna and salmon roll. I also ordered the large sushi plate (12$) which came with 1 piece of each: salmon, tuna, white fish, egg, shrimp, and eel on top of rice, a california roll, and a small bowl of the broth they use for their udon. The udon was delicious! I love how the noodles have the right chew, the broth is both salty and sweet, and I really like the tempura flakes. The salmon and tuna roll was very large - definitely a great addition and it makes the lunch special a great deal. The sashimi pieces were very generously portioned - about 3/4 inches thick and rather large. It was all very fresh. This was the first time I've had the egg roll which is a meticulously prepared dish with layers on layers of egg. It was really good (and must've been amazing because the table next to us ordered 4 pieces to eat in the restaurant and 4 pieces to carry out). The wait staff know what they are doing and they are quick with service. As with most Asian establishments, I wouldn't expect to have super amicable waitstaff - it's just not how it works. Really glad I came today!
(5)
Ernesto V.

I love Ajishin!! Fish is suuuuper fresh and it's where all the Japanese locals go! I usually order the lunch special which includes a Kyomizu noodle soup (delightful, refreshing, and very filling), and a specialty roll of sorts or a chirashi. it makes my day when the special includes a tuna chirashi, but all their other choices for specialty rolls like salmon skin or spicy tuna are excellent. I always get 2 tuna and 2 mackerel nigiri, and it fills me up quite nicely. This place is all about flavor, and I perceive their ingredients are top notch. I've had good feedback from people eating the curry rice and other dishes as well. The only drawback is that the place is so popular and not very big, that if you show up around lunch you might not find a place to sit. Either you show up early before they open to stand in line, or you should plan on having a late lunch once the initial crowd has passed through. Their dinner menu changes up and gets even better and more elaborate, but pricier too. I go to Ajishin every time i'm in the area. =) Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Jaycob A.

This place rocks. But call ahead and put your name on the list and make sure when you walk in you check in with one of the servers. The Udon here is the best. Great place for lunch or dinner. The sushi is fresh and not too expensive at all. The curry rice is super yummy as well. I won't lie, the service is not great but they will constantly fill your tea for you and you don't have to wait long for your food to arrive. But like I said, call ahead because the place is small so there's always a line of people waiting to go in. If you want an awesome bowl of noodles and some great sushi this is the place to definitely go. There's no alcohol and the menu is simple so you won't find teriyaki bowls and miso soup and things you find else where but you will not be disappointed here.
(5)
Erich Z.

I've tried both the Udon and the Sushi. The Udon bowl I got was great - a large portion, perfectly cooked noodles, and a great flavor balance - just needed a little shichimi togarashi to kick it up a bit. The broth was perfect, and my bowl had the added poached egg, which always makes it even better. My wife's bowl had the tofu, which was delicious. I think it's almost too inexpensive for what you get. We also ordered some Nigiri and a salmon skin roll. The salmon skin maki was served inside-out, with some pickled turnip inside. Very tasty. The tuna nigiri was alright, but one piece had way too much wasabi. The Mackerel nigiri was absolutely perfect. Finally, we had the tamago, which was not the best I've had, but was very good and made in-house. If you're a fan of the large complicated Maki rolls that have ten ingredients and sauce ladled over the top, you won't find those here. But they do have a good number of simple delicious rolls, and lots of Sushi you won't find at many places - think sea urchin, conch, clam, raw shrimp, etc. The prices are pretty good too. The only things that weren't so hot - the service wasn't great. We were also seated in a tiny table near the door, and the cold outside air kept giving us chills. The place is small, so if people are waiting in the entrance for a table they crowd a few tables, which is an annoyance. The food was easily good enough to overlook those faults though!
(4)
Acelyn B.

I was so disappointed coming to eat here for dinner. I wanted sushi, but apparently this place is better for their udon bowls. They don't even have any special rolls, so there's nothing even great about the sushi. I felt like I wasn't given friendly service. Maybe it's a language barrier, but even then, their gestures seemed to rush me out. It's definitely an authentic Japanese restaurant, though, serving you hot tea instead of water. I just wish that I wasn't misled by the reviews that commented on their sushi.
(1)
Anthony E.

If only this place were closer... and if it were, I'm not sure I'd want to tell anyone about it. Be prepared for a wait! The combination of expertly prepared, and well executed food at a reasonable price doesn't exist much these days. We're just looking for an excuse to head to Novi again...
(5)
JW Y.

This place was not worth the wait. The duck udon tasted like sea water, was too salty and the duck was extremely dry. They got my order wrong, and instead of fixing it, tried to convince me to just take it because their kitchen was no longer operating. I won't be coming back here again.
(1)
Rose M.

My dad used to take me here when I was little and I always thought it was the most magical place in the world, I felt like I was really transported to Japan. The food is amazingly good, both the sushi and the udon. The staff is pleasant and prompt, but you may have to wait because it's always full the max capacity. I've been to Ajishin recently and it's still as good as I remember. It's really a special treat, and I would recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Michael D.

Stopped in for carryout sushi, small place but nice staff. I ordered spicy cal rolls and soft shell crab rolls. Both were terrific, great prices and good quality food
(5)
Olivia P.

My absolute favorite jap restaurant in the region. The fish is always extremely fresh and prices are so worth it! Here at Ajishin, you are sure to get the bang for your buck. Dishes I recommend: 1) Chirashi (big bowl): my choice of Chirashi is usually the salmon/salmon roe combo. Lots of fish and roe and it is never fishy tasting. Thinking of ordering some salmon sushi or sashimi? Consider getting this instead! 2) Grilled fish and udon combination: the cod is done extremely well (you've a choice of salmon or cod). For the udon, u can always upgrade the udon by paying the difference. Ajishin's udon broth is really light and you don't feel heavy after having a whole bowl of it. Perfect for a cold wintry night. Tip: if you don't want the udon, you can just get the fish for about half the price or so. 3) Tamago (Egg sushi): Just get it and you'll understand why I get it every single time I go there. I've been to Ajishin quite a number of times and will definitely keep coming back. Also, call before coming to put your name down on the wait list because there can be a wait.
(5)
Alan W.

Best udon in Michigan! One of my go-to places every time I visit home. Always busy, always a wait, and always worth the trip.
(5)
Nicole T.

I have been coming here for over 10 years, since I was in elementary school. The quality of the food has stayed the same! The udon noodles taste exactly the same as they did 10 years ago, delicious and still affordable. The rolls here are delicious and very fresh. This place always has a long line though during lunch and dinner because it is so affordable but fresh. My family always gets the special, which comes with chirashi and udon noodles. My favorite thing here would be the curry rice or the spicy tuna roll and california roll. I always come here, and it is my dad's favorite restaurant EVER. Literally we used to come here every week for a while. Food is great and worth the wait, and people do wait long periods of time to eat here. The food is pretty plain and simple overall, but tasty.
(4)
Van N.

They have the best udon .
(4)
Sandra P.

The best sushi ever. The fish is thick and the rice is great quality. It's not mushy or soggy. The chef really puts his effort into putting the best sushi forward. The wait can be long but don't let this hinder you from going.
(5)
Elizabeth T.

Fresh and incredible! Service was great.
(5)
Peter H.

Good sushi, great price. They start you with complimentary green tea. Alternative is water or soda (no free refills). Basic rolls , would have liked to have seen more gourmet options - ingredients, sauces, etc. You do have the option to add one kind of roe and one spicy sauce on a roll for a little extra. Fish was good, but they go a little heavy on the rice on the rolls. Great decor. Would recommend if you want to eat good sushi on a budget.
(3)
Jemmie W.

This is the best sushi in Michigan and one of the best I have ever had - anywhere. The udon is amazing, the sushi is fresh, and all the portions are very generous. Look at the very few low reviews - they are almost all "long wait" and "poor service" related. The long waits exist for a reason - the food is amazing, especially for the price. The service is not awesome, but they don't care - they make it up with great food. If any restaurant is a five star this one is it.
(5)
J. D.

Really fresh food and prompt service. Awesome udon noodles and really healthy options!
(5)
Henry T.

Thumbs up to those who gave everyone notice on the curry rice. It was delicious, and I would highly recommend it. You can ask them to split the curry rice to two portions if you want to split with another member of your party. It costs about $6, if I remember correctly. With that said...I think the curry rice has more to rave about than the sushi, sadly. I got the rolls with sea eel (cooked in water) and river eel (barbecued). Both were meh. Nothing too great, but it wasn't the worst sushi I've had. I was a little disappointed with the ratio of rice:fish per roll, though. I usually grade sushi establishments based on this. The greater the ratio, the lower their ratings, usually. I want fish in my sushi and I want to be able to taste the fish without the rice overwhelming everything. Personally, I would consider coming back only if I were in the area. But I wouldn't make the drive out from Ann Arbor to Novi just for Ajishin.
(3)
Jeff P.

Favorite jap restaurant in Michigan. Fresh food, reasonably priced and quick service. It doesn't get any better than this. Try the Udon or the sashimi lunch special. If you are not into that then their curry rice is delicious as well. QUICK TIP: You can order half of two dishes you'd like to try if you want. Just pick two items on the menu you like and ask them if they can get you half of each. I always get half of the Udon and half curry rice.. :)
(5)
Fai F.

The dinner menu is slightly different than lunch. My friend and I ordered a noodle whose name I forgot (Misoyooge? - came with pork belly and mountain vegetables) and a Gyo-Chirashi (sp?) that comes as tower of 5 smaller chirashi (eel, tuna, shrimp, salmon, sea urchin). I went this past Friday and on top of these dinner discoveries, we got big fat smiles from TWO servers! BONUS!
(5)
Jes P.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Ajishin is a clean, well equipped sushi bar and lots of very cute Japanese decorations. Hello Kitty, Japanese finger puppets and framed water colored paintings line the walls. The decore is sure to make you smile. Ajishin is usually quite busy because it is popular and has a loyal set of customers. The food is absolutely the best around and the feeling of authenticity is somehow validifyed when you see Japanese families enjoying their meals and leaving the premises satisfied. Once you see the beautiful presentation of the food and taste the quality and freshness of it, you'll exit the same way. Everything I have tried, I have liked but here are 2 of my favorites: 1.) Kiyomitooge Soup This will warm you up and leave you feeling healthy on the coldest of Michigan's winter days. The soup itself is gorgeous, with a floating pooched egg, nutritious mountain herbs and tender pork bits, just to name a few. The yoke of the egg can be eaten whole (yum!) or swirled around and mixed in with the broth, providing a more creamy base. The noodles bring everything together quite nicely and one bowl can fill you up. It should be noted that many of their soups are vegetarian and vegan for those who prefer that route. 2.) Kyo-Kirashi We went with the assorted version of this dish which gives you a small taste of all the wonders of the sea including everything from salmon roe to sea urchin. The food is brought out in small bowls which are stacked on one another like Legos. I like this because each bowl is a bit of a surprise. Sushi rice lines the bottom of the bowl with a finely chopped omelette on top followed by a piece of "sashimi" (fresh raw fish). It is not only mouth watering delicious but the layout of the food is part of its novelty. The sushi holds the same high standards in taste and quality. Some of the staff are great while others give you the cold shoulder. If customer service is up on your list, this may not be the place for you. Also, I noticed that the restaurant is listed as "wheelchair accessible" and I would have to disagree with that. The place is very small with tables and chairs nearly touching each other. The layout is angular and not conducive to a wheelchair. I imagine any person with movement impairment would have diifculty navigatinging inside. Also, there is not a proper waiting area. Expect to stand while trying not to "get in the way" while waiting for a table. Although the space is small and the staff are a funny mix, you will not be disappointed in the least with the items on the menu. Enjoy!
(4)
Brandon H.

Ajishin is well known for quality food with good price. There are no reservation available, but you may call in 10-20min prior to place your name on the list. By doing so, you'll be able to find table faster. Their menu choice's are all excellent.. There are lunch and dinner menu. For lunch I usually get udon split in half to share with my girl, sushi lunch and one roll. For dinner, river eel kyo-chirashi and Udon is my favorite choice. This place is always packed, so be sure to call and have your name on the list! If you dare, try to visit them without it and you may have to wait 40 to 50+ to get a seat. Good luck! :) Favorite Udon-'Tetsugaku' (curry udon), Ajishin udon Dinner- Rover Eel Kyochirashi&Udon
(5)
Angela U.

I have to say that the food was good but it was a really long wait time for Togo order and the waitstaff was rude when you try to ask what the status was on the order. They give you a weird look and seemed like it was a big incidence for you asking. Working in the restaurant business this is a big no-no. When a customer orders food the time you give them before they come should be the same time the food is done not 30 min later. The food is what everyone raves about on yelp. We ordered a couple sushi rolls, the salmon and roe bowl, and duck udon. The sushi I thought was fantastic. I've been to many sushi places and you can always tell the quality and freshness in the salmon. I was not disappointed at all with the salmon here! They give a good amount of salmon in the bowl. Most places will give about 4 pieces but here they double the amount for almost the same price. The sushi rice was also really good here it was the perfect balance of vinegar and sugar. Not to sweet and not too tarty. What I didn't expect I would like is actually the udon. Im more of ramen lover and usually never liked udon but here I really liked. The broth had great flavor and depth and the noodles was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was the taste of the duck. It had a pretty bad gamey taste. Duck was flavorless and left a weird taste in your mouth. Duck is usually my favorite but next time I will choose something else. Overall this place is good but should not be given a almost perfect score.... There are a lot of other places in the area that are just as equivalent.
(3)
Rick G.

Great food. Get there early as there is always a wait during the week. Closed Tuesdays.
(5)
Patrick T.

REALLY great udon dinner combos. Would recommend the udon + sashimi or whatever it is. Cheap lunch with high quality food. Sushi is simple and good. Super busy, so be prepared for a wait. When you're done with lunch, hop over to the nearby Japanese bakery located in the same complex!
(5)
Shirley H.

They definitely have by far the best California Roll in Michigan. I could eat that all day and night if it wasn't so fatty! I've only been there once and had a pretty good first time experience. My friend and I got to the restaurant 15 minutes before they opened for lunch and was shocked to see a line already forming! I mean its not very common to see anyone waiting in line for food in Michigan. So I was definitely uber excited to try this place out. When my friend and I got seated, we were brought tea and onigiri (rice ball). I ordered the curry udon and was so happy with my choice. The broth is thicker, but I absolutely love curry, so I didn't mind. It also came with pork, which was tender and definitely not enough of it, but all in all, it was amazing. The restaurant is tiny but definitely worth the wait. The price of the udon is also very reasonable. I'll definitely be coming back here soon!
(4)
Becky Z.

I have heard a lot about this place for a long time. Finally I paid a visit during the trip in Detroit. On a Sunday Morning, around 11:15am, there was a line in front of this small pace!!! yes!!! this is how popular this place is. Our order: 1. Udon noold - super udon texture. the soup was very delicious. 2. Sushi lunch combo - average. 3. eel rice -- yummy!!! Some vinegar has been put into the rice. It was really great. Next time, I will go for dinner, since I will have more choices on the menu.
(4)
Phil G.

Been here dozens of times over the years ! The BEST authentic Japanese restaurant in Southeast Michigan, bar none ! Go early though else line gets really long. Bravo!
(5)
Jason H.

This place is what my friends claim is the best Japanese food in the area. I have no basis to agree, but it certainly was pretty delicious. In the heart of winter, I was very much in a 'warm the cockles' mood, so the large bowls of udon I saw at fellow tables called out to me. I didn't want something complicated or deep fried, so the Ohhara Udon seemed like the best bet - the house broth - fish, seaweed, scallions, imitation crab - with mountain plants. They never go in depth on what those mountain plants are - root vegetables obviously - definitely some daikon. The broth was both flavorful and mild. The noodles were chewy and just slightly al dente. All served scaldingly hot. It hit the spot perfectly. My friends, who somehow were in a sashimi mood, went for the Kyo-Chirashi, a large bowl of rice with lots of stuff on top - going with the sea eel as their main course - and a side plate of sashimi. They appeared to enjoy it immensely. The servings were certainly generous. They served a basic black tea and we (unfortunately) didn't ask if they had other varieties. The tea was on the weak side, and when eating Japanese, I prefer a toasty genmaicha. The place was super busy when we got there, but fortunately for me, my friends had called ahead. I highly recommend doing that as we got bumped to the front of the line when we arrived, to the chagrin of all the standby patrons. (It's not reservations so much as a Fastpass) Space is tight. Staff is generally friendly, although they seemed overworked as it took forever to get our check. When in a Japanese mood and in the area, I'd certainly come back.
(4)
Peter C.

This place is always going to be my favorite Japanese restaurant! The food here never disappoints me. Although I order the same every time (which is the Ajishin udon and their spicy California roll with other pieces of nigiri sushi), it was always, always delicious. I always leave Ajishin very much satisfied. It's always best to go when they just open for dinner at 5:30 because they get full QUICK! You can also call ahead to put your name on their list if you decide to go later. It saved you some time waiting to be seated. And I actually saw a line at the door to get in. So you know this place is good if you see that.
(5)
I D.

I will eat anything and everything in here! This place is awesome & very authentic. Some days there is a wait because it is a small place but, it is definitely well worth it! :) I am slowly trying it all...
(5)
Rebecca B.

Trying in earnest to find the best sushi place in the Novi area, I tried Ajishin. I always get the same thing - avocado rolls, miso soup and sometimes ginger salad (didn't get the salad at Ajishin). The tea as a beverage was assumed which was fine by me. It was super busy so I sat at the sushi bar which is always entertaining. I didn't find that the service was overly friendly, however I am in search of good sushi not pleasantries. Good food, not my favorite of the three good ones in Novi, but definitely worth a stop. I prefer One World Market and Happy, personally.
(4)
Jannet P.

Being born and raised in an asian household, I have had my fair share of noodles and sushi all over the world. But Ajishin by far is the best! My family and I have been coming to Ajishin for years! And since Ajishin tops as my favorite asian restaurant in Michigan, it will be my first review as a new yelper! :) They are best known for their udon. The broth is so clear you can see right through it; however, don't let that fool you. The broth is so full with flavor and the consistency is impeccable! After all these years you would think that sometimes they will have a bad day in the kitchen and the broth will turn out too bland or too salty, but I have yet to encounter a day they go wrong with the broth.They have a variety of different udon dishes all served with the same broth but depending on what other toppings or ingredients you would like to have in your udon, the udon menu has a variety of different combination selections - from your normal plain udon to the Ajishin (what I like to call the udon supreme). They also have a phenomenal curry udon dish which definitely cures your craving for a hearty, meaty dish. Sushi! ah...sushi...the sushi here truly just glistens...GLISTENS! Almost too pretty to eat? I always get my salmon, yellow tail, belly tuna and at least one egg :) They are very generous with their sushi - the fish to rice ratio is perfect (perfect fish:rice ratio - rice is just barely visible to the eye :D) Lunch: Everyday Ajishin has what they call "Today's Special". This usually consists of their bowl of plain udon + sushi roll or sushi rice bowl all at an amazing price of $7.00! Dinner: They have two additional dishes added to their dinner menu 1) Grilled fish dish (usually cod, mackeral, salmon, fish of the day with a side of rice). 2) Himuro (udon salad) The Himuro is an absolute winner! If you like a nice refreshing cold udon salad with light mayo oriental dressing, this is for you. A bit pricier, but portions are generous :) ***NOTE*** With amazing food, there is always a crowd. Make sure you call 10-15 minutes before and have them write your name down. They do not take reservations, first come-first serve.
(5)
Megan K.

This place is great! When it comes to Japanese food, udon soup is not my favorite. But at the insisting of a friend, we went here this morning. I ate every last drop in that bowl. The broth was perfect and not too salty which is sometimes the case with udon soups. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the tempura onions and shrimp were delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. I can see why people wait in a line for it to open in the morning. It is that good.
(5)
Friend of D.

What a gem! An authentic japanese restaurant in a strip mall in an otherwise unremarkable area as far as restaurant scene is concerned. Udon soup or sushi...both are fantastic. Great flavor, generous portions and very fresh. We'll be dining frequently. Highly recommend.
(5)
Sean M.

Great casual Japanese dining. Great udon and soba options. For a change - ask for the Curry Rice it's awesome and a great deal.
(5)
Ying T.

I have been coming to Ajishin since 2003. The taste never change! I never care to know what the lunch special is on that day, because all so yummy! For dinner, I really like the grilled fish + a bowl of udon + rice = $12! Their Sushi is wonderful as well! They always have a long line, my trick is to call ahead and ask to put my name on the list so when you arrive and you can be seated sooner. GOOD LUCK!
(5)
Chelsea H.

MMMMMMMMMMnoodles! Noodle dishes both hot and cold will not disappoint. The broth is simple and rich and delicious, as all good broth should be. Noodles are served up in huge bowls with plenty of veggies and other toppings. Prices are extremely reasonable. You will leave very full and happy. Maybe save some of your food and take it to go so you have enough room in your tummy for a read bean croissant from Pastry House Hippo on the other end of the strip mall.
(5)
Ana Z.

Pleasantly surprised by this little restaurant. The udon was one of the best I've ever had, and the prices were very generous. They have a good selection of udon, as well as udon and sushi combos, which I look forward to trying next time I visit. Service was attentive and quick, and I like the complimentary green tea! This is a reasonably popular place for its small size, so there may be a wait during lunch hour. But take it from me, the wait is worth it.
(5)
Per S.

Five stars for this Japanese restaurant because the food is authentic and delicious! The sushi is very fresh and made with care. Definitely try the udon- there are quite a few varieties to choose from. The Chirashi (bowl of rice with fresh fish on top) is worth a try. Our meal was served with hot green tea. Yes, there will most likely be a wait when you get to the restaurant. Just be patient- the food is worth the wait. There is not a lot of room for waiting so either stand outside or near the doorway. The place is not as small as some of these reviewers make it out to be. I used to live in Japan for quite some time so my idea of small restaurants may be skewed. Ajishin has seating around the sushi bar, some booths and tables- more than enough space. I think some people just get too picky. If only they actually went to Asia and saw what some of the restaurants are sized like. ;) Give this place a try- for Michigan, this is some awesome Japanese food!
(5)
Jenn L.

This place is the bomb diggity. No, I'm serious, despite my ridiculous word choice. I grew up in Novi and my family would eat at Ajishin as much as possible whenever we wanted Japanese food--actually, I'm pretty sure we exclusively ate at Ajishin whenever we wanted Japanese food. Their ridiculously long lines during peak meal times (AKA eat a early or late lunch--best is aroud 11:15 ish), their sign-in list, and the tiny little table by their fish tank have since been etched forever into my memory, and although I moved from Michigan 6+ years ago, I have yet to find a Japanese restaurant that is on par with Ajishin, when looking at quality of food, taste, and value. To be completely honest, I rarely ever eat Japanese food nowadays, because I'm pretty sure Ajishin is on a level of its own. The best deal ever is their lunch special that comes with a special entree that changes daily and comes with udon (THE BEST UDON EVER, imho)--it used to be $7 back when I lived in Michigan, but I suspect the price has gone up since then. Ugh, I just got super nostalgic for this place all over again. COME TO THE WEST COAST, AJISHIN! :(
(5)
Annie M.

THE. BEST. SUSHI. YOU WILL FIND EVEN CLOSE AROUND HERE. it is authentic and amazing. i don't care that they hardly speak english because that proves how fresh and amazing it really is! they do have weird hours though, I've showed up at lunch time a few times and it was closed. but i don't even care because it's delicious.
(5)
Jessica T.

First and second visit was good. We ordered the famous udon and shared tuna and salmon rolls. Udon was flavorful and noodles was cooked very well. Sushi was also very fresh. The last visit was just so so. Big eel bowl only had 8 pieces of eel , half of bowl of sushi rice and it's $15. Quite expensive!! Sushi was not fresh lat night and sushi rice was way too sour. However , this 2 star goes to the girl who served us. As many of your know, the restaurant is always busy and always a line outside the restaurant. But she always has a smile on her face and didn't rush us out during our dinner. We would've gone to fuji buffet at madison heights for the price we paid.
(2)
J C.

it took us a while to get a table here, but it was worth it. I got sushi and it was yummy and perfect. i prefer sushi that is simple and authentic (no cream cheese, thank you) so if you're also into restaurants that serve simple and delicious sushi, come here. my husband, who had a headache at the time, got the ajishin udon and that was also yummy. he also claims the udon magically made his headache go away. i think he actually called it magical udon. verdict: yummy (and cures headaches!)
(5)
Ashley V.

Selection of sushi wasn't great, but they had a nice variation of udon bowls. My husband loved his, and mine was tasty as well. Service was terrible. The surrounding tables who spoke the native language got better service than we did. You are served a tea drink when you arrive; if you want water, you must ask for it and you will get a "pssh, GAIJIN" look while they go get it for you. As delicious as the udon bowls are, we are going elsewhere for our Asian food fix. We have both worked in the food-service industry for years, and receiving bad service more than once is the moment we start looking elsewhere.
(3)
James A.

Customer service required in order to taste the food. Bustling and full, I stood there for 10 minutes before anyone you'd me signing in was required (waiting list).
(1)
Brian W.

This is one of the best Japanese places around. Get there early or you will wait. Quality, delicious, reasonably priced food. Their soups are excellent. My favorite is the house special soup called "Ajishin". It has udon noodles, tempura shrimp, seaweed, simulated crab, and other items that make this soup top notch. A hugh bowl only cost $7. We have also had their grilled fish with Udon soup combo. Big piece of fish with soup only $12. Their sushi is top notch.
(5)
Lee H.

Excellent food & price. Have enjoyed this fabulous restaurant for the past 20+ years!
(5)
Jenny L.

My first-ever yelp review goes to Ajishin -- a place near and dear to my heart....er...stomach. Not an extensive menu - but everything on it is excellent. The sushi/sashimi is super fresh, and the udon......well lets just say I can't order udon anywhere else! Their lunch special is a total STEAL - for $7 you get a bowl of basic udon AND a huge sushi roll or chirashi bowl. Also, the grilled cod they have on the dinner menu is straight up melt-in-your-mouth butter. but better. Closed on Tuesdays, and there is usually a long wait - try to get here right when they open so you can get seated immediately.
(5)
Vickie R.

I've been coming to Ajishin for about 10 years now, and I still love it. Before I started working 10 minutes away from it about a year and a half ago, it wasn't unusual for me to drive 40 minutes from home just to satisfy a craving. This is one of those places that has a very small menu, but what they do, they do very well. The restaurant is always busy (call in a reservation when possible), and for the most part, it is filled with people that speak Japanese. That is a great indication on the authenticity of the food served. At a lofty $7, the lunch specials are fantastic. You can half a bowl of udon with whatever it's paired with that day. It's usually some sort of roll or chirashi (sashimi over a bowl of rice). If the lunch special isn't quite what you're looking for that day, the Ajishin noodles or Curry Rice are great defaults. At $7.50 for the Ajishin noodles, you get a huge bowl of udon (or soba if you ask for it), a crab stick, seaweed, 3 pieces of tofu skin, 2 fried shrimp, a bunch of fried onions, scallions, and half a hard-boiled egg. Before you even get the noodles, you get a rice ball of sorts wrapped in seaweed (don't know the actual name for it). For $6, you get a giant plate of rice with more than enough curry beef stew, and 3 fried shrimps. It's not on the menu, but you can actually get a half order of Curry Rice for $4 (if I remember correctly). Writing this review is making me drool. Since it happens to be lunch time, I think I just may pay Ajishin a visit. :-)
(5)
Paul L.

Came here to eat while while stopping over in Detroit. I'd have to say this restaurant is def. a winner in terms of pricing the menu items perfectly and also providing super yummy and chewy udon noodles :)
(4)
Jeffrey Y.

There is good Japanese food in Ann Arbor (or within tolerable driving distance)! Ajishin is definitely the best Japanese food in the area, sushi and otherwise... while it is about 30 minutes away, this is nothing compared to how far I've driven for food in other places. Compared to other high-quality Japanese food from, say, Seattle or the Bay Area, Ajishin is only ok (would go again). For Ann Arbor, it is the best - WILL definitely go again. Pro-tip: call-ahead for a reservation or arrive before opening or you will be waiting about 20 minutes (at lunch at least). Also, make sure you flag down your server to order / pay... they can be a bit forgetful because they are so busy. If you are there for lunch, get the $7 lunch special - it is so good!
(5)
Jin K.

This is the best place to go for udon, and their sushi is not bad, either. Great food for a great price. I know people may complain about the wait time, but it's well worth it. Hey, it's a small place!
(4)
Giggly C.

Still packed. Still delicious. Haven't been back in a while but was not disappointed. Ate 3 times in 1 week while visiting mi. Sushi so fresh, noodles amazing and broth sipped to last drop. Perfect for winter if you don't wait outside in that ridiculous line
(5)
AndrewSumi G.

This restaurant is truly a gem in Novi. I went there originally because I was craving Some sushi, but I keep on coming back for the udon. They have a very fresh selection of sushi rolls and sashimi, but don't expect any of the fancy sushi rolls. They pretty much have the basics for sushi, but it will be very fresh. They have a great selection of udon and soba noodles all coming with a selection of fresh vegetables in them. The ajishin udon noodle is my favorite, which includes veggies and meet all topped off with an egg. The amount of food is a great value for the price. Will definitely be coming back for many times to come in the future!
(4)
Moniquinha E.

We went there Tonight. Udon was good but they served us rotten tuna (picture is posted). We complained to server and she said it would be fine to eat because green was a normal tuna color. I know their main dish is not sashimi, but that does justify serving rotten food and denying it.
(1)
andrea s.

best sushi that has ever touched my mouth
(5)
Melissa Y.

When you walk in during dinner there will be a line so just add yourself to the notepad and get ready to be delighted. I ALWAYS get the curry rice that has three shrimps for around $8.00, the curry just has the best flavor ever! We usually get three rolls, but DH was so hungry so we got four. We had the tuna, california, shrimp tempura, and sea eel for a total of $18.00. Each roll tasted very fresh and the rice was not packed to tightly. DH commented that the tuna tasted very fresh also. This place does not have an overly complicated entree or sushi menu, which could be why their prices are so reasonable. Whenever we are in the Novi area, Ajishin is a must!
(5)
Loooking F.

This place has been around for many years, and they always keep up with their above average standard. If you are looking for good Udon and sushi place, this is it. The udon has a good texture, and the clear based soup just match the udon so perfectly. Recently, I fall in love with their sushi as well. Compared to the other sushi places, their sushi may not have that much variaties. But you do paid at a reasonable price with a high quality sushi. The rice is tight enough, and a thick cut of fish sitting on top. Try their Hamachi, Salam roe, and Sea Urchin, they won't make you disappointed.
(5)
Charles L.

Cold soba is fantastic and I highly recommend it. I feel as if a piece of my life has been missing, drinking udon soup this whole time. At this point I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to hot noodles. Their sushi selection is also fresh and fantastic. Comparable to many higher priced (trendier) establishments in the area. One caveat is they don't serve alcohol, so make sure to pregame before coming if you're looking for an inebriated dining experience. Ajishin appears to be perpetually super busy for me. I've waited 2 hrs on a Weds night before (worth it). So here's a slick protip: You can call ahead to put your name on the list. I hope other Ajishin enthusiasts don't kill me for saying that...
(5)
Paul N.

In the heartland of unemployment and dying automotive industry state, there is Ajishin. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I rarely give out 5 stars, and this restaurant deserves a 5 star. The restaurant is quite small. I believe the max capacity is 40 or 50. Parking is very adequate, but the venue is not. The interior design is the typical Japanese design, and I feel that my single bedroom apartment is about the same size of this place. You get an amazing quality of food for a small price. To get a similar quality, a person can pay $20+ in Atlanta, but in Novi, Michigan, you get it for about 10 dollars or less. I had the opportunity to check the lunch menu, and I was very surprised by this place. The Udon I had was about 7 dollars. For the same quality and ingredient in Atlanta, I would be paying about 16 dollars in Hayakawa. These are not small bowls either, and one bowl can sufficiently fill a person up. Additionally, it comes with a side of rice and seaweed. The broth had a nice hint of crispness to it along with a flavorful toppings such as shrimp and veggie tempura. It came in a nice temperature where I was able to enjoy it, but at the same warm my cold body in Michigan. The noodles were not the cheap kind of noodles that a lot of these Japanese restaurants use. The sushi lunch combo gave me the opportunity to taste an assortment of raw fish. The salmon pieces had a lot of thick white lines... which means the fish melts in your mouth... the reason torro is much more expensive than the regular tuna is because it has that fish fat, creating that melt in your mouth sensation. Salmon is the same. Ajishin's salmon had the same effect as a good torro. I was able to sample tuna, salmon, white tuna, tilapia, and etc. They were all very good. For what I got, I would have paid about 18 to 20 dollars in Atlanta, but I got it for 12 dollars. The lunch was an awesome experience. I don't know about dinner and how the prices change, but from my experience, it's a 5 star lunch venue for anyone in Novi, Michigan area.
(5)
Winnie W.

I have been dining at Ajishin since they opened. Ajishin is known for their noodles and sushi. If you like "Americanized" sushi - from cream cheese to a variety of spicy sauces - this is not the place for you. My husband and I get our Ajishin fix every week. We each order the grilled fish, soba noodles, and bowl of rice meal - all for $12! They usually offer salmon, cod, or yellow tail. If you don't want fish, noodles, and rice, you can order them a la cart. The grilled fish is only offered during dinner. Ajishin also has daily lunch specials. It's usually a bowl of noodles and some type of sushi. I love the food but I don't love the service. Be ready to order when a waiter or waitress comes by, otherwise, you might have to wait awhile! Also, I would recommend that you order your water/ tea/ pop right away or you might not get to quench your thirst until mid-meal. Don't guzzle your water either because you may never get a refill. If you order carryout, I would call it in, otherwise, you might have to wait awhile. There is almost always a wait for lunch. People start to wait in line outside around 11:20. They open at 11:30. Dinner is the same - people start to wait in line before they open at 5. They are closed on Tuesday. You can call ahead and put your name on their waiting list. When you arrive at the restaurant, let the waiter/ waitress know that you called ahead and they'll highlight your name on the list. If you don't call ahead, write your name on the list when you arrive.
(4)
Christine K.

I've been coming to this place for over 3 years now. The food is always consistent and good. My favorite dishes are the Himuro and the curry. I just wish they would expand. There's always so many people inside, waiting in line, and it's just not the atmosphere you want to have when you eat. Still, I can't complain about the price.
(4)
DJ Z.

