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Ajja is a neighborhood restaurant in Five Points, focused on the food of the eastern-Mediterranean, with an eclectic wine list and handcrafted cocktails. We have an expansive patio, a firepit and blankets for cooler nights, but also offer plenty of indoors seating. We welcome walk-ins and reservations alike – reservations open 40 days in advance and can be made via Resy. But we always save space for walk ins!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Phone: (919) 213-1276
Website: http://ajjaeats.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Ajja | Mediterranean Restaurant near Downtown Raleigh NC
Ajja is Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler’s neighborhood restaurant in Raleigh’s Five Points. Come over for fresh, vibrant sharing plates inspired by the …
Ajja (@ajjaeats) · Raleigh, NC – Instagram
Neighborhood dining oasis by Chef @cheetieku & @siblaster in Raleigh’s Five Points. Come over, stay a while! WED-SAT 5-9:30 | SUN 4-8:30 #gimmeajja
Ajja | Raleigh NC – Facebook
Tickets are now live for NYE at Ajja! Join us for a 5 course tasting menu, optional beverage pairing, and of course the vibes. First seating begins at 4:30, see …
Reviews
Jalal Aljuwaie
I recently dined at Ajja and left with mixed feelings.
The food itself was flavorful and well-executed, everything we tried tasted good. However, I was disappointed by the portion sizes relative to the price point. I understand the small plates concept, but even with that in mind, the portions felt disproportionately small for what you’re paying. Even splitting multiple dishes between two people didn’t feel like a full meal.
Coming from a Middle Eastern background, I’m used to generous hospitality and value when it comes to food. When a restaurant draws inspiration from cultural cuisines, it’s important that it honors not just the flavors, but also the spirit of hospitality behind them. If culture is part of the concept, then taking care of your guests should be too. Otherwise, it can start to feel like aesthetic over substance.
The vibe leans heavily into a bohemian, laid-back atmosphere. That may appeal to some, but the service reflected that same lack of urgency. Out of four staff members we interacted with, only one was especially warm and attentive. I’ll also say this: attentiveness isn’t just about speed — it’s about reading the room. Some neurodivergent people are incredibly perceptive and sensitive to shifts in energy, so it’s noticeable when that awareness is missing. Hospitality is about presence as much as presentation.
Overall, the food tasted good, but the value and overall experience wouldn’t bring me back.
… moreThe food itself was flavorful and well-executed, everything we tried tasted good. However, I was disappointed by the portion sizes relative to the price point. I understand the small plates concept, but even with that in mind, the portions felt disproportionately small for what you’re paying. Even splitting multiple dishes between two people didn’t feel like a full meal.
Coming from a Middle Eastern background, I’m used to generous hospitality and value when it comes to food. When a restaurant draws inspiration from cultural cuisines, it’s important that it honors not just the flavors, but also the spirit of hospitality behind them. If culture is part of the concept, then taking care of your guests should be too. Otherwise, it can start to feel like aesthetic over substance.
The vibe leans heavily into a bohemian, laid-back atmosphere. That may appeal to some, but the service reflected that same lack of urgency. Out of four staff members we interacted with, only one was especially warm and attentive. I’ll also say this: attentiveness isn’t just about speed — it’s about reading the room. Some neurodivergent people are incredibly perceptive and sensitive to shifts in energy, so it’s noticeable when that awareness is missing. Hospitality is about presence as much as presentation.
Overall, the food tasted good, but the value and overall experience wouldn’t bring me back.
Justin Cousins-Lee
I had an amazing experience at Ajja for Vday. If you want flavorful refined dishes Ajja is the place to go. The food came out quick, hot, and there were no misses. Definitely competing for my favorite restaurant in Raleigh. Will be back!
… moreTina Dodds
A delightful journey into another world. Delicious food, each dish was its own explorative experience. The flavors were amazing, unique and bold. Meat was incredibly tender. Service was excellent, the atmosphere was lovely and I again felt like I was journeying somewhere. It was a perfect escape from the triangle and made me ready for my next travel adventure.
… moreAnshe Stoffberg
Absolutely loved it! Was our first time at Ajja, we went for our 10 year wedding anniversary…the food was amazing!!!
We shared various dips and then had the broccoli & cabbage and the trout dish for mains. Flavors are so unique and tasteful.
The service was really good and place is beautiful inside!
Highly recommend!!
… moreWe shared various dips and then had the broccoli & cabbage and the trout dish for mains. Flavors are so unique and tasteful.
The service was really good and place is beautiful inside!
Highly recommend!!
Fela Walker
We had an amazing experience at Ajja. Emma was our server and Sarah helped as well. The service was amazing, very kind and courteous
The food we had was exquisite and the atmosphere was lovely. I also enjoyed the music they played. We will definitely return.
… moreThe food we had was exquisite and the atmosphere was lovely. I also enjoyed the music they played. We will definitely return.
Kimberly Demby
Have been trying to get a reservation for ages and have not been able to (and I now understand why!) we walked in just after open and grabbed a table to celebrate a great week at work and we were not disappointed. The drink menu was great and I really enjoyed their European wine options (I had a Croatian crispy white that was perfect for a summer evening). Everything about the atmosphere is great. It’s elevated but comfortable, free and breezy at the same time. Loved everything we had. Highly recommend the trout if it’s still on the menu. I think some of the best prepared trout I’ve ever had!
… moreCaitlin W.
We came here off a recommendation and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the service was impeccable. The drink menu is large and I appreciate the spirit free options (pomegranate spritz was perfect for the holiday season).
We started with the three dips and bread which were perfect to kick things off. We followed with the lamb which was the star of the night for me. It was warm and tender and perfect on a cold night, with the pistachio rice just amplifying it. Then we did the short rib, carrots and cabbage and broccoli. Do not sleep on the cabbage and broccoli, it was so flavorful and a surprise favorite. We finished things off with both dessert options, but the flan was my personal fav.
I highly recommend for a great night out that allows for a leisurely dinning experience with some unique and fantastic flavors. We will definitely be back!
… moreWe started with the three dips and bread which were perfect to kick things off. We followed with the lamb which was the star of the night for me. It was warm and tender and perfect on a cold night, with the pistachio rice just amplifying it. Then we did the short rib, carrots and cabbage and broccoli. Do not sleep on the cabbage and broccoli, it was so flavorful and a surprise favorite. We finished things off with both dessert options, but the flan was my personal fav.
I highly recommend for a great night out that allows for a leisurely dinning experience with some unique and fantastic flavors. We will definitely be back!
Jordan S
Such an underrated little spot! Came here for a date night a few months ago after having it recommended to me by a friend. The cocktails were great as well as the wine selection. Definitely recommend the whipped feta & the bread! For entrees the chicken kabab and the lamb tagine were both great. They have a super small menu so I’d love to see a little variety in the future or maybe a seasonal menu! Overall, great spot for a date night and some elevated mediterranean fare.
… moreKarina Seebaluck
The food was delicious! It’s a great place to socializing with your friends if you want to grab some small plates to share. Their drinks were delicious as well. Definitely on the pricier side, so this is a place I’d return back to for special occasions!
… moreAshley Hutchinson
Ajja in Raleigh is an absolute gem! From the moment you arrive, the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for an incredible dining experience. The menu is bursting with bold, creative flavors inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions, and every dish feels both fresh and soulful. The presentation is stunning, and you can truly taste the care that goes into each plate. The cocktails are just as thoughtfully crafted, perfectly complementing the food. Service is warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, making the whole experience seamless. Ajja is easily one of the best spots in Raleigh for an unforgettable meal! The cocktails are also very delicious!
… more