Some days it has to be sushi.
I stopped in Aoki for lunch the other day. This Japanese restaurant is nestled into Main Street in Exton, along the backside of the shopping center. As I entered, I was greeted by a young waiter who showed me to my seat. He was very serious, and at first I wasn’t sure if he was mad or simply being formal.
Aoki’s inner decor is simple and bright. Light colored tables and Japanese decor, including traditional Japanese blinds that roll back and forth provide a nice touch. They also have a sushi bar. In the back, hibachi tables still sit though they’ve recently stopped hibachi.
I reviewed the menu and asked the waiter a few questions. He came alive and smiled as he explained the most popular lunch option was to choose a California Roll and a second roll of which there were several to choose. I opted for the California Roll and Tuna Roll together for $9.50. The lunch also came with miso soup. When I asked for tea, the waiter explained they had a green tea which can be bitter or the more traditional tea. I chose the traditional sweetened tea which was fine.
The miso soup was hot and pleasant. I asked the waiter how they make the stock for the miso soup. He said the stock was fish based, the traditional way, but it’s the chef’s own recipe.
The main dish came out beautifully prepared on a long dish. The California roll had bits of crab and avocado and was wrapped with rice and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The Tuna roll was wrapped in rice and a thick seaweed. I was curious about the seaweed and the waiter informed me that some restaurants use a thinner seaweed, which is actually roasted during preparation. Aoki uses a thicker seaweed which is actually hung dry but not roasted.
The rolls were fresh and enjoyable. Ample wasabi and ginger was served as well.
I was there a bit around 1 pm and there were a few other diners in the area. It’s a quiet and bright colored place. It’s a worthwhile restaurant to check out when you need to get out of the office at lunchtime. AOKI is a BYOB.
Aoki Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar is located at 126 Woodcutter Way in Exton. They are reachable by phone at 610-280-0777.
