AJI Bar & Robata

The food was incredible and decently priced. The experience was unforgettable. This was a huge part thanks to Crister. She was absolutely wonderful. She was kind and attentive. Im glad I tried this place and will be coming back in the near future!

Amazing hotel bar. Lively. Good food. Proper whiskey 🥃 cubes of ice. Luxurious open space.

I could've sworn this looked different a few years back! Price point a bit high but food is great!!!

Great vibe and music! Crista was very attentive- top notch server!!

Jordan Sinclair

The moment I sat down, the bartender made the whole place feel welcoming with genuinely friendly service. The menu surprised me in the best way-creative American and Asian fusion dishes that taste just as good as they look. Prices lean a little higher, but the quality absolutely matches what you’re paying for. The food hits the spot, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s a perfect place to bring someone for a casual date or a quick, tasty meal. I’ll definitely be coming back!

E R

Sunken open bar inside lobby of Signia by Hilton hotel. Surprisingly good food and a very friendly attentive server. No coffee. I was by myself and this is a great place to comfortably hang and have a bite to eat, without feeling awkward by yourself.

iya P

We came here for San Jose's Restaurant Week for a special tasting plate which was a great deal! We racked up the bill anyway by getting drinks and individual desserts, so it was about $50+ each before tip. Everything was really tasty. The plates were a sampler of some of their menu items. I wish I could order it again in the future. Included: -Potstickers with a ginger citrus miso sauce: Light spice, nice thin wrapper and good texture. I missed the slight sweetness of potsticker sauce. -Dynamite California roll: Very simple roll but well done. -Tiger prawn roll: I loved the delicately sliced tuna on top, everything melded together well and the tempura was still crisp. -Bao bun with gochujang bbq fried chicken and pickled veggies: Delicious sauce, a perfect snack that I would eat every day if I could. Might be too sweet for some, but I loved it with the refreshing veggies. The breading on the chicken still had a good crunch too. On top of that, I got a pomegranate margarita, tasty and a good strength. They also had nice non-alcoholic drinks--my friend liked the strawberry soda. For dessert, we tried the matcha cheesecake and yuzu flan. The matcha was super thick and smooth, excellent matcha taste, not too sweet, and it was a perfect sized square to share or eat by yourself if you have a sweet tooth like me. The flan was very mild/light but refreshing, paired well with the fruits, although a bit small for the price--our server recommended the other two desserts if you want to share. We liked the server a lot, very attentive and friendly, and forthcoming with recommendations which was helpful. It looked like the folks by the bar were having a good time too, but we chose some cushy corner seating. It was pretty empty tonight and the seating was open so there were all kinds of settings and types of chairs available, which was nice. The music was a good low volume for easy comfortable chatting, and the ambience suited the time of day. I wouldn't normally go to a hotel bar to eat, but I'm glad I tried this out. Overall, very happy with the experience, just more of a pricey treat.

Dasha Elgart

Beautifully remodeled new bar/lounge inside of Signia Hotel. Amazing food with intricate and delicious flavors. Although most of the dishes a pretty spicy. If you don’t like spicy food, you can ask them to not add the sauce and hot peppers.

Orizema

Found out about this place because my cousin’s boyfriend started DJ-ing here this summer on Friday and Saturday evenings. Didn’t realize it was essentially the hotel bar (there is no signage, you just walk in and AJI is straight ahead), but since it’s a newly renovated space with open seating we thought we’d give it a shot. No regrets. The service was great, coming by frequently to check on how our group was doing, insisting there was no rush, and assuring us their kitchen would be open until 10 pm. For drinks, we tried the pink spritz, negroni rosita, and pomegranate gimlet. They were all tasty, though my favorite turned out to be the pomegranate gimlet! For food, we ordered the crispy salmon tartare, potstickers, hamachi, chicken wings, pork belly, and wagyu sliders. I honestly think we were all blown away with how delicious and high-end every bite tasted. The best ones for me were without a doubt the pork belly and wagyu sliders. We split most of what we were eating four ways, which worked well given the amount of pieces per plate were even-numbered. The vibe of this place was super chill the whole time we were there (from about 6 to 9 pm) with music to match. It was a great time and I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for good drinks and live music without the crowds of a club. Plus, the food is amazing!