Aside from my beloved Yamato in Kerrytown, which closed last year whose chef/owner is now in New York, there are not many great places for sushi in Michigan. Ajishin serves udon, chirashi bowls, and sushi, all of which are pretty good. In addition, it is super cheap. The downside is that there is no reservation system. People essentially come in, put their names on the list, and wait. There is always a wait during peak lunch and dinner times everyday but that also gives you an idea of how good this place is. Gojyu-no-toh:"Five Story Tower" Sampler of individual chirashi with tuna, sea urchin, salmon roe, river eel, and shrimp. I don't like salmon roe so I was able to substitute it for another sea urchin. Each is served on a bed of egg and rice. You mix a bit of soy sauce and wasabi (no ginger for me) into each bowl and eat. Lunch Special: Udon and Chirashi This is a super good deal because the udon and chirashi individually cost almost as much as the ~$7 you are paying for the lunch special for both. - The udon broth is really well-seasoned. If you just want to get a bowl of udon, I recommend the Ajishin udon, which contains all the garnishes you see below in the basic udon plus shrimp and vegetable tempura and fried tofu. - The chirashi bowl varies depending on the day; it was salmon, white fish, and shrimp during a different visit. Add soy sauce into the chirashi bowl, mixed it all up, and eat. Make sure you break up the wasabi really well or your nostrils will pay for it later. A La Carte Sushi Some good ones to get are uni (sea urchin), hamachi (yellowtail), California roll (I know, I'll explain), ebi (raw shrimp), tamago (egg). - Uni (sea urchin): If you have not tried uni before, this is a good place to try it because it has been consistently fresh and delicious all the times I have had it here. - Hamachi (yellowtail): always fresh, good either as nigiri or in the yellowtail and scallion roll. - California roll: California rolls are a crime against sushi but mark my words, this one is really good. This is the only place where I will ever get a cali roll. Make sure you get it with the spicy sauce. - Ebi (raw shrimp): Unlike most places in Michigan, Ajishin uses huge shrimp for this. The shrimp is so sweet and tastes so good with the wasabi between the shrimp and rice. - Tamago (egg): this is a sweet egg omlette with a chunk of rice inside. Ajishin's is one of the best. This is a great piece to finish with.
(4)
Michelle N.

Okay, I lied. It's all about the MAIKO udon...ask for the tempura on the side. The tempura comes out cold, but you can add it to your udon and enjoy crispy tempura. yum. I just had Ajishin, but I want more!
(5)
Sushi L.

This place by far is the best japanese restautant i have ever been in terms of price and fresheness of food. Only thing is we always had to wait too long and the business hour is short. The space is small. It is just too popular! T.T
(4)
Michelle L.

BEST UDON NOODLES EVER! That is all you really need to read or order from Ajishin. The only reason why they have 4 stars instead of 5 is because I'm not really into their sushi...its just kind of meh... But, their udon noodle bowls are unreal. I highly suggest ordering one ASAP. I once went there to pick up carry out for lunch (drove way out of my way to get it because I had a craving) and there were tons of asian people waiting outside for them to open. As soon as they open their doors people rush in! It was hilarious. Obviously they have a lot of fans. I think they are often on a wait for dinner, so plan accordingly! There's not much else to say really...just order the udon and enjoy!
(4)
Casey F.

Great prices. Great soba. Simple and good sushi. And the ajishin udon was fantastic
(5)
Jenna H.

Best sushi in Michigan. Puts everything in Ann Arbor to shame by charging the same price or less for food twice as good or more. Also extremely tasty, large udon for only 7.50. Really, nothing compares. It's not a fancy place with sake and desserts that you take your family after a graduation. The waits can be long, it's jam packed with people waiting, you may sit at the counter instead if a table, there's no liquor. But the food is the best, and once you are seated it comes quickly.
(5)
Chris N.

Best sushi and Japanese noodles in all of metro Detroit. Have been going there for almost 10 years. You have to get their attention to place your order or get refills but that's just their system. You have to leave your name on their check-in book when you arrive and the lines can be long. But it's so worth it.
(5)
Natasha P.

There is no better Sushi in town! And the Udon comes pretty close too. Lunch is always a very crowded affair, so either go really early or really late or be prepared to wait. You will have to ask for the sushi menu, if you want sushi, but I should warn you, the udon is a pretty big bowl. I don't think I have finished one, to date. My favorite udon is the Curry Udon. It's all the goodness of the curry rice, but as an udon, which is what Ajishin does best. I've had a couple of the other ones too and they are excellent as well. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. Also, their gingery salad dressing is the best I've ever had. Much better than any other sushi place I've tried so far.
(5)
Jason C.

Haven't been here for a while but i want to write a review of this place and overall I want to give 4.5 stars. Giving 5 stars for the prize they charge you on good quality of food they have. Not a best place for fancy date or important meeting with someone but for normal occasion i would definitely recommend you to come here to have a meal. Giving 3.5 stars for service. Make sure to clarify on what you order and what you want to include or exclude on what you order cause sometimes they misunderstands on what you want or how you want it. Too busy for 2 waitress to work but i don't think they hire more people and it kinda lowers the service due to busy to handle every customers. Not many seats so i highly suggest you to go little early than you normally go out to eat for dinner if you don't want to wait to get seated. Their Udon is the best i've tried so far in US so i would like you to try it and plus it's cheap so you don't have to worry about the prize. Hopefully i come back here again to have dinner with my friends soon.
(4)
Liz W.

I liked it here. I didn't think either of the options here, noodles or sushi, were the absolute best ever in my ratings book but I did really enjoy both a lot. I want to come back and experiment more but its a bit of a hike for me to Novi so this will not make the regular rotation for me or anything. I went with the tetsugaku udon as my old friend Rodney liked it and he is known to have good taste. I liked the delicate type curry, its definitely not hot, it is subtle and yet still satisfyingly flavorful. The fried tofu was very nice in it indeed. It made for happy slurps. Perfect dish for a gray icky Michigan day. It managed to be just what I needed to perk me up. My mother opted for gojyu-no-toh a chirashi sampler with tuna, sea urchin, salmon roe, river eel and shrimp. It was lovely. The sushi rice here is indeed tasty and the fish was very fresh. The miso soup was nice to her palate too. I would be all over this dish on a less dreary day. Luckily she and I are inclined to sharing so I was not left wanting. The place is quite hopping but worth it. The prices are extremely reasonable for the quality. I will be back at some point.
(4)
Jin Y.

This place has the best udon. I have not tried everything yet, so far I liked everything. I tried udon almost everywhere I go. It was not as good as this place. Good service too
(5)
Jessica W.

Mmmmm, mmmmm, udon... So warm, noodley, and delicious. You can tell by the number of people that frequent this place on an ordinary Saturday afternoon that there must be something magical going on. And there is. The soup was lovely, the fish tasted fresh, and the rolls were well-made and scrumptious. I now see why people drive all the way out from Ann Arbor for this place: it's the best around.
(5)
Sunny K.

One reason i go here is because its cheap udon. U can get cold udon in like this mayo like sause, but its rlly good. Especially during this hot summer time!
(4)
Kristin G.

Holy Delicious. A whole new world of noodles opened up the first time I tried Pho Bowl...I know Pho is Vietnamese. I'm just sayin' bear with me, cause I'm a noodle newb. I'd have to say, that Ajishin was the first good bowl of Udon I've had. So I may not be some sort of noodle pro, but I can attest to the fact that these noodles are worth every minute of the wait and are well worth venturing a long distance to enjoy. The ingredients, fresh and flavorful. I had the shrimp tempura Udon. The tempura bits in the broth gave it a wonderful fried flavor without being heavy. The atmosphere is so very welcoming, so very Japanese in style too. It is reminiscent of someone's family room diner. My husband and I were the only non Japanese people in the place. We drove up and I swear I've never seen so many foreign cars in one place in Detroit! They have kids books (in Japanese) and hooks on the walls for coats. The service was prompt and friendly. The sushi was, as others have said, very generously portioned and fresh. I can't fain any sort of expertise on behalf of Japanese cuisine but I think the sheer attendance of Japanese folks speaks volumes about the taste and quality at Ajishin. I wish they were closer, but I WILL make the trek, it's WORTH IT! Mmm...Udon noodles and cold winter days...the perfect marriage :)
(4)
Stephanie H.

I grew up eating Ajishin. After I moved to LA for college last year, I've tried countless new Japanese restaurants but I always find myself comparing everything to this place...... :( This place is small and can only sit around 30 people at most at time. Unless you come right when it opens (11:30 for lunch) be prepared to wait at least 45 mins... as the line starts forming outside 15ish minutes before they open their doors (even in the rain, snow, etc). ^TIP: You can call ahead and tell them to put your name on the waiting list but they don't take reservations. I think I've tried almost everything on the menu, and nothing has really ever disappointed me. Usually my friends and family order the daily special, which ranges from roasted eel over rice to a rotation of fresh sushi rolls. Every lunch special comes with a bowl of "plain" udon. But trust me, even the plain udon is better than any udon I've tried in Michigan and in LA. It's just addictive. I'm not a huge fan of raw fish, so I usually stick to their Maiko udon (Udon with tempura shrimp and other tempura fritters). I've probably had 50+ bowls of this in my life and I find myself craving this at least once a week at school..... it kills me inside that Ajshin is so far away, actually. Once you've tried the Maiko udon, or any of their udon, there's no turning back. NOBODY makes udon like Ajishin does. On the days that I'm extra hungry, I come to this place for their roasted fish. The cod jaw and the roasted salmon are crispy, flaky, and they literally melt in your mouth as you eat it. At around $12, the fish combo comes with a bowl of rice accompanied by bowl of plain udon. Just a note: roasted fish is only available at dinner in limited quantities (they usually run out of the cod first). To wrap it all up, try the lunch special if you're coming here for lunch and the roasted fish if you're coming for dinner. I've been coming here for the past 10 years and have never left disappointed. Oh and the waitress with the dark lipstick is quite scary and rude. If you make her smile, then you're my hero. I haven't seen her lips move from a evil frown in years.
(5)
John W.

Good prices, nice waitresses. Taste is very fresh.
(5)
Ching T.

By far the BEST Japanese restaurant. Love their noodles and we go there at least once a week... LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Yes the wait is horrible that's why we always go there before they open (before 11:30 for lunch; before 5pm for dinner) or after rush hour (after 1:30 for lunch; after 7:30pm for dinner ).
(5)
Miriam W.

This is a cute little restaurant with comfy seating and a fun vibe. The menu is simple...sushi and udon noodle soups and bowls. The sushi is very good...fresh and prepared with care. I like the cups of green tea they bring in place of water, and love that they take the time to refill them. Just perfect for everyday dining...a short menu of well prepared food.
(4)
Ariel D.

My absolutely, positively, favorite Japanese restaurant in the entire metro-Detroit area. Their raw fish is the best quality I have come across. When ordering nigiri or sashimi the fish pieces are a nice thick cut, definitely worth the money. Eight dollars for the best udon around. If you have no idea what to get when you walk in just say you want an "Ajishin". You won't be dissapointed. My only con is how small the restaurant is so there is always a long wait. Make a reservation but still be prepared to wait up to 20 minutes if it is during peak hours. Also, for most of the staff english is not their first language and the service can be slow. The owner, who actually is the one behind the counter making sushi, is actually from Japan and fondly remembers his "regulars", greets them, and makes sure they are treated well. I once went in and the cooks made a mistake and I waited for 45 minutes for my meal, which that day was not cheap. He gave myself and my date our meal for free! Don't be intimidated when you walk in, but be aware this isn't your typical, americanized version of an Asian restaurant. Go here for the experience of an authentic Japanese restaurant and delicious Japanese food.
(5)
HX S.

This is the restaurant I go most frequently in novi, it is absolutely cheap and delicious! It has been several times I waited outside till 5:00 pm it opened!!! it is always crowded and busy, so go as early as you can, especially over weekends~
(5)
Phaedra Y.

the udon .. i would give a 3 - nothing spectacular however, the place shines on the fresh assorted fish the best deal... stick with the grilled cod fish!!! bang for your buck guarantee.. come with a huge bowl of udon that you can upgrade for $2
(4)
Ariel W.

Ajishin is my absolute favorite Japanese restaurant in Michigan. I crave this place all the time. Whenever I'm in the Novi/Farmington area, I always make plans to go there right at 5PM for dinner, because if you get there later than the second they open, be ready to wait. This place is so popular! My favorite dish that they serve there (that I haven't been able to find at any other sushi restaurant in the Ann Arbor area) is the kyo-chirashi with salmon roe and salmon sashimi. Imagine, a bowl of rice covered in a bed of salmon roe topped with slices of salmon sashimi. It's absolute perfection! Plus, all the fish is fresh and clean so I've never myself, nor known of anyone, who had issues after eating here. If this is your first time going, the menu might throw you off a bit. Feel free to ask your waiter as many questions as you can before he/she leaves, because even though it's a small restaurant, they're always very busy so it might be hard to grab him/her again. Their menu is translated a bit funny...like what's a delicious harmony? I don't know, but it's great! I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who's in the area or is craving Japanese food.
(5)
levramosis H.

The curry (tetsugaku) udon here makes my world go around. It is so warm and comforting. The sushi here is also very good. The fish is always fresh and well made. My boyfriend is partial to the Ajishin udon. I like the chirashi when I'm really in the mood for raw fish. The broiled fish is always a good bet at dinner
(5)
Mitsuaki M.

This place has inexpensive Sushi and I often use this place to scratch my Sushi itch. That being said, I do have several tips I can share with you. 1) The Daily Lunch Special is $7.50, and it's a nice deal. 2) The Lunch Crowd is SUPER HEAVY, so if you try to visit during your lunch break good luck getting in. So, try to be at the door when the place opens at 11:30am, or get there after 2:00pm. 3) If you like Japanese Manga Comics, you have a selection of them to read here. (If you read Japanese...) With the quality of Sushi, you get what you pay for definitely apply. If you want top class fish, you need to pay top class prices. Unfortunately, I have yet to find any of these top class places in the vicinity. However, I will keep my eyes peeled within this state and any adjacent states, so keep reading my reviews.
(3)
Haeri J.

I drop by here every time I'm in the Novi Area for great food :) I specifically come to Ajishin for the Entrees. Great Udon and Grilled Fish! I really recommend the Ajishin udon bowl (my favorite)! As for the sushi, there is a bit too much rice on the rolls and the nigiri but that's okay because they don't skimp on any of the ingredients! Price is definitely a 5/5. They are so reasonably priced it's a bit ridiculous. Service is good too, it can be sow at times but it's because they are usually packed! When the place is only about 3/4 full the employees are a bit quicker and more attentive. A little tip for people who have never been here before, They close for breaks, between lunch and dinner. You'll usually see people parked outside of the restaurant so they can dine first. It's not very big at all so large parties will have a longer wait if they just filled up. Also, ALL the serving staff share tables so don't wait up for one person, anyone who is walking by will serve you!
(5)
Louise M.

I told a friend that I was going to Detroit for a business trip. She told me she used to live in Novi, MI and Ajishin is her absolute favorite noodle house, ever. Even though it was 45 minutes out of my way, I thought I had to try it. She told me to get there early if I didn't want to wait. Well, of course I didn't want to wait and plus I'd be eating alone! So I wanted it as painless as possible no matter how good the place would be I didn't want to suffer to eat there. After driving about 5 hours from Chicago, I thought I'd get there by 4:15 PM. I had to wait about 45 minutes for them to open. Huh...waiting anyway. Nope!! Forgot they're on EST! So when I got there, they just opened, and no line!! Sweet! I ordered the Ajishin Udon, as well as the toro, salmon, and unagi nigiri. Too bad I didn't have company so I could order more stuff in the menu. I really wanted to try the hamachi collar that my friend told me about. But I didn't see it in the menu anymore. My soup and sushi came so quick. About 5 minutes or so I was eating! The cool part too, the waitress spoke perfect English. I didn't have to struggle to explain about wanting my egg soft poached in the noodle. The noodle soup was yummy. The broth was awesome. It had tempura fried onion that gave a really nice flavor, aroma, and texture to the soup. I wish they gave me bigger tempura shrimps..but that was my only complaint. Everything else was tasting so great! The sushi were also delicious. I couldn't believe I just inhaled a $2.20 tuna belly. Yes!! $2.20! I got out of there in maybe 20 minutes, full, and happy. I paid $17 including tip for my dinner. Unbelievably cheap. If I go to Detroit again, I will make sure to stop here to try their other stuff so I could give them the extra star.
(4)
Nuri G.

You know you've found good sushi when you're one of two white guys in the entire establishment. Hands down, Top 10 sushi experiences in my entire life. Rice? Nailed it. Fish quality? Incredible Udon? Holy crap, why haven't I had this stuff before? I may be ruined. I stuffed myself *stupid* for about $25, which means, in a cost comparative fashion, this was the most bang for my sushi buck I've ever *ever* had. I ordered a spicy tuna, a futomaki, toro, maguro, sake, egg omelet, hamachi, and a tempura udon with shrimp and onion (I split this with my dining partner) and everything was so damn good. I usually don't like spicy tuna where the tuna is ground (I like it cubed) but this was uncommonly delicious. Protip: CALL AHEAD and get on the list. We arrived at 12:00 and waited for almost an hour. Call-ins get some weird priority (the shell game was just a bit frustrating) but it was completely worth it.
(5)
Randal R.

Should have looked at the menu ahead of time. Went for sushi but this place specializes in noodles. Noodles were good but I think there are other places in the vicinity with better sushi. Waited about 30 minutes and service was slow.
(3)
Robyn T.

Super good sushi, reasonable prices, cool atmosphere and wonderful service. Congrats Ajishin, you get the 5! Karen C and I met here for our weekly 'try someplace new' and we were both in the mood for sushi. Based on the previous raves, this was the pick. Ajishin is a smaller place that's dimly lit and has little tables scattered everywhere and a sushi bar off to one side. I've never been to Japan, but I imagine it's pretty close to authentic looking. Who knows? But I thought it was cool. We were greeted with a smile and sat down right away. I heard about how busy this place gets but it seemed ok on a random Monday at 6pm. Our friendly server came out promptly with some hot tea and our sushi order form. I am a pretty conservative sushi eater, so I stuck with my two faves: shrimp tempura and california. YUM! Some of the best I've ever had. I have to say their rice is perfectly sticky yet soft. The shrimp was cooked just right and still had it's tempura crisp, and the california roll had the most tasty avocado in it. Usually I stop eating because I get bored with the taste, but this time I stopped eating because there was not even 1 grain left on plate. And I was considering drinking the rest of the soy sauce to keep the memory of last hour alive. Karen and I got to talking the way women can, and we talked, and talked, and talked. I think we ended up staying there over 2 hours. Never once did the staff look at us weird, or pressure us to get outta there. In fact, even after the bill was paid, they kept checking on us and bringing us more tea. Most appreciated!
(5)
Will B.

Great sushi, and awesome udon!
(5)
Cee B.

Make sure to call ahead to get in line for the wait list. Famous for their udon. Most likely your lunch starts with a complimentary hot tea and a small plate of sushi rice shaped in a triangle on the house. My udon has tasty broth, infused with tempura shrimp and scallions. Good based on pricing. Restaurant is close to a big Japanese grocery store (one world market), which I found tons of cool and exotic snacks, miso, drinks, dessert, grocery, and many awesome goodies (not cheap though).
(3)
Meeta B.

Loved loved loved this place! So yea, its got some odd hours but it is definitely worth the wait and its very authentic (at least that's what my Japanese friends who I frequented the place with said). The udon is delicious and the sushi was great, the prices are affordable and you walk out stuffed to the gills. (Ha! pun intended). The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is we've had hit or miss service. Once my friend waited almost a half hour for her meal, while mine came about 10 minutes after ordering. Other times we've had a problem just getting our orders taken. Now, this place does get really packed- but that night? we were one of the last ones in there. You'd have expected they'd want us to hurry out...but maybe they ascribe to the European method of take your time and enjoy. Anyhow, this place was great. Glad we found it, glad I checked it out. Definitely will be a repeat place on my list.
(4)
Tiffany N.

We enjoyed this place overall. The menu didn't have a huge selection of sushi, which is what we went for. Next time I would probably try one of their soups and just get a sushi roll as a side. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, it's a small place. Also I believe drink choices were only hot tea or ice water - so just something to be prepared for.
(4)
Eileen S.

Ajishin udon noodle soup was tasty. Affordable prices too... add me to the list of fans. Arrived around 1:30 on a Wednesday for lunch and did not have to wait for a table. Noticed some regulars taking advantage of the shelf filled with books and newspapers. What a good idea! Original artwork on the walls available for purchase. After countless trips into the Detroit area, I was determined to head over to Novi for what I knew would be better Japanese fare than what I experienced so far in Detroit. Finally a trip into the area during warmer weather... so glad I made the drive out.
(4)
Sparkles H.

FANTASTIC! IMO, the best and freshest raw fish in the state of Michigan. Salmon, tuna, toro, unagi, uni and sweet shrimp are excellent. Rice is delicious and well prepared. They're also very known for their Udon Noodles and rightfully so. They make their own kelp broth in house and it is sooooo tasty. I've tried several different Udons but I usually opt for the Ajisen one. The only one I thought was so-so was the curry udon, but that might just be my personal preference. The line-up is long, the shop is small and it gets packed very quickly. Price is very reasonable for sushi in this area. They close between 2-5pm on weekends so don't think you can show up there at 2pm for a late lunch. I would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a yummy sushi and udon joint in Michigan.
(5)
Tom V.

Another review to add to the pile. I go here for lunch often. The lunch special is a great value, usually a roll or sashimi and udon noodles. The udon is always good but the sushi can vary from day to day. They get pretty busy for lunch, so it's usually best to show up just before 11:30 when they open. Also, they're closed on Tuesday which is sometimes a bummer when you've got the craving.
(4)
Katelyn M.

This place is definitely going to become my regular sushi place! This was some of the freshest sushi I've had. The udon was tasty and the serving size was generous. I can't wait to go back and try more menu options! What others are saying about the wait is definitely correct. The restaurant is very small and leaves very little waiting area. But obviously there is a reason for a tiny place to be in such high demand! The service was what you would expect for a cheap meal, but I don't go here for a lengthy high-end dining experience. I go here because of the exceptional value. From the outside, it doesn't look like it would be as busy as it typically is, so the best bet is to call ahead to get on the list. The best part of the meal is the value. The food is great quality and the prices are awesome!
(4)
Leonore H.

We came here for sushi late one Sunday evening. We had the place to ourselves and the waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. Sushi was delicious and beautifully presented.
(4)
Sam L.

The Sushi/Udon is some of the best I've had in the U.S. The lines can be long, but the food is worth it. The Ajishin Udon is what I normally get; they will split it up into two bowls if you never had Udon before to try it. The lunch specials are great too; the grill Yellow Tail is amazing and curry is good too.
(5)
Luke R.

After a less than stellar visit at a different Sushi/Noodle eatery I decided to give Ajishin another go. It was jam packed in there, several people already waiting to be seated. The main counter was full every seat. I lucked out at having only to wait about 5 mins, and able to sit at 12noon being able to get a table for lunch. The menu has not changed since the last time I visited, however I could not recall what it was I had had last time. I knew only that I wanted a big bowl of Udon and some vege sushi. I opted for Tetsagaku? Udon and 2 avocado rolls. they served me some complimentary rice ball which I gobbled up quickly - it was bland however, it did not taste like I recall it did before. I was not in any rush, so I sat with my tablet pc out to finish reading a couple ebooks while I waited for my order. the sushi rolls came first. the rolls were the inside out style, with the avocado inside the seaweed and the rice on the outside, rolled in toasted sesame seeds. the flavor was buttery and the seeds gave it a nice crunch. I had never had vege suhsi from Ajishin before but if this is representative of their other sushi types then I will be happy with getting vege sushi and Udon every time I visit. the soup looked just as I remember... a thick pork curry with scallions, fried tofu, kelp, onions, and heap of udon. I gotta say this udon bowl fit the bill. It was EXACTLY what I had a taste for and it was spot on delicious. My main only problems with my lunch was it was insane trying to get a refill on my Hot Tea. and Asking them for a Fork was almost sacrilegious. it took the waiter 10minutes to bring me a Fork. Unfortunately CTS bothers my hands pretty harsh, so I cannot use Chopsticks very well. the Food was awesome - definitely 5 stars. service was not as awesome - 3 stars at best. Overall 4 stars.
(4)
Joseph A.

The really high aggregate score of this place surprises me. The waits are ridiculous and somewhat unjustified in my opinion, the sushi average, the udon is good but not spectacular (maybe being a little harsh there), and the service is more than occasionally horrible. I have to qualify the rest of my review in a couple ways first: One, I am not a huge udon-soup fan in general (although sign me up for Curry-udon whenever and wherever it's available). It's not that I don't like udon- it's just rarely going to be the first thing I think to order- I personally much prefer the stronger flavors of ramen, or something not broth based. (So feel free to take this all with a grain of salt). Second- before I'm accused of not knowing what I'm talking about because of that first statement- (warning- obnoxious reviewer qualifications follow) I lived in Japan for years, I have a Japanese wife, I speak the language, we eat variations of udon at home regularly - I live in Novi (the Japan-town of Detroit). I've probably eaten enough of the stuff in my life lined-up end to end to circle the globe at least once. Anyways- so the udon is good. The broth has an earthy quality to it- but the depth of flavor is a little too weak for my palette- (I prefer the fishier, deeper style of broth.) All that being said, it is the best udon around- I will not deny that. Based on just the noodles this is a 4-star place. The sushi is average/good- but most of all it's very reasonably priced- which I think is a big part in driving the crowds. 100% Self-servingly I wish they'd open a separate sushi place next door and focus on this location being a true noodle-shop with quicker service and first come first serve open seating (no call-ins). The waits are ridiculous, and the service is often horrible, ranging from friendly to downright rude, but usually some combination of both because they have multiple wait-staff running around. It's always kind of haphazard and kind of stressful. If the food was mind-blowing, I wouldn't care- but to me, it's not, and I won't trade a few bucks for a stressed-out dining experience. Anecdotally people in my (Japanese) company which is 5 minutes away rarely ever go here (for lunch at least) because of the ridiculous waits for tables and slow service once you do get seated. When people from out-of-town offices visit they always want to come here because of the reputation (and because it is an udon-specialty restaurant- which is rare) but the locals know better. Of course they are always busy so someone must be going- I see the flaw in my own logic here. If you're really in the mood for udon go during an off hour and have a nice bowl of soup and hope that you get treated nicely.
(3)
Joseph L.

since there are so many people had reviewed this place already..So I am just gonna keep it short...what makes it great about Ajishin is they keep this place small so they keep their quality consistent..been going here for the last 10 years...never let down P.S. They dont take reservation but you can call first...
(5)
Jurs F.

Craving for Japanese food, I found Ajishin on Yelp while visiting this area for business trip. Wow, I was so glad to try this place out. During two-day visit, I came here for two dinner. I tried Kyo-Chirashi (big bowl) with salmon and eel, Shime-saba nigiri, salmon nigiri, and udon noodle soup. Everything was so delicious. Tomorrow I am heading back to San Francisco and wondering if I could found a restaurant which serves udon as good as Ajishin's...not sure since I haven't found one in 5 years living in bay area. I will miss Ajishin!!
(5)
Jenn K.

I'm only writing a review because I keep forgetting the name of this place and I don't want to! I'm visiting my cousin in Ann Arbor and he asked if I liked Japanese food. uh duh. Who doesn't? So he drove me like 20 miles away, not telling me I'd have to go that far for food, but it is absolutely worth it. We went for lunch on a Monday, so there was no wait. He told me on the weekends, the line/wait can get crazy so I guess I got lucky visiting on a weekday. The udon here is pretty authentic and maybe THE most delicious udon I've ever had. Their unagi, salmon, and other sashimi is pretty fresh and generously portioned as well. They also give you scorching hot green tea (real green tea, not that American green tea crap) and some triangular ball of rice wrapped in seaweed (which I didn't eat so I wouldn't fill myself with rice) as appetizer. Appears that the chef is Japanese so the food is authentic and nearly all of the patrons while we were there were Japanese (or Asian) which speaks to its authenticity. I feel so lucky I got to try this place with a positive experience. They even had little Japanese story books to shut my 5-yo niece up while we ate. I'm so happy I got to enjoy my meal sans her princess tantrums. The only down side was that the hippo bakery place that everyone talks about changed its schedule so that it's closed on Mondays. blah! But that doesn't affect the review of the food for this place.
(5)
Amanda K.

I haven't been here in a very long time, since we moved out of state several years ago. And I only went twice before we moved. We discovered it a bit too late!! But, I have to say - this was the first place I ever had Udon soup, and I got their special "Ajishin Udon". OMG! I could kill them for giving me the best Udon I've ever had as my first experience. Nothing has compared. Nothing. I'm still looking. But I loved their Udon so much - that 5 years later, I'm still looking for one as good - and still disappointed everywhere else. Small place - long wait if no reservation. PACKED. OMG good udon.
(4)
Ron L.

I love living close to this place, and I have to thank the friend that introduced it to me so many years ago. Ajishin is small and often fully seated, so there'll be a hungry, eager audience at the door waiting for open tables. This is *the* place to go for udon in the area, and the sushi has always been tasty. On your first trip, try a spicy tuna roll and a California roll, they'll be your new benchmark. When you're ready for something more, try the grilled fish and udon special ($12-ish) -- my mouth waters just thinking about it.
(5)
ER D.

The Udon is very good, tasty, high quality. The sushi is mediocre though. I highly recommend lunch here, it's affordable, and the udon is good. Coming from a person who is accustomed to the west coast Japanese food, I would say this restaurant is decent. It is only receiving a 4 star from my perspective since I definitely had better Japanese udon and sushi before. However, from what is available in michigan, I would highly recommend this place!
(4)
James S.

My mom is from Tokyo and she know her Japanese cuisine. Whenever I'm in town, we always eat here. Make sure you arrive upon opening whether lunch or dinner as it fills up fast. Reservations are highly recommended at night. This fantastic authentic Japanese food in a relaxed setting.
(5)
Jonathan D.

The food was admittedly good, but not anything special, really. As many have mentioned here, the wait is terrible and the service is terribad. People here mentioned "reserve first" to avoid the wait. Nope. I am not sure if they even know what the word "reservation" means. It is in the end random failing seat assignment, or first-come-first-serve if you are lucky. Last time I went here with a rather large group and my friend had already called in advance for a reservation. We still ended up waiting for an hour. When some of us already took the seats, the manager, or whoever the lady who's handling the reservation, literally told us to stand up and move so that "they can accommodate our whole party", when it is an obvious lie as they just intend to give the seats to other customers, in which case we would have to wait for probably another hour. Understandable I guess, that is the best way to keep revenue coming. The check came early, yeah, early as if it goes well with the dishes. Then the same lady would come to our table, flipping the check and was like "the check? not ready? the check?" which I looked at with disgust and ignored. And when it was really the time for us to pay, it took them forever again to handle it. Again, to be fair, the food is good, but still something you can get in other places. So far, I have had spicy tuna sushi roll (standard), three types of udon (forgot the names, good), and grilled salmon (this one is very good) here. The price is reasonable, though if you have a good job and value your time, you will realize that the time you lose implies a huge rip off. The frustration inflicted by the pathetic service made my blood boil, hotter than their udon. The other waiters other than the certain rude person were OK, but still did not really make up with the bad side. If there is anything that is unique in this place, the rudeness is one of a kind.
(1)
Adrienne S.

We picked this place due to the high number of good reviews but were disappointed. The menu was very small so we ordered the curry people raved about in their reviews. It was brown and salty- it tasted much like canned mushroom soup poured over rice. There were 3 fried shrimp on the side. We also had the yellowtail & green onion sushi roll and the tempura shrimp roll. Neither were better than ok. The wait was pretty long and the service was poor... but friendly. Very mediocre experience all around.
(2)
Sal P.

If your American white man your going to find this place a little weird. It is way to small for the amount of hungry customers this place gets. They don't have a host and the next best thing is a pad of paper that you sign yourself in on. The first time I was there I stood there for some time before I caught on. I've never actually sat in a table and usually jump too the sushi bar. This place is a 5* restaurant except for the fact that you don't get seated right away if you show up during the peak hours. Lets face it they have the best Udon/Soba broth in town. The sushi is really good too. Not the best I have ever had, but defiantly above average good. The clientele is almost 90% Asian if that tells you anything. Even if you do have to wait, during lunch hours they get you in and out pretty quick so you won't be waiting long. Get the Udon/Soba and you will be sold.
(4)
Kevin R.

Udon, Soba, Grilled Fish, Nigiri. This is what this place is all about. Be prepared to wait as it is very popular (I think it's closed on Tuesdays). And it is a hell of a drive from the D all the way out to Novi but worth the trip alone. This place reminds me of being in Japan, small simple and good food. A Japanese friend that I used to make music with that is now rock-star sushi chef now in a place in Royal Oak took me here once and I was hooked. Super cheap, it's like 6-8 for a giant bowl of perfect Udon. Real Japanese Green Tea is on tap (I don't think they have beer, in fact my Irish ass knows they don't have beer but I don't miss it if I have some Ocha!). Udon, so good and a beautiful broth. The noodles are perfect everytime. I know this a skill that is hard to do and the cat that is doing it is on point (I think he is a Mexican guy and he knows his shit.) They have lots of variety on what is in it but the namesake Ajishin one is my favorite. Sushi, nigiri or sashimi for me because with the Udon if I get a roll they will be rolling my ass out on a cart. I ALWAYS get Nigiri Uni (beautiful golden sea urchin) that always melts like butter in mouth and taste but nothing of the ocean. There is something about fresh Uni and not to many places can do it cause it doesn't stay fresh too long and gets funky quick. I think maybe cause there are many Japanese that frequent Ajishin that it stays fresh. Ikura (large bright red caviar ) that explodes in your mouth and usually a piece of maguro (tuna) or tamago (japanese sweet omelette). Their sushi is on huge side which kinda shocked me at first but it makes total sense here. Sometimes some nice cold Soba noodles or some grilled fish, Mackerel is the way to go. Anyways, you can't go wrong here, just be prepared to wait and if you got time before hand peep out the Happy Hippo bakery that is across the lot. Good Japanese baked goods, kids will freak out if they go here.
(5)
Victoria K.

Authentic Japanese food! With American serving size! The sashimi was fresh. The udon was tasty. The fish we ordered fried until crispy outside but still juicy inside... Heaven. Worth the hour long queue even though we went with a reservation.
(5)
Nicole H.

AWEFUL SUSHI! We ordered a variety of tuna, salmon, and crab rolls and NONE of the sushi was good, especially not the California roll - full of mayonaisse -- YUCK! My kids ordered noodles and said they were pretty good. I tried one noodle dish and thought it was aweful. The other one was gone, so I'm guessing it was the best choice of our options... Will NOT go here again.
(1)
Riordan R.

Im my opinion, this is by far the best Japanese restaurant I've been in the grand Detroit area. Food is fresh and tastefull, there was no one single dish I ordered that I was not pleased with. The bad remark is the waiting time sometimes. This is a very small restaurant, so, depending when you go, you may have to wait a while. But don't let this fool you, it's worthwhile the wait.
(5)
Guillermo K.

