Restaurants on the Main Line are known for being classy and high quality, so Azie on Main fits right in.

Azie on Main opened in 2009 and is one of the numerous Main Line area restaurants opened by couple Win and Sutida Somboonsong. Their other restaurants are Mikado Thai Pepper in Ardmore, Teikoku in Newtown Square and Azie in Media (Azie on Main’s sister restaurant).

Corporate Executive Chef of Azie on Main, Kazuyuki Mitsu, was born and raised in Japan and “has nurtured his lifelong love of food and cooking into professional mastery with intense training and mentorship from top Japanese chefs,” according to the Azie on Main website.

Executive Chef Ricardo Franco is a Brazilian native, yet focuses his culinary practices on Asian foods, working to expand the menu at Azie each day. Anni Toti-Steptoe runs the show outside of the kitchen as the general manager, and she makes each guest feel welcome with incredible hospitality.

These are only a select few members of the Azie team that contribute to the amazing experience the restaurant offers. The restaurant is right down the street from Villanova’s campus, which is an ideal location for students. Also, Japanese food with a contemporary twist is a popular dining trend right now, especially for young adults. The ambiance of the outdoor seating is welcoming, along with the atmosphere indoors. Although I am not a fan of sushi, I still fell in love with this restaurant and all its options. The menu is diverse and not limited to sushi rolls.

“Azie is the perfect place to have a delicious meal with friends on the weekend or a great place to take your parents when they come to visit,” junior Clare Delaplane said. “My favorite menu items are the avocado salad and the fried rice. I also love getting edamame as an appetizer.”

Clare’s favorite menu items demonstrate that Azie is not just limited to sushi. However, this is not to say that the sushi isn’t well known on the Main Line.

“The sushi at Azie is very fresh and well prepared,” sophomore Maggie Mick said. “My top pick would be the shrimp tempura roll, but the cucumber crunch is an unexpected favorite as well.”

Some top menu items that I would recommend are the pork dumplings, truffle French fries and calamari tempura. For those who don’t like sushi, these items never fail to satisfy cravings for some delicious Japanese American food.

Azie’s location is perfect for members of the Villanova community, as it is within walking distance or just a short drive. There are even private rooms that can be reserved for special occasions, along with private booths for smaller parties.

In 2018, the Main Line Today named Azie the “Best Japanese Fusion Restaurant.” The restaurant holds its own considering its popularity, as it is often packed with hungry Villanovans. Once the Slow the Spread Directives come to an end and students need a new restaurant to uncover, Azie on Main is an excellent choice.