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Lagu Cafe

4.4 (523 reviews)
InexpensiveCafes, Japanese
Closed • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

About Lagu Cafe

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LAGU CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Intimate

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Recommended Reviews - Lagu Cafe

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yamitsuki and takama mentai onigiri with pickled vegetables
Florence Y.

Cute Japanese cafe with a simple concept, tucked away in a business park near John Wayne Airport. Parking is pretty easy to find. I got the yokohama peach, which was a refreshing peach drink with mildly earthy flavors that was not too sweet or too bitter. I also got one takama mentai onigiri (savory, a little briny, slightly spicy) and one yamitsuki onigiri (mild, fresh, and green). I enjoyed both onigiri but did feel that the yamitsuki didn't actually have much of a tempura or pickled ginger crunch in it. The pickled vegetables are crisp and not too sour, a perfect accompaniment to the onigiri. The workers were so friendly, helpful, and patient. If I needed a quick bite before a flight or something to bring with me on the plane, I would definitely get onigiri here to go!

Jenny P.

Ordered takeout so cannot comment on ambience and service. Onigiri bento was not good, especially given how pricey it was. The karaage chicken tasted fishy and the texture was soggy. The mentai mayo was way too fishy as well + canned tuna was used for my onigiri which I wasn't a fan of. I wasn't able to finish any of the food. /:

Mentai Mayo and salmon onigiri
Roger L.

First time coming in after walking past it for 5 years. First impression upon entering was it that it felt like the small mom and pop onigiri store tucked away in Japan that I frequented. The servers were very friendly and offered me their suggestions of the popular items. The onigiri are smaller than your traditional ones, but the flavors are there and they fill the insides to the brim. Had the staple mentai and salmon onigiri and they were delicious. Also enjoyed their Sea salt green tea which was very refreshing. While eating inside, there was a huge amount of people going in and out so they definitely have their regulars at this small tucked-away store. I plan to return with a bigger appetite next time.

Samantha P.

I really wanted to like this spot but it very much missed the mark for me. I ordered 2 drinks, a matcha tea and a banana matcha, and 2 onigiri, the pepper chashu and wasabi konbu. Unfortunately the drinks were a miss. I'm not sure if it's the matcha they used but I wasn't a fan of the flavor and I'm fairly convinced they put both water and milk in my matcha tea. The chashu in the onigiri was on the dry side and the pepper flavor overpowers all other flavor, the wasabi konbu was really awesome in flavor and I enjoyed that very much but both onigiri fell apart far too easily which made it challenging yo eat. I think the space is a cute little shop with kind staff but for me their offerings are a pass

Lavender Latte | IG @moniquedao
Monique D.

My Iced Lavender Latte was okay. The lavender flavor was subtle, but I was hoping for something a little more bold. Compared to other lavender lattes I've had, this one tasted a bit too mild. The Tuna Cheese Salt & Butter Sando was unfortunately the biggest letdown. It looked great on the menu, so I had high hopes. Before ordering, I asked if the bread was soft or crispy, and the staff mentioned they could toast it. However, when it came out, it didn't seem toasted at all. The tuna itself was decent, but the cheese felt like an afterthought. It seemed like a couple of plain cheese slices were simply tucked into the sandwich without adding much flavor or texture. Overall, it just didn't come together the way I expected. The café itself is very small, with only a couple of tables available. There wasn't enough room to wait inside, so I had to step outside until my order was ready. Overall, the experience didn't quite live up to my expectations, and I don't see myself coming back.

Melon Matcha Latte, Shiso Konbu, Pepper Chashu, French Toast (1 PC)
Amy T.

Really yummy and fresh onigiri!! The French toast was great as well - and not too sweet. My only complaint is the matcha. They say they use high quality matcha, but have definitely had better matchas elsewhere (also should've ordered half sweet).

Banana Cream Matcha Latte
Joe Y.

Came in on a quick break from work! Service was fast, the banana crème matcha latte was delicious! Space was limited but still very accommodating for about 8-10 people.