This place is such a great deal. Pretty good food, really good prices.
(4)
Jiah C.

As I start this review, I wonder if this is going to be a short or long venture.. The important thing is, my ABSOLUTE HANDS DOWN FAVORITE RESTAURANT OF MY LIFE SO FAR. I even moved into an apartment directly across the street from it for a summer so I could go here more often (its usually an hour drive, and is back to that again). My family and I would regularly make weekend lunch trips from East Lansing and always have a great time. The quality of their fish is spectacular. Their Spicy Tuna is out of this world. Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to exercise some serious self control to lay off it for a while since I have never failed to order this every single time I've been, and after eating something 50+ times every time you go there, it is possible to start getting sick of it... ANYWAY, their mackeral is always phenomenal (trust me, its difficult to even get mid grade mackeral in other sushi restaurants), soft shell crab is so simple but yummy, Uni is always a heaping portion and so fresh and creamy, Ikura is fresh and plump, etc etc etc... I can go on and on about the yellowtail, fatty tuna, salmon, amaebi, etc etc etc.. It's just frickin amazing, ok? Now to their noodles - you'd think I would have had every single one on the menu (which now prompts me to start going down the list, why haven't I done this before) but I've only had the Maiko, Ajishin, and Tetsugaku. Amazing. Tetsugaku I can only take once in a while, but they have fantastic curry for their noodles and their curry rice. One of my favorite things to eat here is also the Himuro.. the salad sushi noodles with a bit of mayo and shrimp tempura, holy mother of pearl, I crave this weekly. I just tried their soba which was pretty damn delicious - I could have done with a bit more broth, as they barely put enough in so theres not even enough to spoon it up to drink. I hear there is a new cold noodle, need to go try that. Their lunch specials can be hit or miss with me - sometimes they can be selections like tuna and rice, which to me, sounds too bland, and sometimes its something very intriguing. Either way, for $7, you get the special and a bowl of udon. The only other complaint I have is that with their amaebi, they don't give you the fried shrimp heads!!! WHAT?! This must be an American sushi tradition (or not?) because Ajishin is so traditional Japanese, but I honestly think I like the fried shrimp heads better than the sweet shrimp itself.. I always just order it so I can get the heads. But oh well. I have tried sushi on the east and west coast and all over the midwest. Nothing beats this place in terms of food. Now, to the service and lines/waiting/seating... It can be good, but usually during peak times it can get pretty damn ridiculous. This is one of the only restaurants where this is worth it and they don't even have to utter anything near an apology. The food seriously overcompensates, so everything is all good. EAT THERE!
(5)
Jenny L.

Best Japanese restaurant in the state of Michigan. If you would like to try authentic Japanese food (they still have California rolls, but I wouldn't get rolls here), I would highly recommend that you check out this place. They take calls so if you don't want to wait, call them 20-30min before you get there. Their tamago (egg) sushi and udons are phenomenal! Staffs are always nice and love the atmoaphere of the restaurant, too! And don't flrget to check out the Japanese pastry shop across the parking lot (Hippo).
(5)
Jen L.

I have no clue about the food because the service was so poor we didn't get past tea. The restaurant is small. We came in on a Wednesday evening to find one table open and were told we'd have to wait. When we inquired about the open table, we were told that people were coming for it. 10-15 minutes later and another table opened up and we were seated. We were handed menus, but no sushi menus (the purpose of our visit). As we waited for a waitress to return so we could ask for a sushi menu, the occupants of the mystery table arrived, received menus, ordered, and had food served to them. We had enough that point and left. The service was much better at the Benihana down the road at Haggerty and 8 Mile Rd in Farmington Hills.
(1)
Lily Z.

This place was always packed, but on the bright side, the servers at Ajishin were fast and efficient, and you can also browse the Japanese bakery in the same shopping center and stare at the adorable panda bread. The varieties of udon, curry rice, sushi were all good. The udon broth here was delicate and savory, unlike the frozen stuff you can get at Asian stores. If they have the broiled fish collar special, get that instead, and you will be wondering why Americans always throw away the best cuts. Nothing is fancy, just tasty comfort food at a good value.
(4)
Sarah K.

Had been wanting to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews. When I called while en route to the restaurant the woman informed me there was a wait. I asked to put my name down which she agreed to do with a slight struggle with my name. Upon arriving my name wasn't on the list but a differently spelled name was with the same party size which we all concluded was mine so we were promptly seated. The menu is different from the average Japanese American restaurant and there aren't a plethora of rolls to choose from (good for the indecisive but bad for those looking for a wide selection of specialty rolls). In our case it didn't matter as my bf wanted the spicy tuna roll, spicy ca roll, and shrimp tempura roll (the best of the three) and I ordered the grilled fish (cod) with udon and rice. The sushi was good, the wasabi seemed spicier than most (we both like our noses to burn fr the wasabi), the udon had a strong sea taste with standout fried onions and tempura shrimp, the rice was moist & sticky but had a weird purple seasoning sprinkled on top that we weren't big fans of, and the fish was very rich and delicious. I was regretful we hadn't ordered the curry rice in lieu of the steamed rice but we'll have to save that for our next visit. It was a ton of food and all very affordable! We even had leftovers for tmrw :) The waitresses don't speak much English but are friendly and helpful. We actually sat at the sushi bar and the sushi chefs were all very serious & focused on their work and kept to themselves. We didn't mind it but I'm used to a little more interaction when dining at the bar. Overall a tasty, efficient, pleasant, and good value dining experience. Just not completely mind-blowing as I'd hoped.
(4)
Brandon D.

My Favorite Sushi place. I'm from upstate New York, and every time I travel to Novi, I have to come to Ajishin. The Udon is spectacular and the sushi literally falls apart in your mouth. I've had nothing better- and for Sushi in Michigan, you shouldn't be looking anywhere else.
(5)
Rebekka P.

Basically, as soon as we walked in the door at Ajishin, I knew I was going to be having one of the best sushi/noodle experiences I've ever had. Hint #1: Upon entry, I discovered a line of about 10 Japanese people waiting for tables in the tiny dining room. As I looked around....hey, wait, we're the only round eyes in this place! Hint #2: The supplied reading materials (clearly indicating the owners anticipate a wait for a table) that are tucked neatly into bookshelves and drawers just inside the door are all in Japanese. Japanese newspapers, Japanese kids books, and Japanese women's magazines.... By a stroke of luck, we got to sit at the bar and, as soon as we were seated, served mugs of steaming perfectly brewed green tea. The menu, which includes a classic selection of noodle soups and fresh fish, is small, but perfectly so. The soups come with udon, the long, silky (and, here, perfectly cooked) white noodles typical in Japanese noodle bowls, but can be replaced with the more starchy, protein-rich buckwheat noodles used for many cold preparations of Japanese noodles. In addition to a noodle bowl for each of us, boyfriend and I ordered a nice selection of rolls and nigiri sushi. The mackerel nigiri was incredible, the sea urchin was unbelievably fresh, the salmon roe was perfect in all it's salty and crunchy glory. And the noodles were perfect...cooked perfectly (both kinds, as I opted for the buckwheat while boyfriend stuck with the udon) with a beautiful, clear, but rich and flavorful broth. THIS is the kind of authentic noodle bowl that I crave, but have never been able to find a place that does it justice. Lucky for me, boyfriend is good at finding places that make all my gastronomic dreams come true. The best part of this experience is that is was, by most standards, CHEAP! I think our bill was under $40 and we had to take home half of each of our noodle bowls and about half of the sushi we ordered (I tend to get a little overzealous with those little pencils you always get to fill out your order form). One could easily spend half of what we did and have a filling meal. Overall, a great experience...good service, incredibly fresh seafood, relaxed atmosphere.
(5)
Chris W.

This is in no way meant to be defamatory but when you walk in and notice the clientele is all Asian-Pacific you know its going to be good. Some of the absolute best Sushi I've ever had and lunch prices that will make you want to order way more than you should. The curry is amazing and the spicy tuna rolls have a texture I have yet to experience anywhere else.
(5)
Junghyun A.

Best...best of the best. Not a fancy sushi (and hugely expensive) place, but udon, noodle, and rolls / maki are the one we liked the most. Been to many other places, but no other places provides combination of good service, food and price.. OY..we love to be there once again...
(5)
ãƒˆãƒ¢ T.

A Japanese restaurant that focuses on noodles and sushi in suburb of Detroit. Ironically, I think their best items are neither udon or sushi, but curry rice and broiled fish combo. There is so much to love about this place, but there are some major negatives that averages out to 3 stars. I used to be one of their first customers, so they know me well. I hope they don't realize that I gave them only 3 stars... PROS: Reasonable price. Nice owners. Their curry rice is THE BEST. CONS: Long lines with no waiting area forces people to stand next to you as you eat. Nice Japanese couple runs this place, but service suffers when things get busy. Large pieces of sushi, but execution is so,so.
(3)
Dea A.

Definitely a fan of Ajishin. But out of the 4 attempts to eat here, I've only had 2 successes. They carry some weird hours: closed from 2:30-5pm and closed on Tuesdays. Considering my lunch time is normally 3pm, this was a little irritating. The sushi is damn good, and damn cheap ($4 a tuna roll). I'm unsure as to how they are getting better grade fish for so cheap without using what I thought was the Noble Fish import monopoly. I could be wrong, though... They have more than one kind of eel -- river and sea eel, but I am unsure of what is the difference -- other than one may be less fatty than the other, but I don't even know which is which! V and I binged on sushi the first time we came here, and all of it was extremely tasty (and very well made, no rolls falling apart here!). The udon comes with a "krab" stick peeking out of the soup bowl at you, and it's pretty tasty. Though I had a mad headache coming out of there (as did Vikram... who is not prone to headaches) and I'm wondering if the broth is packed with MSG. I don't normally get MSG headaches... so once again, a speculation on my part. The bowls are reasonably priced at $6.50-$7.50 a piece. The noodles are just satisfying, but I can't say it's the best udon I've had... or if it is the best in Metro Detroit (my first time having udon, strangely, since I moved here!). So you are wondering, cheap, good fish, tasty udon -- what's the deal with the 4 stars? Ah ha... you see... it's the service. The service is terrible. All of the waitresses that are working are YOURS. It just depends on who you can make eye contact with and flag down. You will never get offered a drink refill (the first time I went, I asked for a refill... and never got it, I was so thirsty from the soy sauce!). You will never be ASKED to take you order (this is where the frantic, holy crap I am so hungry, hand waving comes in). You will never just be brought the check (more hand waving). You never know who is willing to serve you or who is just looking your way in a spacey, non-helpful way. I have to be honest, I wonder if it's because I'm a white girl. Because ALL of the Japanese/Asian guests get served before I do (even if they sit down after me). Just like Noble Fish there is an unwritten "drill" here when it comes to getting a table during peak times: you must write your name down. No one will tell you this, of course, and other people who are Asianer than you will get seated before you (I suspect they want to make money by NOT sitting 2 people at a 4 top, even if you were there first). It also gets pretty uncomfortable standing over people who are eating... because this place is popular AND tiny. Now that the on-ramp going back east from here mysteriously disappeared, I'm not sure making this 20 mile trek from the D is worth it. Maybe I'll make it back when construction season is over and we are back to 6 months of winter. Oh, and if it matters to you... this place is not very vegetarian friendly. The soups are all fish based. However, there are some veggie sushi rolls (pfft... what's the point?!).
(4)
William D.

This is hands down our favorite sushi place in the area. My wife and I often look for excuses to head our to Novi to eat at Ajishin. The staff is friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere is cozy and the food is great. We enjoy almost all of their fresh sushi items as well as their grilled fish dinners and excellent Udon. Prices are reasonable although they have gone up recently. If I had to give a downside it would be that there is sometimes a long wait to get in. However, good things come to those who wait!
(5)
Jiwon P.

Worth the drive, worth the wait. If you get there after opening, expect to wait at least 20-30 minutes with a party of 2. The girlfriend and I tried this place because of its stellar reviews and the general lack of good asian food in the metro area. Man, were we pleasantly surprised. We got the Ajishin Udon and split a curry rice. The Udon was flavorful with excellent broth and noodles with perfect consistency. Couldn't taste any MSG and the overall flavor balances were pretty incredible. And then the curry rice. Oh wow. I've had a number of different kinds of curry rice, from Japanese to Korean, Indian and Thai. Wow. Usually not a huge fan of Japanese curry rice, but this was incredible. The curry was flavorful without being heavy and salty. Slight touches of pickled ginger added good flavor throughout and the meat was well cooked and absolutely tasty. We've been back 5 times since and definitely enjoy it every single time we go. Also, it's across the way from a Hippo bakery, where we can get our fill of red bean paste buns for desert. Nice.
(5)
Jason C.

I love the Udon! I'll drive 40 minutes to get Udon! Their sushi is very good as well! Be warned, they get busy quickly during lunch and dinner, get their early if you can. Also, you'll need to sign up on the wait list yourself, otherwise you'll be sorry! They are closed on Tuesdays! Try their daily specials, its worth the price - you get small udon and another dish.
(5)
Tammy P.

As if this place needed another glowing review, here's another one. I skip the sushi here and go straight for the udon. My udon of choice is usually the Maiko, but if I'm there for dinner, I love getting the broiled fish & udon combo. The salmon is lightly seasoned, and the skin is crisp. The fish isn't overdone, it's cooked enough to flake without drying your mouth like the Sahara. I hate fish that is so overcooked that you end up drinking a ton of water because of the lack of moisture! The rice is also perfectly cooked, not too dry but not a pile of mush. The udon broth is what makes the meal gold though. I don't know what they put in this bowl of amazing, but ask to get your tempura on the side so that it's not soggy and enjoy a bowl of the greatest soup in Novi!
(5)
Lily P.

My absolute favorite sushi restaurant in Michigan. Nothing else compared since the noodles are amazing and the broth is too...even though normally I'm not a big fan. The fish is very fresh. Not the greatest atmosphere but the food makes up for it all. I often drive 40 mins to just eat here and recommend it to everyone! I would definitely recommend getting the tuna rolls $4, california (little different then normal, and avacado rolls whether you get it with tuna or salmon. I usually get udon noodles (I get the ajishin one for $7.50 which is great and has everything in it...the broth is amazing), and also a piece of salmon (grilled if you want). The cod is pretty much my favorite except they didn't have it that night. They also have yellow tail which I haven't tried. They do a great job with their fish. It makes for a great meal and you definitely will be glad for the variety. The price is very reasonable and worth any kind of drive. I would go here more often if the hours weren't so odd. You might want to check ahead of time to make sure its open. The lines can go out of the door and you will be literally standing over a table waiting for them to finish. Downsides: the place is super small and often crowded. max capacity is 65 and sometimes you need to wait an hour.
(5)
Caroline C.

I hold Ajishin close to my heart. Spoken frankly, the food is good, but nothing that is truly unforgettable. Most of Ajishin's charm, however, lies in its ambiance and the value you get for what you pay. It's a small, cozy, no-frills noodle house with a simplistic menu and $7.50 lunch specials that are worth every cent. Every special comes with a huge bowl of udon noodles, and my favorite is when they have the grilled fish for lunch - the cod is juicy, tender, and absolutely satisfying! Put your name on the list and stop by Hungry Hippo pastry house in the same plaza, or even better, call in beforehand. Even if you have to wait 30 minutes to get a table, get stone-faced service from one of the waitresses that looks like she rolls out of wrong side of the bed EVERY SINGLE DAY, there is no doubt you will walk out full, happy, and with a smile on your face!
(4)
Chris W.

Best sushi place ever and I have literally been to 30+ sushi places in Michigan. Nobel Fish is good but this place is so good its hard to explain, its big enough for a group if you had to or great if you're alone. The sushi if phenomenal and the noodles are pretty dang good too. Prices are really good for sushi. GO HERE its amazing.
(5)
Tori M.

The service was absolutely horrible. After being completely ignored for literally 10 minutes upon walking into the restaurant, the waitresses were extremely rude to us...I'm disappointed I never got to experience the food but I refuse to give this restaurant any business.
(1)
Viet N.

Update 4/23/2011: Another day of Hippo-shin for lunch, and I swear, Ajishin is the ONLY restaurant in SE Michigan that I've seen where people line up before the doors open, and fills to capacity in the first 10 minutes. Unbelievable -- and even more so because we placed our order within 5 minutes, and got our udon within 10 minutes. Yummy says the tummy. Overall: Come for comforting udon, pass on the sushi. Mostly agree with Jenny Z. and Janelle (see their in-depth reviews). Reminds me of home, which is high praise. We go here every six months or so for some cheap, comforting udon soup. Dinner for two for under $20 is a grand bargain, and each bowl of udon is probably enough to fill up a medium-sized adult. Don't bother calling in, just leave your name/number, and head across the strip mall to Pastry House Hippo to kill time. The menu only has a few dishes, which is a huge plus in my book. Besides udon, I thought the curry rice was pretty good. Not fabulous, but for $8, very nourishing. Sushi rolls/nigiri/sashimi -- pass. It's not that it's bad, it's just not good. And anyway, this place is a noodle house with a long wait. In summary, 4/5 stars because I like the bustling, yet intimate atmosphere, and because it's the best place around for soup.
(4)
Kevin K.

This is a pretty good place to hit up after some shopping at the nearby mall. The udon is a kelp dashi stock. I would come here for the udon, it gets a little busy with limited seating, but I would return.
(4)
Tony V.

Great noodle bowl soup (udon) spot, very authentic, we were the only krackers in the whole joint. I love sushi, but other than the tuna sashimi, I'd say skip sushi altogether and stick to the Kyo - Chirashi or the Ajishin. You can never go wrong ordering the namesake dish.
(4)
Danielle A.

Ajishin is so delicious, like wear stretchy pants because you are going to over-eat delicious. The soba and udon are fantastic, lunch specials are amazing, and don't even get me started on the sushi- it's the stuff dreams are made of. Every time I leave Ajishin I have a huge smile on my face, a full belly, and a lighter wallet. Lately though I've noticed some issues. Ajishin is extremely small and there is always a line (with the exception of later in the afternoon for lunch), therefore when the sushi urge hits I usually call and order carry-out. The last 2 times I ordered there have been major issues: the first was a communication breakdown and I did not receive the correct rolls I ordered, the second was that I went to pick up my order and THEY GAVE MY FOOD TO SOMEONE ELSE! Apparently someone with a similar sounding name came in and snagged my food before I was able to get it. When we realized the mistake they told me it would be a 30 minute wait until my food could be remade. I love Ajishin and waited until my food was re-prepared but was extremely disappointed that the establishment did not do more for me- no attempt was made at rushing the order and no real apology was given. I was told to "use a different name next time I called". It is such a pity that there is a breakdown in communication because it makes me not want to eat here anymore- or at least not get carry out. Ultimate verdict: food is delicious, there is somewhat of a communication breakdown, be prepared to wait for a table, don't get carry out.
(4)
Wei O.

Not else i can say about this place that hasnt been said. Few important things to note :- -They only serve delicious udon noodles and decent sushi. Dont expect to find bentos or izakaya style items. -They are closed on Tuesday. -It gets VERY crowded during lunch time. Make sure you put your name down on the book as soon as you walk in. -TRY the curry rice. Its 7.50, filling and delicious. -Not recommended for group with more then 5 people.
(4)
Ellen L.

This is a pretty good Japanese restaurant. There's not much variety of food other, though. But, their udon noodles are very good and their sushi is decent. I've been here a couple of times and there's a few things that I've noticed. 1) The place is quite small so if you come in during lunch hours you'll end up huddling in a group right in front of the entrance. Plus, there are 2 tables at the back which the group is standing in front of. Now, if I were those individuals eating in those 2 tables, I hope I'm not claustrophobic because it'll seem like everyone is taking up you're space. 2) The service can be slow. Slow to be seated, slow to get your order taken. It's happened a few times to me, which makes me not really want to go back there. And I don't know if it's just me, but since the table sizes are limited it seems like larger groups get seated before smaller ones EVEN if the smaller ones have gotten there before the larger groups. The prices at Ajishin are reasonable for the portion sizes that they give you. For example, the curry rice plate is about 1.5x of a regular plate. And when you look at it, it seems like the curry is overflowing which is great for the price you're paying. But, if you're going to have anything at Ajishin, I'd go with their Ajishin udon. It's a very tasty dish with fried tofu, egg, naruto, noodles and you top it off with the addition of hondashi (for additional flavoring).
(3)
David W.

Fantastic udon and sushi. Well worth the wait on a Saturday night. This is the best Japanese restaurant in the Detroit area in my opinion.
(5)
Matt T.

This is a wonderful place of respite during or after a hard day's work. The sushi here is incredibly fresh and very reasonably priced. I've already been here several times for lunch and once for dinner. The hot udon is a staple during both of these mealtimes and you get a gargantuan portion for the price! The large sushi lunch for $12 is more than enough to satisfy a lunch craving. You get soup, salmon, tuna, egg, river eel, a california roll, and shrimp. I haven't found a place that can beat the price to quality ratio. For dinner I tried the salmon jaw, and you also get a huge portion of incredibly delicious food. Service is reasonably prompt at the sushi bar, albeit kind of impersonal, hence the -1 star. High quality food for dirt cheap! This is the place for it.
(4)
Jane L.

I'm from Grand Rapids, and every time I visit my brother in Ann Arbor or just travel towards the east side of the state I never fail to visit Ajishin. It's funny because it's always a mad dash to see who can get in first from the parking lot. My favorites from here are the udon, not so much the curry udon because I'm not a big fan of curry, but the udon base here is great. Not too salty like other places I've tried. I've tried the sushi here also, and the sushi chefs are really fast with their hands. I've personally never sat at the bar because I always come with 2-3 more people and we prefer sitting at a table. Yes, the service can be lacking sometimes, but this place is always packed and I can see the servers work with what they got and to me that's good service. I give this place 5 stars and I really recommend it to anyone who is in town :)
(5)
Eric C.

I was in the Detroit area for a business trip and was staying nearby at the Doubletree just a mile away. Looked for food places on Yelp and found a Japanese?! place with 4.5 stars and 59 reviews. Gotta see for myself! Came away happy, but fully aware I am spoiled by what I have access to in California. I was seated immediately at the bar (weeknight at 8pm). Food came fast. Ajishin udon was tasty, but nothing uber special. Ordered some nigiri sushi. Fish tasted surprisingly decent, but not ultra fresh. Rice was disintegrating. I noticed the fish was already sliced. Overall: I'd come back again if I were staying in the Novi area. It's one of the higher rated Yelp restaurants in the area with a good quality/price ratio.
(4)
Darren G.

Very good sushi, sashimi, UDON!!!! and others... i am not particularly a fan of their katsu curry or similar though. But Yeah, it is one of the best in Michigan you guys should know, my friends from Illinois drove all the way from UIUC to find this restaurant in Novi, while doing a road trip to Lansing
(4)
T W.

Good for noodles, not for sushi. Sushi has too much rice, salmon was average. Spicy tuna roll not spicy enough. Remember to sign in the notebook when you get there and pay attention when they call your name.
(4)
Rudy Q.

It's the best Japanese noodle place, bar none. I love the rice balls too.
(5)
Nabeel N.

Simply wow. So couple of quick pointers. Get there early. Seating is limited and lines form quickly. You have to put your name down on the wait list. Don't wait for someone else - you should put yourself down!! As for the food. Try everything! I had the stock sushi lunch with a small side of their curry. It was absolutely delicious.
(5)
George C.

This place is one of the best reviewed places in Novi and there seems to be a wait no matter when you go! When you walk in there will be a notebook on your right hand side where you write down your name and that is the list they go by to seat you, so be sure to put your name down! The food itself is definitely good and all of it is pretty cheap as well! As others have mentioned you can split the udon or curry in half so you can get both in 1 meal. The cost is half the cost of the respective dishes +$1. I decided to get the ajishin which came with tempura shrimp, crab stick, sea weed and marinated tofu among other things. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are well cooked. The curry also came with a couple pieces of tempura shrimp but was a little on the salty side. As an added bonus, they brought me a salad and one onigiri as well which was an added surprise. It was definitely tons of food for 8.50! I would definitely consider coming back although it seems some of the wait times can get long. I got lucky and only had to wait 10 minutes! Definitely would recommend this place if you're craving curry or udon!
(4)
DJ Z.

Aside from my beloved Yamato in Kerrytown, which closed last year whose chef/owner is now in New York, there are not many great places for sushi in Michigan. Ajishin serves udon, chirashi bowls, and sushi, all of which are pretty good. In addition, it is super cheap. The downside is that there is no reservation system. People essentially come in, put their names on the list, and wait. There is always a wait during peak lunch and dinner times everyday but that also gives you an idea of how good this place is. Gojyu-no-toh:"Five Story Tower" Sampler of individual chirashi with tuna, sea urchin, salmon roe, river eel, and shrimp. I don't like salmon roe so I was able to substitute it for another sea urchin. Each is served on a bed of egg and rice. You mix a bit of soy sauce and wasabi (no ginger for me) into each bowl and eat. Lunch Special: Udon and Chirashi This is a super good deal because the udon and chirashi individually cost almost as much as the ~$7 you are paying for the lunch special for both. - The udon broth is really well-seasoned. If you just want to get a bowl of udon, I recommend the Ajishin udon, which contains all the garnishes you see below in the basic udon plus shrimp and vegetable tempura and fried tofu. - The chirashi bowl varies depending on the day; it was salmon, white fish, and shrimp during a different visit. Add soy sauce into the chirashi bowl, mixed it all up, and eat. Make sure you break up the wasabi really well or your nostrils will pay for it later. A La Carte Sushi Some good ones to get are uni (sea urchin), hamachi (yellowtail), California roll (I know, I'll explain), ebi (raw shrimp), tamago (egg). - Uni (sea urchin): If you have not tried uni before, this is a good place to try it because it has been consistently fresh and delicious all the times I have had it here. - Hamachi (yellowtail): always fresh, good either as nigiri or in the yellowtail and scallion roll. - California roll: California rolls are a crime against sushi but mark my words, this one is really good. This is the only place where I will ever get a cali roll. Make sure you get it with the spicy sauce. - Ebi (raw shrimp): Unlike most places in Michigan, Ajishin uses huge shrimp for this. The shrimp is so sweet and tastes so good with the wasabi between the shrimp and rice. - Tamago (egg): this is a sweet egg omlette with a chunk of rice inside. Ajishin's is one of the best. This is a great piece to finish with.
(4)
Michelle N.

Okay, I lied. It's all about the MAIKO udon...ask for the tempura on the side. The tempura comes out cold, but you can add it to your udon and enjoy crispy tempura. yum. I just had Ajishin, but I want more!
(5)
Sushi L.

This place by far is the best japanese restautant i have ever been in terms of price and fresheness of food. Only thing is we always had to wait too long and the business hour is short. The space is small. It is just too popular! T.T
(4)
Ron L.

I love living close to this place, and I have to thank the friend that introduced it to me so many years ago. Ajishin is small and often fully seated, so there'll be a hungry, eager audience at the door waiting for open tables. This is *the* place to go for udon in the area, and the sushi has always been tasty. On your first trip, try a spicy tuna roll and a California roll, they'll be your new benchmark. When you're ready for something more, try the grilled fish and udon special ($12-ish) -- my mouth waters just thinking about it.
(5)
Michelle L.

BEST UDON NOODLES EVER! That is all you really need to read or order from Ajishin. The only reason why they have 4 stars instead of 5 is because I'm not really into their sushi...its just kind of meh... But, their udon noodle bowls are unreal. I highly suggest ordering one ASAP. I once went there to pick up carry out for lunch (drove way out of my way to get it because I had a craving) and there were tons of asian people waiting outside for them to open. As soon as they open their doors people rush in! It was hilarious. Obviously they have a lot of fans. I think they are often on a wait for dinner, so plan accordingly! There's not much else to say really...just order the udon and enjoy!
(4)
Casey F.

Great prices. Great soba. Simple and good sushi. And the ajishin udon was fantastic
(5)
Jenna H.

Best sushi in Michigan. Puts everything in Ann Arbor to shame by charging the same price or less for food twice as good or more. Also extremely tasty, large udon for only 7.50. Really, nothing compares. It's not a fancy place with sake and desserts that you take your family after a graduation. The waits can be long, it's jam packed with people waiting, you may sit at the counter instead if a table, there's no liquor. But the food is the best, and once you are seated it comes quickly.
(5)
Chris N.

Best sushi and Japanese noodles in all of metro Detroit. Have been going there for almost 10 years. You have to get their attention to place your order or get refills but that's just their system. You have to leave your name on their check-in book when you arrive and the lines can be long. But it's so worth it.
(5)
Natasha P.

There is no better Sushi in town! And the Udon comes pretty close too. Lunch is always a very crowded affair, so either go really early or really late or be prepared to wait. You will have to ask for the sushi menu, if you want sushi, but I should warn you, the udon is a pretty big bowl. I don't think I have finished one, to date. My favorite udon is the Curry Udon. It's all the goodness of the curry rice, but as an udon, which is what Ajishin does best. I've had a couple of the other ones too and they are excellent as well. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu. Also, their gingery salad dressing is the best I've ever had. Much better than any other sushi place I've tried so far.
(5)
Jason C.

Haven't been here for a while but i want to write a review of this place and overall I want to give 4.5 stars. Giving 5 stars for the prize they charge you on good quality of food they have. Not a best place for fancy date or important meeting with someone but for normal occasion i would definitely recommend you to come here to have a meal. Giving 3.5 stars for service. Make sure to clarify on what you order and what you want to include or exclude on what you order cause sometimes they misunderstands on what you want or how you want it. Too busy for 2 waitress to work but i don't think they hire more people and it kinda lowers the service due to busy to handle every customers. Not many seats so i highly suggest you to go little early than you normally go out to eat for dinner if you don't want to wait to get seated. Their Udon is the best i've tried so far in US so i would like you to try it and plus it's cheap so you don't have to worry about the prize. Hopefully i come back here again to have dinner with my friends soon.
(4)
Liz W.

I liked it here. I didn't think either of the options here, noodles or sushi, were the absolute best ever in my ratings book but I did really enjoy both a lot. I want to come back and experiment more but its a bit of a hike for me to Novi so this will not make the regular rotation for me or anything. I went with the tetsugaku udon as my old friend Rodney liked it and he is known to have good taste. I liked the delicate type curry, its definitely not hot, it is subtle and yet still satisfyingly flavorful. The fried tofu was very nice in it indeed. It made for happy slurps. Perfect dish for a gray icky Michigan day. It managed to be just what I needed to perk me up. My mother opted for gojyu-no-toh a chirashi sampler with tuna, sea urchin, salmon roe, river eel and shrimp. It was lovely. The sushi rice here is indeed tasty and the fish was very fresh. The miso soup was nice to her palate too. I would be all over this dish on a less dreary day. Luckily she and I are inclined to sharing so I was not left wanting. The place is quite hopping but worth it. The prices are extremely reasonable for the quality. I will be back at some point.
(4)
Jin Y.

This place has the best udon. I have not tried everything yet, so far I liked everything. I tried udon almost everywhere I go. It was not as good as this place. Good service too
(5)
Jessica W.

Mmmmm, mmmmm, udon... So warm, noodley, and delicious. You can tell by the number of people that frequent this place on an ordinary Saturday afternoon that there must be something magical going on. And there is. The soup was lovely, the fish tasted fresh, and the rolls were well-made and scrumptious. I now see why people drive all the way out from Ann Arbor for this place: it's the best around.
(5)
ER D.

The Udon is very good, tasty, high quality. The sushi is mediocre though. I highly recommend lunch here, it's affordable, and the udon is good. Coming from a person who is accustomed to the west coast Japanese food, I would say this restaurant is decent. It is only receiving a 4 star from my perspective since I definitely had better Japanese udon and sushi before. However, from what is available in michigan, I would highly recommend this place!
(4)
James S.

My mom is from Tokyo and she know her Japanese cuisine. Whenever I'm in town, we always eat here. Make sure you arrive upon opening whether lunch or dinner as it fills up fast. Reservations are highly recommended at night. This fantastic authentic Japanese food in a relaxed setting.
(5)
Raphael C.

Authentic Japanese Restaurant with great sushi bar, friendly staffs, and clean environment. This place usually gets busy around dinner time. My personal favorite dish is the Grilled Fish Combo- it comes with grilled fish, Udon, Rice bowl. The price is not bad for the combo and it fills you up. They also have good sushi and the price is not too bad. Great place to come for Lunch and Dinner.
(4)
Stephanie H.

I grew up eating Ajishin. After I moved to LA for college last year, I've tried countless new Japanese restaurants but I always find myself comparing everything to this place...... :( This place is small and can only sit around 30 people at most at time. Unless you come right when it opens (11:30 for lunch) be prepared to wait at least 45 mins... as the line starts forming outside 15ish minutes before they open their doors (even in the rain, snow, etc). ^TIP: You can call ahead and tell them to put your name on the waiting list but they don't take reservations. I think I've tried almost everything on the menu, and nothing has really ever disappointed me. Usually my friends and family order the daily special, which ranges from roasted eel over rice to a rotation of fresh sushi rolls. Every lunch special comes with a bowl of "plain" udon. But trust me, even the plain udon is better than any udon I've tried in Michigan and in LA. It's just addictive. I'm not a huge fan of raw fish, so I usually stick to their Maiko udon (Udon with tempura shrimp and other tempura fritters). I've probably had 50+ bowls of this in my life and I find myself craving this at least once a week at school..... it kills me inside that Ajshin is so far away, actually. Once you've tried the Maiko udon, or any of their udon, there's no turning back. NOBODY makes udon like Ajishin does. On the days that I'm extra hungry, I come to this place for their roasted fish. The cod jaw and the roasted salmon are crispy, flaky, and they literally melt in your mouth as you eat it. At around $12, the fish combo comes with a bowl of rice accompanied by bowl of plain udon. Just a note: roasted fish is only available at dinner in limited quantities (they usually run out of the cod first). To wrap it all up, try the lunch special if you're coming here for lunch and the roasted fish if you're coming for dinner. I've been coming here for the past 10 years and have never left disappointed. Oh and the waitress with the dark lipstick is quite scary and rude. If you make her smile, then you're my hero. I haven't seen her lips move from a evil frown in years.
(5)
John W.

Good prices, nice waitresses. Taste is very fresh.
(5)
Ching T.

By far the BEST Japanese restaurant. Love their noodles and we go there at least once a week... LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Yes the wait is horrible that's why we always go there before they open (before 11:30 for lunch; before 5pm for dinner) or after rush hour (after 1:30 for lunch; after 7:30pm for dinner ).
(5)
Sunny K.

One reason i go here is because its cheap udon. U can get cold udon in like this mayo like sause, but its rlly good. Especially during this hot summer time!
(4)
Tom V.

