Alyssa V.

I arrived about 30 minutes after opening on a weekend, and there wasn't a line, although there was a constant flow of people coming in and out. Seating is very limited, so unfortunately I had to take my pastries to go. They have a great selection of both sweet and savory pastries, all made with Hokkaido flour from Japan. I really liked how light the pastries felt--I was able to try several without feeling overly full or heavy. Most of what I tried was very good, although nothing really stood out as a must-have. I'd come back to try some of the other options, but I'm not necessarily in a rush. Their black coffee is also really good if that's your thing.

Jenny L.

Finally got to try this bakery for the first time this past weekend but the experience was quite underwhelming. Came here after a early morning run and arrived about 20-30 minutes after opening. They had all kinds of options laid out, and visually looked interesting, so we picked up a variety to try. Personally, I felt the breads were a bit dry or stale. I wasn't a fan of the matcha they used since it didn't have any bold flavor, which made it hard to distinguish from the milk. I was told later on by a couple of friends that their hojicha latte is better than the matcha latte. Overall, unsure if I would come back since I feel that I could get better pastries and drinks from other bakeries and cafes nearby.

Ashley C.

Cute cafe! I'd give it a 2.5 to 3 stars. I did street parking, but there is a public lot across the cafe. I came on a Saturday at 3pm, and there were still plenty of pastries left. They probably didn't taste as fresh as they usually would since I came later in the day. I will say, the AC was barely on, so it was really hot in there. I noticed other people getting really hot and sweaty. There are 5 tables, and they were all full. My total was $37 for 7 items. Overall, the breads are super soft and fluffy. The drinks are tasty, but nothing crazy or special. Sakura Strawberry Latte $7 - The coffee flavor definitely outweighs the strawberry and sakura flavors. It tastes like a strong coffee latte with a strawberry undertone. I didn't really taste a lot of sakura or floral notes. Still good though! Premium Matcha Latte $8.50 - I added matcha foam, which was $1.50. It wasn't worth the extra cost. I'm a fan of sweet foams, and this one was salty. It also didn't really have a matcha taste. The actual latte was good, but nothing special, especially for the price. I liked that it wasn't chalky. The drink was smooth, and the sweetness was just right (I got regular sweet). Takoyaki Pan $4.50 - Soft bread with an actual takoyaki inside. I enjoyed the flavor. Sunrise Matcha $4.25 - Super soft with a crunchy sugar exterior. I could taste a hint of matcha, but overall, it was just a standard sweet and soft bread. I'd get it again though! Tomato Basil Salt & Butter Roll - It was okay, nothing special. I'd give it a 3/5. Curry Pan - It would taste really good warmed up. The curry filling was tasty. It had crunchy bits on the outside, and the bread was soft on the inside. I'd take it to go next time and heat it up at home. Oyaki Shumai - It had a pork filling and a crunchy outside. It didn't taste as fresh, but it's probably because I came later in the day.

Ann T.

