Ajja Restaurant Is Chef Cheetie Kumar’s Next Creation

RALEIGH – Recently, many unique restaurants have entered Raleigh, and Ajja is no exception. Ajja is not a typical restaurant having a Mediterranean-meets-Middle East menu. 

Chef Cheetie Kumar and partner Paul Siler have had their fair share of the restaurant business before. Garland, a restaurant focused on Indian and Asian cuisine with a little Southern charm, was their previous restaurant. Garland opened in 2013 and closed in the fall of last year. 

One of the foods that stood out during my visit was the Squash Roulade, which consisted of walnuts, halloumi, saffron, and squash. Although many restaurants have vegan or gluten-free options now, they can sometimes not taste the best. Ajja is not one of those restaurants. 

When you first go to the restaurant, Ajja’s decor on its outdoor patio makes you want to grab a cocktail and talk the night away. It is decorated with endless string lights and lanterns that bring it to life once the sun sets, making the atmosphere more lively and relaxed. 

I was able to visit during a Visit NC Media Reception, which was a success. Representatives from all over North Carolina were able to share what was great about their slice of home. With North Carolina being so diverse in food, geography, and tourist attractions, there’s a lot to be proud of. 

Ajja also has an assortment of drinks, from fine wine to cocktails and mocktails. Even though I do not typically drink, I decided to take advantage of what Ajja has to offer and try their bar, and I was satisfied. 

The cocktail offered that night was Fig Around & Find Out, made with Sutler’s Gin, fig-sumac shrub, lemon, and soda. The drink was almost confused as a mocktail by me and a few others, barely tasting the gin, but don’t worry, it was there. 

North Carolina wine was also served from multiple wineries. Some of the wineries highlighted were Shelton Vineyards, Shadow Spring Vinyard, JOLO Winery & Vineyard, and Jones von Drehle Vineyard & Winery. 

I can say that the sparkling wine from the Jones von Drehle Vineyard & Winery was great, like most things at Ajja. With a meeting to represent home, drinking wine made right here in North Carolina was nice. 

Ajja is a hidden gem, but gems are sometimes pricy. Be prepared to spend a little more at Ajja, but you get your investment back. The compelling mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food and the atmosphere make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Ajja is located at 209 Bickett Blvd in Raleigh, NC. Their hours are 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. On Sunday, the restaurant is open from 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. To learn more about Ajja, click here.

Food that is shown in Feature Image (via Facebook):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feature Photo Image: Lillian Lewis