Another review to add to the pile. I go here for lunch often. The lunch special is a great value, usually a roll or sashimi and udon noodles. The udon is always good but the sushi can vary from day to day. They get pretty busy for lunch, so it's usually best to show up just before 11:30 when they open. Also, they're closed on Tuesday which is sometimes a bummer when you've got the craving.
(4)
Ariel D.

My absolutely, positively, favorite Japanese restaurant in the entire metro-Detroit area. Their raw fish is the best quality I have come across. When ordering nigiri or sashimi the fish pieces are a nice thick cut, definitely worth the money. Eight dollars for the best udon around. If you have no idea what to get when you walk in just say you want an "Ajishin". You won't be dissapointed. My only con is how small the restaurant is so there is always a long wait. Make a reservation but still be prepared to wait up to 20 minutes if it is during peak hours. Also, for most of the staff english is not their first language and the service can be slow. The owner, who actually is the one behind the counter making sushi, is actually from Japan and fondly remembers his "regulars", greets them, and makes sure they are treated well. I once went in and the cooks made a mistake and I waited for 45 minutes for my meal, which that day was not cheap. He gave myself and my date our meal for free! Don't be intimidated when you walk in, but be aware this isn't your typical, americanized version of an Asian restaurant. Go here for the experience of an authentic Japanese restaurant and delicious Japanese food.
(5)
HX S.

This is the restaurant I go most frequently in novi, it is absolutely cheap and delicious! It has been several times I waited outside till 5:00 pm it opened!!! it is always crowded and busy, so go as early as you can, especially over weekends~
(5)
Phaedra Y.

the udon .. i would give a 3 - nothing spectacular however, the place shines on the fresh assorted fish the best deal... stick with the grilled cod fish!!! bang for your buck guarantee.. come with a huge bowl of udon that you can upgrade for $2
(4)
Ariel W.

Ajishin is my absolute favorite Japanese restaurant in Michigan. I crave this place all the time. Whenever I'm in the Novi/Farmington area, I always make plans to go there right at 5PM for dinner, because if you get there later than the second they open, be ready to wait. This place is so popular! My favorite dish that they serve there (that I haven't been able to find at any other sushi restaurant in the Ann Arbor area) is the kyo-chirashi with salmon roe and salmon sashimi. Imagine, a bowl of rice covered in a bed of salmon roe topped with slices of salmon sashimi. It's absolute perfection! Plus, all the fish is fresh and clean so I've never myself, nor known of anyone, who had issues after eating here. If this is your first time going, the menu might throw you off a bit. Feel free to ask your waiter as many questions as you can before he/she leaves, because even though it's a small restaurant, they're always very busy so it might be hard to grab him/her again. Their menu is translated a bit funny...like what's a delicious harmony? I don't know, but it's great! I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who's in the area or is craving Japanese food.
(5)
levramosis H.

The curry (tetsugaku) udon here makes my world go around. It is so warm and comforting. The sushi here is also very good. The fish is always fresh and well made. My boyfriend is partial to the Ajishin udon. I like the chirashi when I'm really in the mood for raw fish. The broiled fish is always a good bet at dinner
(5)
Mitsuaki M.

This place has inexpensive Sushi and I often use this place to scratch my Sushi itch. That being said, I do have several tips I can share with you. 1) The Daily Lunch Special is $7.50, and it's a nice deal. 2) The Lunch Crowd is SUPER HEAVY, so if you try to visit during your lunch break good luck getting in. So, try to be at the door when the place opens at 11:30am, or get there after 2:00pm. 3) If you like Japanese Manga Comics, you have a selection of them to read here. (If you read Japanese...) With the quality of Sushi, you get what you pay for definitely apply. If you want top class fish, you need to pay top class prices. Unfortunately, I have yet to find any of these top class places in the vicinity. However, I will keep my eyes peeled within this state and any adjacent states, so keep reading my reviews.
(3)
Haeri J.

I drop by here every time I'm in the Novi Area for great food :) I specifically come to Ajishin for the Entrees. Great Udon and Grilled Fish! I really recommend the Ajishin udon bowl (my favorite)! As for the sushi, there is a bit too much rice on the rolls and the nigiri but that's okay because they don't skimp on any of the ingredients! Price is definitely a 5/5. They are so reasonably priced it's a bit ridiculous. Service is good too, it can be sow at times but it's because they are usually packed! When the place is only about 3/4 full the employees are a bit quicker and more attentive. A little tip for people who have never been here before, They close for breaks, between lunch and dinner. You'll usually see people parked outside of the restaurant so they can dine first. It's not very big at all so large parties will have a longer wait if they just filled up. Also, ALL the serving staff share tables so don't wait up for one person, anyone who is walking by will serve you!
(5)
Louise M.

I told a friend that I was going to Detroit for a business trip. She told me she used to live in Novi, MI and Ajishin is her absolute favorite noodle house, ever. Even though it was 45 minutes out of my way, I thought I had to try it. She told me to get there early if I didn't want to wait. Well, of course I didn't want to wait and plus I'd be eating alone! So I wanted it as painless as possible no matter how good the place would be I didn't want to suffer to eat there. After driving about 5 hours from Chicago, I thought I'd get there by 4:15 PM. I had to wait about 45 minutes for them to open. Huh...waiting anyway. Nope!! Forgot they're on EST! So when I got there, they just opened, and no line!! Sweet! I ordered the Ajishin Udon, as well as the toro, salmon, and unagi nigiri. Too bad I didn't have company so I could order more stuff in the menu. I really wanted to try the hamachi collar that my friend told me about. But I didn't see it in the menu anymore. My soup and sushi came so quick. About 5 minutes or so I was eating! The cool part too, the waitress spoke perfect English. I didn't have to struggle to explain about wanting my egg soft poached in the noodle. The noodle soup was yummy. The broth was awesome. It had tempura fried onion that gave a really nice flavor, aroma, and texture to the soup. I wish they gave me bigger tempura shrimps..but that was my only complaint. Everything else was tasting so great! The sushi were also delicious. I couldn't believe I just inhaled a $2.20 tuna belly. Yes!! $2.20! I got out of there in maybe 20 minutes, full, and happy. I paid $17 including tip for my dinner. Unbelievably cheap. If I go to Detroit again, I will make sure to stop here to try their other stuff so I could give them the extra star.
(4)
Kristin G.

Holy Delicious. A whole new world of noodles opened up the first time I tried Pho Bowl...I know Pho is Vietnamese. I'm just sayin' bear with me, cause I'm a noodle newb. I'd have to say, that Ajishin was the first good bowl of Udon I've had. So I may not be some sort of noodle pro, but I can attest to the fact that these noodles are worth every minute of the wait and are well worth venturing a long distance to enjoy. The ingredients, fresh and flavorful. I had the shrimp tempura Udon. The tempura bits in the broth gave it a wonderful fried flavor without being heavy. The atmosphere is so very welcoming, so very Japanese in style too. It is reminiscent of someone's family room diner. My husband and I were the only non Japanese people in the place. We drove up and I swear I've never seen so many foreign cars in one place in Detroit! They have kids books (in Japanese) and hooks on the walls for coats. The service was prompt and friendly. The sushi was, as others have said, very generously portioned and fresh. I can't fain any sort of expertise on behalf of Japanese cuisine but I think the sheer attendance of Japanese folks speaks volumes about the taste and quality at Ajishin. I wish they were closer, but I WILL make the trek, it's WORTH IT! Mmm...Udon noodles and cold winter days...the perfect marriage :)
(4)
Nuri G.

You know you've found good sushi when you're one of two white guys in the entire establishment. Hands down, Top 10 sushi experiences in my entire life. Rice? Nailed it. Fish quality? Incredible Udon? Holy crap, why haven't I had this stuff before? I may be ruined. I stuffed myself *stupid* for about $25, which means, in a cost comparative fashion, this was the most bang for my sushi buck I've ever *ever* had. I ordered a spicy tuna, a futomaki, toro, maguro, sake, egg omelet, hamachi, and a tempura udon with shrimp and onion (I split this with my dining partner) and everything was so damn good. I usually don't like spicy tuna where the tuna is ground (I like it cubed) but this was uncommonly delicious. Protip: CALL AHEAD and get on the list. We arrived at 12:00 and waited for almost an hour. Call-ins get some weird priority (the shell game was just a bit frustrating) but it was completely worth it.
(5)
Randal R.

Should have looked at the menu ahead of time. Went for sushi but this place specializes in noodles. Noodles were good but I think there are other places in the vicinity with better sushi. Waited about 30 minutes and service was slow.
(3)
Tiffany N.

We enjoyed this place overall. The menu didn't have a huge selection of sushi, which is what we went for. Next time I would probably try one of their soups and just get a sushi roll as a side. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, it's a small place. Also I believe drink choices were only hot tea or ice water - so just something to be prepared for.
(4)
Eileen S.

Ajishin udon noodle soup was tasty. Affordable prices too... add me to the list of fans. Arrived around 1:30 on a Wednesday for lunch and did not have to wait for a table. Noticed some regulars taking advantage of the shelf filled with books and newspapers. What a good idea! Original artwork on the walls available for purchase. After countless trips into the Detroit area, I was determined to head over to Novi for what I knew would be better Japanese fare than what I experienced so far in Detroit. Finally a trip into the area during warmer weather... so glad I made the drive out.
(4)
Robyn T.

Super good sushi, reasonable prices, cool atmosphere and wonderful service. Congrats Ajishin, you get the 5! Karen C and I met here for our weekly 'try someplace new' and we were both in the mood for sushi. Based on the previous raves, this was the pick. Ajishin is a smaller place that's dimly lit and has little tables scattered everywhere and a sushi bar off to one side. I've never been to Japan, but I imagine it's pretty close to authentic looking. Who knows? But I thought it was cool. We were greeted with a smile and sat down right away. I heard about how busy this place gets but it seemed ok on a random Monday at 6pm. Our friendly server came out promptly with some hot tea and our sushi order form. I am a pretty conservative sushi eater, so I stuck with my two faves: shrimp tempura and california. YUM! Some of the best I've ever had. I have to say their rice is perfectly sticky yet soft. The shrimp was cooked just right and still had it's tempura crisp, and the california roll had the most tasty avocado in it. Usually I stop eating because I get bored with the taste, but this time I stopped eating because there was not even 1 grain left on plate. And I was considering drinking the rest of the soy sauce to keep the memory of last hour alive. Karen and I got to talking the way women can, and we talked, and talked, and talked. I think we ended up staying there over 2 hours. Never once did the staff look at us weird, or pressure us to get outta there. In fact, even after the bill was paid, they kept checking on us and bringing us more tea. Most appreciated!
(5)
Will B.

Great sushi, and awesome udon!
(5)
Cee B.

Make sure to call ahead to get in line for the wait list. Famous for their udon. Most likely your lunch starts with a complimentary hot tea and a small plate of sushi rice shaped in a triangle on the house. My udon has tasty broth, infused with tempura shrimp and scallions. Good based on pricing. Restaurant is close to a big Japanese grocery store (one world market), which I found tons of cool and exotic snacks, miso, drinks, dessert, grocery, and many awesome goodies (not cheap though).
(3)
Miriam W.

This is a cute little restaurant with comfy seating and a fun vibe. The menu is simple...sushi and udon noodle soups and bowls. The sushi is very good...fresh and prepared with care. I like the cups of green tea they bring in place of water, and love that they take the time to refill them. Just perfect for everyday dining...a short menu of well prepared food.
(4)
Meeta B.

Loved loved loved this place! So yea, its got some odd hours but it is definitely worth the wait and its very authentic (at least that's what my Japanese friends who I frequented the place with said). The udon is delicious and the sushi was great, the prices are affordable and you walk out stuffed to the gills. (Ha! pun intended). The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is we've had hit or miss service. Once my friend waited almost a half hour for her meal, while mine came about 10 minutes after ordering. Other times we've had a problem just getting our orders taken. Now, this place does get really packed- but that night? we were one of the last ones in there. You'd have expected they'd want us to hurry out...but maybe they ascribe to the European method of take your time and enjoy. Anyhow, this place was great. Glad we found it, glad I checked it out. Definitely will be a repeat place on my list.
(4)
Sparkles H.

FANTASTIC! IMO, the best and freshest raw fish in the state of Michigan. Salmon, tuna, toro, unagi, uni and sweet shrimp are excellent. Rice is delicious and well prepared. They're also very known for their Udon Noodles and rightfully so. They make their own kelp broth in house and it is sooooo tasty. I've tried several different Udons but I usually opt for the Ajisen one. The only one I thought was so-so was the curry udon, but that might just be my personal preference. The line-up is long, the shop is small and it gets packed very quickly. Price is very reasonable for sushi in this area. They close between 2-5pm on weekends so don't think you can show up there at 2pm for a late lunch. I would highly recommend this place if you're looking for a yummy sushi and udon joint in Michigan.
(5)
Katelyn M.

This place is definitely going to become my regular sushi place! This was some of the freshest sushi I've had. The udon was tasty and the serving size was generous. I can't wait to go back and try more menu options! What others are saying about the wait is definitely correct. The restaurant is very small and leaves very little waiting area. But obviously there is a reason for a tiny place to be in such high demand! The service was what you would expect for a cheap meal, but I don't go here for a lengthy high-end dining experience. I go here because of the exceptional value. From the outside, it doesn't look like it would be as busy as it typically is, so the best bet is to call ahead to get on the list. The best part of the meal is the value. The food is great quality and the prices are awesome!
(4)
Leonore H.

We came here for sushi late one Sunday evening. We had the place to ourselves and the waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. Sushi was delicious and beautifully presented.
(4)
Sam L.

The Sushi/Udon is some of the best I've had in the U.S. The lines can be long, but the food is worth it. The Ajishin Udon is what I normally get; they will split it up into two bowls if you never had Udon before to try it. The lunch specials are great too; the grill Yellow Tail is amazing and curry is good too.
(5)
Amanda K.

I haven't been here in a very long time, since we moved out of state several years ago. And I only went twice before we moved. We discovered it a bit too late!! But, I have to say - this was the first place I ever had Udon soup, and I got their special "Ajishin Udon". OMG! I could kill them for giving me the best Udon I've ever had as my first experience. Nothing has compared. Nothing. I'm still looking. But I loved their Udon so much - that 5 years later, I'm still looking for one as good - and still disappointed everywhere else. Small place - long wait if no reservation. PACKED. OMG good udon.
(4)
Joseph A.

The really high aggregate score of this place surprises me. The waits are ridiculous and somewhat unjustified in my opinion, the sushi average, the udon is good but not spectacular (maybe being a little harsh there), and the service is more than occasionally horrible. I have to qualify the rest of my review in a couple ways first: One, I am not a huge udon-soup fan in general (although sign me up for Curry-udon whenever and wherever it's available). It's not that I don't like udon- it's just rarely going to be the first thing I think to order- I personally much prefer the stronger flavors of ramen, or something not broth based. (So feel free to take this all with a grain of salt). Second- before I'm accused of not knowing what I'm talking about because of that first statement- (warning- obnoxious reviewer qualifications follow) I lived in Japan for years, I have a Japanese wife, I speak the language, we eat variations of udon at home regularly - I live in Novi (the Japan-town of Detroit). I've probably eaten enough of the stuff in my life lined-up end to end to circle the globe at least once. Anyways- so the udon is good. The broth has an earthy quality to it- but the depth of flavor is a little too weak for my palette- (I prefer the fishier, deeper style of broth.) All that being said, it is the best udon around- I will not deny that. Based on just the noodles this is a 4-star place. The sushi is average/good- but most of all it's very reasonably priced- which I think is a big part in driving the crowds. 100% Self-servingly I wish they'd open a separate sushi place next door and focus on this location being a true noodle-shop with quicker service and first come first serve open seating (no call-ins). The waits are ridiculous, and the service is often horrible, ranging from friendly to downright rude, but usually some combination of both because they have multiple wait-staff running around. It's always kind of haphazard and kind of stressful. If the food was mind-blowing, I wouldn't care- but to me, it's not, and I won't trade a few bucks for a stressed-out dining experience. Anecdotally people in my (Japanese) company which is 5 minutes away rarely ever go here (for lunch at least) because of the ridiculous waits for tables and slow service once you do get seated. When people from out-of-town offices visit they always want to come here because of the reputation (and because it is an udon-specialty restaurant- which is rare) but the locals know better. Of course they are always busy so someone must be going- I see the flaw in my own logic here. If you're really in the mood for udon go during an off hour and have a nice bowl of soup and hope that you get treated nicely.
(3)
Joseph L.

since there are so many people had reviewed this place already..So I am just gonna keep it short...what makes it great about Ajishin is they keep this place small so they keep their quality consistent..been going here for the last 10 years...never let down P.S. They dont take reservation but you can call first...
(5)
Jurs F.

Craving for Japanese food, I found Ajishin on Yelp while visiting this area for business trip. Wow, I was so glad to try this place out. During two-day visit, I came here for two dinner. I tried Kyo-Chirashi (big bowl) with salmon and eel, Shime-saba nigiri, salmon nigiri, and udon noodle soup. Everything was so delicious. Tomorrow I am heading back to San Francisco and wondering if I could found a restaurant which serves udon as good as Ajishin's...not sure since I haven't found one in 5 years living in bay area. I will miss Ajishin!!
(5)
Luke R.

After a less than stellar visit at a different Sushi/Noodle eatery I decided to give Ajishin another go. It was jam packed in there, several people already waiting to be seated. The main counter was full every seat. I lucked out at having only to wait about 5 mins, and able to sit at 12noon being able to get a table for lunch. The menu has not changed since the last time I visited, however I could not recall what it was I had had last time. I knew only that I wanted a big bowl of Udon and some vege sushi. I opted for Tetsagaku? Udon and 2 avocado rolls. they served me some complimentary rice ball which I gobbled up quickly - it was bland however, it did not taste like I recall it did before. I was not in any rush, so I sat with my tablet pc out to finish reading a couple ebooks while I waited for my order. the sushi rolls came first. the rolls were the inside out style, with the avocado inside the seaweed and the rice on the outside, rolled in toasted sesame seeds. the flavor was buttery and the seeds gave it a nice crunch. I had never had vege suhsi from Ajishin before but if this is representative of their other sushi types then I will be happy with getting vege sushi and Udon every time I visit. the soup looked just as I remember... a thick pork curry with scallions, fried tofu, kelp, onions, and heap of udon. I gotta say this udon bowl fit the bill. It was EXACTLY what I had a taste for and it was spot on delicious. My main only problems with my lunch was it was insane trying to get a refill on my Hot Tea. and Asking them for a Fork was almost sacrilegious. it took the waiter 10minutes to bring me a Fork. Unfortunately CTS bothers my hands pretty harsh, so I cannot use Chopsticks very well. the Food was awesome - definitely 5 stars. service was not as awesome - 3 stars at best. Overall 4 stars.
(4)
Jenn K.

I'm only writing a review because I keep forgetting the name of this place and I don't want to! I'm visiting my cousin in Ann Arbor and he asked if I liked Japanese food. uh duh. Who doesn't? So he drove me like 20 miles away, not telling me I'd have to go that far for food, but it is absolutely worth it. We went for lunch on a Monday, so there was no wait. He told me on the weekends, the line/wait can get crazy so I guess I got lucky visiting on a weekday. The udon here is pretty authentic and maybe THE most delicious udon I've ever had. Their unagi, salmon, and other sashimi is pretty fresh and generously portioned as well. They also give you scorching hot green tea (real green tea, not that American green tea crap) and some triangular ball of rice wrapped in seaweed (which I didn't eat so I wouldn't fill myself with rice) as appetizer. Appears that the chef is Japanese so the food is authentic and nearly all of the patrons while we were there were Japanese (or Asian) which speaks to its authenticity. I feel so lucky I got to try this place with a positive experience. They even had little Japanese story books to shut my 5-yo niece up while we ate. I'm so happy I got to enjoy my meal sans her princess tantrums. The only down side was that the hippo bakery place that everyone talks about changed its schedule so that it's closed on Mondays. blah! But that doesn't affect the review of the food for this place.
(5)
Jonathan D.

The food was admittedly good, but not anything special, really. As many have mentioned here, the wait is terrible and the service is terribad. People here mentioned "reserve first" to avoid the wait. Nope. I am not sure if they even know what the word "reservation" means. It is in the end random failing seat assignment, or first-come-first-serve if you are lucky. Last time I went here with a rather large group and my friend had already called in advance for a reservation. We still ended up waiting for an hour. When some of us already took the seats, the manager, or whoever the lady who's handling the reservation, literally told us to stand up and move so that "they can accommodate our whole party", when it is an obvious lie as they just intend to give the seats to other customers, in which case we would have to wait for probably another hour. Understandable I guess, that is the best way to keep revenue coming. The check came early, yeah, early as if it goes well with the dishes. Then the same lady would come to our table, flipping the check and was like "the check? not ready? the check?" which I looked at with disgust and ignored. And when it was really the time for us to pay, it took them forever again to handle it. Again, to be fair, the food is good, but still something you can get in other places. So far, I have had spicy tuna sushi roll (standard), three types of udon (forgot the names, good), and grilled salmon (this one is very good) here. The price is reasonable, though if you have a good job and value your time, you will realize that the time you lose implies a huge rip off. The frustration inflicted by the pathetic service made my blood boil, hotter than their udon. The other waiters other than the certain rude person were OK, but still did not really make up with the bad side. If there is anything that is unique in this place, the rudeness is one of a kind.
(1)
Adrienne S.

We picked this place due to the high number of good reviews but were disappointed. The menu was very small so we ordered the curry people raved about in their reviews. It was brown and salty- it tasted much like canned mushroom soup poured over rice. There were 3 fried shrimp on the side. We also had the yellowtail & green onion sushi roll and the tempura shrimp roll. Neither were better than ok. The wait was pretty long and the service was poor... but friendly. Very mediocre experience all around.
(2)
Sal P.

If your American white man your going to find this place a little weird. It is way to small for the amount of hungry customers this place gets. They don't have a host and the next best thing is a pad of paper that you sign yourself in on. The first time I was there I stood there for some time before I caught on. I've never actually sat in a table and usually jump too the sushi bar. This place is a 5* restaurant except for the fact that you don't get seated right away if you show up during the peak hours. Lets face it they have the best Udon/Soba broth in town. The sushi is really good too. Not the best I have ever had, but defiantly above average good. The clientele is almost 90% Asian if that tells you anything. Even if you do have to wait, during lunch hours they get you in and out pretty quick so you won't be waiting long. Get the Udon/Soba and you will be sold.
(4)
Kevin R.

Udon, Soba, Grilled Fish, Nigiri. This is what this place is all about. Be prepared to wait as it is very popular (I think it's closed on Tuesdays). And it is a hell of a drive from the D all the way out to Novi but worth the trip alone. This place reminds me of being in Japan, small simple and good food. A Japanese friend that I used to make music with that is now rock-star sushi chef now in a place in Royal Oak took me here once and I was hooked. Super cheap, it's like 6-8 for a giant bowl of perfect Udon. Real Japanese Green Tea is on tap (I don't think they have beer, in fact my Irish ass knows they don't have beer but I don't miss it if I have some Ocha!). Udon, so good and a beautiful broth. The noodles are perfect everytime. I know this a skill that is hard to do and the cat that is doing it is on point (I think he is a Mexican guy and he knows his shit.) They have lots of variety on what is in it but the namesake Ajishin one is my favorite. Sushi, nigiri or sashimi for me because with the Udon if I get a roll they will be rolling my ass out on a cart. I ALWAYS get Nigiri Uni (beautiful golden sea urchin) that always melts like butter in mouth and taste but nothing of the ocean. There is something about fresh Uni and not to many places can do it cause it doesn't stay fresh too long and gets funky quick. I think maybe cause there are many Japanese that frequent Ajishin that it stays fresh. Ikura (large bright red caviar ) that explodes in your mouth and usually a piece of maguro (tuna) or tamago (japanese sweet omelette). Their sushi is on huge side which kinda shocked me at first but it makes total sense here. Sometimes some nice cold Soba noodles or some grilled fish, Mackerel is the way to go. Anyways, you can't go wrong here, just be prepared to wait and if you got time before hand peep out the Happy Hippo bakery that is across the lot. Good Japanese baked goods, kids will freak out if they go here.
(5)
Victoria K.

Authentic Japanese food! With American serving size! The sashimi was fresh. The udon was tasty. The fish we ordered fried until crispy outside but still juicy inside... Heaven. Worth the hour long queue even though we went with a reservation.
(5)
Nicole H.

AWEFUL SUSHI! We ordered a variety of tuna, salmon, and crab rolls and NONE of the sushi was good, especially not the California roll - full of mayonaisse -- YUCK! My kids ordered noodles and said they were pretty good. I tried one noodle dish and thought it was aweful. The other one was gone, so I'm guessing it was the best choice of our options... Will NOT go here again.
(1)
Riordan R.

Im my opinion, this is by far the best Japanese restaurant I've been in the grand Detroit area. Food is fresh and tastefull, there was no one single dish I ordered that I was not pleased with. The bad remark is the waiting time sometimes. This is a very small restaurant, so, depending when you go, you may have to wait a while. But don't let this fool you, it's worthwhile the wait.
(5)
Guillermo K.

This place is such a great deal. Pretty good food, really good prices.
(4)
Jiah C.

As I start this review, I wonder if this is going to be a short or long venture.. The important thing is, my ABSOLUTE HANDS DOWN FAVORITE RESTAURANT OF MY LIFE SO FAR. I even moved into an apartment directly across the street from it for a summer so I could go here more often (its usually an hour drive, and is back to that again). My family and I would regularly make weekend lunch trips from East Lansing and always have a great time. The quality of their fish is spectacular. Their Spicy Tuna is out of this world. Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to exercise some serious self control to lay off it for a while since I have never failed to order this every single time I've been, and after eating something 50+ times every time you go there, it is possible to start getting sick of it... ANYWAY, their mackeral is always phenomenal (trust me, its difficult to even get mid grade mackeral in other sushi restaurants), soft shell crab is so simple but yummy, Uni is always a heaping portion and so fresh and creamy, Ikura is fresh and plump, etc etc etc... I can go on and on about the yellowtail, fatty tuna, salmon, amaebi, etc etc etc.. It's just frickin amazing, ok? Now to their noodles - you'd think I would have had every single one on the menu (which now prompts me to start going down the list, why haven't I done this before) but I've only had the Maiko, Ajishin, and Tetsugaku. Amazing. Tetsugaku I can only take once in a while, but they have fantastic curry for their noodles and their curry rice. One of my favorite things to eat here is also the Himuro.. the salad sushi noodles with a bit of mayo and shrimp tempura, holy mother of pearl, I crave this weekly. I just tried their soba which was pretty damn delicious - I could have done with a bit more broth, as they barely put enough in so theres not even enough to spoon it up to drink. I hear there is a new cold noodle, need to go try that. Their lunch specials can be hit or miss with me - sometimes they can be selections like tuna and rice, which to me, sounds too bland, and sometimes its something very intriguing. Either way, for $7, you get the special and a bowl of udon. The only other complaint I have is that with their amaebi, they don't give you the fried shrimp heads!!! WHAT?! This must be an American sushi tradition (or not?) because Ajishin is so traditional Japanese, but I honestly think I like the fried shrimp heads better than the sweet shrimp itself.. I always just order it so I can get the heads. But oh well. I have tried sushi on the east and west coast and all over the midwest. Nothing beats this place in terms of food. Now, to the service and lines/waiting/seating... It can be good, but usually during peak times it can get pretty damn ridiculous. This is one of the only restaurants where this is worth it and they don't even have to utter anything near an apology. The food seriously overcompensates, so everything is all good. EAT THERE!
(5)
Jenny L.

Best Japanese restaurant in the state of Michigan. If you would like to try authentic Japanese food (they still have California rolls, but I wouldn't get rolls here), I would highly recommend that you check out this place. They take calls so if you don't want to wait, call them 20-30min before you get there. Their tamago (egg) sushi and udons are phenomenal! Staffs are always nice and love the atmoaphere of the restaurant, too! And don't flrget to check out the Japanese pastry shop across the parking lot (Hippo).
(5)
Jen L.

I have no clue about the food because the service was so poor we didn't get past tea. The restaurant is small. We came in on a Wednesday evening to find one table open and were told we'd have to wait. When we inquired about the open table, we were told that people were coming for it. 10-15 minutes later and another table opened up and we were seated. We were handed menus, but no sushi menus (the purpose of our visit). As we waited for a waitress to return so we could ask for a sushi menu, the occupants of the mystery table arrived, received menus, ordered, and had food served to them. We had enough that point and left. The service was much better at the Benihana down the road at Haggerty and 8 Mile Rd in Farmington Hills.
(1)
Lily Z.

This place was always packed, but on the bright side, the servers at Ajishin were fast and efficient, and you can also browse the Japanese bakery in the same shopping center and stare at the adorable panda bread. The varieties of udon, curry rice, sushi were all good. The udon broth here was delicate and savory, unlike the frozen stuff you can get at Asian stores. If they have the broiled fish collar special, get that instead, and you will be wondering why Americans always throw away the best cuts. Nothing is fancy, just tasty comfort food at a good value.
(4)
Sarah K.

Had been wanting to try this place after seeing all the positive reviews. When I called while en route to the restaurant the woman informed me there was a wait. I asked to put my name down which she agreed to do with a slight struggle with my name. Upon arriving my name wasn't on the list but a differently spelled name was with the same party size which we all concluded was mine so we were promptly seated. The menu is different from the average Japanese American restaurant and there aren't a plethora of rolls to choose from (good for the indecisive but bad for those looking for a wide selection of specialty rolls). In our case it didn't matter as my bf wanted the spicy tuna roll, spicy ca roll, and shrimp tempura roll (the best of the three) and I ordered the grilled fish (cod) with udon and rice. The sushi was good, the wasabi seemed spicier than most (we both like our noses to burn fr the wasabi), the udon had a strong sea taste with standout fried onions and tempura shrimp, the rice was moist & sticky but had a weird purple seasoning sprinkled on top that we weren't big fans of, and the fish was very rich and delicious. I was regretful we hadn't ordered the curry rice in lieu of the steamed rice but we'll have to save that for our next visit. It was a ton of food and all very affordable! We even had leftovers for tmrw :) The waitresses don't speak much English but are friendly and helpful. We actually sat at the sushi bar and the sushi chefs were all very serious & focused on their work and kept to themselves. We didn't mind it but I'm used to a little more interaction when dining at the bar. Overall a tasty, efficient, pleasant, and good value dining experience. Just not completely mind-blowing as I'd hoped.
(4)
Brandon D.

My Favorite Sushi place. I'm from upstate New York, and every time I travel to Novi, I have to come to Ajishin. The Udon is spectacular and the sushi literally falls apart in your mouth. I've had nothing better- and for Sushi in Michigan, you shouldn't be looking anywhere else.
(5)
Rebekka P.

Basically, as soon as we walked in the door at Ajishin, I knew I was going to be having one of the best sushi/noodle experiences I've ever had. Hint #1: Upon entry, I discovered a line of about 10 Japanese people waiting for tables in the tiny dining room. As I looked around....hey, wait, we're the only round eyes in this place! Hint #2: The supplied reading materials (clearly indicating the owners anticipate a wait for a table) that are tucked neatly into bookshelves and drawers just inside the door are all in Japanese. Japanese newspapers, Japanese kids books, and Japanese women's magazines.... By a stroke of luck, we got to sit at the bar and, as soon as we were seated, served mugs of steaming perfectly brewed green tea. The menu, which includes a classic selection of noodle soups and fresh fish, is small, but perfectly so. The soups come with udon, the long, silky (and, here, perfectly cooked) white noodles typical in Japanese noodle bowls, but can be replaced with the more starchy, protein-rich buckwheat noodles used for many cold preparations of Japanese noodles. In addition to a noodle bowl for each of us, boyfriend and I ordered a nice selection of rolls and nigiri sushi. The mackerel nigiri was incredible, the sea urchin was unbelievably fresh, the salmon roe was perfect in all it's salty and crunchy glory. And the noodles were perfect...cooked perfectly (both kinds, as I opted for the buckwheat while boyfriend stuck with the udon) with a beautiful, clear, but rich and flavorful broth. THIS is the kind of authentic noodle bowl that I crave, but have never been able to find a place that does it justice. Lucky for me, boyfriend is good at finding places that make all my gastronomic dreams come true. The best part of this experience is that is was, by most standards, CHEAP! I think our bill was under $40 and we had to take home half of each of our noodle bowls and about half of the sushi we ordered (I tend to get a little overzealous with those little pencils you always get to fill out your order form). One could easily spend half of what we did and have a filling meal. Overall, a great experience...good service, incredibly fresh seafood, relaxed atmosphere.
(5)
Chris W.

This is in no way meant to be defamatory but when you walk in and notice the clientele is all Asian-Pacific you know its going to be good. Some of the absolute best Sushi I've ever had and lunch prices that will make you want to order way more than you should. The curry is amazing and the spicy tuna rolls have a texture I have yet to experience anywhere else.
(5)
Junghyun A.

Best...best of the best. Not a fancy sushi (and hugely expensive) place, but udon, noodle, and rolls / maki are the one we liked the most. Been to many other places, but no other places provides combination of good service, food and price.. OY..we love to be there once again...
(5)
ãƒˆãƒ¢ T.

A Japanese restaurant that focuses on noodles and sushi in suburb of Detroit. Ironically, I think their best items are neither udon or sushi, but curry rice and broiled fish combo. There is so much to love about this place, but there are some major negatives that averages out to 3 stars. I used to be one of their first customers, so they know me well. I hope they don't realize that I gave them only 3 stars... PROS: Reasonable price. Nice owners. Their curry rice is THE BEST. CONS: Long lines with no waiting area forces people to stand next to you as you eat. Nice Japanese couple runs this place, but service suffers when things get busy. Large pieces of sushi, but execution is so,so.
(3)
Dea A.