Noelle Lipschutz

Simple Takeaway: You must try this food. You won't regret it... an absolute GEM in San Jose! My first time eating at AJI Bar and Robata happened to be after touring the newly remodeled lounge @ Signia by Hilton San Jose (which is where this restaurant is located). The ambiance of the lounge absolutely adds to this dining experience... which you really do have to see for yourself! Now let's get to the exciting part -- the food. Two words: 1) high-quality and 2) delicious. The potstickers are THE BEST I have ever had (mind you, potstickers were a staple in my childhood so I know my potstickers!) The ginger citrus miso sauce on them is LITERALLY the secret sauce. You also can't go wrong with the Lamb Chops, Sweet Potato Fries, and Shishito Peppers. I've been going back ever since (3+ dining experiences) because I can't get enough. Like I said in the beginning, this place is truly a gem in San Jose. AJI just opened along with the remodeled hotel, so I highly recommend you to try it for yourself ASAP because I have a feeling this place is going to be a go-to for San Jose. Other Info: - Gluten Free options - Halal options - Great service

Takeshi Young

Nice little bar/restaurant inside the Signia hotel (formerly the Fairmont). Really nice space with wooden paneling and floor. Lots of nice seating. Great food and drinks, but pricey.

Peachy Alice

Just checked in to the Hilton Signia and was carving some food and drinks to drown out a stressful day. Decided to hit up the bar in the lobby and was served by Christer. All I can say is WoW, she really elevated the experience! From the attentivness to recommendations, to just the small chatter and company! We are all lucky to have her as a part of the team! Will be back again!

Valeria Rivera

Went multiple times while staying at the hotel. Food was always great. Service was attentive and friendly. Will come back when I visit again.

Bonnie Hanh-Nhi Nguyen

Great foods. Hope they have the live music back (jazz)

Cameron Whisler

The food was incredible and decently priced. The experience was unforgettable. This was a huge part thanks to Crister. She was absolutely wonderful. She was kind and attentive. Im glad I tried this place and will be coming back in the near future!

Byron Sheardown

Amazing hotel bar. Lively. Good food. Proper whiskey 🥃 cubes of ice. Luxurious open space.

Adrien A

I could've sworn this looked different a few years back! Price point a bit high but food is great!!!

Beth B

Great vibe and music! Crista was very attentive- top notch server!!

This place was so good I had to leave a review. Wagyu sliders were top notch and well cooked. Tiger Prawn roll was fantastic. Bao buns were soft and meat flavorful. Gyoza were savory. Didn’t have a bad dish. I recommend the Rising Sun cocktail.

AJI Bar & Robata AJI Bar & Robata is known for its authentic Japanese robata-style grilling and a vibrant bar atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of skewers, sushi, and creative small plates, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The ambiance is cozy yet energetic, making it a great spot for casual dining or drinks with friends. Service is generally attentive, and the cocktail selection complements the food well. Perfect for those who enjoy Japanese cuisine with a modern twist.

Derrymon Derry

AJI Bar & Robata AJI Bar & Robata is known for its authentic Japanese robata-style grilling and a vibrant bar atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of skewers, sushi, and creative small plates, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The ambiance is cozy yet energetic, making it a great spot for casual dining or drinks with friends. Service is generally attentive, and the cocktail selection complements the food well. Perfect for those who enjoy Japanese cuisine with a modern twist.

Ernest Gonzalez

This place was so good I had to leave a review. Wagyu sliders were top notch and well cooked. Tiger Prawn roll was fantastic. Bao buns were soft and meat flavorful. Gyoza were savory. Didn’t have a bad dish. I recommend the Rising Sun cocktail.

Jim Stevens

Well prepared dishes with excellent flavors. We ordered 5 different plates and each was better than the previous one. One of the few places to grab a bite after 9pm in sleepy old San Jose.

