AOI Sushi and Izakaya

If this is what people consider to be good sushi...yikes! After reading the reviews, I had high hopes, but the meal was such a disappointment, especially for the price and quantity. The good news is that the sashimi wasn't fishy tasting, but I did get a pretty sharp, thick bone on my last piece of salmon belly. Thank goodness I caught that! In all honesty, I did feel a bit queasy a few hours after the meal, which definitely wasn't ideal since I had plans later that night, but luckily I was able to stop my queasiness in its tracks. Although I knew I'd never return before finishing my meal, not feeling well after the meal was definitely a turn off. Save your money and stomachs and go elsewhere--where do you get good sushi around here??

We decided to try this place after reading the reviews and honestly we won't be back for a number of reasons. The miso soup has a very odd seasoning and I can't put my finger on it, but having had Miso soup in at least 2 dozen Japanese restaurant, in LA, SF, NYC, HNL, Sydney & Tokyo to name just a few cities--this was the worst one I have had and couldn't eat it. Husband didn't like it either.Sushi was okay but doll-sized and for the price point--it was not worth it and definitely won't be back. Had grilled mackerel and it was just okay and the salad was average. Hubby had tonkatsu and it was too thick, not tender, and the breading was not flaky and it was cooked too dark. Had several sashimis and sushi rolls, all average in taste but tiny in size.We wanted to try this place but it was a total disappointment and we are incredulous at all of the rave reviews. The Japanese restaurant in Louisville is our favorite so far and it also had tiny portions for the price. I would much rather pay a bit more and have a decent portion of fish and properly seasoned miso soup.Also the rice was too wet, edible but not the type of texture that compliments Japanese cuisine.We have a number of other Japanese restaurants to get through here to compare but we will most definitely NOT return here.We go to Asia for 2 months every year and have never had a bad sushi experience and dine out in Honolulu often and eat a lot of sushi--we'll save our Japanese cravings for a more authentic and delicious meal elsewhere. Will go back to Louisville, Co.again though.

The quality of food is definitely 5 stars! Variety of fish, freshness & quality, technique, and authenticity are all amazing. So this has been my go-to sushi place at the special occasions along with Osaka's and Tasuki. Many sushi restaurants here are not authentic at all. That is OK - locals love these American sushi (BTW, I hear that is the new category.) As I grew up in Japan and spent several decades in NY, my desire is to have a simple and elegant Japanese sushi. And Aoi can deliver that.But I have to delete one star as it is IMPOSSIBLE to get in touch with the restaurant. I call and it is either busy or the phone keeps on ringing. I do not know how many times I had to give up. I called yesterday from Ned after my hike at 5pm. Surprise!! Someone answered! I was put on hold for a minute and I was to order and it was hang up. I called again, the phone was busy. I called again, it was just ringing. I gave up and went back to Boulder. I called again and I could finally speak with a person!!!She said that the takeout order was 1 1/2 hour wait, but after taking the order, she went to the kitchen to get more accurate wait time. It was one hour. I asked her about the inability to communicate on the phone. It seems that they are just too busy. Maybe they just keep the phone "do not disturb"? Is it easier to place an order a day before at the restaurant in person?I went to pick up my food and the line was long! I am happy to see that there are so many people who appreciate the real sushi! I wish it was easier to connect as I am so hungry for their sushi.

I love the food and staff so I come here often. They are small and quick to serve you. Cozy ambiance which is hidden on the north side of town. Very authentic Japanese food. I'd give it ten stars if I could. But how do I keep this a secret?

Our go-to sushi place in Boulder. We like others in Denver too, but AOI is consistent, has a great menu in addition to sushi, and the service is always great. The hard part is getting a spontaneous reservation!

Amazing food and ambiance!!! Service was so kind and decor is so beautiful!!! Everything was delicious, fresh, and beautiful. Even the water was good!

Service was fantastic. Food was good, not amazing. Not comparable to Sushi Den. But much better than Boulder Hapa and more original dishes than most places.

Terrible. Food was some of the worst sushi I've ever had. Immediately got sick so I must have gotten food poisoning. Fish quality was terrible and the cut was even worse. The rolls were so poorly made I struggled to eat them.

Visited twice last week while in town and the service was lightning quick! The staff were very friendly, attentive and eager to please. Everything from the #9 Roll, Dougy Fresh Roll to the vegetable Tempura were Spot on!! The best surprise was the house made Sesame Ice Cream! We'll be back next month when we're back in town!

Shhh. Don't tell anyone that this place is the best. It is getting harder and harder to get a table.