Definitely a fan of Ajishin. But out of the 4 attempts to eat here, I've only had 2 successes. They carry some weird hours: closed from 2:30-5pm and closed on Tuesdays. Considering my lunch time is normally 3pm, this was a little irritating. The sushi is damn good, and damn cheap ($4 a tuna roll). I'm unsure as to how they are getting better grade fish for so cheap without using what I thought was the Noble Fish import monopoly. I could be wrong, though... They have more than one kind of eel -- river and sea eel, but I am unsure of what is the difference -- other than one may be less fatty than the other, but I don't even know which is which! V and I binged on sushi the first time we came here, and all of it was extremely tasty (and very well made, no rolls falling apart here!). The udon comes with a "krab" stick peeking out of the soup bowl at you, and it's pretty tasty. Though I had a mad headache coming out of there (as did Vikram... who is not prone to headaches) and I'm wondering if the broth is packed with MSG. I don't normally get MSG headaches... so once again, a speculation on my part. The bowls are reasonably priced at $6.50-$7.50 a piece. The noodles are just satisfying, but I can't say it's the best udon I've had... or if it is the best in Metro Detroit (my first time having udon, strangely, since I moved here!). So you are wondering, cheap, good fish, tasty udon -- what's the deal with the 4 stars? Ah ha... you see... it's the service. The service is terrible. All of the waitresses that are working are YOURS. It just depends on who you can make eye contact with and flag down. You will never get offered a drink refill (the first time I went, I asked for a refill... and never got it, I was so thirsty from the soy sauce!). You will never be ASKED to take you order (this is where the frantic, holy crap I am so hungry, hand waving comes in). You will never just be brought the check (more hand waving). You never know who is willing to serve you or who is just looking your way in a spacey, non-helpful way. I have to be honest, I wonder if it's because I'm a white girl. Because ALL of the Japanese/Asian guests get served before I do (even if they sit down after me). Just like Noble Fish there is an unwritten "drill" here when it comes to getting a table during peak times: you must write your name down. No one will tell you this, of course, and other people who are Asianer than you will get seated before you (I suspect they want to make money by NOT sitting 2 people at a 4 top, even if you were there first). It also gets pretty uncomfortable standing over people who are eating... because this place is popular AND tiny. Now that the on-ramp going back east from here mysteriously disappeared, I'm not sure making this 20 mile trek from the D is worth it. Maybe I'll make it back when construction season is over and we are back to 6 months of winter. Oh, and if it matters to you... this place is not very vegetarian friendly. The soups are all fish based. However, there are some veggie sushi rolls (pfft... what's the point?!).
(4)
William D.

This is hands down our favorite sushi place in the area. My wife and I often look for excuses to head our to Novi to eat at Ajishin. The staff is friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere is cozy and the food is great. We enjoy almost all of their fresh sushi items as well as their grilled fish dinners and excellent Udon. Prices are reasonable although they have gone up recently. If I had to give a downside it would be that there is sometimes a long wait to get in. However, good things come to those who wait!
(5)
Jiwon P.

Worth the drive, worth the wait. If you get there after opening, expect to wait at least 20-30 minutes with a party of 2. The girlfriend and I tried this place because of its stellar reviews and the general lack of good asian food in the metro area. Man, were we pleasantly surprised. We got the Ajishin Udon and split a curry rice. The Udon was flavorful with excellent broth and noodles with perfect consistency. Couldn't taste any MSG and the overall flavor balances were pretty incredible. And then the curry rice. Oh wow. I've had a number of different kinds of curry rice, from Japanese to Korean, Indian and Thai. Wow. Usually not a huge fan of Japanese curry rice, but this was incredible. The curry was flavorful without being heavy and salty. Slight touches of pickled ginger added good flavor throughout and the meat was well cooked and absolutely tasty. We've been back 5 times since and definitely enjoy it every single time we go. Also, it's across the way from a Hippo bakery, where we can get our fill of red bean paste buns for desert. Nice.
(5)
Jason C.

I love the Udon! I'll drive 40 minutes to get Udon! Their sushi is very good as well! Be warned, they get busy quickly during lunch and dinner, get their early if you can. Also, you'll need to sign up on the wait list yourself, otherwise you'll be sorry! They are closed on Tuesdays! Try their daily specials, its worth the price - you get small udon and another dish.
(5)
Tammy P.

As if this place needed another glowing review, here's another one. I skip the sushi here and go straight for the udon. My udon of choice is usually the Maiko, but if I'm there for dinner, I love getting the broiled fish & udon combo. The salmon is lightly seasoned, and the skin is crisp. The fish isn't overdone, it's cooked enough to flake without drying your mouth like the Sahara. I hate fish that is so overcooked that you end up drinking a ton of water because of the lack of moisture! The rice is also perfectly cooked, not too dry but not a pile of mush. The udon broth is what makes the meal gold though. I don't know what they put in this bowl of amazing, but ask to get your tempura on the side so that it's not soggy and enjoy a bowl of the greatest soup in Novi!
(5)
Lily P.

My absolute favorite sushi restaurant in Michigan. Nothing else compared since the noodles are amazing and the broth is too...even though normally I'm not a big fan. The fish is very fresh. Not the greatest atmosphere but the food makes up for it all. I often drive 40 mins to just eat here and recommend it to everyone! I would definitely recommend getting the tuna rolls $4, california (little different then normal, and avacado rolls whether you get it with tuna or salmon. I usually get udon noodles (I get the ajishin one for $7.50 which is great and has everything in it...the broth is amazing), and also a piece of salmon (grilled if you want). The cod is pretty much my favorite except they didn't have it that night. They also have yellow tail which I haven't tried. They do a great job with their fish. It makes for a great meal and you definitely will be glad for the variety. The price is very reasonable and worth any kind of drive. I would go here more often if the hours weren't so odd. You might want to check ahead of time to make sure its open. The lines can go out of the door and you will be literally standing over a table waiting for them to finish. Downsides: the place is super small and often crowded. max capacity is 65 and sometimes you need to wait an hour.
(5)
Caroline C.

I hold Ajishin close to my heart. Spoken frankly, the food is good, but nothing that is truly unforgettable. Most of Ajishin's charm, however, lies in its ambiance and the value you get for what you pay. It's a small, cozy, no-frills noodle house with a simplistic menu and $7.50 lunch specials that are worth every cent. Every special comes with a huge bowl of udon noodles, and my favorite is when they have the grilled fish for lunch - the cod is juicy, tender, and absolutely satisfying! Put your name on the list and stop by Hungry Hippo pastry house in the same plaza, or even better, call in beforehand. Even if you have to wait 30 minutes to get a table, get stone-faced service from one of the waitresses that looks like she rolls out of wrong side of the bed EVERY SINGLE DAY, there is no doubt you will walk out full, happy, and with a smile on your face!
(4)
Chris W.

Best sushi place ever and I have literally been to 30+ sushi places in Michigan. Nobel Fish is good but this place is so good its hard to explain, its big enough for a group if you had to or great if you're alone. The sushi if phenomenal and the noodles are pretty dang good too. Prices are really good for sushi. GO HERE its amazing.
(5)
Tori M.

The service was absolutely horrible. After being completely ignored for literally 10 minutes upon walking into the restaurant, the waitresses were extremely rude to us...I'm disappointed I never got to experience the food but I refuse to give this restaurant any business.
(1)
Viet N.

Update 4/23/2011: Another day of Hippo-shin for lunch, and I swear, Ajishin is the ONLY restaurant in SE Michigan that I've seen where people line up before the doors open, and fills to capacity in the first 10 minutes. Unbelievable -- and even more so because we placed our order within 5 minutes, and got our udon within 10 minutes. Yummy says the tummy. Overall: Come for comforting udon, pass on the sushi. Mostly agree with Jenny Z. and Janelle (see their in-depth reviews). Reminds me of home, which is high praise. We go here every six months or so for some cheap, comforting udon soup. Dinner for two for under $20 is a grand bargain, and each bowl of udon is probably enough to fill up a medium-sized adult. Don't bother calling in, just leave your name/number, and head across the strip mall to Pastry House Hippo to kill time. The menu only has a few dishes, which is a huge plus in my book. Besides udon, I thought the curry rice was pretty good. Not fabulous, but for $8, very nourishing. Sushi rolls/nigiri/sashimi -- pass. It's not that it's bad, it's just not good. And anyway, this place is a noodle house with a long wait. In summary, 4/5 stars because I like the bustling, yet intimate atmosphere, and because it's the best place around for soup.
(4)
Kevin K.

This is a pretty good place to hit up after some shopping at the nearby mall. The udon is a kelp dashi stock. I would come here for the udon, it gets a little busy with limited seating, but I would return.
(4)
Tony V.

Great noodle bowl soup (udon) spot, very authentic, we were the only krackers in the whole joint. I love sushi, but other than the tuna sashimi, I'd say skip sushi altogether and stick to the Kyo - Chirashi or the Ajishin. You can never go wrong ordering the namesake dish.
(4)
Danielle A.

Ajishin is so delicious, like wear stretchy pants because you are going to over-eat delicious. The soba and udon are fantastic, lunch specials are amazing, and don't even get me started on the sushi- it's the stuff dreams are made of. Every time I leave Ajishin I have a huge smile on my face, a full belly, and a lighter wallet. Lately though I've noticed some issues. Ajishin is extremely small and there is always a line (with the exception of later in the afternoon for lunch), therefore when the sushi urge hits I usually call and order carry-out. The last 2 times I ordered there have been major issues: the first was a communication breakdown and I did not receive the correct rolls I ordered, the second was that I went to pick up my order and THEY GAVE MY FOOD TO SOMEONE ELSE! Apparently someone with a similar sounding name came in and snagged my food before I was able to get it. When we realized the mistake they told me it would be a 30 minute wait until my food could be remade. I love Ajishin and waited until my food was re-prepared but was extremely disappointed that the establishment did not do more for me- no attempt was made at rushing the order and no real apology was given. I was told to "use a different name next time I called". It is such a pity that there is a breakdown in communication because it makes me not want to eat here anymore- or at least not get carry out. Ultimate verdict: food is delicious, there is somewhat of a communication breakdown, be prepared to wait for a table, don't get carry out.
(4)
Wei O.

Not else i can say about this place that hasnt been said. Few important things to note :- -They only serve delicious udon noodles and decent sushi. Dont expect to find bentos or izakaya style items. -They are closed on Tuesday. -It gets VERY crowded during lunch time. Make sure you put your name down on the book as soon as you walk in. -TRY the curry rice. Its 7.50, filling and delicious. -Not recommended for group with more then 5 people.
(4)
Ellen L.

This is a pretty good Japanese restaurant. There's not much variety of food other, though. But, their udon noodles are very good and their sushi is decent. I've been here a couple of times and there's a few things that I've noticed. 1) The place is quite small so if you come in during lunch hours you'll end up huddling in a group right in front of the entrance. Plus, there are 2 tables at the back which the group is standing in front of. Now, if I were those individuals eating in those 2 tables, I hope I'm not claustrophobic because it'll seem like everyone is taking up you're space. 2) The service can be slow. Slow to be seated, slow to get your order taken. It's happened a few times to me, which makes me not really want to go back there. And I don't know if it's just me, but since the table sizes are limited it seems like larger groups get seated before smaller ones EVEN if the smaller ones have gotten there before the larger groups. The prices at Ajishin are reasonable for the portion sizes that they give you. For example, the curry rice plate is about 1.5x of a regular plate. And when you look at it, it seems like the curry is overflowing which is great for the price you're paying. But, if you're going to have anything at Ajishin, I'd go with their Ajishin udon. It's a very tasty dish with fried tofu, egg, naruto, noodles and you top it off with the addition of hondashi (for additional flavoring).
(3)
David W.

Fantastic udon and sushi. Well worth the wait on a Saturday night. This is the best Japanese restaurant in the Detroit area in my opinion.
(5)
Matt T.

This is a wonderful place of respite during or after a hard day's work. The sushi here is incredibly fresh and very reasonably priced. I've already been here several times for lunch and once for dinner. The hot udon is a staple during both of these mealtimes and you get a gargantuan portion for the price! The large sushi lunch for $12 is more than enough to satisfy a lunch craving. You get soup, salmon, tuna, egg, river eel, a california roll, and shrimp. I haven't found a place that can beat the price to quality ratio. For dinner I tried the salmon jaw, and you also get a huge portion of incredibly delicious food. Service is reasonably prompt at the sushi bar, albeit kind of impersonal, hence the -1 star. High quality food for dirt cheap! This is the place for it.
(4)
Jane L.

I'm from Grand Rapids, and every time I visit my brother in Ann Arbor or just travel towards the east side of the state I never fail to visit Ajishin. It's funny because it's always a mad dash to see who can get in first from the parking lot. My favorites from here are the udon, not so much the curry udon because I'm not a big fan of curry, but the udon base here is great. Not too salty like other places I've tried. I've tried the sushi here also, and the sushi chefs are really fast with their hands. I've personally never sat at the bar because I always come with 2-3 more people and we prefer sitting at a table. Yes, the service can be lacking sometimes, but this place is always packed and I can see the servers work with what they got and to me that's good service. I give this place 5 stars and I really recommend it to anyone who is in town :)
(5)
Eric C.

I was in the Detroit area for a business trip and was staying nearby at the Doubletree just a mile away. Looked for food places on Yelp and found a Japanese?! place with 4.5 stars and 59 reviews. Gotta see for myself! Came away happy, but fully aware I am spoiled by what I have access to in California. I was seated immediately at the bar (weeknight at 8pm). Food came fast. Ajishin udon was tasty, but nothing uber special. Ordered some nigiri sushi. Fish tasted surprisingly decent, but not ultra fresh. Rice was disintegrating. I noticed the fish was already sliced. Overall: I'd come back again if I were staying in the Novi area. It's one of the higher rated Yelp restaurants in the area with a good quality/price ratio.
(4)
Darren G.

Very good sushi, sashimi, UDON!!!! and others... i am not particularly a fan of their katsu curry or similar though. But Yeah, it is one of the best in Michigan you guys should know, my friends from Illinois drove all the way from UIUC to find this restaurant in Novi, while doing a road trip to Lansing
(4)
T W.

Good for noodles, not for sushi. Sushi has too much rice, salmon was average. Spicy tuna roll not spicy enough. Remember to sign in the notebook when you get there and pay attention when they call your name.
(4)
Rudy Q.

It's the best Japanese noodle place, bar none. I love the rice balls too.
(5)
Rodney H.

After many aborted attempts to eat at Ajishin i was finally successful today & arriving on the dot at 12 pm to a Super busy place was pleasantly surprised to find ourselves seated within 5 mins. Now i hope it never happens but if i was only allowed to eat one cuisine for the rest of my life it would be Japanese, i just like the variety, the seasonal specialties, the presentation, the freshness & the great tastes that Authentic Japanese food has. Sadly in Michigan we have too few great Japanese places, Kitchen Hanzo is an excellent Isakaya & Sharuku Is very good for Sashimi & tempura. I had only heard mostly good things about Ajishin, now too me Ajishin is a noodle House rather than a full menu Japanese restaurant, yes they do serve some sushi, but it has the look & the feel of a Noodle house & the menu is mostly Udon or soba. On a rainy cold Michigan day nothing beats a good Soupy noodle dish. We sampled Tetsugaku udon which is a curry based broth with fried tofu & Ajishin udon which is shrimp with veg tempura, fried tofu & boiled egg. I really liked the Tetsugaka, mild but tasteful Curry broth with excellent chunks of seaweed & Tofu. The Ajishan was for me nothing special, a weak or subtle Broth. Also i was not wowed by the noodles. along with the meal was served some complimentary Sticky Rice sushi & we also ordered Egg sushi. Both were OK. Service was good & the decor very nice, original art work on almost every open surface. Clearly they do very good business & a lot of our Japanese friends speak very highly of Ajishin, but truth be told i was not wowed in the way i am at Kitchen Hanzo or Sharuku. Both Udon is very good comfort food & at $7.50 for a bowl at lunchtime you cant go wrong, I'm just glad i didn't have to queue for 40 mins like other reviews.
(3)
April Q.

I wish this restaurant is next to my house so that I don't have to drive 35 minutes every weekend to get there... or whenever I'm craving for the grilled salmon ... and udon ... and sushi... It's becoming a tradition for both my roommate and I to drive to Novi almost every weekend just to eat at this restaurant. My favorite dish to get: 1. the grilled fish combo, which consists either grilled salmon (choice of the fillet or salmon chin) or cod. I've never tried the salmon chin before, but I absolutely love the fillet, it's fatty but good fat... right? fish oil~ omega-3~~~ 2. udon, now this comes with the grilled fish combo. Perfect soup for the winter. Mm mm~~~ 3. Yellow tail sushi!!! this restaurant has the most fresh fish! enough said. "Tricks" you should know: Before going to the restaurant, call them 30-40 minutes prior and ask them to put your name down on their sign-in book, so that you don't have to wait 45 minutes just to get seated, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around dinner time
(5)
S O.

I'm not sure if it's a cultural thing but the service here is horrid. I've been to Ajishin twice. The first time was for dinner, we waited for almost an hour to be seated, after another party simply waltzed in front of us and sat down. I am aware of their call ahead option, these people did not call ahead. During my second trip to Ajishin I opted for a carry out. After explaining the udon soup I wanted very thoroughly, the person who took my order still got it wrong. What's worse is they refused to correct it. They insisted the curry udon soup (btw, skip this one it's nothing special) was what I in fact ordered. I won't be visiting Ajishin in the future. There are far too many restaurants that are eager to please their customers. Those are worth my time.
(1)
Allie Y.

The fact that this place is at least a 30 min drive away from my house in the best of traffic does not preclude Ajishin being my most frequented Japanese restaurant in the area. Yes, this place is just that good. Here are a few reasons why: - The food here is delicious! Of course that's the most important thing, right? Top picks are the Ajishin udon (a classic, very satisfying) and the daily special. Wait - you say - that's not a specific dish that I can get when I go there myself! But that is just a testament to how great this place is - I have NEVER disliked a daily special. And I'd say 85% of the time I go here I get the daily special. Why? you say. First, the daily special is always tasty and gives you TONS of good. Every daily special has a basic format: a basic udon noodle soup (no meats, just noodles, the basic garnishes, and a piece of imitation krab) and a fish. The fish can be a simple roll, a baked filet, or like today, yellowtail chirashi! It's like receiving an awesome surprise present every time you go. The second reason why the daily special rocks is that it's hands down the best deal on their menu. It's $7.00 for their special, and other udons on the menu are about $6.50. Do the math! This brings me to my next reason why this place is great... - Prices here are very reasonable! Not easy to find at Japanese restaurants, but this place balances quality food with reasonable prices. - The sushi rice here is amazing. They must sprinkle a little bit of magic in with their mirin, because it's sort of ridiculous how addicting Ajishin's sushi rice can be. Beware! (but enjoy :)...) - Re: the curry, it's traditional Japanese style. I enjoy it, but one of my friends was less impressed. Who knows why - maybe not enough food?Well, not compared to daily special! I still think it's good though. Some extra notes: This place is closed on a weekday - I think either a Monday or Tuesday. So take note. Also, this place is also tiny and the wait for a table can get long really fast during peak hours... so either try to come near opening time or plan to hang out for a while.
(5)
Rachel C.

Even though I only like one thing on the menu cause I am a really picky eater I really enjoy going to Ajishin. Its very lively and comfortable for families with children. The staff is always polite and kind.
(4)
Deep A.

Great food and very fresh sushi. Horrible service, poor and unattentive servers, partial towards Asians, no waiting space, no proper reservation system.
(3)
o o.

oishii! I come here at least once a week and it never disappoints! I come for both dinner - usually no wait - and lunch - on a good day a 15 min wait - but if you read Japanese they have a manga library to pass the time. The food is excellent. At lunch, I usually opt for the udon - i can never say no to that tasty broth! The curry rice is also not to be missed. For dinner, the sushi is fresh and good. I think the sashimi / nigiri / chirashi is some of the best in the area. For dessert head on down the strip to hippo. The atmosphere is nice too. I LOVE the cat tank - it's probably the best in the world. it must be a good sign when your the only one not speaking Japanese.
(5)
Amy Y.

They have the best Japanese soup I ever had and inexpensive for some reason. The seafood udon noodle is AMAZING. We use to travel just to get that soup. No one makes it better than that chef. I also heard he never takes a day off work except like one day of the year. It is a small place but very good.
(5)
Natasha R.

If you are reading this review before heading out there, I would call and see if there is a wait. If not, be prepared to wait. This place is small and they really should expand because everyone loves it! My bf and I always share an order of Tatsugaku which is a curry udon noodle soup. It's delicious. I wish that it had more pork in it, though, as I always seem to get 1 piece of meat in it, thats a drawback but hey, still tastes like a party in my mouth. I also usually get 2 avocado sushi rolls as I don't eat seafood but love the idea and taste of vegetarian sushi. My boyfriend usually goes for the spicy tuna roll. The atmosphere is friendly and comfy. There is usually a bit of a wait and i've sometimes seen them put 2 people at a 4 person table when there is a line out the door, so it really is "first come, first served". There is a shelf full of comic books/manga if you are bored during your wait. My bf and I came with his family one time and it was 5 of us, we were put at a 4 person table. We didnt mind, we were just happy to sit down, but they will honestly try to take care of you. The wait staff is frazzled but very nice and they try to do their best. Oh, one more thing. My bf and I came here last week and it was during a rush. We were waiting on 2 other people who wound up being late, we were sat at a table and didnt order or anything and were being "those people" on a packed day, and they were still very nice to us and understood.
(5)
Dan N.

Went there because of the great reviews. The food was good, the service was atrocious. We were given a small plastic cup filled with a liquid that smelled like fish-food. Had to specifically ask for a drink. The sushi was good, the Udon was good. Nothing really blew me away.
(3)
Danielle P.

This place is really very busy, at least in my experience. Some friends and I went for lunch recently, and fortunately we had called ahead to put our name on the wait list. All in all I think we waited only about 15 minutes or so, but I could see how it might be longer on an especially busy day. The place only sits about 65 people, and the food is quite good so I understand why. We got come basic sushi rolls, and I really enjoyed them. In fact, I ate the little bit that my friends had leftover. Next time I'll try the curry rice, as it smelled incredible. The service wasn't great, but I'd say that's because it was overwhelmingly crowded in there and our waiter looked pretty young. One friend thought the overall experience was only ok, as she likes sushi places with more fancy rolls. The other friend hadn't tried sushi much before this and really enjoyed the food, especially the salmon roll. I'd quite happily return here myself for a quality and straightforward experience. I ate enough that my friends called me a "fat kid at heart", so I definitely think that the food is worth the wait.
(4)
Greg M.

The best sushi I have had in Novi, I have been to one world market and in my opinion Ajishin is the clear cut winner. Have been here multiple times and it is always busy, so if you are coming at a peak dinner time be prepared to wait. The dining area is pretty small...
(5)
Enrique B.

Alright, so I read through some of these reviews and I have to say that several are accurate and its obvious the writer took time to think about what they were writing. Ajishin is not the best sushi joint on earth. Its probably in the top 3 in Michigan. Take that for what its worth. The lines can be really insane, and the service is so slow that you wonder how they make any money within their limited hours. However, it is high quality and uniform. I get the same great quality sushi and udon each time. The noodles are not made fresh. They are the same as the stuff you can buy in most asian grocery stores. The fish is much better than what you'll find at some other area sushi restaurants. The waitstaff do an adequate job, but I've never tipped especially well at Ajishin because its obvious they don't provide excellent service.
(4)
Toni B.

I finally tried the noodles and I loved them. Specifically I had the Ajishin Udon which I found delicious. I still love the sushi. My friend and I frequently go here for lunch and although it is crowded you can call ahead and get put on the list. It really does help you get seated faster. Totally worth the wait every time.
(5)
Olga P.

Really enjoyed the sushi here, fresh and tasty. Wish it was a little fancier as far as rolls but by the time we finished the soup, we were full anyway. We tried the fried tofu soup and Ajushin one, they were very tasty, it look a little bit to get used to the fishy taste but they were delicious. Overal a great experience, glad we put our name down 1/2 hr in advance, the place was packed.
(4)
Jay A.

I wouldn't have known about this place if my friend didn't take me here. Whenever I visit Novi, I always go to One World Market to get some asian groceries and to-go sushi. This restaurant is almost next to One World Market. It's in a strip mall and hard to notice. Oh well, now I am a fan of Ajishin! Best japanese foods in the area. I tried lunch special [only $7] and they served sushi rice with sardine fish and shrimp and a bowl of udon. I don't know how they can make sushi rice so tasty! Gotta try it yourself!!!
(4)
Jeff C.

This is hands-down the best japanese restaurant in Michigan. From their low prices to the high quality of their food...it's 5 stars. I highly recommend their curry and spicy tuna roll. Everything's great though and the service is good. The only downside is that it's small and so popular that there's often lines to get a seat. You can even order a half order of the curry so you can get an udon or some more sushi.
(5)
Miran S.

Very tastes and good price. Loves Ajishin udon
(4)
Mei O.

Delicious, authentic Japanese food. The menu may not be seven pages long, but what they do, they do well. We loved all of our sushi rolls, and the udon was quite yummy, in a home cooked way. I could not believe the wait to get in, it's definitely worth calling ahead and making a reservation!
(4)
Ching-Fan L.

Two years in the Ann Arbor vicinity and I've yet to find another place that tops Ajishin! The food is consistently good with fresh fish and lovely udon, I like the portions too, no itty bitty rolls or thin-cut nigiri fish slices, a mouthful at a time yes but that's how it's meant to be. My favorites are: the salad-it's not on the menu, just ask for it, it comes with a very refreshing daikon-mayo dressing and costs just $3; the large sushi lunch-a cali roll and 6 nigiri including an enormous and delicious tamago nigiri, you can also sub anything you don't like for another nigiri variety; the udon!-strong broth and perfectly cooked noodles everytime, if you like your tempura crisp ask for it to be served on the side, not in the soup. The greatest thing is the price, $2-4 for individual nigiris, $4-5 for rolls and just $7 for the lunch special, which always comes with their signature udon and is very filling. If you're not going to arrive before they open on weekends, call ahead and ask to be put on the waitlist, that'll shorten the wait considerably. Also, if you like japanese pastries, head over to the Hippo House Bakery in the same plaza, my favorites are the English loaf and the danish loaf!
(5)
Abby C.

Ajishin is the only place that I go to eat when I'm in Novi. I was introduced to Ajishin by a couple of friends in college, and I have been eating here for about 7 years now. The udon is hands down the best udon in Michigan. After having the udon at Ajishin, I tried the udon at other Japanese restaurants and it's just never the same. All of the ingredients that go into the udon taste fresh and savory, but I think what makes the udon particularly great is the broth. The udon by itself is enough for a meal, but I believe you can also order half orders of the udon even though the menu doesn't indicate that. While the udon is great, the sushi holds its own as well. It's reasonably priced and tastes fresh. I am particularly fond of the spicy sauce that they use on rolls such as the spicy california and spicy tuna. Unlike other sushi restaurants, miso soup and the ginger dressing salad that a lot of people are used to automatically receiving w/ a sushi order aren't served at Ajishin unless you order them separately. But one shouldn't feel gypped because of that. I also love the green tea that they serve at Ajishin. It never tastes bitter and over-brewed, and I have yet to find a green tea that I like as much. Ajishin is small (enough to probably count as a bit of a hole-in-the-wall). Seating probably totals around 30-35 people so if you go at a peak time, you will have to wait for a seat awkwardly in the small entrance way (or outdoors if it's nice out). Groups larger than 4 are probably difficult to fit in the restaurant. Any wait is worth it, and you can always go to the Pastry House Hippo in the same shopping center and buy some pastries while you wait.
(5)
Yuko K.

I LOVE and miss udon from Ajishin. I used to go there weekly when I lived in Farmington Hills. Definitely the best Udon I had in Midwest. I have yet to find something remotely close in Bay Area, which is hard to believe... but oh so true. Ajishin is the place that helped me get back on track, ending my over 20-year streak as a die hard curry udon hater (as a result of unfortunate incident when I was 5). When I think of food I miss in Michigan, Ajishin definitely tops my list.
(5)
Penny K.

Very tasty noodles and everything is made fresh. I recommend the Ajishin and Curry Bowls.
(5)
C-kol O.

When I really want authentic Japanese food, I try to see who the owner/staff are. If it is run by Chinese or Korean, then it is most likely a restaurant that does not target Japanese customers, meaning that it is more Americanized (nothing wrong with that). In those restaurants, you will often see Chinese food as well such as sesame chicken. Chance is that you will likely eat at Japanese restaurants run by those who are not Japanese. This restaurant is run by Japanese, meaning that it is authentic. Seeing a lot of Japanese customers show that they like this place too. I tell you, its udon is great. Broth, in my opinion, what separates this from other udon places. With most udons priced between $6 and $8 and delicious, you could see why this place is so popular! If I have to pick a negative, this place is rather small and crowded. It may be hard to dine in there if you have a large party.
(5)
Christy C.

Authentic sushi and noodles. It is always busy - come early and plan to line up most weekdays at lunch. Atmosphere is fine. Staff is ok though less attentive than I would hope. Service is usually quick unless there's any problems then they seem to flounder. The curry is awesome! Sushi lunch special is excellent. The menu is short and simple; nothing fancy or Americanized. If you like authentic Japanese noodles or sushi this is the place.
(4)
Stine M.

Very good! Very small place, try to go during non-prime eating times or get take out. Turning left out of the parking lot can be a pain. Saturday nights are an hour wait. I miss this place!
(5)
Christie M.

I love this place but it is a battle to eat here; from long waits out the door to getting your order. Food is fantastic here but I do feel bad eating (when we got seated) and seeing other people still in line watching me eat. I'm not much of an udon lover as I am a ramen lover but their udon was just fabulous. I just can't not love it. I have to agree with everyone that their sushi was delicious. Service was good for us but we were in no rush. I was starving waiting for my food but I usually am anyways. Oh one more thing...not a good place for large groups.
(4)
Stephanie K.

As mentioned by some of the reviews below, the wait can get very long but is well worth it. This is my favorite place to go for some good noodles. If I'm craving some udon I like to get the Maiko or the Ajishin. Their broth is the best I've ever tasted. However, if I want some soba noodles, I like to get the Nishijin. I prefer the sushi at One World but always end up getting a roll with my food; Preferably the spicy tuna or the tempura roll.
(5)
Julie C.

I've only been here once and I feel comfortable giving this place 5 stars. The sushi was delicious, the fish was fresh, the noodles were great. I tried to bring some friends here on a Tuesday, only to discover that Ajishin is closed on Tuesdays! Will definitely be back soon though.
(5)
Katie M.

I love their soba or udon. I come out here a lot when I'm in MI.... Great Japanese noodle for lunch!!! But make sure to go there early because it gets packed during lunch hours!
(4)
Jeanette B.

Udon was great, but their sushi was just ok.
(4)
Michelle I.

Ajishin's huge udon soups are the ultimate comfort food for me! Add in some sushi and I am one happy camper! I've been going to Ajishin for a number of years now but not as often as before (mainly because Sushi Ko, my fav, is closer to my house). Food is always great, the soups are a definite must! I love the udon base...so yum! The sushi menu is limited but is always fresh. The resturant itself is small and some tables can be a bit cramped. Be prepared to wait for a table on busier nights, such as friday or saturday. I've had to wait over an hour once (when the wait was supposed to be 40 min) for a table for two. More often than not the service is pretty good here. Just be prepared to be patient for a busier night.
(4)
Ann P.

to break up the mundane work week, i love coming here for their lunch specials! i consider it a lucky day if i manage to catch their spicy tuna over rice special with udon.. 99% of the time I visit though, i can't stop myself from ordering the 1/2 curry & udon combo (thanks to my friend jeff!) i consider it the perfect lunch: a heaping portion of curry, udon, and an impressive side salad with an amazing garlicy dressing! if you make it out for dinner, i love the himuro (a seafood salad with udon noodles and a delicious dressing!) be forewarned, there is a high probability there will be a wait, but it is definitely worth it! (besides, you can always pick up some amazing pastries from hippo bakery while you wait!)
(5)
Christine P.

This is no ordinary sushi place. You know its authentic when there's a bunch of Japanese people waiting outside the door. This place is a jewel amidst the coldest of days in Michigan. Their Udon soup is just perfect for below freezing weather. The broth has just the right flavor and the noodles has a certain crisp to it that makes you keep eating even if its burning the roof of your mouth. I like the plain Udon because it comes with just the right garnishes of seaweeds, green onions and this crunchy breaded stuff. I usually go here for lunch and the lunch menu is pretty cheap for what you get. I will always ask for the special because whatever it is will only be a bonus because it comes with a big bowl of Udon soup and for $7.00 that is good on its own. The sushi is actually not so fancy like all the other Americanized sushi rolls but their fish is very fresh and combined with their perfectly seasoned rice it definitely is a party in your mouth. I did go here for dinner one time and had the sampler chirashi bowl( or should I say 5 mini bowls) I was actually a little disappointed because they didn't give enough fish for the amount of rice. I pretty much had 3 bowls of rice left after eating everything else. This place pretty small so taking a group larger than 4 seems very difficult. I usually go with one other person and our wait is about 10-20minutes. I think you can call in to get your name on the list before you get there, which I will try the next time I go. But if you're there make sure you put your name on the note book next to the door. Definitely worth the wait...Enjoy!
(4)
Parisa K.

So far, I've been here two times, but it is easily one of my favorite sushi restaurants. The sushi both times was clean and fresh and crisp (there is just a little too much rice on some of the rolls). Further, the udon soup is among the best I've had in a long while. Overall, this is the type of place you go to when looking for a more authentic sushi experience. The menu is limited, as there are no complex, Americanized rolls. So if you are looking for a volcanic-dynamite-firecracker-inside-out-tempura roll, this is not your place. But if you are just looking for good sushi at more than affordable prices(!!), then Ajishin is a treasure. The biggest drawback is that there is a good chance that you will have to wait and wait and wait. The place is tiny, and the seats are almost always filled. The big differences between my two experiences were the wait and the service. The first time we went during the dinner peak, we waited nearly an hour to be seated and the service was terrible. The food was so good, however, we didn't hesitate to go back. The second time we were luckier, we went right after the lunch rush and were seated almost immediately, with excellent service throughout the meal. If you are looking for good sushi, you must go!!! I've already recommended this place to all my friends, and I will not hesitate go back again (and again and again).
(5)
Dobie D.

Can't find more authentic sushi in the Metro Detroit area! Read manga while you wait and enjoy the nice fish tank. Gets crowded pretty quickly because of its popularity and small size.
(5)
Catherine Y.

It's a freaking love and hate thing between me and Ajishin. I love their food but hate the name. It has the same name as the girl whom my ex fooled around with. She ate there before too. Oh well. The main reason I hate coming here is actually the line. No reservation allowed and the waiting space is, wait, there is no space for you to even stand to wait!!! For the amount of $ they earn from the loyal patrons, they need to expand this place. Other than that, I really like the food. Especially the curry, the stack-up sashimi combo (5 little cups stacked up with small portion of different fishes in there), the daily special (usually the grilled fish) and the Soba for sure. Love them all.
(5)
Donna C.

