Japanese Sashimi Bar Ajimi brings the authentic, welcoming spirit of a traditional Japanese izakaya to Onehunga, Auckland. Founded in March 2018 by Master Chef Daizo Yamada, the neighbourhood establishment focuses on offering genuine izakaya dining and fresh seafood in an unpretentious, accessible atmosphere.
Drawing on more than two decades of culinary background spanning Japan, Taiwan, and New Zealand, Chef Yamada showcases both classic favourites and modern izakaya dishes. Fresh sashimi and seafood take centre stage, prepared from catches sourced directly from local New Zealand fishermen alongside hand-picked global ingredients.
Guests can pair their meals with chilled draught Sapporo beer or a curated range of Japanese sake sourced directly from Japan. Whether dropping in for lunch, an evening bite after work, or a family dinner, Ajimi delivers an authentic taste of Japan to the local Auckland community.
In the vibrant town centre of Onehunga, Auckland, Japanese Sashimi Bar Ajimi provides an authentic izakaya experience anchored in genuine hospitality and fresh seafood. Opened in March 2018, the restaurant was founded with the mission of delivering the relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere of a Japanese neighbourhood tavern—or *taishū izakaya*—to local diners and New Zealand's Japanese community alike.
At the helm of the kitchen is Master Chef Daizo Yamada, who brings more than twenty years of culinary mastery gathered across kitchens in Japan, Taiwan, and New Zealand. Rather than presenting overly formal dining, Chef Yamada focuses on creating an inviting space where guests can stop by comfortably, whether for an unhurried family lunch or an easy drink and dinner after work.
The culinary philosophy at Ajimi revolves around simple, high-grade ingredients treated with respect. The kitchen sources its seafood directly from New Zealand fishermen, ensuring that the sashimi on each plate arrives fresh and bursting with natural flavour. To complement local catches, select specialty items are imported from premier international seafood markets.
In addition to signature sashimi plates, the menu spans a range of traditional izakaya favourites and contemporary dishes designed to capture the lively dining style of Tokyo or Osaka. The balance of hot kitchen items and chilled raw fish ensures there is plenty of choice across both lunch and dinner services.
No izakaya meal is complete without the right beverage pairing. Ajimi features ice-cold draft Sapporo beer poured straight from the tap, offering a crisp, refreshing accompaniment to savoury dishes. The drinks list also includes a curated selection of Japanese sake brought in directly from Japan, tailored to complement various cuts of fish and izakaya plates.
Family-friendly hospitality is another cornerstone of the dining room. Young visitors aged twelve and under are welcomed with complimentary vanilla or chocolate soft-serve ice cream whenever an accompanying adult orders a main dish. Between its dedicated chef-led cooking, accessible atmosphere, and genuine community roots, Japanese Sashimi Bar Ajimi remains a beloved destination for genuine Japanese food in Onehunga.