Great place to study or stop by for a quick snack one in Irvine. They have a great assortment of onigiri. You can mix and match flavors-- I got the spicy roll and the salmon onigiri, which were delicious. They also have all the great flavors you look for at an East Asian Café, including Matcha, and Taro. Would definitely recommend their Toro with salt foam!

Matcha Rose Latte
Jenny C.

Stopped by Lagu Cafe after seeing some mixed Yelp reviews, and honestly, I get both sides. Lagu Cafe is near John Wayne airport so the area itself is busy. :( Once you parked and enter the cafe, the space is definitely on the smaller side, so it feels more like a grab-and-go spot rather than somewhere you'd hang out for a while. There's a couple tables if you're able to snag a spot. :) One thing that really stands out is their matcha--super smooth, rich, and not overly sweet. I can see why people rave about drinks like their matcha lattes. So, I figured I'd treat myself to a cold matcha drink . I tried the matcha rose latte. Overall, the drink taste good. So, if you're a matcha fan, it's worth checking out.

Menu
Rachel Y.

Such a super cute and tiny cafe with a cozy charm. All of their drinks looked so good, it was hard to choose! I got the sea salt green tea, and I loved that it wasn't too sweet--it made it even better. I'll definitely be coming back to try more drinks. My friends also really enjoyed their savory items. Cute spot worth visiting!

Mentai-Mayo onigiri
Yau-Ru C.

Onigiri inflation is too extreme at Lagu. I started purchasing the onigiri set in 2022 and it was $6.50 (after tax). Today it's $10.08 (after tax), that's over 55% increase in 4 years! I have to say the onigiri is yummy but the price is now overly pricey and a bit unreasonable. I will wait until I head back to Tokyo and get equally yummy onigiri at fraction of the price. :'(

Banana Cream Matcha Latte
Angela B.

2 drinks $12 Matcha with banana cream 2/5 Their matcha is ok.. I wouldn't get it again. It's not very vibrant, more pale in color. Banana cream is also ok, I've had better. No charge to use other milks! Coffee with matcha cream 4/5 This is better! Bae loves their coffee, they use groundwork and tho the caffeine content is not comparable to Vietnamese, still tasty! Pork chashu onigiri 4/5 On the simpler side, but very tasty! Would get this again. I enjoy their rice quality a lot, esp with their pickled veggies. The onigiri could have some more filling added, but given the quality of their rice, it's a yummy treat. They also carry bread from okayama kobo which is great. Not the largest selection, but kinda saves a 20 min drive to Anaheim. There's some sweet and savory available. Easier parking on the weekdays and I waited maybe 5 min for my order.

Sea salt taro latte with oatmilk $7
Mary D.

Labu, Labu, Labu-labu! J/k This is how I remember the name of this place... due to the popularity of labubus. However, unlike the latest fad of Labubus, I hope this place continues to stay and thrive. They are located in a business center near John Wayne Airport, on Main and MacArthur. This is my FAVORITE COFFEE AND MATCHA place! I've gotten most of their drinks, and my favorite is the MATCHA ROSE LATTE, STRAWBERRY SAKURA LATTE, AND MATCHA LAVENDER LATTE. I also like the sea salt taro latte. The cream on their drinks is magic and delicious! Most of their drinks are $5.50-6 with oatmilk for an extra $1. I am looking forward to trying the banana creme matcha and melon matcha lattes. They also sell rice balls aka onigiri and sandwiches. Service is slow as they are always packed... but good drinks are worth the wait. You can order on their website ahead for convenience. The café is very small and only has maybe two tables near the register. This place is more of a takeout spot. Keep in mind this place is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS, and open Tues-Sat from 9am - 3pm. Stay thirsty my friends!

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Ask the Community - Lagu Cafe

Why did you guys discontinue the uma-kara onigiri? Will you be bringing it back any time soon?

Yes, we plan to Umakara back in by mid July. Sorry for the patience and appreciate for your feedback. Thank you

Does any of the food contain nuts?

Do you have bakery items?

We do not sell Okayama Kobo's bakery items, but you can pre-order through their website and pick up on Thursdays at Lagu Cafe!

View All 8 Questions

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