I was on a business trip in the area and on the way to the hotel, drove by the various Olive Gardens and TGIFridays. I was disappointed until I had a chance to do some research and found this place and all the wonderful reviews! For an out-of-towner, this place was rather difficult to find as it is hidden away in a strip mall and it didn't help that the sign was only half lit. I was happy to see that it was packed inside with one group waiting ahead of us. We passed the time at the bar at the other end of the mall for a drink and headed back to no line but the place was still busy. This place had amazing sushi. None of the rolls are tainted by "spicy mayo" or heavy teriyaki sauce. Pure fresh delicious fish. Two of my favorite surprises were the salmon skin roll (it was not like any salmon skin roll I've ever had before but it was delicious in its own right) and the crab nigiri (with fresh crab!). With no drinks, price averaged to $25 per person! Amazing. The only regret I have is not trying the udon. Almost every table had a bowl of udon and they all looked Japanese. I love udon but was so stuffed with sushi that I was unable to do so... next time!
(5)
hugh p.

this is a great place to eat if you really enjoy food. like people have already said, its a bit of a hassle to get a table. i normally go for lunch on the weekends and there is always a line outside before the restaurant opens at 11:30. service is friendly but isn't quick; probably because they have always been packed when i've been there. but the quality of the food is well worth it. its the best sushi and udon noodles i've had in michigan. i recommend ordering the daily special so you get a bit of both. it typically comes with a bowl of rice topped with fish (off the top of my head i remember grilled salmon, raw whitefish, and spicy salmon on different days) and a side of their amazing udon noodle soup. and it only costs 7 dollars. on food quality and cost you can't beat this place. but definitely get there early or be prepared to wait.
(5)
Duke A.

Everyone's favorite place for sushi and sanuki udon noodles. But this place can be packed with 30+ minutes wait. Hippo, a wonderful Japanese bakery, is in the same strip mall.
(4)
ClosetDork ..

The wait is bordering on ridiculousness. As well as the cramped space they make us wait in. Considering the alternative (of standing outside in the middle of unforgiving Michigan winter), the cramped space always ends up being a much better choice. I still couldn't understand how the owner of this place manages to procure fresh fish for their tasty sushi given that they are nowhere near the coast. The chirashi is probably one of the best I've had. Good enough that I didn't even bother perusing the menu trying to decide if I should branch out and order something else each and every time I visit.
(5)
CrazyforMakeup M.

Yes, this is more like a noodle house and I'd not make my ratings based on sushi (although is not bad is not the star of the show either). Say, if you go to a steak house would you rate them for the pasta that they served? If you're this kind of person, then you'll not appreciate my review. But if you a focused review, keep reading. So back to the noodles, I don't know what other peple are talking about, because this is quite authentic Japanese Udon. Now listen to this : NOWHERE ELSE in the entire Michigan you'll find udon like this. Nope. The issue is, if you don't like udon, you'll most certainly not like here. Now this is the only problem I see in this restaurant... first is very busy. Arrive in the wrong time and you'll be standing in a small cubicle area for 30min... unless you go early for lunch or dinner, don't even attempt to drag your kids under 5. Second problem, if you have never been or know all the japanese terms used in the description of the dishes, you'll be quite confused on what to get and therefore potentially disappointed. Third, the waitresses ... oh gosh, they speak little English so the warning here is to speak slowly and smile. Smile a lot, they will take a great care of you. Finally, call ahead, they have weird hours of operation, is not like a Red Robin where you just show up whatever time and they are opened... Many times I got there, and they were closed... bummer. But all the these issues are minor in my opinion when you get to taste the food... soooo good, especially for winter... I always get either the Ajishin or the Curry Noddles... maybe I'll stop by tonight!
(5)
Tim B.

Ajishin is just great. I recommend sticking to their noodle dishes, which is definitely their specialty. There are also several ways to deal with the wait, such as calling ahead of time to add your name to the waiting list.
(5)
John M.

food + atmosphere is A+. unfadeable kitsune udon and an amazing curry udon. super great. service, on the other hand, is a bit brutal; i've watched groups of customers with reservations, including pregnant women, turned away from here because they RSVP'd for 6 people but had 7 or other similarly minor offenses. slurpers beware. call ahead because the schedule is somewhat irregular.
(5)
Andy W.

Okay, we waited for the table for one and a half hour but it was worth it. Having been a Californian for a few years, plus a few months living in Japan, it makes me wonder whether this place was still as great as it used to. Nevertheless, It was on top of my 'must-go' list for my homecoming weekend in Michigan. We went there late and were all cranky while we waited, and might have over-ordered due to the starvation and 'everything- looks-good' in the menu. We had several rolls for sharing as appetizers, and I had a bowl of chirashi and udon combo. I also tasted the popular grilled cod my friend had. OMG, everything was unbelievable! The sashimi was fresh, theorizing that fresh fish are not only at the coastal cities. Anyway, we were all stuffed and overjoyed in the end, traveling back happily to Ann Arbor in the midst of Michigan winter.
(5)
Tina W.

The udon here is fantastic! It's a very small place, but very cozy and well-worth the visit. Definitely try the Ajishin udon at some point -- it's my favorite! And an added bonus? This place is loads cheaper than other Japanese restaurants I've been too. It just doesn't get any better than that!
(5)
Elle K.

I love sushi, and I love udon. Because of this, I tend to eat a lot of it. This place is definitely one of my favorite places... The udon is very addictive with a flavorful soup base that is a bit atypical to the ordinary udon I've had at other places. The sushi is fresh and the chef does a great job with the rice to fish ratio. California rolls are just the way i like it. Avocado fresh and the crab meat mixed with a hint of sweet mayo. What's really also awesome about this place is the price. They have these daily specials for 7 bucks which is a bowl of udon and the rice bowl of the day and I have never been disappointed. I've tried virtually everything on their menu including the curry which I think is good and chirashi bowls. All this in the middle of MICHIGAN!
(5)
P L.

This place is always packed... for a good a reason!
(4)
Heather M.

Best Udon Noodle soup! I get it every time I go. They are packed every time I have been, but service is still good and friendly.
(5)
Mark C.

Fantastic udon. Great bounciness in the noodles and the broth is always savory. Very consistent time after time. Whenever I am in town, invariably I make a trip to Novi to this place to get my fix. Although there is some good udon in LA, the sweet memories of enjoying this place while I lived here brings me back again and again. I'll be back in November!
(5)
Taesu B.

i haven't had sushi rice that is better for MY taste buds anywhere else in the world, yet. i LOVE the sushi here. i fully acknowledge how ajishin does it is by no means traditional in taste (traditional taste is MUCH lighter sushi rice taste that barely complements the fish. sushi chef's hand should be cold. cut of fish for nigiri differs from cut of fish for sashimi). i don't like snobs that say something isn't "traditional" in a condescending manner. who has fermented fish sushi anymore the size of baseballs like when it was first invented? people who lambaste to take the fun out of food really irk me. i cannot stand the noodles in hot broth here. broth is terrible. read below if you must know why. hot udon/soba noodles are fair at best. the best japanese noodles in this area, does not preclude other noodle shops to make it bar none. no dragon rolls or tempura fried rolls here. i think the craziest they get is a shrimp tempura roll. some people look down on these sushi eaters. i like dragon rolls. this just isn't one of those restaurants. no sake or suntory or beer. go to FUMI or Sharaku for alcohol. or even W.F. Bibimbab. i love how their rice is over seasoned. love the strong vinegar taste. one of my best friends can't stand ajishin's rice. go at the wrong time and you'll wait in line for 45 minutes. closed tuesdays. closed between lunch and dinner. get some overpriced pastries at Hippo Bakery in the same mall afterwards. DETAILS: if you are a sushi snob (people that could taste the quality of fish was better in the rooms than the dining rooms at Musashi in Southfield before it closed) go to Sharaku in West Bloomfield. but you'll pay 3 times more. but Sharaku has alcohol. Ajishin does not. and i can't stand the noodles. actually, its the broth i can't stand (hondashi based, not soy based. thats fine, but its too much). the best japanese noodles in this area, does not preclude other noodle shops to make it bar none. if i MUST have noodles, i go with one of the cold soba dishes or the himuro. a lunch special without the half bowl of noodles is $5. i'll order three of those rather than the full $7 lunch special. their Uni has a very strong taste. order the tsu-boo-gai if they have it in. its a type of clam. but he rarely orders it. curry rice is $6 at lunch. not on the menu, but you can order it for $8 at dinner. also try the grilled fish dinner or gyojunotoh for something different. grilled fish choices change everyday, but cod and salmon is available almost everyday. they'll have jaw choices once in a while. white tuna tastes amazing, but you'll regret it in the bathroom the next day. yellotail grilled is fantastic. i ask for no salt/seasoning on my grilled fish. but you should try it with the salt first. gyo-ju-no-toh is many different small portions of chirashi (rice bowls with toppings). fun dish to order with a date. this may be my favorite restaurant. i always take value and skill into consideration. ability to trick a customer's taste buds rather than true fresh ingredients and skill is also considered. i've been going for maybe 12 years now? maybe more. i did eat the udon/soba noodles for a few years, but i got sick of it. definitely not sick of the sushi yet. (just to give you a measuring stick, i've had an all o'toro meal from a whole tuna fish. they grated the wasabi from a fresh plant at the table side. i ate ONLY toro until i couldn't eat anymore. the other 4 people ate much less than i did. bill was $4000. i STILL prefer ajishin for the price.)
(5)
Bob M.

Great food, always crowded, be prepared to wait to be seated.
(5)
M J.

My husband is very particular about where we eat Japanese food. We were excited to try a place we had heard so much about. But, after what we went through TWICE, I will NEVER go again...I don't care how good the food is... The first time we went was a weekend. We were told the wait would be 25-30 minutes. Not only was there nowhere to wait (all the people waiting stood huddled in the main isle where waitstaff is going through), there is priority for those who call in. On top of that, they will not adjust the seating for the people waiting. So even if you've been standing there 40 minutes and are a party of 4, they'll seat two parties of 2 that just walked in!!! It happened several times.... Both times we waited at least 1 1/2 hours. Nothing is worth that. There is a waiting list, but there was no one assigned to keep track of it. Busing was not coordinated well. Some staff would clean, but not set up for the next party, and others would walk by as best they could with the huge crowd of patrons WAITING. Once we were seated, the service was dry and almost seemed as if we owed them for the favor of finally sitting and eating. The HORRIBLE service outweighed anything I ate. I didn't even enjoy the food becuase I couldn't focus on anything other than the fact that I wasted valuable time from my life that I will never get back. I wish I had gone with my orginal thought: Eating at IKEA, where my kids could eat free and I would've had 1 more hour of shopping...NEVER NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
Lou T.

The very best sushi you can get in metro Detroit. Expect at least 15-30 minute wait for lunch and dinner rush but the wait is worth it every time. Try the Today Special for lunch!
(5)
Leah K.

Previous reviewers have covered all the bases, but I just wanted to mention the grilled fish they serve for dinner. No fancy sauces or seasoning, just the best cooked fish you will ever eat.
(5)
Cathy H.

Ajishin serves up authentic Japanese fare, from udon to sushi. I would travel 30 minutes from Ann Arbor just to get my Japanese fix because no Japanese restaurant in Ann Arbor can compare. It is worth the gas-guzzling trip.
(5)
Nicole B.

This is the best Japanese food in the area, at least that I have found. The five star rating is for the food but the atmosphere leaves much to be desired for those accustomed to traditional American restaurants. The restaurant is small and cramped so it is not the best place for an intimate date, for example. However, the food is excellent. If you have never been there before make sure to call ahead first. We made that mistake on our first visit and ended up waiting 1.5 hours. But, it was worth it!
(5)
stanley t.

Pretty good udon! :P
(4)
naomi g.

This is a really good place BUT check the hours of operation if you want to go on a Sunday. They're closed during the middle of the afternoon and open again at 5 for dinner. There is no mention of this on this site. We drove 50 miles to get there one Sunday and were very disappointed. So call first.
(5)
Chigirl O.

Best sushi I have tasted. There California's rolls are the best. I love their river eel
(5)
Nancy C.

The Ajishin udon here is wonderful! The broth is exploding with umami-ness. The price is right and the service is no nonsense. The sushi is also delicious and competitively priced as well. All are a win in my book! Parking is ample in the strip mall. The only downside is the potential wait, especially during peak hours. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever been able to get a seat without waiting here. But definitely worth it!
(5)
Lylian D.

I have been to Ajishin three times: once for dinner and twice for lunch. I stay in Ann Arbor and the 30-minute drive to Novi for quality & authentic sushi at Ajishin is well worth it! I am an avid sushi eater and everything I have ordered and eaten here has been fresh and delicious. Yes, the wait can be quite long especially if you are with a larger group, but again, it is worth it! My first time at Ajishin was for dinner. I went with the Bo and we got a table right away. We shared the Kyo-chirashi with sashimi toppings, yellowtail roll, and their much loved house Udon. The sashimi tasted wonderful and was beautifully presented. The kyo-chirashi & rice had a sweetness and great textures, which the Bo loved. If I were being picky (which I am haha), I would say that the kyo-chirashi needed a hint of acidity and the rice was a tad over-done. I find yellowtail rolls at most sushi restaurants very fishy, but the yellowtail roll with scallions was not fishy at all and had good flavor. From the mild broth to the chewy udon noodles, the Ajishin Udon was a good accompaniment to our sashimi & kyo-chirashi. The 2nd and 3rd time at Ajishin I got or tried the following items: -Same culprits: yellowtail rolls & udon. Delicious as the first time. -The lunch special: A bowl of cubed white tuna with spicy mashed tuna over rice. This was so damn good. I was sad it was such a small portion, but I had the udon too so it was okay. It was the right balance of flavors, spices, and temps (hot and cold). -Sushi Lunch Large: A selection of nigiri that included tuna, salmon, red snapper, eel, shrimp, sweet egg, and a cali roll. Everything was fresh tasting and melt-in-your-mouth. I even ate all of the cali roll! I don't like ordering at any sushi restaurants, but it came with the meal and was delicious! The only con I have is that there was too much rice on the bottom of the slice of fish. -Uni: This was my first time trying sea urchin and it was amazingly good! Great first experience and not my last! I absolutely love that they give you tea with your meal and the staff are just so polite and friendly. I can't wait to take try more items on their menu!
(5)
Christine C.

Always getting the best food here! Service may take forever, but as many others and I myself will admit is, the wait is worth it! Even if you decide the wait is too log and go some place else, you're highly not gonna receive a decent meal or one that is as tasty and fresh as AjiShin's food. Price is inexpensive and is worth it! Yes there maybe not enough room but it's still a cozy spot to eat out at. My experiences are always well with every time I come here. Honestly this is probably the best Asian food in Novi for as far as I'm concerned. Whenever you get the chance to come to novi and are looking for a spot to eat, come to AjiShin and don't be surprised with the wait.
(5)
Jennifer T.

This place can get crowded. Even with called ahead seating, we still waited until the rest of the waiting crowd got seated, so not really sure if call ahead seating helped any. The place has quite the range of udon noodle soup choices, more so than any place I've ever been prior. Definitely come for the udon. Their broiled cod also was done nicely, perfectly tender and naturally flavorful. However, their sushi rolls were extremely sad, the rice had too much vinegar and the rice was falling apart from the roll.
(3)
Jenny K.

Oh wow, I've been coming here for 5 years and I still haven't reviewed this place. Silly me. I guess it's no secret that Ajishin is totally popping all of the time and another 5 star review will not alleviate hunger pangs for the waiting and impatient. This, even though it's teeny tiny in here and they serve no alcohol! Everything here tastes good. Every genre, whether it's chirashi bowls or udon or the cold noodles or the grilled fish, it's all freaking fantastic! And best yet, it is a BARGAIN! The Ajishin udon is only $7.50 and a plain udon is $5. The Himuro, i.e. "ice box" cold noodle salad, is a freaking miracle on a warm day, just $9! It's so refreshing and tart, with the perfect hint of mayo creaminess from the decorate drizzle on top of the raw fish, hmmmm! I also love the grilled fish items here, especially the cod and salmon (the grilled yellowtail is just alright). Upgrade to the Ajishin udon (extra $3) and you'll be set for the evening. And it's awesome that they split a lot of dishes here too, like udon and curry bowls, so you can share with your table. And of course, the service is always superb here. Love the crew that brings noodle and fish happiness into my life each week! Yes, the waiting is a pain and you feel like you're in a mosh pit at the entrance of the restaurant, but don't give up! I once went to Nagomi down the road because I couldn't handle the wait and I was sad the rest of my Sunday.
(5)
Cindy A.

Tip #1 When you sign in to their notebook, "W" means walk in and "P" stands for phone in RSVP. (It's a common question, despite the key indicated on top of the page). Tip #2 Ajishin also closes from 2-5pm on regular days (Hey! Everyone needs a break too!) and closed entirely on Tuesdays. I've made that mistake several times. It's a horrible feeling. Recommendation: a classic Ajishin for cold or rainy cool days. Himuro (sashimi salad on top of cold udon noodles for the hot summers). Anyway, Four stars. Every time. Now, when you head here for dinner just know dinnertime at Ajishin is a pretty popular idea in the Novi community. Pack a snack in the bag if you're hungry. And if you call ahead? There's still so many people who walked in before you, that you're probably most likely still going to wait 15-20 minutes. And it's ok. We frequent flyers have accepted this reality. It's just part of why Ajishin is so good and why it's always worth the wait. I really so very badly want to give this place a 5 star however, I wish management can see their incredible potential and make it more efficient to service their demand. You have a hot spot in Novi! For many years now! Please get a bigger location or hire more wait staff to turn tables around!! But I still believe in you. Your food is good. Tea is good. Could we have bigger teacups? I craved this place even when I was in Grand Rapids. But I just don't like to wait that long. :(
(4)
Catherine Z.

If you're looking for good udon in southeast Michigan, you can't go wrong with Ajishin. They have a limited menu, but they're great at what they do. If you come for lunch, you can ask for half & half (I always get half Ajishin udon + half curry rice) - they will charge you 50% of each dish + a $1 surcharge, I believe. I can't speak much about their sushi because I'm not a fan of raw fish but the rolls they offer are simple. It can definitely get pretty busy here, so I recommend calling ahead of time to put your name on the list (they do not take reservations). Even still, expect a wait as it's a small place.
(4)
Christina O.

reading all the amazing reviews i had high expectations for this place. first of all there was a long wait and once we were seated it took forever for us to get water and even longer to get our meal. the waitress didn't clarify my question about the entree i wanted to order and just walked away.. i ended up ordering something i didn't want. their sushi and sashimi are mediocre..very limited selection of rolls. their udon was good and it seems like they do a lot of to-go orders. i was embarrassed to take my asian inlaws here and don't plan on coming back.
(1)
Andrew P.

Jam packed restaurant with great noodles and sushi. My sister in law goes there even though she lives an hour away. Had the Ajishin noodles along with the Sushi Lunch Large and was left very satisfied. Go there if you are in the Novi area!
(5)
Kelly S.

Yes its crowded and cramped but the Ajishin udon is delicious it's worth the wait & scrunching in to sit. I get the tempura on the side so it doesn't get soggy. The curry is pretty tasty too but not on dinner menu, ask for it!
(4)
Jessica C.

This place has a special place in my heart. My friends from michigan have been raving about this place for almost four years and I didn't get to try it till senior year. My first time here and I think i waited over an hour but so worth it. HINT!: Call ahead in the ride over and they will put your name down. When you get there let them know and they'll highlight your name so that you will officially be on the waitlist. This will shorten your wait time but not by that much. Their lunch specials are so great. Prepare your bodies everyone this deal will blow your mind. $7 for a bowl of udon and something special. Ive been lucky and the times I've went it's been a chirashi bowl!!! The udon is always on point. The udon is cooked well and the broth tastes great. The chirashi bowl has fresh sashimi and the rice tastes very good. It's a lot of food and it takes me a little effort to finish but I always do! The curry is also really good! If you're with a lot of people you can all share a half order. People talk about the cold udon with sashimi on top. I made the mistake of trying it instead of the fish combo for dinner once and was very disappointed. It's definitely a personal preference. I don't think i'm a fan of cold noodles and that's why I didn't like it. Other than that the udon was still cooked well and was chewy. The sashimi on top was delicious. I did that that towards the end there seems to be too much sauce and can get overwhelming since it's kind of acidic. I have friends who love this and will only order this when they eat there.
(4)
Linda L.

Delicious!! Came here for lunch so was a little limited by the menu. The servers were polite. We just made the cut off before they closed to prepare for dinner. The sushi chefs looked Japanese but I'm not quite sure. The prices are very fair. We had a free onigiri (rice ball) appetizer with some pickled radish on the side. We ordered the cold soba noodle entree and the sushi lunch combo. The soba was amazing!! It was different then the traditional soba I'm use to, which is cold soba on the side and you dip it into hot soup. This was pre-mixed with grinded radish, scallions, 3 pieces of tempura shrimp and Bonito flakes on top. It was so refreshing and light. I couldn't get enough. The sushi lunch was typical with tuna, salmon, river eel, shrimp, and tamago. The tamago was done very well, perfectly fluffy and sweet. The sushi pieces already have wasabi so be prepared!
(5)
Amy C.

A lot of people like Ajishin for their fresh sushi, but I've always been a huge fan of the udon. The prices here are unbeatable--each bowl is topped generously with a ton of ingredients, and with each bowl starting at just $5, you really can't find a better deal. I always leave feeling full and satisfied, but never sluggish since the food is light and free of grease. Since this restaurant is pretty well known in the area, the one downside is that there is almost always a line. It's almost always packed here and lines start forming before the restaurant even opens, so make sure you factor in wait time when planning your next visit.
(5)
Janice L.

I absolutely loved my experience here! The food was absolutely scrumptious and the servers showed warm hospitality. I ordered two dishes: Ajishin udon noodle and boiled pork udon. I highly recommend Ajishin udon!! It is far more superior than the boiled pork udon. Ajishin Udon noodle has shrimp and the soup tastes very savory! I actually am not a huge fan of shrimp but absolute loved this dish! This is by far the BEST udon noodles I've ever had. On the other hand, I was not a fan of the boiled pork udon. It was tasty, but incompetent with the Ajishin udon dish. Overall, the food was delicious, the service was great, and the price was extremely cheap! Make sure to sign in when you walk in. This restaurant is always crowded due to its popularity. (I waited about 15 minutes in line before being seated). The noise level is pretty low considering its constant profusion of customers.
(5)
S K.

found this place from the yelp review while on biz trip. the sushi wasn pretty good and the clear broth they served instead of miso soup was good. their tamago was better than other japanese place offered.
(4)
Melissa L.

Wow, the hype is real about this place! I drive 40 miles to get here, but it is so worth it. There is always a wait when I go, but it is not too bad. I am so addicted to their udon noodles with shrimp tempura. I don't like the way it comes dumped into the soup so I ask for it on the side. The broth is very tasty and they complement the soft chewy udon noodles perfectly. The only downside is that the restaurant itself is very small so if there is a wait, you have to find a little space to stand. You are guaranteed to be bumped into, but so what? Totally worth it! Also, if there really is a ridiculously long wait, you can walk over to Hippo bakery for some delicious authentic Japanese goods to have as a snack for later.
(5)
Alyson H.

Came with friends from work and was warned to get there by 11:15 as the line gets crazy long. They don't open until 11:30 and by 11:32 there were no seats left in the place! The "special" was delicious, the green tea was so-so. If you want water you must ask for it. The waiters/waitresses are not the most upbeat people, but that's fine with me at a place like this. I was eyeing down someone for our check, then eyeing someone down for change. I would def go back, and make sure I get there again at 11:15!
(4)
Cassandra Y.

About 15 tables & sushi bar. Not a huge restaurant. Very busy during lunch time! Sorry, they don't take reservations. Because the service is fast & food is prepared fast too so the wait time isn't that bad. The Service: Many staffs on duty, very efficient! Menu, hot tea, ready to take order within a few minutes!! Food is served in less than 5 minutes. Kitchen has done a great job prepping ahead. The Food: Ajishin Udon - udon with several toppings such as shrimp and vegetable tempura, fried tofu, boiled egg and tangle flakes (handmade udon, great texture, thick & chewy noodle, so many ingredient in this wonderful bowl of udon!!! Good portion for one~) Curry Udon - Strong curry flavor Selection of Sushi - handroll sushi are okay The Parking: Plaza parking lot.
(4)
Lina A.

Drove all the way from Royal Oak to discover what's the fuss is all about. Made telephone reservation and even with that we only got seated 50 mins after we arrived. So be prepared to wait, for a long long time. The servers were friendly but our server either didn't speak English or didn't have time to explain the dishes so we just ordered some and crossed our fingers. We ordered Ajishin chirashi (assorted seafood) that came with plain udon - very good. The grilled cod (came with a bowl of rice & yellow pickle) was good too although the particular cut had too many bones. Maybe I should have ordered grilled yellow tail instead. Himuro noodle salad $9, topped with salmon sashimi & battered shrimps was a nice surprise! Everyone on yelp was raving about it and when it came I wasn't bowled over until I started to dig into it and there was noodle underneath it. Absolutely delicious. The salmon sushi & the salmon skin sushi was just ok. Nothing to shout about. Just don't drive all the way to Ajishin for sushi.
(4)
Mister Foodie 2.

This place is amazing. Listen, if you are looking for fine dining linen service, this place isn't for you. The service can be lacking and space is limited but when lunch is full each and every single day, you know the place is doing something right. They have daily specials, great udon, fresh but limited sushi and their green tea is always super hot. The owner/chef is friendly and will chat with you if you sit at the sushi bar. There is no alcohol served but this place has more of a cafe feel to it anyways. If you're going there for lunch make sure you call ahead and put your name on the waiting list and also check in when you arrive or they won't know you are there. Like I said, the place is busy!! They also do a great carry-out which is an option if it's too busy, but again, you need to grab the attention of the a server when you walk in to tell them you placed a carry-out. You're not going to get 5 star service here but the food is well worth it. Give it a try if you haven't already. Best place for sushi and udon in Novi hands down.
(5)
Nicholas K.

While the wait here, even if you come right when it opens, can get ridiculous, the food has always been consistent, cheap, and absolutely delicious. Since Ajishin is an Udon house, you can never go wrong with their udon and its addictive broth. Aside from that, their curry rice, grilled salmon, and sushi are always excellent choices and ones that I cycle through at each visit. The sushi is always fresh and their Tamago especially is amazing. Their curry is rich and a tad spicy which is a nice kick. And their grilled salmon is accompanied by a bowl of rice and side order of udon -- so yes, you can have the best of both worlds. Aside from the food, the service is fast and (most) waitresses are very kind. If you still have room in your stomach, you can swing by the Pastry House Hippo for dessert.
(4)
Rory B.

Super friendly staff and a perfect bowl of udon. Too bad we showed up at 1:00. The line was crazy long. Took about 45 minutes for a table for two. The hostess did not go outside to call our names either so we were skipped and had to wait a few minutes longer for the next seat. That part needs work when you are that busy. We stood outside to leave room for everyone inside. And we were not the only ones. The food made up for the delay
(4)
Sarang K.

The Lunch menu and the Dinner menu is different but they serve pretty much everything from lunch at dinner too, although not the other way around. But that's not atypical of most restaurants. All their dishes are really fresh and delicious. My favorite is the himuro (minus the cukes!) and the grilled fish is also always pretty good. At lunch, I often have the curry rice which is delish! That really is the only word for food here at Ajishin. Delicious, fresh, and not too expensive. Admittedly I once ordered a sushi/sashimi platter of chef's choice for $50 and it was abysmally little. But all other experiences have been good. One thing to note is that for those new to Ajishin's udon, the broth is a little on the salty side. Actually a lot. But it's still worth it. The noodles are scrumptiously chewy. The servers are all really good and pretty fast even at their busiest hour. Really not much else to say. All's been said!
(4)
Joyce H.

This place is legit. I agree with Rachael N - it's totally worth it to go into these burbs for this place. Ajishin is a Japanese-run Japanese cafe (refreshing, since so many Japanese places in the Midwest aren't run by Japanese people!). The flavors were very authentic. To avoid a wait, we chose to sit at the bar. The wait wasn't too bad either, especially at 12:45pm on a Saturday afternoon. What we liked: We took Rachael N's advice to split the 1/2 portion of Japanese curry and 1/2 portion of udon. The hubs got the Ajishin udon and I got the mountain vegetables one. They use the same broth, but because they have different toppings, the flavor will change a bit. If you order the split portion, you'll pay about $1.00 more than if you were to get either by itself. You each get a salad (I think with a sweet japanese yam dressing) and a small rice ball. It's a LOT of food. I REALLY liked the curry. It's a pretty simple dish - Japanese curry with some beef, shrimp tempura, and pickles. I would definitely come back to eat this. The udon was also great. I was really full from the 1/2 portion of udon! The mountain veggies were pretty plentiful, and so were the noodles. We really enjoyed the salad too. Too full to eat the rice ball, which seemed mostly to be a filler. Note: This place is definitely cafe-style and has great curry and udon. We thought of the sushi more as side dishes, as they weren't super high grade. We ordered a 6 piece salmon roll and 1 uni (sea urchin) for me. The rice on the sushi was pretty sticky and it was rolled ok. The flavor was still good. The uni... still had that ocean-flavor that stuck in my mouth. It wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't come expecting super well prepared uni. We were so full that we went to take a walk afterwards...turns out that our walk brought us to a Japanese bakery...!!!
(5)
Qian Y.

This place is best known for their tasty udon but check out the cold soba noodles - they are delicious too. Sushi/Nigiri on the other hand is not the best, it has a nice big cut of fish but overall freshness is not enough. Sometimes, the sushi rice is a bit too hard and dry. Here is my to go place for udon but not the sushi. But the yellow tail and BBQ river eel nigiri are my favorites here after all. Service - hmmm...how should i put it? Server attitude and responsiveness solely depending on how busy this place is at the time? But usually this place is packed...so good luck.
(4)
Nathasja T.

On a recent, massive sushi kick, my husband and I decided to check out Ajishin in Novi. Upon arrival he mentioned he'd been here before and has eaten the udon several times in the past. Udon? Score! Nothing better than a big bowl of steamy soup on a blustery cold February night, so we promptly ordered some rolls (spicy tuna, California, tamago, urchin) and two bowls of udon. Curry for me, egg for him. Woah - the curry udon were amazing! It has such a deep, 'warm' curry flavor.. every bite was more addictive than the previous. The sushi was good also.. the egg was huge; the largest I've ever seen. It was pretty much a large V shaved omelet with rice inbetween. The evening we visited, many of the rolls were very loosely rolled, some even falling apart upon pick up with our chopsticks. This made for very clumsy and unpleasant eating. I would absolutely return for the (curry) udon; these are highly recommended! On the sushi I may pass, and stick to our favorite place nearby. Also, they serve grilled fish here - including hamachi kama (yellowtail collar), which makes me very happy, indeed.
(4)
Nicole Z.

Ajishin has been my favorite Japanese Restaurant all the time. Their fish is always fresh, udon is tasty, and my favorite is their grilled cod fish! Price is very affordable, the grilled cod combo contains a big bowl of udon soup, a bowl of rice and big portion of cod. Highly recommended! And the owner (the sushi chef) is very friendly too!
(5)
Geekar L.

So fresh, soo good! I told myself I had to hurry up and write this review because when I think about Ajishin, I crave their sushi again! They opened at 5:30 p.m. and we got there around 5:45 p.m., the place was packed and a bunch of people were waiting already. After 15 mins. we were seated and given our menus. My sister ordered the Kamogawa udon and I ordered a soft shell crab roll and a salmon avocado roll. My only regret was that we were pressed for time and I didn't order a 3rd roll! Everything was great, from the food to the service. Despite the amount of people waiting, service was still friendly and they didn't rush anyone at all. I honestly have yet to find a place like this back in NY, it's really the entire package. I'd eat here every day if it were an option. The prices are very reasonable as well. I'm so glad that I got to try this place and would love to come back. I definitely recommend them! =)
(5)
Joe M.

The wait is worth it... whatever they tell you at the front desk or on the phone is wrong by at least 15 minutes.. but be calm and ready to chow. Grilled fish is a must and sushi is bomb by far best udon in town.
(5)
Farid S.

I really love the food at this place and that's why I keep coming back. The ambiance is certainly not distracting, the decor is pretty dated and furniture a little run down. The service is simple, you order food they bring it. Don't expect any suggestions at the time you place your order, a smile before or after and be sure to order a drink or a glass of water at the time you place order because you won't be checked on again until the check arrives. Bottom line is this place is all about the food. Think of it as the Seinfeld episode "The Soup Nazi". I put up with the neglect and sometimes rude service because of how delicious the food is. The best things I've had here are the Spicy Tuna Kyo-Chirashi and of course the Ajishin Udon Soup. I highly recommend those two items and it seems that every time I go there, I ordered the same thing, yeah it's that good...
(4)
Aileen C.

The nigiri was DELICIOUS! The salmon,eel,egg,octopus was my favorite. We ordered to go and eat it at home. The curry and udon was good too.
(5)
Eryn H.

My family and I have been coming to this place for roughly twenty years, and it has been consistently delicious. Ordered the cod and upgraded the plain udon for Ajishin udon ($2.50 for shrimp and vegetable tempura, and tofu skin). I moved to California a few years ago, and I honestly think Ajishin has the best California rolls. 'Til next time!
(5)
Christie P.

If you're in Novi and like Japanese cusine, you're missing out if you don't come here. It's a tiny place with minimal options (they do have full sushi bar) but they do it well. Quick service, great specials for lunch too. It's also a great value. Long lines depending on time of day, but they get people through quickly.
(5)
J C.

I have been going to ajishin for many years, so much so that I am surprised I haven't reviewed the place already. The place is quaint but in a charming way. Its open layout makes for a pretty noisy dinner joint... and they don't have a designated hostess so it can be a little bit hectic. So here is what i do. I call in when I am on my way... it doesn't matter if I am calling 10 minutes ahead or 45 minutes... what matters is that you call. Once you get there you generally have to find your way to the cash register (just inside the door, don't worry, you won't get lost). At some point one of the waitresses ... when they get time... will stop by and if you've called ahead you can sign in, if you were a fool and did not call ahead then you just add your name in. Okay. All those logistics aside... The food. Is. So. Good. In all my travels I have not found better udon on this side of the pond. And the sushi is really fresh, clean and tasty (synonymous, i know). I am a tuna, ika, uni kind of girl... but you know everyone has that little kid inside... and every asian kid loves the tamago (egg). The tamago is excellent here and I am not hyperbolizing. Some pretentious (but uneducated) folks may find that juvenile, BUT, in the east, the itamae (the sushi chef) is actually heavily judged by his ability to make the egg. So.. try the egg. Its like 2.50. That's another thing. The price is here is so reasonable. They have always had quality food at affordable prices... they could have easily sold out and pumped up the prices when the sushi craze FINALLY made it to the Midwest but they didnt. The same people have worked it as long as I have been and the food has been consistent. Always. I know there are a lot of places vying for your foodie attention, but this is not one I would want to leave out. Ever. And remember, call ahead.
(5)
Juliana D.

