My wife and I love to try out different Japanese/ramen spots around the area and, so far, Kontentsu…read morehas been our favorite. We try to come once a month to enjoy their delicious spicy tonkotsu ramen, spicy gyoza's and chicken karaage. The service is excellent. At least, for us. No matter who you get as your waiter/waitress, they will always treat you with respect and make sure that everything is to our liking without behaving in an exaggerating manner. How busy it gets in the restaurant truly depends on what time of day you are there. We like to go right after they reopen from the middle of the day, and we tend to experience a calm atmosphere as things get going once again for the evening rush. We love Kontentsu, and we will continue to support their business while they support our hungry stomachs!

Service was fast for just one dude working, he was super nice…read more Ambiance is lovely I like the vibe and the seating Honestly things needed salt but I like the Brussels sprouts a lot, the aioli that comes with the karaage and sprouts are nice. Gyudon needed more flavour. I enjoyed the fact that they had a jar of pickled veggies on the side

My fiancée and I decided to try this place out when another sushi restaurant we tried going to was…read moresuper packed on a Friday evening. It was complete empty here! There are a good amount of smaller tables but it seems like most people order to go. We shared the 24 piece nigiri set that comes with 3 rolls, miso soup, and salad. It was so much food we couldn't finish it all! The fish was fresh and the rolls were huge! We also ordered hot green tea that was very light and cozy. We would definitely come back when craving nigiri and simple but delicious rolls.

This is a small little storefront that I never noticed before until yesterday! Who knew there was a…read morecute little Japanese place in La Canada? Anyways, they have a good variety of bento, bowls, rolls, and noodles. I got the blue fin tuna sashimi bowl. Good size bowl and came with a side of soup and cabbage salad. The uni pasta is also very creamy and tasty. :) Pleasantly surprised and would come back to try different things. There is a small parking lot with free parking.

Service is great, food is just typical American-Japanese ramen, sushi's hand roll and sashimi…read more Price is on par with Pasadena range. Beer isn't bad.

This place has amazing food and a great atmosphere I absolutely love coming here. The service was…read moreexceptional and the servers in general were very sweet making sure that we (my family) was well taken care of. I've heard people saying its pricy but the quality is better than any other places I've been especially the sushi.

We've been wanting to try this location and we were not disappointed. You really can't go wrong…read morewith anything on the menu but we ordered the: Plain onigiri California onigiri Salmon yuzu miso onigiri Spicy lobster shrimp onigiri Spam & egg Baked lobster shrimp onigiri 5 hand roll set (salmon, scallop, baked lobster shrimp, yellowtail, spicy tuna, and salmon sashimi) All were so fresh and delicious - especially the onigiri. You won't find fresher onigiri in LA. We love Rice & Nori!

I've been to Rice & Nori sooo many times and honestly I've had way more good experiences than bad…read more On a good day their hand rolls are solid, especially for the price... like you really can't complain. They've definitely had some off days though. A couple times I had to throw a few hand rolls away because they tasted completely off (yellowtail, eel, toro). But like I said, I've had more good experiences than bad, so I'm staying positive.

When my day is tough and people are trying to kill me with assassins, i stop by here order the…read moreomakase', mix pills with beer and nigori and all of a sudden life is magical. The only downside is I grew up in this town.And I bump into so many people since i'm super popular.And I hate small talk.

We celebrated my mother's birthday, I asked what she wanted and she said Sushi and Japanese food. I…read moreremembered that someone recommending Haruka while I somewhere nearby and decided to head there. Located in a small plaza, Haruka is a neighborhood favorite, and I can see why. The interior has a modern aesthetic and even on a Wednesday evening, it was packed with a wait. We didn't have to wait too long, but as we ate and had dinner I noticed that it was full consistently. We sat down and they have have a wide array of items on their menu. We went with 3 dinner specials which have a small options (one has tempura, another with a California Roll. and one with Both) safe to we ordered one of each. For Apps we got some Edamame and Kaarage. For Rolls, we went with Rainbow Roll and Catapillar Roll. Starting with apps, the edamame to me was good a touch less salt which was great for my father. The karaage was flavorful with that sesame taste and juicy interiror. To me it was rather small compared to what I am used to, but flavor wise on par. The Rainbow roll is a staple anywhere I go for the first time as that gives me the array of fish with a California roll. The fish was fresh tasting and to me was fine. My slight disappointment was with the Caterpillar Roll, my parents just returned from Japan and the first thing they compared the roll to was what they experienced over there. Not a fair comparison, but none the less I am posting it here as refence as I see the same in surrounding restuarants here. The dinner special comes with Miso Soup, Salad, Protein of choice, and a choice of side (tempura, California Roll, or both). We each got one of the combinations. The Chicken Teriyaki was juicy and good compared to what I normally get from similar restaurants. Overall, a good choice if your simply looking for something balanced. What won me over, was the service. The place was packed and the staff and manager were out there doing what they can, but I didn't hear a single complaint around the restaurant. Not about the wait times, nor the food, and that matters. A small interaction that I happened to pick up, was one of the staff helping an elderly gentleman put on his coat. A small gesture but to me means the world. If they can take a second to do that for him, they really care about your experience. As a local favorite, I can highly recommend this place not just that the food is good, but because service tipped my scale. Mind the place was packed and smiles all around from everyone. I will be back if I am around, I am so glad I was able to finally check this one off my list!