Unfortunately as a somewhat 9-5 WAGECEL, it's impossible for me to go here unless I do something funny or if I go to the weekends, so like most of the masses, I have to go here on the weekends. It's definitely not as fisted as it used to be since my friend said she used to see the line go outside and even with the visible crowds inside, so long as it was contained inside, the wait isn't as bad as it used to be. We came here around an hour or so before closing and they were mostly sold out of everything. A couple fresh bread came out in that final our (brick of toast and corn croissant), but the main heavy hitters and some of their drinks were sold out too, so just keep that in mind and don't have super high hopes based on when you go. Because it was busy, the relaxing and low key vibes and ambiance was not what was intended. A bit of crowding, tables were unsteady and could easily spill something or swing around. A little bit of trash here and there, but not awful. And despite the crowds the rest room was clean which was nice. We got the: 1) Salt & Butter Choco Bread: -This is the one my mom said was okay and a bit too dry the next day. -It's a nice mix of salty and sweet. 2) Salt & Butter Corn Mayo Bread: -Can never go wrong with the sweetness of corn and the tangy flavor of mayo. Great with the light salted taste of the bread. 3) Salt & Butter Tamago Bread: -This is an egg salad bread. Okay amount of egg salad in the middle. Light and fluffy. I'm a glutton so I would have preferred a heavier flavor profile for the egg salad part but if you want a daintier and lighter flavor, this works. 4) Milk Bun: -Not too sweet, filled with milk cream in the middle. Decent sweet bread. 5) Melonpan: -Again, a bit dry on the second day, but the sugary texture on top made for a nice yummy crunch. -Solid classic. 6) Premium Matcha Latte: -This was a matcha that another friend was raving about. They do hand whisk it in the cafe, which is nice. But that does take some time too, so keep that in mind when they're backed up with orders and when it gets busy. -Decently strong matcha taste. Think a more watered down Yamari (this is a good thing for people who can't handle that level of matcha intensity). After a day, the baked goods weren't as good as the day of (regardless of fresh baked or not), which makes sense. My mother said they got a bit dry, so definitely eat them ASAP. I did enjoy the salted bread. Not too dry, has a slight salty taste to compliment the butteriness and the other flavors of the bread. I can see why this is a trend nowadays. Not bad, hopefully I can go here when it's better stocked to try more breads.

Viola L.

Wa Iro Bakery is such a cute little spot in Pasadena! Everything we tried was delicious. It's definitely a little on the pricier side, but honestly, I think it's worth it! If you like salt bread, you have to try theirs -- you might become obsessed! My favorite was their curry bread. It was so light, airy, and flavorful without feeling heavy. I went with my sister on a weekday morning, and we parked nearby with plenty of street parking available. We got so lucky because there was no line when we arrived, which felt like a miracle! We grabbed a table and started tasting our breads, and that's when people started coming in and a line quickly formed. I didn't get their coffee this time because I had already had a cup about an hour before coming, but their coffee smelled soooo good. Definitely trying it next time! Such a cute place with delicious bread already looking forward to coming back!

Myrine S.

Love trying new places and stumbled upon this Japanese bakery. Interesting pastries I've never had before. Tried the yakisoba savory treat and concha sweet treat. Both very good and tasty. Really loved my drink though. The Cloud Hojicha Latte with almond milk was delicious and best drink I've had in a while. Staff were very welcoming and kind. Explained the different pastries to me. The small space was very warm and inviting. Glad I stopped by on a whim!

Brandon C.

When I went to order the lemon custard (I got a weak spot for lemon desserts), they picked it up and a piece broke off when they grabbed it with their tongs. I saw they noticed but did not grab a different one or the piece that fell off.. that did not sit well with me. In terms of taste it was very light and airy which makes for a dangerous but delicious dessert item. They recently added a promo to do some sliders in the evening, shame it wasn't yet time, but they did look good (albeit expensive for a slider, but I wanted to try). Value wise it's a bit pricier, but the breads taste premium. I think that if the worker did not break off a piece or actually got grabbed the piece or a different lemon custard I would give it a 5. I did not like the lack of attention especially when they were near closing.. just give me the nicer looking pieces!

Nikki B.

Wa-Iro is the latest place to draw long lines for their baked goods. As you know, this Diva ain't standing in line for nothing unless it involves fashion or booze. I happened to drive by just before they opened on the Friday before the July 4th weekend. There were only a few people out front, so I decided to give it a try. The staff have an assembly line system, so the line moves fairly quickly. The salt breads disappear fast but are replenished fresh out of the oven. Made with flour imported from Hokkaido, the salt breads are all the rage but I decided to try the cinnamon roll instead. Apparently, the specialty flour produces an extra fluffy bread. I could tell because the cinnamon roll was soft & fluffy and was artistically topped with a dollop of cream cheese icing that I spread to cover the top. It added the perfect touch of sweetness. The cinnamon roll was exceptionally good but I wouldn't stand in a long line for it. They also serve frothy matcha lattes & espresso-based beverages. *Metered street parking or $1 90-mins parking in the structure across the street.

