You have to try this place. Very good food and lots of it. It is all cooked to order, delicious healthy food. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I'll be going back read more

Pepper Lunch - Chicken teriyaki - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Pepper Lunch is one of those places I keep coming back to--and it hits the spot every single time. I've been here three times now, and the consistency is spot on. I always get the veggie rice and add tofu and egg, and it's so flavorful and satisfying every time. I also really appreciate how vegetarian-friendly they are. It's not always easy to find places that have solid veggie options that don't feel like an afterthought, but Pepper Lunch definitely delivers. The sizzling plate makes it a fun experience too. Parking is always easy to find even though it's street parking. If you're looking for something quick, delicious, and customizable, this place is a win. Definitely a go-to for me! read more

Dec '25 - Recommend: Yes, but sticker prices may surprise you. Presentation: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Efficiency: 5/5 Customer Service: 5/5 Price: 3/5 Having lived in Tokyo for four years, this is a staple restaurant there! Doing it on par here, with what you would see overseas; critical to success... Upon walking in, we met Emily who graciously assisted us with perusing the very colorful, fully sized, digital touch menus; 2 stations are located right as you walk in. The store was justly cleaned, and decor was simple, appealing, light and spacious. We learned speaking with the brother of the owner that there are to be 10 franchises in total coming to the AZ territory and I can only hope they bring one to Tucson because this would be a hit!! Meal choices are accompanied by large, colorful pictures to help with your appetite! This place delivers various meals, all on a hot plate and side portions that come in a cute metal basket of sorts. I had the common Beef Pepper Rice with a side of Chicken Karagi. My daughter had the same but with chicken and a side of Kimchi. All was delish! The hot plate comes with a warning ribbon - warning you, as you should KNOW, that the cast iron plate is HOT. But alas, we are in America... The meals were quick and again, excellent customer service on top. The restaurant is located in an area that is close to ASU and will hopefully grow clientele quickly but getting support from ASU to share notification in surrounding restaurants/businesses, especially for the new students to know the area, is always a challenge so hopefully this review reaches out amongst the foodies in the area. In summary, it is a win for a restaurant but, unfortunately, the pricing for me is just too high... $50.00+ for two SIMPLE rice meals and two waters is absolutely not a winning combo. $50.00!!? I get it, it's around ASU but the pricing is just too high so I think they missed this out of the gate, and even coming down $4.00 on the meals would bring more in and repeatable customers. You don't even pay these prices in Japan. I would return, and will, but the pricing is more than I think people would want to pay, especially being around a college campus. Time will tell, but it was a nice visit and I wish them all the success as a new entry into the local area! read more

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Love the food and just usually get the beef pepper rice and add an egg. Let the rice sit and sizzle and crisp up before diving in. One critique is I can't stand the kiosk. It's klunky and almost never works the first time. Super frustrating for newbies like my wife too. Just give me a human to take my order!!! read more

I tend to like Pepper lunch as a Chain elsewhere, but not sure if the quality of the beef at this location didn't feel the same? Service was good and it's a nice area, but felt I got less beef than usual and they were less tasty than I remember. I'd still return when back in the area again, since it's nice to have the option around ASU campus read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I gave this place a try last night for dinner with my friends. We were quickly greeted as we walked in and the worker gave us a quick rundown of how it worked. I ordered a chicken and beef bowl and added mushrooms and onions as it already came with garlic, pepper, and corn. My total with a drink was $28. Toppings are added and are about $1.99 each. My food came out superr fast. I had just sat down when the worker was already bringing me my hot sizzling plate. I waited a few minutes for it to continue to sizzle and I then gave it a good mix. Everything cooked well and it smelled so good. I added the two sauces that were on the table for some extra flavor and asked for some hot sauce as well. I do wish they had soy sauce available as that would've made the bowl more flavorful. The staff was friendly and it was clean and well lit inside. Will be back! read more