Osawa is 100% worth the hype, and if you haven't heard of it, let me hype it up for you…read more The place is small so be prepared to wait if you're trying to go on a Thursday-Saturday, or show up when they open for lunch or dinner. Ambiance is super cute, love the little flags over the sushi/shabu bar and the art on the walls adds to the Japanese restaurant feel. The aroma when you walk in is mouthwatering (I was really hungry) but it doesn't smell fishy like some sushi places can. Staff is unbelievably great, super friendly and helpful if you have any questions about the menu or want recommendations. Don't be afraid to ask what the MP is on omakase, they totally work with what you're looking to spend or based on how many pieces of sushi you want to eat. Now for the real reason to visit Osawa: the food is absolutely amazing!!! Fresh, tasty, perfectly portioned. From the shishito peppers appetizer to the sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, and shabu; I cannot recommend this place enough! They have plenty of sake options to pair with your meal as well as beer or specialty cocktails if that's your preference. They offer to explain your order when it arrives which is great for those newer to sushi or just trying something different. Seriously, some of those fish practically melt in your mouth. I personally haven't ordered any rolls yet but they absolutely look delicious. If you're looking for a good sushi date spot, this. is. it. It's also good for a small group, maybe up to five or so before you feel cramped. Shabu is seated at the bar and their meats and veggie are delicious and fresh, enhanced by the tasty broth. It's even good on a summer day because they have solid air conditioning. Cannot say enough good things about Osawa. Go try it for yourself. :)

I had been a longtime customer here for about seven years, but I stopped going after getting food…read morepoisoning from fish here in March 2025. After more than a year away, I decided to give Osawa another try on May 8, 2026. Unfortunately, the experience confirmed why I had stopped coming. Around 9:02 p.m., my waiter came by to ask for last orders. I ordered chicken karaage. This is a simple dish that usually comes out in about 4 to 5 minutes. For whatever reason, the order did not arrive until around 9:26 p.m. -- almost 25 minutes later. It seemed obvious that the order had been forgotten. When the karaage finally arrived, it looked hastily sauced. Several parts of the chicken were unsauced, which is not how the dish was normally served in the past. Given the delay and the apparent mishandling, I did not touch the dish. A Japanese male manager wearing glasses then came over. He recognized me, and I explained that I had not been back for more than a year because of the food poisoning incident from fish in 2025. Instead of responding seriously, the manager smiled and giggled slightly, then launched into an irrelevant conversation about his connections in the Japanese food industry in Old Town Pasadena. When he asked why I had not touched the chicken, I explained the almost 30-minute delay and the problems with the dish. Rather than comping the item or offering a real apology, the manager asked whether I still wanted to eat it or would prefer to cancel it. He then ended the conversation by suggesting that I come in during weekday lunch for the $18 lunch specials. That response was bizarre and tone deaf. I did not return after a food poisoning incident to hear a sales pitch about lunch specials. I returned as a longtime customer giving Osawa another chance. Osawa's way of doing business has changed a lot. I've seen better customer service at Erewhon.

My husband and I came in for the omakase and for the price, this was the best course we've had so…read morefar!! The chawanmushi was the best one I've had yet- super silky and flavorful. The lightly cooked oyster with yuzu had a great texture and clean taste, and we loved that each dish tasted completely different from the last. The monkfish liver was really savory and surprisingly good (I usually don't like monk liver). The albacore, medium fatty tuna, and scallop sashimi were all amazing -- especially the albacore. The house-made soy sauce was also savory and paired really well with the fish. The sardine with chives was a great combo- oily and fatty in the best way. Nori was perfectly crispy, and the aged yellowtail was something else. We paired everything with the Otokoyama sake, which was dry and crisp, and the Kubota Senjyu, which had a great balance. Only small con was that the rice could've been a little more dry and vinegar-y. Chef and our server were awesome- a warm, friendly vibe and service throughout!