Tonight, we ventured downtown to the Signia by Hilton hotel, formerly known as the Fairmont, to explore AJ1 Bat & Robata for dinner. While I had a sushi craving and we usually frequent my favorite spot, Sanraku, we decided to change things up. Expecting a traditional dinner experience, we found AJ1 to have more of a lounge bar atmosphere. The hotel's renovation was impressive, embracing a cozy retro chic vibe. The menu leaned towards finger foods and sushi rolls, so we sought our server's recommendations, a tradition for us when trying new restaurants. Following his advice, we indulged in potstickers, a sashimi bowl, sliders, and salmon skewers. To complement our meal, we ordered cocktails, a well-executed dirty martini and an old fashioned. The bartender's skill was evident, and we’ll gladly return for more cocktails in the future. The food, in general, was rich in flavor and portion size. And the prices were quite reasonable for the quality. Our standout favorite was the potstickers, paired with a unique savory sauce that negated the need for soy sauce. Although we initially hoped for fresh sushi, we found ourselves enjoying the cooked options. AJ1 is a nice choice for a date night, a gathering with friends, or even convention attendees staying at the hotel. For those seeking authentic sushi and an extensive seafood menu, other options may be more suitable. However, AJ1’s vibe remains a lovely choice to share with family, friends and colleagues.

Liz P.

Tonight, we ventured downtown to the Signia by Hilton hotel, formerly known as the Fairmont, to explore AJ1 Bat & Robata for dinner. While I had a sushi craving and we usually frequent my favorite spot, Sanraku, we decided to change things up. Expecting a traditional dinner experience, we found AJ1 to have more of a lounge bar atmosphere. The hotel's renovation was impressive, embracing a cozy retro chic vibe. The menu leaned towards finger foods and sushi rolls, so we sought our server's recommendations, a tradition for us when trying new restaurants. Following his advice, we indulged in potstickers, a sashimi bowl, sliders, and salmon skewers. To complement our meal, we ordered cocktails, a well-executed dirty martini and an old fashioned. The bartender's skill was evident, and we’ll gladly return for more cocktails in the future. The food, in general, was rich in flavor and portion size. And the prices were quite reasonable for the quality. Our standout favorite was the potstickers, paired with a unique savory sauce that negated the need for soy sauce. Although we initially hoped for fresh sushi, we found ourselves enjoying the cooked options. AJ1 is a nice choice for a date night, a gathering with friends, or even convention attendees staying at the hotel. For those seeking authentic sushi and an extensive seafood menu, other options may be more suitable. However, AJ1’s vibe remains a lovely choice to share with family, friends and colleagues.

Staying in downtown San Jose and really enjoyed the 2 dishes I ordered . Sat at the bar, bartenders were very nice. Fish was fresh and tasty

Olena P

Staying in downtown San Jose and really enjoyed the 2 dishes I ordered . Sat at the bar, bartenders were very nice. Fish was fresh and tasty

The burger itself was good — well made, good flavor, no real complaints about quality. But at $30, it’s hard not to question the value. When the total comes out to $53 for a burger, one beer, and a $5 tip, it makes you pause. It wasn’t a bad experience, but for a simple meal, I expected a bit more for the price. The atmosphere may lean upscale, but the five-star amenities don’t justify the cost. Separately, the beer pricing was frustrating. The menu listed it at $12, but I was charged $13 because they said the menu hadn’t been updated. After tax, that’s about $14 before tip — for one beer. On top of that, the pour looked short, closer to 12 oz in a 16 oz glass. At that price point, I expect accurate pricing and a full pour. With tip, you’re basically at a $15 beer, and you’re not getting any extra value at all. It’s honestly hard to justify, and I’d probably recommend checking out other nearby spots instead. Overall, decent food — but the value and pricing transparency are hard to overlook. I ended up questioning staying there for the rest of the night and realized I could easily walk a block for cheaper food and drinks, which is what I ended up doing.

Worst server experience ever. We ended up walking out after being treated rudely. The server was just bizarre and illogical when trying to answer simple straight forward questions on the happy hour menu. Won't be back. Their happy hour is not what their menu or website says it is. Either that or she was just weird and mean.

Patty Mitchell

Worst server experience ever. We ended up walking out after being treated rudely. The server was just bizarre and illogical when trying to answer simple straight forward questions on the happy hour menu. Won't be back. Their happy hour is not what their menu or website says it is. Either that or she was just weird and mean.