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I came during the soft opening. The Hamburg with curry and onions is tasty. I need to go back to try other dishes. The hot sizzling plate can cook sliced onions quickly. The plate did not stay hot the whole time so no need to be worried. The rice is fluffy and tasty. I wish there are more vegetables. The two sauces (garlic soy and sweet brown) on the table are tasty additions to the meal. No spicy chili here. read more

Pepper Lunch - Hamburg sizzling currry - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Been waiting for Pepper Lunch to make its Arizona appearance! The restaurant is located on Mill near ASU campus, so parking can be difficult. The nearest parking garage is the Mill Ave one, but you have to pay. The restaurant itself is clean and a decent size. All employees I interacted with were so sweet and helpful. There are two screens for self-ordering and it's super easy to navigate. You've got choices of rice/protein, pasta, and curry rice. The bowls are pretty customizable. My favorite is the kimchi beef, which already comes with toppings such as corn and cheese. You can add additional toppings for an extra cost per topping. It does have a good kick, but the sweet brown sauce provided at the table helps mellow out the spice. I also really enjoyed the sweet potato fries--they have a nice crisp. The yuzu cheesecake was okay for me. The consistency wasn't really fluffy but more mousse-like imo. read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Food is a bit pricey but very tasty! The staff here was very friendly and the place was very clean. Food came out very quickly! I got a side of teriyaki sauce and it was the right amount of sweetness that the dish needed. They also offer a garlic soy and sweet brown sauce for free. Will be back! read more

Pepper Lunch - JUMBO Beef Pepper Rice - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I've been to the Vegas Pepper Lunch, so I was excited to try the one that opened up in Tempe at ASU! My family and I came for lunch and shared a regular beef Pepper Lunch as well as a side of chicken karaage. Major shoutout to the staff, who greeted us immediately upon entry and were very kind throughout the visit, asking us if we needed anything/were always willing to help. The facility was clean and I even saw the staff busy cleaning the glass windows, where you could see into the kitchen. First, the side of chicken karaage was actually one of the best I have had! It was $4.50 and came with around 5-6 pieces of perfectly fried chicken. The classic beef pepper lunch had beef that was pretty bland, but tasted better with the added sauces. I also liked the corn and rice seasoning. My only wish is that it came with a better, less fattier cut of meat as well as more meat. I suppose you can pay an extra $4 for the Jumbo version of the Beef Pepper Lunch for extra meat... Overall, a great place to eat. Just expect to pay for parking or shark for street parking since it is on campus and they do not have parking validation. read more

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Super friendly staff. Interior was nice and not super overwhelming. ASU students get a discount. 2 stars from me due to the flavor, as it just wasn't there. The sauces didn't do much either. Maybe I will try it again and add different toppings, however, extra toppings are charged separately and are quite expensive for the amount you get. If you are craving pepper lunch, I would recommend trying some place else. At least for now. read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef Pepper Rice with Sliced Onions - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Been awaiting for Pepper Lunch to open up in the valley for a long time now and it's finally here. I first had it in California almost a decade ago along with Vegas and it hits every time. They're located on the ASU campus so expect paid garage parking and a walk. Open space and large seating is great for big parties and self order kiosk. I ordered my usual sliced beef with rice and it tasted as expected. *written during 1st day of soft opening, experiences may vary read more

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I was so excited when I heard Pepper Lunch opened in town as I loved it on my travels in China. Sadly what I got was this appetizer sized rice bowl for $15, no sizzling platter that literally makes Pepper lunch so good. You also lose a star for having mandatory automated ordering without passing on some of those savings to the customer. Do better. read more

Pepper Lunch - Salmon rice. - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Food was surprisingly very yummy despite seeming so simple. To me it is a bit pricey considering it is just beef rice and corn, and each added topping is about $2 each. I do appreciate that it is tasty and filling. You order through a touch screen and can sit down inside to eat. read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef Pepper Rice - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Cool spot and the food was yummy. I definitely recommend! I ordered the salmon bowl with rice and it was very tasty. The employees were all very friendly and explained to us how it all worked as we placed our orders. I will be back! read more