A nice little restaurant that serves good sushi and noodles. I've tried both and was not disappointed. The "spicy" rolls are done without the mayo sauce, so they taste fresher and lighter. Really friendly and helpful staff. I would definitely recommend getting a reservation, since the restaurant can't accommodate a lot of people at the same time, and sometimes is full at unusual times, like 4 pm on a Tuesday :)
(4)
Valeska P.

Best sushi place in Michigan area!! Order nigiri!! Love this place very much! Very decent! Will definitely come back again.T_T why it's so far aways from Ann Arbor! Tips: come earlier, usually waiting in line, but worth it!
(5)
Michelle B.

I don't care about the wait! This place is the best. My husband and I dine in here at least every week. We know the staff--- all great! We know the food--- always the best. Ajishin soup, grilled fish Cod, Himuro and Spicy Tuna Roll are a few of out usual perfect meal.
(5)
Joel C.

You can tell a great Japanese Restaurant by the quality of fish. You can tell a fantastic Japanese restaurant by the rice. Ajishin's sushi rice has the greatest flavor. I highly recommend this place!
(4)
Joel B.

the village theater 50400 cherry hill canton, mi 48154 box office 734 394 5300 tkts $31.00 live on stage the beach boys tribute from las vegas aug 22, 2015, 4 pm & 7 pm shows
(5)
Lisa N.

Went to ajishin for dinner based on a friend's recommendation. Ajishin did not disappoint. There was no wait when we arrived, and we sat at the sushi bar for dinner. Ajishin is definitely the place to sit at the sushi bar. Watching the sushi preparation is so fun! The pricing is awesome! The best part is that the quality and portion are just as great as the pricing. Great experience overall. Definitely coming back! :)
(4)
Bob W.

Authentic and very good. Tasty Udon and well prepared, fresh sushi. The only thing it was missing was a cold sapporo and some edamame.
(4)
Joe T.

The udon is good, I would come here for that. The chirashi I got was just OK. The wait time usually pretty long at dinner time so eat off hours or come early. Also the food takes quite a while. Took about half hour for my food I think. Overall, pleasant experience. I'd come back again if I was in the area, but I wouldn't actively seek it out. Happy eats!
(4)
Kevin K.

Update to my previous review. Yes, the food (especially the udon) is as good as ever. The value is still excellent. That being said, because of these things, the place is incredibly busy and their system for a waitlist/having people wait/seating needs some serious improvement. I thought I had the system figured out with the call ahead, the check in when you get there, and generally getting a seat within 20-30 minutes even when busy- unfortunately, this isn't the case. I really can't figure out the system. People seem to get seated in a fairly random order and that has led to our party being seated after people of the same party size that called in later and after people that walked in later as well. Seen it happen a few times to others as well. Pretty frustrating... Also, the dining area basically becomes one huge waiting room with servers having difficulty getting through, people waiting squeezing themselves into awkward places, and feeling like one has to personally keep an eye out for your position on the waitlist or risk getting seated much later. It just overshadows otherwise delicious food and great prices. Still our go to for udon in the area but it really could be such a better experience with a few changes to the waitlist/seating system.
(3)
Eric D.

I ordered the curried rice (not on the menu) and it was pretty good, heavy on the curry. The sushi however seemed tired and a bit tainted in taste by something else it sat next to on the journey to my tongue. The dÃ©cor was fine and what one might expect from an off the beaten path sushi joint. The wait staff were very kind and helpful. Given the choices in the area, as a frequent visitor, I'll not likely return. Too many choices, hopefully one will win and benefit from the paltry few cents (well, $ dollars accounting for inflation) that I can offer on a regular basis.
(3)
Ann C.

We enjoyed the sushi mixed platter & the house namesake, Ajishin. Egg on the Ushon noodle soup. Delicious! Great prices and crowded but comfortable atmosphere feels like a NYC hot spot. The wait is consistently long (45 +) so call ahead to get your name on waitlist or plan some nearby shopping after checkin. No alcohol served but instead hot tea for all, and soft drinks by request.
(5)
Valerie B.

I am hesitant to do this review, because this place is already really hard to get into, but the food here is ALWAYS outstanding! The udon is absolutely perfect - the one with tempura on top is my favorite, but get it on the side so it is crispy when you dip it into the broth! I really like to sub soba noodles in the udon dishes, too. If you have picky kids, they will make plain rice and tempura shrimp for 1$ each - what a deal! I am ashamed to say I have never tried their sushi...the service is always spot on and friendly. Such an asset to Novi dining!
(5)
Frank B.

One of my favorite places to eat. Their food is amazing. There is usually a line for lunch. You need to get there before 1130 if you want a seat. A couple of the waitresses look like they hate humans and are unpleasant. But they always do a good job of bring food out. The menu is hard to understand but it doesnt matter because everything is so good you cant order the wrong thing. I often see people eating things that are not on the menu. I have no idea how that works. I highly recommend this place. Both sushi and Undon are the best in metro Detroit (in my opinion)
(5)
Aybige K.

This is such an unexpected restaurant in a dull strip mall but the food is so good I am really glad that I become acquainted with it. The service is really fast and the food is delicious. The food is very reasonably priced. You should go there as early as possible as there will be a long waiting for sure.
(5)
Rachel M.

Yummmm this place is so good. Consistently delicious udon; the noodles have the most consistent consistency, chewy and soft at the same time, picking up the flavor of the broth. Their sushi is excellent as well - one day the special during lunch was a salmon and white tuna sashimi bowl which was perfect, the rice was on point which is very important, and it came with a full bowl of noodles! For $7! You can't beat that. It doesn't take too long after visiting before the craving for Ajishin returns. I like sitting at the counter, very cozy. The only downside is that one of the waitresses can be very abrupt. She gives you your food on time but that's about it. But if you get one of the younger servers they are much more polite. All in all, Ajishin is a treasure that keeps me making the 20 minute drive to Novi over and over again. And it's so worth it!!
(5)
Vivian L.

Favorite little gem. Curry is good. Freshest sushi around great noodle bowl. My mom and I sneak here whenever we have time. However more often than not there is a wait. They do take call ahead seating. At night get the grilled fish (warning sometimes its a collar piece with more collagen/ fat) with a bowl of udon for only $12.
(5)
Sarah C.

One of the best food I've had in Michigan. It is worth the wait! My friends weren't lying when they say its busy. This place is like Cali, where you wait to get seated. My boyfriend and I was like we can get there at 11.35am and still get a table. It can't be that popular. WAIT! IT IS! It was full when we arrived at 11.35am! We were one of the only two person parties so we were able to get seated in like 15-20 minutes after the first round of people. Lunch! Curry, Udon, and their special. We both ordered the Udon (of course, since its their signature item!) Ajishin (Our special udon with serveral toppings such as shrimp and vegetable tempura, fried tofu, boiled egg and tangle flakes) $7.50 - Their namesake. This was SO FREAKING GOOD. I love how there are a lot of toppings and the broth. I love the broth. I usually don't drink broth since I feel like they are loaded with msg but nope not this. It was see through, light, and bursting with flavor. My boyfriend ordered the lunch special which was a bowl of regular udon. It has a slightly different broth and less toppings. It comes with their special daily rice balls. It was like 7 dollars. Teenage boys are half of the wait staff. The service isn't amazing but you get your food really fast. You might have to flag someone down when you need something or the check. Overall, our entire meal was like 15 bucks! WTF! GET OUT! One of our cheapest dine-in meal ever! I am coming back! LOVE! Tip: Call in and put your name on the list when you are driving over.
(5)
Sara B.

I've been here twice now, and both times were amazing. The main reason for the 4 star rating instead of 5 is because no matter when you go or if you call ahead, you will wait. That said, the food is well worth it and the staff are always polite and friendly despite how busy they are. I always order some variety of Udon soup while I'm here, and it's fantastic. Last time I tried the Ajishin Udon and felt like I was eating a little bit of heaven with tempura tofu and shrimp, and various vegetables. VERY TASTY. I can't speak for any of their uncooked sushi, but the scallop and eel are good. My friend loves the raw sushi and says that it's always fresh and flavorful. It's small, crowded, and worth a visit.
(4)
Smai V.

This place is overbearingly crowded, the wait is insane, there is no wait room seating, so you're left standing next to a bookshelf full of Japanese manga of which you can't read...And yet, giving it 5 stars would be an understatement. Call and reserve an hour or more ahead of time, as the wait can be intensive--for good reason, their food is PHENOMENAL at an affordable price!! I've tried pretty much everything on the menu, and nothing has ever disappointed. Highlights are their cod and udon dishes. And the sushi, simply amazing and cheap! You truly get the bang for your buck here. You'll also notice local artists' paintings on the wall for sale. Very nice decor touches here and there, and their service is great. The servers have the prefect combination of checking in with you, without breathing behind your back so often, nor would you have to yell or wave to get their attention. I recommend this for groups of 4 people or less as seating will be easier to attain, but again, they'll accommodate.
(5)
Andrew K.

I'm from NY and we have all these small little authentic ramen shops scattered about NYC. Ajishin gives them all a run for their money. Granted, you have to wait a while to be seated and served food because it seems like they're always packed, but it's worth it. The sushi is cheap but fresh and generously large. No specialty rolls, but those are for restaurants who need to attract customers because the rest of their menu doesn't meet the same criteria. This place has the best udon I have ever had period. It's as good as Toto ramen's signiture ramen in NYC. I recommend the Ajishin, their signiture dish. Prices are great, food is amazing. I will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Sal A.

I've been out in the area for some work over the past few weeks and by far this place has the best sushi so far. The food tasted fresh and service was accommodating. There's nothing more that I could add with regards to the 200+ reviews already in here. However, if this helps here are the two lunch specials that I was aware of 4 piece sushi + California roll 6 piece sushi + California roll My recommendation to the place is to add a complete menu online for folks who are looking to pick orders up to go. The 4 out of 5 stars has to do with the service for my individual experience of my order being incorrect and myself having to correct it, I would recommend you have them repeat back the order to you over the phone. I'm sure it's nothing that happens on the frequent. I'll be updating this review as I go there more frequently.
(4)
Harris N.

This place is crazy busy. Each time I go there, there's a 30 minute wait even at 5:30pm! What's the deal? They don't serve beer. How can a sushi place not serve beer and be so busy? I think the regulars know better. They call ahead to get their name on the list. When they show up, they mark the sheet that they are there and then the are further up on the list. There were some that pre-ordered and then the food was ready soon after they sat down. The sushi here is good. I had the sushi combo. It comes with about 8 pieces of nigiri and a roll. It's unique in that it has conch in the combo. Normally, it's not in a combo since it's not the top of the list for Americans. I've had their udon and also their grilled fish (cod). Both are good. I saw the table next to me with the curry rice. I asked about it and the story is that it's on the lunch menu and not the dinner menu. They said you can ask for it though. In all, this place is better than average. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. The long wait, crazy dining room (e.g. slow and frantic service) and lack of beer prevents me from giving it a 4 or 5 star rating.
(3)
Regina A.

I thought I would have to go back to Japan to eat food this good. This restaurant is as close to it gets as eating Japanese food in Japan.
(5)
Michal F.

From the looks of the menu it looks like the place specializes in Udon more than sushi, but we got sushi anyway and it was great. As a warning though this is not the typical American sushi place, they don't do the specialty rolls you expect in American sushi but only simple traditional roles and nigri. Here are some of the highlights: Miso soup was a savory broth, without the cloud of thinly cut tofu that usually come when you're stirring miso. Everyone was a fan. I got the Gojyu-no-toh, which is a set of 5 stackable bowls filled with rice and raw fish. The raw fish is what I always really come for so I appreciated that I could eat this dish without the usual rice interference. For those that do appreciate more rice though my friends assured me it was top notch and I could see why, it comes with strips of egg, smelt and a few other flavoring that make this rice a better compliment than most.
(4)
Holly C.

I've always heard great things about this place from my sisters and cousins. There seems to almost always be a line either out the door or a decent wait for this restaurant. It seems very authentic in terms of traditional Japanese comfort food, and they also have great sushi. The prices are very fair, and the fushimi udon I had was really really good! The sushi was fresh from what I could tell even though I didn't try any of it (not a huge fan of raw fish texture), but the cooked scallop was divine! I'm not a fan of wasabi, and they put wasabi on every piece of sushi so be careful if you don't prefer it. I just wiped it off. Overall, very delicious, you have to try it! It's surprising to find a place like this in what I think is like the middle of nowhere Michigan. I would say ordering for takeout to eat at home or in the office would be a better idea since it is a smaller place.
(4)
Ujon C.

Really bad waiting. They don't get reservation yet don't have anyone at front and take care of customers. Yeah maybe they have some good food and relatively reasonable price. They said waiting is 25min, oh, really? Huh I waited for 1hour and 40 min. No value of my time for them at all. Service is awful. Can't think of any reason to be treated like this with paying my money to somebody. 100% positive, I will not go there ever again.
(1)
Anna Y.

The service here was good and so was the sushi. I'm not an udon person apparently and the crab in the udon was overwhelming. Will just get sushi next time.
(3)
Linda T.

I can eat noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; they're simply my staple food. That being said, it's very difficult to make a noodle bowl stand out to me. That is... until I discovered the magic of Ajishin! My top 3 favorites are the himuro (cold udon), ajishin (hot udon), and the tetsugaku (curry udon). Life gave me a rough patch in 2013, and I actually found myself here about 1-2 times a week to lift my spirits. Sounds dramatic I know, but really, there's some magic in the bowls that they serve. I genuinely think that I'll never find a place that can serve noodles comparable to Ajishin, particularly their himuro. I would come more often if Ann Arbor wasn't so far away! But be warned... their wait can be quite ridiculously long. Oh yeah... Don't get any of the other cold noodles. (They have 3 other cold noodles other than the humiro.) They're very subpar. But because the himuro, aijishin, and tetsugaku are so outstanding, I'm not knocking off any stars.
(5)
Jennifer X.

OK. I used to hate making the pilgrimage to Ajishin and tripping over what feels like every single Asian family in metro Detroit while waiting in line for hours and hours, but whoa, takeout totally transformed my opinion of this place. No line, no tip necessary, and really cheap/fresh sushi. We usually pick the food up immediately and eat it sitting on the trunk of the car so we can people watch.
(4)
Vivian K.

I was in town visiting for spring break and had a craving for ramen. Udon was going to be the closest I could get since Michigan lacked the amount of Asian restaurants to select from. To my surprise, their udon and broth were very delicious and definitely hit the spot on a cold night. Being born and raised in LA, I'm spoiled with a lot of good Asian food. Ajishin meets my standards and I would even continue to go back if they were also located in California. Their sushi was fresh and I enjoyed their tamago even though I normally dont like them from other sushi places back home. My first time there my boyfriend and I ordered the Ajishin udon and the other udon with duck meat in it (forgot the name). For sushi we had tamago, salmon, sea urchin, and a yellow tail roll. Everything was fresh and this was the best tamago I have had by far that I would not mind getting again. My boyfriend didnt like the duck udon as much though and it did seems a bit plain to me in comparison to the Ajishin. Our second trip their, I had the Maiko udon and asked for only tempura and no shrimp. He got the Hanami, which he enjoyed more this time. Got the tamago and sea urchin again too haha. The udon noodles have a nice consistent texture, not overly chewy or soft. The broth was very delicious and the tempura was just right in the amount that it was crispy. The batter wasnt overdone and I enjoyed the seaweed they added to each bowl. The place is a little small and can get very packed. You can always call in to sign in or just go in to write your name and come back later. The first time we visited, the wait was about 20-30 minutes so I left them my number, asked them to give me a call when it got closer to our seating, and went to walk around in the plazas near by like Walmart. The second time, we were seated right away. I liked that they had coat hangers on the walls so it didnt get in the way of when we were eating in the already small and slightly cramped up spaces and tables. I also enjoyed all the cat decorations they had inside.
(4)
Virginia C.

Aijshin, you did not disappoint me with all the hype. But- are you better than Noble Fish? You aren't better, just different. Must dos: -Try to get here 15 minutes early before the door opens if you don't want to wait for a table. It's not that big of a restaurant - Udon Noodle Soups. The broth is excellent and flavorful. We ordered one bowl and they were able to split it for 2. -Anything Salmon. It's the best here. -River Eel So this is the deal, they don't have a lot of variety in terms of sushi. There are no fancy rolls, but more so sashimi and your standard sushi rolls. I do love their version of a spicy mayo sauce on the side. So if u are waiting, don't forget to check out the Japanese Bakery across the way!
(4)
J. D.

Really fresh food and prompt service. Awesome udon noodles and really healthy options!
(5)
Henry T.

Thumbs up to those who gave everyone notice on the curry rice. It was delicious, and I would highly recommend it. You can ask them to split the curry rice to two portions if you want to split with another member of your party. It costs about $6, if I remember correctly. With that said...I think the curry rice has more to rave about than the sushi, sadly. I got the rolls with sea eel (cooked in water) and river eel (barbecued). Both were meh. Nothing too great, but it wasn't the worst sushi I've had. I was a little disappointed with the ratio of rice:fish per roll, though. I usually grade sushi establishments based on this. The greater the ratio, the lower their ratings, usually. I want fish in my sushi and I want to be able to taste the fish without the rice overwhelming everything. Personally, I would consider coming back only if I were in the area. But I wouldn't make the drive out from Ann Arbor to Novi just for Ajishin.
(3)
Jeff P.

Favorite jap restaurant in Michigan. Fresh food, reasonably priced and quick service. It doesn't get any better than this. Try the Udon or the sashimi lunch special. If you are not into that then their curry rice is delicious as well. QUICK TIP: You can order half of two dishes you'd like to try if you want. Just pick two items on the menu you like and ask them if they can get you half of each. I always get half of the Udon and half curry rice.. :)
(5)
Fai F.

The dinner menu is slightly different than lunch. My friend and I ordered a noodle whose name I forgot (Misoyooge? - came with pork belly and mountain vegetables) and a Gyo-Chirashi (sp?) that comes as tower of 5 smaller chirashi (eel, tuna, shrimp, salmon, sea urchin). I went this past Friday and on top of these dinner discoveries, we got big fat smiles from TWO servers! BONUS!
(5)
Phil G.

Been here dozens of times over the years ! The BEST authentic Japanese restaurant in Southeast Michigan, bar none ! Go early though else line gets really long. Bravo!
(5)
Rebecca B.

Trying in earnest to find the best sushi place in the Novi area, I tried Ajishin. I always get the same thing - avocado rolls, miso soup and sometimes ginger salad (didn't get the salad at Ajishin). The tea as a beverage was assumed which was fine by me. It was super busy so I sat at the sushi bar which is always entertaining. I didn't find that the service was overly friendly, however I am in search of good sushi not pleasantries. Good food, not my favorite of the three good ones in Novi, but definitely worth a stop. I prefer One World Market and Happy, personally.
(4)
Ying T.

I have been coming to Ajishin since 2003. The taste never change! I never care to know what the lunch special is on that day, because all so yummy! For dinner, I really like the grilled fish + a bowl of udon + rice = $12! Their Sushi is wonderful as well! They always have a long line, my trick is to call ahead and ask to put my name on the list so when you arrive and you can be seated sooner. GOOD LUCK!
(5)
Jes P.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Ajishin is a clean, well equipped sushi bar and lots of very cute Japanese decorations. Hello Kitty, Japanese finger puppets and framed water colored paintings line the walls. The decore is sure to make you smile. Ajishin is usually quite busy because it is popular and has a loyal set of customers. The food is absolutely the best around and the feeling of authenticity is somehow validifyed when you see Japanese families enjoying their meals and leaving the premises satisfied. Once you see the beautiful presentation of the food and taste the quality and freshness of it, you'll exit the same way. Everything I have tried, I have liked but here are 2 of my favorites: 1.) Kiyomitooge Soup This will warm you up and leave you feeling healthy on the coldest of Michigan's winter days. The soup itself is gorgeous, with a floating pooched egg, nutritious mountain herbs and tender pork bits, just to name a few. The yoke of the egg can be eaten whole (yum!) or swirled around and mixed in with the broth, providing a more creamy base. The noodles bring everything together quite nicely and one bowl can fill you up. It should be noted that many of their soups are vegetarian and vegan for those who prefer that route. 2.) Kyo-Kirashi We went with the assorted version of this dish which gives you a small taste of all the wonders of the sea including everything from salmon roe to sea urchin. The food is brought out in small bowls which are stacked on one another like Legos. I like this because each bowl is a bit of a surprise. Sushi rice lines the bottom of the bowl with a finely chopped omelette on top followed by a piece of "sashimi" (fresh raw fish). It is not only mouth watering delicious but the layout of the food is part of its novelty. The sushi holds the same high standards in taste and quality. Some of the staff are great while others give you the cold shoulder. If customer service is up on your list, this may not be the place for you. Also, I noticed that the restaurant is listed as "wheelchair accessible" and I would have to disagree with that. The place is very small with tables and chairs nearly touching each other. The layout is angular and not conducive to a wheelchair. I imagine any person with movement impairment would have diifculty navigatinging inside. Also, there is not a proper waiting area. Expect to stand while trying not to "get in the way" while waiting for a table. Although the space is small and the staff are a funny mix, you will not be disappointed in the least with the items on the menu. Enjoy!
(4)
Brandon H.

Ajishin is well known for quality food with good price. There are no reservation available, but you may call in 10-20min prior to place your name on the list. By doing so, you'll be able to find table faster. Their menu choice's are all excellent.. There are lunch and dinner menu. For lunch I usually get udon split in half to share with my girl, sushi lunch and one roll. For dinner, river eel kyo-chirashi and Udon is my favorite choice. This place is always packed, so be sure to call and have your name on the list! If you dare, try to visit them without it and you may have to wait 40 to 50+ to get a seat. Good luck! :) Favorite Udon-'Tetsugaku' (curry udon), Ajishin udon Dinner- Rover Eel Kyochirashi&Udon
(5)
Angela U.

I have to say that the food was good but it was a really long wait time for Togo order and the waitstaff was rude when you try to ask what the status was on the order. They give you a weird look and seemed like it was a big incidence for you asking. Working in the restaurant business this is a big no-no. When a customer orders food the time you give them before they come should be the same time the food is done not 30 min later. The food is what everyone raves about on yelp. We ordered a couple sushi rolls, the salmon and roe bowl, and duck udon. The sushi I thought was fantastic. I've been to many sushi places and you can always tell the quality and freshness in the salmon. I was not disappointed at all with the salmon here! They give a good amount of salmon in the bowl. Most places will give about 4 pieces but here they double the amount for almost the same price. The sushi rice was also really good here it was the perfect balance of vinegar and sugar. Not to sweet and not too tarty. What I didn't expect I would like is actually the udon. Im more of ramen lover and usually never liked udon but here I really liked. The broth had great flavor and depth and the noodles was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was the taste of the duck. It had a pretty bad gamey taste. Duck was flavorless and left a weird taste in your mouth. Duck is usually my favorite but next time I will choose something else. Overall this place is good but should not be given a almost perfect score.... There are a lot of other places in the area that are just as equivalent.
(3)
Rick G.

Great food. Get there early as there is always a wait during the week. Closed Tuesdays.
(5)
Patrick T.

REALLY great udon dinner combos. Would recommend the udon + sashimi or whatever it is. Cheap lunch with high quality food. Sushi is simple and good. Super busy, so be prepared for a wait. When you're done with lunch, hop over to the nearby Japanese bakery located in the same complex!
(5)
Shirley H.

They definitely have by far the best California Roll in Michigan. I could eat that all day and night if it wasn't so fatty! I've only been there once and had a pretty good first time experience. My friend and I got to the restaurant 15 minutes before they opened for lunch and was shocked to see a line already forming! I mean its not very common to see anyone waiting in line for food in Michigan. So I was definitely uber excited to try this place out. When my friend and I got seated, we were brought tea and onigiri (rice ball). I ordered the curry udon and was so happy with my choice. The broth is thicker, but I absolutely love curry, so I didn't mind. It also came with pork, which was tender and definitely not enough of it, but all in all, it was amazing. The restaurant is tiny but definitely worth the wait. The price of the udon is also very reasonable. I'll definitely be coming back here soon!
(4)
Becky Z.

I have heard a lot about this place for a long time. Finally I paid a visit during the trip in Detroit. On a Sunday Morning, around 11:15am, there was a line in front of this small pace!!! yes!!! this is how popular this place is. Our order: 1. Udon noold - super udon texture. the soup was very delicious. 2. Sushi lunch combo - average. 3. eel rice -- yummy!!! Some vinegar has been put into the rice. It was really great. Next time, I will go for dinner, since I will have more choices on the menu.
(4)
Jason H.

This place is what my friends claim is the best Japanese food in the area. I have no basis to agree, but it certainly was pretty delicious. In the heart of winter, I was very much in a 'warm the cockles' mood, so the large bowls of udon I saw at fellow tables called out to me. I didn't want something complicated or deep fried, so the Ohhara Udon seemed like the best bet - the house broth - fish, seaweed, scallions, imitation crab - with mountain plants. They never go in depth on what those mountain plants are - root vegetables obviously - definitely some daikon. The broth was both flavorful and mild. The noodles were chewy and just slightly al dente. All served scaldingly hot. It hit the spot perfectly. My friends, who somehow were in a sashimi mood, went for the Kyo-Chirashi, a large bowl of rice with lots of stuff on top - going with the sea eel as their main course - and a side plate of sashimi. They appeared to enjoy it immensely. The servings were certainly generous. They served a basic black tea and we (unfortunately) didn't ask if they had other varieties. The tea was on the weak side, and when eating Japanese, I prefer a toasty genmaicha. The place was super busy when we got there, but fortunately for me, my friends had called ahead. I highly recommend doing that as we got bumped to the front of the line when we arrived, to the chagrin of all the standby patrons. (It's not reservations so much as a Fastpass) Space is tight. Staff is generally friendly, although they seemed overworked as it took forever to get our check. When in a Japanese mood and in the area, I'd certainly come back.
(4)
Peter C.

This place is always going to be my favorite Japanese restaurant! The food here never disappoints me. Although I order the same every time (which is the Ajishin udon and their spicy California roll with other pieces of nigiri sushi), it was always, always delicious. I always leave Ajishin very much satisfied. It's always best to go when they just open for dinner at 5:30 because they get full QUICK! You can also call ahead to put your name on their list if you decide to go later. It saved you some time waiting to be seated. And I actually saw a line at the door to get in. So you know this place is good if you see that.
(5)
I D.

I will eat anything and everything in here! This place is awesome & very authentic. Some days there is a wait because it is a small place but, it is definitely well worth it! :) I am slowly trying it all...
(5)
Chelsea H.

MMMMMMMMMMnoodles! Noodle dishes both hot and cold will not disappoint. The broth is simple and rich and delicious, as all good broth should be. Noodles are served up in huge bowls with plenty of veggies and other toppings. Prices are extremely reasonable. You will leave very full and happy. Maybe save some of your food and take it to go so you have enough room in your tummy for a read bean croissant from Pastry House Hippo on the other end of the strip mall.
(5)
Ana Z.

Pleasantly surprised by this little restaurant. The udon was one of the best I've ever had, and the prices were very generous. They have a good selection of udon, as well as udon and sushi combos, which I look forward to trying next time I visit. Service was attentive and quick, and I like the complimentary green tea! This is a reasonably popular place for its small size, so there may be a wait during lunch hour. But take it from me, the wait is worth it.
(5)
Jannet P.

Being born and raised in an asian household, I have had my fair share of noodles and sushi all over the world. But Ajishin by far is the best! My family and I have been coming to Ajishin for years! And since Ajishin tops as my favorite asian restaurant in Michigan, it will be my first review as a new yelper! :) They are best known for their udon. The broth is so clear you can see right through it; however, don't let that fool you. The broth is so full with flavor and the consistency is impeccable! After all these years you would think that sometimes they will have a bad day in the kitchen and the broth will turn out too bland or too salty, but I have yet to encounter a day they go wrong with the broth.They have a variety of different udon dishes all served with the same broth but depending on what other toppings or ingredients you would like to have in your udon, the udon menu has a variety of different combination selections - from your normal plain udon to the Ajishin (what I like to call the udon supreme). They also have a phenomenal curry udon dish which definitely cures your craving for a hearty, meaty dish. Sushi! ah...sushi...the sushi here truly just glistens...GLISTENS! Almost too pretty to eat? I always get my salmon, yellow tail, belly tuna and at least one egg :) They are very generous with their sushi - the fish to rice ratio is perfect (perfect fish:rice ratio - rice is just barely visible to the eye :D) Lunch: Everyday Ajishin has what they call "Today's Special". This usually consists of their bowl of plain udon + sushi roll or sushi rice bowl all at an amazing price of $7.00! Dinner: They have two additional dishes added to their dinner menu 1) Grilled fish dish (usually cod, mackeral, salmon, fish of the day with a side of rice). 2) Himuro (udon salad) The Himuro is an absolute winner! If you like a nice refreshing cold udon salad with light mayo oriental dressing, this is for you. A bit pricier, but portions are generous :) ***NOTE*** With amazing food, there is always a crowd. Make sure you call 10-15 minutes before and have them write your name down. They do not take reservations, first come-first serve.
(5)
Megan K.

This place is great! When it comes to Japanese food, udon soup is not my favorite. But at the insisting of a friend, we went here this morning. I ate every last drop in that bowl. The broth was perfect and not too salty which is sometimes the case with udon soups. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the tempura onions and shrimp were delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. I can see why people wait in a line for it to open in the morning. It is that good.
(5)
Friend of D.

What a gem! An authentic japanese restaurant in a strip mall in an otherwise unremarkable area as far as restaurant scene is concerned. Udon soup or sushi...both are fantastic. Great flavor, generous portions and very fresh. We'll be dining frequently. Highly recommend.
(5)
Sean M.

Great casual Japanese dining. Great udon and soba options. For a change - ask for the Curry Rice it's awesome and a great deal.
(5)
Per S.

Five stars for this Japanese restaurant because the food is authentic and delicious! The sushi is very fresh and made with care. Definitely try the udon- there are quite a few varieties to choose from. The Chirashi (bowl of rice with fresh fish on top) is worth a try. Our meal was served with hot green tea. Yes, there will most likely be a wait when you get to the restaurant. Just be patient- the food is worth the wait. There is not a lot of room for waiting so either stand outside or near the doorway. The place is not as small as some of these reviewers make it out to be. I used to live in Japan for quite some time so my idea of small restaurants may be skewed. Ajishin has seating around the sushi bar, some booths and tables- more than enough space. I think some people just get too picky. If only they actually went to Asia and saw what some of the restaurants are sized like. ;) Give this place a try- for Michigan, this is some awesome Japanese food!
(5)
Jenn L.

This place is the bomb diggity. No, I'm serious, despite my ridiculous word choice. I grew up in Novi and my family would eat at Ajishin as much as possible whenever we wanted Japanese food--actually, I'm pretty sure we exclusively ate at Ajishin whenever we wanted Japanese food. Their ridiculously long lines during peak meal times (AKA eat a early or late lunch--best is aroud 11:15 ish), their sign-in list, and the tiny little table by their fish tank have since been etched forever into my memory, and although I moved from Michigan 6+ years ago, I have yet to find a Japanese restaurant that is on par with Ajishin, when looking at quality of food, taste, and value. To be completely honest, I rarely ever eat Japanese food nowadays, because I'm pretty sure Ajishin is on a level of its own. The best deal ever is their lunch special that comes with a special entree that changes daily and comes with udon (THE BEST UDON EVER, imho)--it used to be $7 back when I lived in Michigan, but I suspect the price has gone up since then. Ugh, I just got super nostalgic for this place all over again. COME TO THE WEST COAST, AJISHIN! :(
(5)
Annie M.

THE. BEST. SUSHI. YOU WILL FIND EVEN CLOSE AROUND HERE. it is authentic and amazing. i don't care that they hardly speak english because that proves how fresh and amazing it really is! they do have weird hours though, I've showed up at lunch time a few times and it was closed. but i don't even care because it's delicious.
(5)
Jessica T.

First and second visit was good. We ordered the famous udon and shared tuna and salmon rolls. Udon was flavorful and noodles was cooked very well. Sushi was also very fresh. The last visit was just so so. Big eel bowl only had 8 pieces of eel , half of bowl of sushi rice and it's $15. Quite expensive!! Sushi was not fresh lat night and sushi rice was way too sour. However , this 2 star goes to the girl who served us. As many of your know, the restaurant is always busy and always a line outside the restaurant. But she always has a smile on her face and didn't rush us out during our dinner. We would've gone to fuji buffet at madison heights for the price we paid.
(2)
J C.

it took us a while to get a table here, but it was worth it. I got sushi and it was yummy and perfect. i prefer sushi that is simple and authentic (no cream cheese, thank you) so if you're also into restaurants that serve simple and delicious sushi, come here. my husband, who had a headache at the time, got the ajishin udon and that was also yummy. he also claims the udon magically made his headache go away. i think he actually called it magical udon. verdict: yummy (and cures headaches!)
(5)
Ashley V.

Selection of sushi wasn't great, but they had a nice variation of udon bowls. My husband loved his, and mine was tasty as well. Service was terrible. The surrounding tables who spoke the native language got better service than we did. You are served a tea drink when you arrive; if you want water, you must ask for it and you will get a "pssh, GAIJIN" look while they go get it for you. As delicious as the udon bowls are, we are going elsewhere for our Asian food fix. We have both worked in the food-service industry for years, and receiving bad service more than once is the moment we start looking elsewhere.
(3)
James A.

Customer service required in order to taste the food. Bustling and full, I stood there for 10 minutes before anyone you'd me signing in was required (waiting list).
(1)
Brian W.

This is one of the best Japanese places around. Get there early or you will wait. Quality, delicious, reasonably priced food. Their soups are excellent. My favorite is the house special soup called "Ajishin". It has udon noodles, tempura shrimp, seaweed, simulated crab, and other items that make this soup top notch. A hugh bowl only cost $7. We have also had their grilled fish with Udon soup combo. Big piece of fish with soup only $12. Their sushi is top notch.
(5)
Lee H.

Excellent food & price. Have enjoyed this fabulous restaurant for the past 20+ years!
(5)
Jenny L.

My first-ever yelp review goes to Ajishin -- a place near and dear to my heart....er...stomach. Not an extensive menu - but everything on it is excellent. The sushi/sashimi is super fresh, and the udon......well lets just say I can't order udon anywhere else! Their lunch special is a total STEAL - for $7 you get a bowl of basic udon AND a huge sushi roll or chirashi bowl. Also, the grilled cod they have on the dinner menu is straight up melt-in-your-mouth butter. but better. Closed on Tuesdays, and there is usually a long wait - try to get here right when they open so you can get seated immediately.
(5)
AndrewSumi G.