Christina L.

Delicious, my favorite was the cookie salt bread. Went during weekday 3pm, no line, almost closing, there is still quite a bit of pastry left, but the popular options are gone. Must order 6 pastries to get a box or else it's $1.50. Bread was good, it didn't really stand out. The employee was attentive, answered our question and was awesome. Order 6 baked goods and drink which came out to be $37. Ordered sesame latte, very sesame flavored. Strawberry matcha was average, though, it really delicious on a hot day. The cafe has plenty of seating. Onto the bread, super fresh. My favorite is the the salt and butter and curry pan. The curry has a lot of flavor. Overall, delicious bread and solid drinks.

Debbie W.

I was looking for something unique and not very sweet, and this place caught my eye. The hype is real. I came during the morning time in the middle of the week (since they close so early) and all the seats were full of people. Luckily there wasn't a line, but when I paid for my order, a line already had formed. I took advantage of my luck and ordered a box of savory pastries and a box of sweet pastries. I got their signature pastry - the salted butter bread - and it was..okay. I'll be honest I really liked everything else they offered more than their signature lol. Nothing was overly sweet, and my favorite pastries were the red bean mochi, the panini's were so good - especially the ham and pesto, as well as the spicy curry bun. I don't know if I'd wait in a long line for these pastries, but if I'm ever in the area, I'd definitely drop by again for their panini. Also I had not tried their drinks either. All servers were very friendly and parking can be found on the streets or in the parking garage across the street.

Sara P.

Cute cafe, clean, great service, and the natural light in there is doing everything right. Very good bones. Husband got the sea salt matcha cold brew and loved it. I got the dirty black sesame latte and wanted more coffee flavor from her. She was pretty but she needed to commit. We got there late so pickings were slim and split a japanini and sausage panini. Both were fine! The sausage panini had arabiki sausage cut into pieces instead of whole which was a choice. A strange choice. But a choice nonetheless. Go early because the pastries sell out fast and I have a feeling I missed the best part. Will be returning to find out.

Annie W.

This has to be one of my top bakeries in Pasadena, which says a lot since Pasadena has definitely stepped up their bakery game. I visited Wairo twice and was impressed both times. The service is efficient, accommodating, and kind. The ambience of the store is super well-maintained and they have a clean bathroom. There are several tables inside and it's usually not too crowded. The drinks that I've tried were the Matcha banana, the black sesame latte, and the sakura latte. I would personally skip the sakura latte as it came off a little bit sour. They claim to have some strawberry in the latte and you can also taste the slightly artificial taste of cherry blossoms. This personally wasn't for me. The Matcha banana and the black sesame latte are both great drinks though! The tomato basil salt bread is super tasty! I think my favorite salt bread would have to be the cookie salt bread. They also have an awesome cinnamon roll - I'm usually not a big fan of cinnamon rolls because they're super sweet but Wairo uses a plain bread base and less frosting so it's the perfect balance!! The Smores danish was a standout too, a mini treat. The marshmallow is soft and toasted too. The Purin à la mode is photogenic and unique tasting. I'd highly recommend putting this bakery on your watchlist. They bake everything using Hokkaido flour and the ambiance of the cafe is super cozy and fun.

Amy Y.

There are so many inventive flavors, and the bread is so soft! Curry pan 5/5 - GET THIS!! The curry is flavorful and the panko crust is crispy. It's exactly what you want in a curry pan. Black sesame roll 4.5/5 - rich in black sesame flavor and surprisingly just the perfect sweetness. Tomato basil salt bread 3/5 - the bread was soft, but the filling was a little lacking. The service was quick and friendly. The interior feels very clean and modern. There's limited seating, so I wouldn't imagine bringing a laptop here. But it's a great spot to catch up with a friend.