I've been here a few times already & i've decided that the cream chicken noodle is probably my favorite. Would recommend to anyone looking for an alternative to the rice. The service has been surprisingly very good & consistent too each time i've come here. Only negative thing is parking but that's not really their fault. ASU is really dedicated to giving out parking tickets so don't park somewhere where you shouldn't be :( lol. You have the choice of the limited (but free) togo parking or the $4/hour parking structure. read more

Pepper Lunch - cream chicken with bacon (requested no mushrooms or onions) - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Staff were so friendly here!! The guy at the counter even offered an ASU student discount before I asked. He was very informative as well. I've had pepper lunch a few times, and this holds up to be just as good as the other times! Highly recommend using a lot of sauce on the beef pepper rice. My friend said that the kimchi beef was amazing; she added an egg. The restaurant was PRISTINE and had a lot of seating available. Also, when I left the restaurant I forgot my wallet, and let me tell you, the server SPRINTED to me to give it back. Hot, fresh, and quick, highly recommend and I will be coming back soon. read more

Pepper Lunch - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I love making pepper lunch dupe at home but for those lazy days when I don't feel like dirtying a dish, this was still a satisfying meal. My friend and I decided to meet up here for dinner and the parking situation is extremely tricky and awkward. There is a garage nearby, however payment is mandatory and they do not offer compensation. The food itself was better than expected and came piping hot on a sizzling plate. The cashier was extremely kind and he kept checking up on us. Definitely wish there was more meat but I liked how they offered pepper and sauces at the table for customization. However due to the complicated parking, it is hard to say I will be visiting again soon. read more

The food here was great and came very quickly. When I went it was not busy at all but the staff was very friendly and helpful! read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef and kimchi - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I've been waiting for this day to come - Pepper Lunch in Arizona! I'm the biggest fan of their beef pepper lunch and the ribeye. The location is far from where I live BUT its nice that the parking garage is just a few feet away from the restaurant which is convenient because Tempe can be busy on Friday nights! The ambiance is clean, bright, and the servers were helpful. Placing our orders were straightforward- use the machine, pick your dish, you can easily customize your dish by adding or subtracting ingredients. Pricing is okay. The steak is pricey! I think the combos are worth the price. The food is great. Its just how I remember it, but be sure to remember to flip the meats for it to cook evenly. Sometimes I get so into the conversation that I forget to pay attention to my food. People start coming in around 6pm! So we really didnt wait long to order and the food came out after 10 mins! Overall, I love the service, the food, and the ambiance BUT I do wish there's a Pepper Lunch near me! read more

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Overall rating: 4/5 Wait: 4/5 Arrival time: Saturday 11am Food: 4/5 Order: Beef pepper steak, beef curry steak Service: 4/5 Price: 4/5 Worth it, would come back Stopped by around 11am on a Saturday to see what the buzz was about, as there really isn't anything else quite like this in the area. The concept relies on the food coming out completely fresh on a sizzling iron plate, allowing the beef pepper steak to cook right in front of you at the table. It is a functional and effective way to ensure the meal remains hot throughout the entire dining experience. I also ordered the beef curry steak, which offered a savory depth that paired well with the interactive cooking style. The worker on duty was friendly and attentive, helpful in explaining the process without hovering. It is a solid, good place to eat if you happen to be in the neighborhood. While it is a casual spot, the freshness and distinct presentation make it worth the price. read more

Second time in one week!!! Food is so worth it. The crew are so nice and accommodating. The place is chill and organized. Clean and friendly environment. I highly recommend this place. read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef and shrimp!!! - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Taste amazing, highly recommended! It cooks at the table, which I was nervous about but it was delish. The workers were super helpful and nice as well. read more

First time. And I was a little skeptical but....going on my regular list now. This food will blow you away. Staff is awesome. I shall return with family in tow read more