Unbelievable food, very authentic and delicious menu. Every item chosen for omakase was top…read morequality, perfectly seasoned and tasty. It was a wonderful and intimate atmosphere. Looking forward to visiting again

Driving down to Universal City was a harrowing experience when you have your 2 nieces in the back…read moreand expecting the worst (fighting, arguing, pulling hair????). But these two angels were great and happy to hear the suggestion of Hawaiian food for dinner. We went straight to Aloha Kids (not even stopping at our hotel before hand). The restaurant is so well decorated to me. I loved being in their space! The patio was their catering pick up (next day was Thanksgiving). It was busy! There was a constant stream of people coming and going. Inside Aloha Kids is smaller and narrow with few places to sit. They have a shelf with merch and I recognized some artists from the Bay Area in there! The person helping us told me they like to support small businesses and they were definitely doing so. Now, on to the most important part: the food. I ordered the Kalbi ribs, my husband ordered the loco moco, and our nieces ordered the chicken teriyaki and a spam musubi to share. The ribs were super tender and so good. I almost didn't want to offer my husband one. But I did and he really enjoyed it. He loved his loco moco so much, he barely spoke a word to me while he was eating. Our niece also really enjoyed their food and polished off their plates (just like us). My husband also ordered a side of their kimchi and it was DELICIOUS. The only thing we noted was the mac salad needed a little something, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. If we're ever back in the area, we're definitely coming back and trying other things on their menu!

I have to say I am extremely disappointed…read more 76 dollars for 3 plates. SMH. And before I go on, mochiko chicken is the only dish worth eating here. Now let's begin. Walked into a restaurant where you don't get greeted upon entry, the girl walking around just smiles at you with no words. No hello, nothing. Not even an Aloha! I've been to the big island, there's endless praises everywhere. You did not get the vibe here. First time we came here we were wowed by the food. Portions were great at first. Once we got our orders yesterday, I knew our time had come. Cant support places that over charge for no apparent reason. Plain and simple. Chicken thighs are 2-3 dollars a pound, beef is like 8-10 dollars a pound. I use to be in the food industry and to see the portions of food here the second round. Either it shows they are hurting bad, or the chef "was having a bad day?" I just don't believe that. And I can assure you they are not using halal nor organic meats for them to justify portion to pricing. Back to my first remark like I mentioned above, mochiko chicken is the only dish I recommend if someone is coming for their first time. Soft tender chicken bites sprinkled with some nori like seasoning. Rice scoop and the infamous sad Mac salad. The Mac salad needs love. Serious revamping. I make an authentic island style Mac salad time to time. Far better than this recipe. I also ordered the Galbi which I did not appreciate the bait and switch. Since I've ordered it before and this time it was not cut into strips. Last I checked with the numerous photos posted here on yelp. The version we received just wasn't it. Everyone gets a decent portion of meat. Nothing chewy or even with bones. I even said to my mother in law she is going to love this dish. And she hated it. They still had the bones of the sliced short rib on, VERY FATTY, very chewy. Such a let down. And last the Dinosaur ribs. I asked about them and was given a hand comparison to sizing. Not gonna lie this wasn't it either. There was almost no meat. Was the cow taking ozempic? Google Dinosaur Ribs. No seriously Google, Dinosaur ribs. I mean you guys need some help if you think what I got was dinosaur ribs. Definitely gotta 86 this item or give people what they actually deserve. If you're going to serve a dish and call it dinosaur ribs, atleast provide a dinosaur portion of meat on them. I mean poor execution. Flavor was decent, but having to chew the bottom connective tissue was unappealing and far from appetizing. 68 dollars plus an 8 dollar tip was too steep for this lack luster rendition of what Hawaiian food is and should be.

I been to many top sushi restaurants and I will say this place compares in terms of freshness and…read morequality. Even appetizers are amazing, I highly recommend the soft shell crab and the Las Vegas roll. All the sushi were fresh and I was surprised to find that you can request real wasabi and it comes on certain orders as well. Staff are amazing super kind and friendly. Been here multiple times and never had anything bad to say. The vibes are cool plenty of seating options and overall a great experience I will always come back.

Always a great experience here! I love grabbing a seat at the bar and ordering the Sakana Lunch…read moreSpecial. It's the perfect combo of fresh sushi, salmon, and crispy tempura. Everything tastes amazing and always hits the spot. John was especially friendly and made the experience even better, it was so nice chatting with him. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!