-Watch the Dig Philly.com tour of Azie.

Downtown Media now has a downtown restaurant.  Win and Sutida Somboonsong, who also own Newtown Square's Teikoku and Mikado, Thai Pepper in Ardmore, and Flavor in Wayne, just opened Azie at State and Orange Streets (610-566-4750), the former West End Saloon.  Azie's cosmopolitan vibe starts at the bar, already packed with lawyers and other Delaware County high rollers sucking up sake. Colorful, smart-looking dining rooms are accented with inlaid stone and mosaic tiles. ("Like The Brady Bunch house, but updated," as my nostalgic daughter explained.) A clear bubble light fixture in the second-floor private dining room dangles through an opening to light up the entryway. There's also a roof deck for warmer weather.  The Somboonsongs' corporate chef, Takao Iinuma - a Japanese culinary teacher who assisted Masaharu Morimoto in the Iron Chef America series and who sous-chefed for Morimoto in Philadelphia - has rolled out a global menu that starts in Japan (awesome roll section) and ventures west through China and Thailand. Kazuyuki Mitsui, who worked at Morimoto, is executive chef.
 
-Michael Klein, Inquirer Columnist

Stepping into Azie is entering an extraordinary world. The atmosphere is infused with gentle light, accenting the sculptural elements in the walls and floors. The room itself has been transformed into a work of art. Azie sparkles with subtle energy. Our well-traveled dinner companions likened Azie to stylish Manhattan and European restaurants. This is a completely new approach for Media, and for this whole area.
 
- Ed Davis, Connections Magazine
 
The best dishes at this highly anticipated newcomer worked for many of the same reasons: A reliance on top-notch ingredients and a willingness to allow them to sing their own tune. In other words, traditional Japanese cooking philosophy pervades the kitchen here, at least with the most notable dishes.

- Brian Freedman, Lifestyle Magazine

Falling for Azie is easy. It’s hip, sophisticated and has ample magnetism. Azie parallels the ambiance and attitude of other high-end Asian eateries in the area. As such, it both contrasts and complements the existing restaurants in Media, and it’s undoubtedly an asset to a dining scene that continues to grow and improve.

- Dawn E. Warden, Main Line Today