This restaurant is truly a gem in Novi. I went there originally because I was craving Some sushi, but I keep on coming back for the udon. They have a very fresh selection of sushi rolls and sashimi, but don't expect any of the fancy sushi rolls. They pretty much have the basics for sushi, but it will be very fresh. They have a great selection of udon and soba noodles all coming with a selection of fresh vegetables in them. The ajishin udon noodle is my favorite, which includes veggies and meet all topped off with an egg. The amount of food is a great value for the price. Will definitely be coming back for many times to come in the future!
(4)
Vickie R.

I've been coming to Ajishin for about 10 years now, and I still love it. Before I started working 10 minutes away from it about a year and a half ago, it wasn't unusual for me to drive 40 minutes from home just to satisfy a craving. This is one of those places that has a very small menu, but what they do, they do very well. The restaurant is always busy (call in a reservation when possible), and for the most part, it is filled with people that speak Japanese. That is a great indication on the authenticity of the food served. At a lofty $7, the lunch specials are fantastic. You can half a bowl of udon with whatever it's paired with that day. It's usually some sort of roll or chirashi (sashimi over a bowl of rice). If the lunch special isn't quite what you're looking for that day, the Ajishin noodles or Curry Rice are great defaults. At $7.50 for the Ajishin noodles, you get a huge bowl of udon (or soba if you ask for it), a crab stick, seaweed, 3 pieces of tofu skin, 2 fried shrimp, a bunch of fried onions, scallions, and half a hard-boiled egg. Before you even get the noodles, you get a rice ball of sorts wrapped in seaweed (don't know the actual name for it). For $6, you get a giant plate of rice with more than enough curry beef stew, and 3 fried shrimps. It's not on the menu, but you can actually get a half order of Curry Rice for $4 (if I remember correctly). Writing this review is making me drool. Since it happens to be lunch time, I think I just may pay Ajishin a visit. :-)
(5)
Paul L.

Came here to eat while while stopping over in Detroit. I'd have to say this restaurant is def. a winner in terms of pricing the menu items perfectly and also providing super yummy and chewy udon noodles :)
(4)
Jeffrey Y.

There is good Japanese food in Ann Arbor (or within tolerable driving distance)! Ajishin is definitely the best Japanese food in the area, sushi and otherwise... while it is about 30 minutes away, this is nothing compared to how far I've driven for food in other places. Compared to other high-quality Japanese food from, say, Seattle or the Bay Area, Ajishin is only ok (would go again). For Ann Arbor, it is the best - WILL definitely go again. Pro-tip: call-ahead for a reservation or arrive before opening or you will be waiting about 20 minutes (at lunch at least). Also, make sure you flag down your server to order / pay... they can be a bit forgetful because they are so busy. If you are there for lunch, get the $7 lunch special - it is so good!
(5)
Jin K.

This is the best place to go for udon, and their sushi is not bad, either. Great food for a great price. I know people may complain about the wait time, but it's well worth it. Hey, it's a small place!
(4)
Giggly C.

Still packed. Still delicious. Haven't been back in a while but was not disappointed. Ate 3 times in 1 week while visiting mi. Sushi so fresh, noodles amazing and broth sipped to last drop. Perfect for winter if you don't wait outside in that ridiculous line
(5)
Moniquinha E.

We went there Tonight. Udon was good but they served us rotten tuna (picture is posted). We complained to server and she said it would be fine to eat because green was a normal tuna color. I know their main dish is not sashimi, but that does justify serving rotten food and denying it.
(1)
andrea s.

best sushi that has ever touched my mouth
(5)
Melissa Y.

When you walk in during dinner there will be a line so just add yourself to the notepad and get ready to be delighted. I ALWAYS get the curry rice that has three shrimps for around $8.00, the curry just has the best flavor ever! We usually get three rolls, but DH was so hungry so we got four. We had the tuna, california, shrimp tempura, and sea eel for a total of $18.00. Each roll tasted very fresh and the rice was not packed to tightly. DH commented that the tuna tasted very fresh also. This place does not have an overly complicated entree or sushi menu, which could be why their prices are so reasonable. Whenever we are in the Novi area, Ajishin is a must!
(5)
Loooking F.

This place has been around for many years, and they always keep up with their above average standard. If you are looking for good Udon and sushi place, this is it. The udon has a good texture, and the clear based soup just match the udon so perfectly. Recently, I fall in love with their sushi as well. Compared to the other sushi places, their sushi may not have that much variaties. But you do paid at a reasonable price with a high quality sushi. The rice is tight enough, and a thick cut of fish sitting on top. Try their Hamachi, Salam roe, and Sea Urchin, they won't make you disappointed.
(5)
Charles L.

Cold soba is fantastic and I highly recommend it. I feel as if a piece of my life has been missing, drinking udon soup this whole time. At this point I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to hot noodles. Their sushi selection is also fresh and fantastic. Comparable to many higher priced (trendier) establishments in the area. One caveat is they don't serve alcohol, so make sure to pregame before coming if you're looking for an inebriated dining experience. Ajishin appears to be perpetually super busy for me. I've waited 2 hrs on a Weds night before (worth it). So here's a slick protip: You can call ahead to put your name on the list. I hope other Ajishin enthusiasts don't kill me for saying that...
(5)
Elizabeth T.

Fresh and incredible! Service was great.
(5)
Christine K.

I've been coming to this place for over 3 years now. The food is always consistent and good. My favorite dishes are the Himuro and the curry. I just wish they would expand. There's always so many people inside, waiting in line, and it's just not the atmosphere you want to have when you eat. Still, I can't complain about the price.
(4)
Paul N.

In the heartland of unemployment and dying automotive industry state, there is Ajishin. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I rarely give out 5 stars, and this restaurant deserves a 5 star. The restaurant is quite small. I believe the max capacity is 40 or 50. Parking is very adequate, but the venue is not. The interior design is the typical Japanese design, and I feel that my single bedroom apartment is about the same size of this place. You get an amazing quality of food for a small price. To get a similar quality, a person can pay $20+ in Atlanta, but in Novi, Michigan, you get it for about 10 dollars or less. I had the opportunity to check the lunch menu, and I was very surprised by this place. The Udon I had was about 7 dollars. For the same quality and ingredient in Atlanta, I would be paying about 16 dollars in Hayakawa. These are not small bowls either, and one bowl can sufficiently fill a person up. Additionally, it comes with a side of rice and seaweed. The broth had a nice hint of crispness to it along with a flavorful toppings such as shrimp and veggie tempura. It came in a nice temperature where I was able to enjoy it, but at the same warm my cold body in Michigan. The noodles were not the cheap kind of noodles that a lot of these Japanese restaurants use. The sushi lunch combo gave me the opportunity to taste an assortment of raw fish. The salmon pieces had a lot of thick white lines... which means the fish melts in your mouth... the reason torro is much more expensive than the regular tuna is because it has that fish fat, creating that melt in your mouth sensation. Salmon is the same. Ajishin's salmon had the same effect as a good torro. I was able to sample tuna, salmon, white tuna, tilapia, and etc. They were all very good. For what I got, I would have paid about 18 to 20 dollars in Atlanta, but I got it for 12 dollars. The lunch was an awesome experience. I don't know about dinner and how the prices change, but from my experience, it's a 5 star lunch venue for anyone in Novi, Michigan area.
(5)
Winnie W.

I have been dining at Ajishin since they opened. Ajishin is known for their noodles and sushi. If you like "Americanized" sushi - from cream cheese to a variety of spicy sauces - this is not the place for you. My husband and I get our Ajishin fix every week. We each order the grilled fish, soba noodles, and bowl of rice meal - all for $12! They usually offer salmon, cod, or yellow tail. If you don't want fish, noodles, and rice, you can order them a la cart. The grilled fish is only offered during dinner. Ajishin also has daily lunch specials. It's usually a bowl of noodles and some type of sushi. I love the food but I don't love the service. Be ready to order when a waiter or waitress comes by, otherwise, you might have to wait awhile! Also, I would recommend that you order your water/ tea/ pop right away or you might not get to quench your thirst until mid-meal. Don't guzzle your water either because you may never get a refill. If you order carryout, I would call it in, otherwise, you might have to wait awhile. There is almost always a wait for lunch. People start to wait in line outside around 11:20. They open at 11:30. Dinner is the same - people start to wait in line before they open at 5. They are closed on Tuesday. You can call ahead and put your name on their waiting list. When you arrive at the restaurant, let the waiter/ waitress know that you called ahead and they'll highlight your name on the list. If you don't call ahead, write your name on the list when you arrive.
(4)
Lin H.

First off, whenever a nice hunk of man meat is your server, you know you're gunna have a good time (hubba hubba). Second, when you take that first bite of the negi hamachi roll you ordered not even 10 minutes prior and it tastes perfectly fresh and sweet, you know it's about to be a delicious authentic meal. And then next, when you get your main course of whatever noodle soup you chose, you know you've gotten as close to Japan as possible while sitting in Michigan. So perfect, extremely tasty, and very affordable.
(5)
Adrienne L.

Being a girl that always ordered nabeyaki udon before she learned the joys of sashimi, I was fairly curious about a place that ppl kept coming to wanting sushi but finding udon. Entering the restaurant to see a big sushi poster confused me, esp when siitting at the sushi bar and seeing all the fish precut. That left me a little perturbed, being from CA and having worked in a sushi restaurant, I have never before seen that in my life. So I opted to stick to the udon. Had the ajishin udon, great fish based broth, fair portion, shrimp is not overcooked, regular boiled egg though, and to my pleasant surprise, inari skins instead of regular tofu! Great complement, sweet to the slightly fishy broth (but not overwhelmingly so). Service is not spectacular, but wasn't expecting too much. This place gets packed right round the dinner rush, so try to get in before 7 or later.
(4)
Andy S.

The Ajishin in Novi definitely needs to expand to accommodate more customers at peak dining hours. It's a damn shame to see people walk out on such great food and service because of a 30-45 minute wait to be seated. As a side note, I'd definitely recommend this sushi bar as some of the best udon and sushi in Michigan. Here's to hoping for quality that stands the test of time.
(5)
Brian N.

If you want immediate seating, arrive about 15-20 minutes before they open and queue up outside of the door. Otherwise, you'll most likely stand in close proximity to a group of people in and around the entry way. The size of this group can vary from just a few people, to rubbing elbows. I know waiting is hard for you, but use this time to: A.) Catch up socially with your friends and/or family, B.) Wait for the cat clock on the wall to chime, C.) Be a contributing member of society by holding the door for those coming and going, D.) Browse the comic books, or E.) Relax The roll selection is somewhat small. But let's be serious, I'm not there for the safety blanket of BigCityU.S.A. rolls. I'm there for the Nigiri selection, which is of a very high quality and very reasonably priced. Try all of the Udon selections. The crown jewel is the Curry Rice. These 2 dishes are a great coping mechanism for dealing with the anguish you suffer that is Fall, Winter, and early Spring. The lack of alcohol keeps you focused on enjoying the excellent food and keeps you from feeling guilty for driving home with a buzz. If you really need to get sauced up, there is a bar in the same plaza. If you need service from the waitstaff, just get their attention and ask them. They are continuously busy taking care of the steady stream of customers, so they won't be offended if you flag them down. If you want someone to hover over you and pamper your dining ego, go to a chain restaurant. Ajishin is an experience, so try to enjoy yourself.
(5)
Mike W.

This restaurant has dignity but no decor. Big hot bowls of salty full bodied noodle soup.....fresh from the sea fish arranged carefully on perfectly seasoned moist rice. These chefs deserve a better restaurant. $7 lunch special.
(5)
Layan A.

We stumbled onto this place thanks to Yelp. It was on our way back home. This is the perfect place to satisfy my Asian food cravings. Their Ajishin udon is amazing, I get it every single time. And their sushi is to DIE for! I'm obsessed. I wish they open up another restaurant closer to Detroit! I make my husband drive me the hour here at least once a month. Hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Michigan.
(5)
Fengwen S.

Best Japanese restaurant in Michigan! Their Udon has the best broth I've ever tasted (I tried a lot of Japanese restaurants in China that cost more than 60 bucks per person). They probably have the most fresh sushi you can have in Michigan. And MOST IMPORTANTLY, Can you image a well grilled salmon with wonderful Japanese rice and a bowl of Udon costs ONLY 15 BUCKS!!!
(5)
Melody P.

One of the things I miss most about living in Michigan!! I visited a few weeks ago and made sure to stop in here with my family. The fish is bomb, and the udon and chirashi are amazing. It usually only comes out to around $8/person. The line for dinner on weekends is usually a little crazy, so make sure you call ahead and get your name down!
(5)
Annette J.

First off, big ups to every person who wrote in their review to try the curry rice. And big ups to the folks that reported that even though it's no longer on the menu to ask for it and ye shall receive. The response to this dish was so overwhelming that I ordered it (without even really knowing what it was all about) and I was thrilled with it. A dark curry sauce with veggies and some meat mixed in served with some rice and small fried shrimp. I ate to the point of discomfort. We also tried some sushi and my fella got a bowl of the tofu udon. I only took a small taste of the udon but I was really impressed. The sushi was fantastic. No fancy rolls here, just your standard fare like California and Spicy Tuna rolls but it was excellent and amazingly fresh. I also got some salmon and tuna belly nigiri and both just absolutely melted in my mouth. As a matter of fact, I'm craving some right now. Also the price was REALLY cheap for such quality. The space is small but we went at about 8:30 on a Wednesday and didn't have a wait at all. If you're cool with eating later it might be strategic to avoid those long lines I've heard about. Out waitstaff was a-ok as well. At the start they were really attentive and our food came out EXTREMELY fast but once we finished they were no where to be found and I had to flag them down to get our check. Not a big deal since I was too full to really move in a hurry any way but just a warning to maybe ask for your check when your food comes if you're in a rush. It's worth mentioning, I think, that my fella was head over heels for the wasabi here. I'm not a huge wasabi person so I can't compare but he was was all over it. Calling it some of the best wasabi he's had. I CAN say that I did try some of his soy/wasabi mixture because I had a sinus headache that even excedrine couldn't kick and it was gone by the time we left the restaurant. Coincidence or the healing power wasabi? You decide!
(4)
Zoey Z.

the attitude of the waiter is unacceptable. Worst service ever. We found a bone in the sushi the server has no apology but being arrogant. It's not the best flavor in the world!
(1)
Amy G.

I've decided this is my favorite restaurant in MI so far. If you get over the waiting period, which can be minimal i.e. ~10 min or admittedly very long depending on the number of diners in your party and the time, the authentic Japanese food for relatively cheap prices can't be beat. It's a good sign that residents speaking in Japanese and staff speaking Japanese to customers ordering via phone surround one in the restaurant. I am almost in disbelief that I can get a full meal of delicious filling udon for $7.95 = less than $10, including tax and tip. I hope the restaurant doesn't take action on this (shhhh!) but to be honest, they could raise their prices by a few dollars and the experience would still be worth it. Next time I come I will definitely get the grilled fish meal, which I've seen on lots of tables during my visits here and comes with both rice and udon--a huge amount of food! I heard the cat clock meow on the hour last time I came; the feline-themed decor is always entertaining.
(5)
Min Q.

Place was really good except a little bit too small. And have to wait for a little bit. However, it's sooooo worth it. It's really delicious and the prices are really reasonable too. Definitely recommended to a friend and will take my family too.
(5)
Zk K.

The best sushi with the fairest price possibly in the world. For lunch specials the place is a steal. I almost feel bad for not paying more. By far the best sushi in Michigan for it's price index. No doubt worth a drive. Delicious grilled fish and udon as well. This place I miss even while I go to Japan to live. One of the reasons why I love Michigan my home.
(5)
Teresa ..

Definitely come here EARLY before they open, and call ahead! There is usually a wait so don't come super hungry! If you want to avoid the wait, come early and line up at the door before the restaurant opens for dinner! Come here and order the Ajishin Udon noodles. They are amazing! One thing I wish they would do differently is put the tempura shrimp and vegetables on the side so they don't get soggy in the soup. I usually order a side of sushi with my udon and while eating sushi and talking, the tempura gets soggy pretty quickly. This place would definitely get another star if they expanded their sushi menu. For the simple rolls they do, it's good, but I would love to see more special rolls! My favorite of all the sushi rolls is the spicy tuna roll. The tuna is mixed with spicy mayo and tobiko, but it adds a great flavor to the spicy tuna!
(4)
Anita C.

Ajishin udon was amazing!!! The broth was very impressive. My fiancÃ© ordered the curry broth but I didn't like it as much as their specialty. He likes very flavorful dishes. The ajishin is also flavorful but not as heavy. It's a clear flavorful broth and you can eat the whole bowl without feeling like you want to drink from a hose. It's a natural great taste. We also ordered the sushi but honestly, I would just stick to their udon. They definitely know how to do it right. I've eaten the best sushi in California and NYC and it's no where near that quality. But they're known for udon and I'm only rating them on the udon. They got it down!
(5)
Becca B.

I went there yesterday evening for dinner with my boyfriend and our friend. Two words: INCREDIBLE UDON. I couldn't believe how fresh and flavorful my fushimi udon meal was. Everyone was more than satisfied with what they ordered. The sushi was very good as well! We ordered the sea eel and cucumber sushi. So tasty, fresh, and clean!
(5)
Yixuan C.

It was a really bad experience dining there. The tempura tasted like cold fried flour, and there was fish bones in one salmon sushi.
(1)
Jiarui H.

really disappointed!!! We derived one hourly to this restaurant and I understand there's only lunch at this time. But the waiter's attitude was like we owe him money! And then I found a fish bone in our salmon sushi, we told this to our waiter, and he said nothing but "so....?" So!!!?so what???! We said we want to cut this out of our bill.and he said "we do not do things like this" and the tempera here is really disgusting! It's fried things but it is cold as if it is just come out of a refrigerator!!!! Finally, we got the tempera out of our bill, and one salmon role replaced, I we got the apologize from the chief in the sushi bar. Which I'm really impressed. I think I will never visit this store again, and definitely will not recommend it to any of my friend!!
(1)
Kem K.

A lot of people recommended this place to me. On Saturday at lunch time, the place will be packed and there is wait for a seat. Overall, the food is worth the wait. Give this place a try
(4)
Madeline C.

My fiancÃ© and I were so excited to finally try Ashijan, we have read so many great reviews and love sushi. While I do not know what a "dine-in" experience is like, we picked up our take out order and it looked absolutely awful and certainly didn't taste much better. We have sushi regularly, and have tried many places in the Novi/Northville area, I have to say this is worst sushi I have ever had. Needless to say we just ordered a pizza.
(1)
Rachael N.

Favorite place to go to for undo and Japanese curry when I lived in Ann Arbor. Sure, it's 30 mins from the deuce, but so worth it! Be prepared though- the place is small, so get ready to wait! The portion are big (definitely bang for your buck), so I usually order 1/2 portion of Japanese curry and 1/2 portion of ajishin udon. They don't advertise this size on their menu-you just got to ask! The curry is so heartwarming and they serve just great udon. The broth is sooooo great too!!! It's worth the drive-my fave place to go for udon and Japanese curry in Michigan!
(5)
Ashley L.

Aji shin special is amazing. The grilled fish here is always on point. There is always a line/wait but I promise it is totally with it. Tip: there is a sign in book next to the phone to the right of the door when you walk in make sure to put your name and how many in it.
(5)
Maxwell H.

Food is a 5. The wait is a 1. Getting my name wrong and having them give away my seat every time is a showstopper. But it is worth it for the food. Always.
(5)
John L.

Had the yellowtail, tuna, salmon, and white fish sashimi here. DELICIOUS!. Also had the sea eel, spicy tuna, and soft shell crab rolls. Loved it. Also ordered the Ajishin Chirashi and Udon combination. All the ingredients and portions were perfect and I was quite satisfied when I left. Great service as well. Will definitely come back many more times. This is a place that often is PACKED with lines out the door. SO make sure you come early in the day because sometimes they may run out of various items on the menu throughout the day (i.e. fried white fish). So come early, and ENJOY! :)
(5)
Mimi H.

Our lunch is ruined by that rude arrogant Korean waitress , AGAIN !!! Since we live nearby, we go to this restaurant quite a lot . I have noticed this poker face Asian waitress the way she serves her customer. She NEVER NEVER smile, she NEVER NEVER greet her customer and she NEVER NEVER say a word to you. No English? At least you can greet your customer with smile ,right ? Noop ! When she came to your table,she just stared at you ,standing there like a motionless ghost with her stone face without saying a word . No " Hi " or " Hello ". After you place your order, she never repeated it, she just rolled her eyes and walked away without saying anything still ! Unbelievable ! When you finished eating and gave her credit card ,she still looked at you with her stone face .When she came back with your credit card, she still didn't say a word,needless to say Thank you ! Excuse me, what's wrong with you? If you don't like your job then quit! We were praying not to see or even worse, served by this rude and arrogant waitress every time when we went there. But chances are, it's hard not to see her because there's only three servers at lunch hour. There are two other waitresses, one Japanese lady and one young African American girl. Both of them are very nice and courteous . Ajishin, I have to give you only one star this time. How could you allow this kind of bad manner waitress keep working in your restaurant ? Store manger, is she your family member or relative ? Shame on you....
(1)
Edward M.

All the rave reviews as well as a couple tips from my Michigander friends got me to come here eventually. It's a small, simple restaurant with a quaint exterior as well as interior. However, don't let the dullness of the exterior deceive you; the quality of the food inside seriously makes up for it all. Ajishin is known for its udon, which I promptly ordered as well as a plate of sashimi, which I always order at a Japanese restaurant. The udon had a perfect texture, firm and not at all soggy; the ultimate mark of freshness. It wasn't too salty at all. It was a great balance of flavor and texture, with no nonsense, it tasted clean and best of all, authentic. I've been to my share of noodle bars and Asian restaurants, and never have I ever had such a high quality bowl of udon. Coming from New York, I have had great noodles, and this is one of the best! Now with sashimi, I never expect much quality at a small, relatively cheaply priced restaurant, but the quality of the sashimi was absolutely top notch. The quality matched a NYC sashimi restaurant's, salmon and even the yellowtail melting in your mouth. The tuna had a clean taste and had a perfect texture. What was a shame though was that the wasabi was the type that came from a tube. I really wish they had the pure ground up wasabi to complement the fish. Overall, a great place to eat. It's small, so I would expect many people to come during "hot" meal hours. Get a seat here while you can, one of the best Japanese places I have ever been to! By far the best in Michigan!
(5)
Erin B.

Sushi has got to be one of my favorite foods on the planet. So naturally, when I saw a 4.5/5 star review for a sushi restaurant close to my family, I called up my sushi-loving father & we headed out for what we hoped was an overindulgent sushi binge. What we got instead was an overcrowded restaurant, hot tea served in plastic diner cups, and a noodle menu. We managed to acquire an incredibly limited sushi menu - think California rolls & spicy tuna - but the sushi was definitely not fresh. While the price was very good ($60 for 4 rolls & a ton of nigiri), the sushi quality was only a step or two above "grocery store." Also, keep in mind that Ajishin does not have a liquor license, so don't expect sake with your dinner. You may be able to get decent udon there, but a sushi restaurant it is not.
(2)
Violetta V.

Excellent place for hot soup! Very small sushi selection but very fresh and very tasty.
(5)
Rebecca L.

Ajishin has the best udon around. I have a friend who's MSG sensitive, and she comes out feeling fine, so while I don't think they're completely MSG-free, Ajishin is still much better than some other restaurants. Nothing beats Ajishin's $7 lunch special where you get a full bowl of udon and usually some chirashi or roll of some sort. In the Novi area though, if you're looking for sushi, go to One World Market. If you're looking for udon, come here.
(5)
Tara L.

Waking this place up from my last disastrous 1-star review. I recently had to come here numerous times for work-related purposes, and have to say that they have definitely improved in service and efficiency, consequently, making the food just that much more tasty. If service matters to you, do not bother coming here during dinner hour. Not only will you be fighting the crowds, but some of the women staff are not very pleasant. Not all, just a few. The men who run the show during lunch hour are much more cordial, and quicker on their feet. You will be able to get in and out of there within 45 minutes, and that includes the wait time, if there is much of one. They have taken much better measures in improving the turnaround of tables. Even if you show up around 12pm at lunch on a Saturday or Sunday, you won't find yourself waiting more than 30 minutes. MUCH better than before, when you had to wait at least 1 hour. It was pretty ridiculous! Dinner though, still has some issues, but it's safe to say that if you come around 8:30pm until closing, you will not have to wait long, or even at all. Anytime between 6:30pm-8:00pm, you will be looking at a 1 hour wait time. Food wise, I actually think the Grilled Fish special is a great option for the price. You can choose between 2 fish (normally a mackerel, and a salmon) and you get bowl of plain udon noodles in their signature fish and kelp stock. Just an FYI, but this is only available for dinner. If you're a fan of onigiri, come for lunch, as it is not available for dinner. They do have daily lunch specials, so make sure you ask your server what it is. They range from a chirashi all the way up to special curry udon.
(3)
Jon B.

I felt like I was eating in Some Japanese province, taste and ambience wise. ã‚ã‚ŠãŒã¨ãŠã”ã–ã„ã¾ã™ï¼ãŠãŠã—ã„ï¼
(5)
Chaitu B.

Love Ajishin at Ajishin... Sushi is tasty and fresh too..
(5)
Noah T.

As everyone else said, the udon is fantastic. The sushi is also very good, both the rice on the nigiri and the general lightness of the rolls were perfect. The reason I docked 2 stars is because going out to eat is more than the taste of the food, or the value. Neither server who I interacted with smiled or gave much eye contact. The chefs also didn't smile, even when customers came in or left. I left like it was fast food, with everyone doing their job, but no experience-management. Except many fast food restaurants actually train the employees to smile, greet customers, and give eye contact. To cap it off, as I left, no one greeted me or thanked me. It was just a quiet exit, though my server watched me leave (as she picked up the signed receipt). I won't be coming back. I shouldn't have to choose between taste and service.
(2)
Alex L.

Udon is always delicious. Get the grilled fish combo. Never disappoints. Sushi is great. I always stuff myself silly here. Great service here too. Look out for asian Joseph Gordon Levitt. He's a great server too. I took a vegetarian friend here and we discovered there wasn't really much for him to order. I would warn more people of that but being vegetarian is not natural.
(5)
Grace L.

Came here because I had a craving for sushi and udon. It was about 1:30 and the restaurant was still pretty full! I ordered the 7$ lunch special which was a huge bowl of udon and a large tuna and salmon roll. I also ordered the large sushi plate (12$) which came with 1 piece of each: salmon, tuna, white fish, egg, shrimp, and eel on top of rice, a california roll, and a small bowl of the broth they use for their udon. The udon was delicious! I love how the noodles have the right chew, the broth is both salty and sweet, and I really like the tempura flakes. The salmon and tuna roll was very large - definitely a great addition and it makes the lunch special a great deal. The sashimi pieces were very generously portioned - about 3/4 inches thick and rather large. It was all very fresh. This was the first time I've had the egg roll which is a meticulously prepared dish with layers on layers of egg. It was really good (and must've been amazing because the table next to us ordered 4 pieces to eat in the restaurant and 4 pieces to carry out). The wait staff know what they are doing and they are quick with service. As with most Asian establishments, I wouldn't expect to have super amicable waitstaff - it's just not how it works. Really glad I came today!
(5)
Ernesto V.

I love Ajishin!! Fish is suuuuper fresh and it's where all the Japanese locals go! I usually order the lunch special which includes a Kyomizu noodle soup (delightful, refreshing, and very filling), and a specialty roll of sorts or a chirashi. it makes my day when the special includes a tuna chirashi, but all their other choices for specialty rolls like salmon skin or spicy tuna are excellent. I always get 2 tuna and 2 mackerel nigiri, and it fills me up quite nicely. This place is all about flavor, and I perceive their ingredients are top notch. I've had good feedback from people eating the curry rice and other dishes as well. The only drawback is that the place is so popular and not very big, that if you show up around lunch you might not find a place to sit. Either you show up early before they open to stand in line, or you should plan on having a late lunch once the initial crowd has passed through. Their dinner menu changes up and gets even better and more elaborate, but pricier too. I go to Ajishin every time i'm in the area. =) Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Jaycob A.

This place rocks. But call ahead and put your name on the list and make sure when you walk in you check in with one of the servers. The Udon here is the best. Great place for lunch or dinner. The sushi is fresh and not too expensive at all. The curry rice is super yummy as well. I won't lie, the service is not great but they will constantly fill your tea for you and you don't have to wait long for your food to arrive. But like I said, call ahead because the place is small so there's always a line of people waiting to go in. If you want an awesome bowl of noodles and some great sushi this is the place to definitely go. There's no alcohol and the menu is simple so you won't find teriyaki bowls and miso soup and things you find else where but you will not be disappointed here.
(5)
Erich Z.

I've tried both the Udon and the Sushi. The Udon bowl I got was great - a large portion, perfectly cooked noodles, and a great flavor balance - just needed a little shichimi togarashi to kick it up a bit. The broth was perfect, and my bowl had the added poached egg, which always makes it even better. My wife's bowl had the tofu, which was delicious. I think it's almost too inexpensive for what you get. We also ordered some Nigiri and a salmon skin roll. The salmon skin maki was served inside-out, with some pickled turnip inside. Very tasty. The tuna nigiri was alright, but one piece had way too much wasabi. The Mackerel nigiri was absolutely perfect. Finally, we had the tamago, which was not the best I've had, but was very good and made in-house. If you're a fan of the large complicated Maki rolls that have ten ingredients and sauce ladled over the top, you won't find those here. But they do have a good number of simple delicious rolls, and lots of Sushi you won't find at many places - think sea urchin, conch, clam, raw shrimp, etc. The prices are pretty good too. The only things that weren't so hot - the service wasn't great. We were also seated in a tiny table near the door, and the cold outside air kept giving us chills. The place is small, so if people are waiting in the entrance for a table they crowd a few tables, which is an annoyance. The food was easily good enough to overlook those faults though!
(4)
Acelyn B.

I was so disappointed coming to eat here for dinner. I wanted sushi, but apparently this place is better for their udon bowls. They don't even have any special rolls, so there's nothing even great about the sushi. I felt like I wasn't given friendly service. Maybe it's a language barrier, but even then, their gestures seemed to rush me out. It's definitely an authentic Japanese restaurant, though, serving you hot tea instead of water. I just wish that I wasn't misled by the reviews that commented on their sushi.
(1)
Anthony E.

If only this place were closer... and if it were, I'm not sure I'd want to tell anyone about it. Be prepared for a wait! The combination of expertly prepared, and well executed food at a reasonable price doesn't exist much these days. We're just looking for an excuse to head to Novi again...
(5)
JW Y.

This place was not worth the wait. The duck udon tasted like sea water, was too salty and the duck was extremely dry. They got my order wrong, and instead of fixing it, tried to convince me to just take it because their kitchen was no longer operating. I won't be coming back here again.
(1)
Zeid S.

I never thought a clear soup could have such an explosion of flavors. The udon here are amazing. If there were 7 stars to rate this place I would have given it 7. Authentic dining experience, high grade ingredients and the flavors are just amazing. We actually crave their udon and are willing to drive 40 minutes to get here. Make sure you reserve ahead of time otherwise the wait could be over an hour!
(5)
Krystal R.

Freshy fresh tasty sushi and delish udon. Service is not their forte but if you go into it knowing that, as we did (thanks Yelpers!) then you can be prepared for that. We went on a Wednesday at 7:30-called ahead and still waited. However, I am pretty comfortable saying they have the best california roll I've ever had, and melt in your mouth nigiri. If you're a specialty roll, fried and cream cheesy kinda person sushi-wise, this is not the place for that.
(4)
Rose M.

My dad used to take me here when I was little and I always thought it was the most magical place in the world, I felt like I was really transported to Japan. The food is amazingly good, both the sushi and the udon. The staff is pleasant and prompt, but you may have to wait because it's always full the max capacity. I've been to Ajishin recently and it's still as good as I remember. It's really a special treat, and I would recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Michael D.

Stopped in for carryout sushi, small place but nice staff. I ordered spicy cal rolls and soft shell crab rolls. Both were terrific, great prices and good quality food
(5)
Olivia P.

My absolute favorite jap restaurant in the region. The fish is always extremely fresh and prices are so worth it! Here at Ajishin, you are sure to get the bang for your buck. Dishes I recommend: 1) Chirashi (big bowl): my choice of Chirashi is usually the salmon/salmon roe combo. Lots of fish and roe and it is never fishy tasting. Thinking of ordering some salmon sushi or sashimi? Consider getting this instead! 2) Grilled fish and udon combination: the cod is done extremely well (you've a choice of salmon or cod). For the udon, u can always upgrade the udon by paying the difference. Ajishin's udon broth is really light and you don't feel heavy after having a whole bowl of it. Perfect for a cold wintry night. Tip: if you don't want the udon, you can just get the fish for about half the price or so. 3) Tamago (Egg sushi): Just get it and you'll understand why I get it every single time I go there. I've been to Ajishin quite a number of times and will definitely keep coming back. Also, call before coming to put your name down on the wait list because there can be a wait.
(5)
Alan W.

Best udon in Michigan! One of my go-to places every time I visit home. Always busy, always a wait, and always worth the trip.
(5)
Nicole T.

I have been coming here for over 10 years, since I was in elementary school. The quality of the food has stayed the same! The udon noodles taste exactly the same as they did 10 years ago, delicious and still affordable. The rolls here are delicious and very fresh. This place always has a long line though during lunch and dinner because it is so affordable but fresh. My family always gets the special, which comes with chirashi and udon noodles. My favorite thing here would be the curry rice or the spicy tuna roll and california roll. I always come here, and it is my dad's favorite restaurant EVER. Literally we used to come here every week for a while. Food is great and worth the wait, and people do wait long periods of time to eat here. The food is pretty plain and simple overall, but tasty.
(4)
Van N.

They have the best udon .
(4)
Sandra P.

The best sushi ever. The fish is thick and the rice is great quality. It's not mushy or soggy. The chef really puts his effort into putting the best sushi forward. The wait can be long but don't let this hinder you from going.
(5)
Peter H.

Good sushi, great price. They start you with complimentary green tea. Alternative is water or soda (no free refills). Basic rolls , would have liked to have seen more gourmet options - ingredients, sauces, etc. You do have the option to add one kind of roe and one spicy sauce on a roll for a little extra. Fish was good, but they go a little heavy on the rice on the rolls. Great decor. Would recommend if you want to eat good sushi on a budget.
(3)
Jemmie W.

This is the best sushi in Michigan and one of the best I have ever had - anywhere. The udon is amazing, the sushi is fresh, and all the portions are very generous. Look at the very few low reviews - they are almost all "long wait" and "poor service" related. The long waits exist for a reason - the food is amazing, especially for the price. The service is not awesome, but they don't care - they make it up with great food. If any restaurant is a five star this one is it.
(5)

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Address : 42270 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI, 48375
Phone (248) 380-9850
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Ajishin

42270 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI, 48375

Ajishin Menu

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