We came here Friday night and there were only a couple other diners. You order at a kiosk and they bring the food out. I had an angus steak salad and beef peoper rice. Both were very good. The garlic sauce wasn't very good but the sweet brown was ok. read more

First time trying Pepper Lunch and I must say everything was amazing! My Beef Pepper Rice was perfectly cooked and sizzling, and the servers were nice and attentive. The place in general is very clean and welcoming and I'd totally recommend this place to my friends! read more

Pepper Lunch - Beef Pepper Rice with Extra Egg - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

great experience at pepper lunch in tempe! food came fast and the service was seamless. i've been to pepper lunches across the globe, and i can say that this location is consistent flavor and quality wise. pepper lunch is one of my favorite asian chain restaurants and this spot lived up to all my expectations. only downside is the expensive garage parking ($4 an hour). i will definitely be back, but hopefully grab a street spot. read more

The food was so peak, the restaurant was calm and the lady at the cashier was so kind ! She also liked my bag. :)

This is our favorite easy meal back in Asia! I'm glad they decided to have it here in AZ, especially now that the asian population is growing. The staff are nice, very accommodating & it is clean! Its only been open i think 2wks, but we've been 5x already! read more

I loved the food and service there. And I got to cook my food which was teriyaki steak (I don't cook!) So that was a fun experience. The location is great and I thought the ambiance was great as I was there with a group of friends. Definitely go and try it...also tried their new desserts - lemon was my favourite. read more

We were really excited when we saw this place was opening soon. The pictures made it look very good. Our actual experience was pretty meh though. First of all, the location is pretty awkward. It's right on ASU campus, so there isn't any free parking available. The inside of the place actually looks pretty nice, but it is weird that you order right at the front on a kiosk instead of it being table service. The food itself was super bland. Our group tried the beef, chicken, and the curry. All of the meat felt like it had absolutely no seasoning, but after I finished I did see a sign with a QR code to a tutorial on how to eat it. It's possible I messed something up, but if they are going to have an unintuitive concept, then they should really explain it up front. The manager did walk us through the menu when we entered, and it would have been nice to get the "tutorial" then. The add-ons seem very expensive for what you get. One of us ordered the mozzarella for 2$, and was given the tiniest sprinkle on his meal. He did mention that it actually helped the flavor a lot, but he was very disappointed in the amount for that price. Overall, it was a weird place that we don't see ourselves coming back to again. The prices were high, and the flavor was severely lacking. read more

we went as a group of 5. We all chose different entrees including pepper rice, teriyaki and a shrimp pasta. Being able to easily add and subtract ingredients was fun as well as making the dishes mire personalized. The staff greeted us eagerly . They worked hard to make sure our needs were met and helped us learn how to cook and stir our skillets. The decor is bright, clean simple and fun. It is so fun to watch the staff prepping each meal. They are quick and efficient and work well as a team. Ya'all need to go and check it out! read more

I've been waiting to try this distinct food experience. Location is great for walking to and near Grady Gammage ASU venue, parking $ is off 10th St. The teppanyaki-style is cooking food at your table on a hot plate to your taste. The food, I had the salmon with pasta, was great. The key to great taste is mixing the food while it's cooking to bring out the flavor. I will definitely go back, maybe to the next location in Dove Valley, north Phoenix. read more

Pepper Lunch - Kiosk-style ordering, with help if needed - Japanese Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

It was great I really like it vegetarian and it tasted so delicious. I will be back The lady was so nice to

Excited Pepper Lunch is in AZ! Easy to order and pay from kiosk, quick and friendly service, and food was delicious.

This is one of the new restaurants that opened in the new University Gateway Building. Very spacious and clean seating and good view of Mill Ave and the streetcar. The customer service was helpful and friendly, as they explain the menu for new customers and help you order on the self service kiosk. I ordered the kimchi beef pepper rice and it is served on a hot plate. Tasted very good! read more