Let me start by saying... I have been coming here to Rice Things since 2004. A friend recommended this place for their portion size and cheap eats. Until about 2010, my wife and I would be able to get a pair of 3 item combo plate for less than $14. But its not the just the size and the affordablility, but the food is pretty good as well. As of this time (6/13/14), we pay around $17 for both our meal. My normal picks are sesame chicken, chicken katsu, and inari with a potato salad. What can I say, when I like something, its hard to try other things. It is a great way to share food... read more

Tried their california roll, chicken teriyaki, pork katsu and shrimp tempura. To start, their portions are huge considering the price point. However, the pork katsu was overcooked. California rolls were ok. I didnt like the shrimp tempura and the chicken teriyaki was bland. I'm not picky with food but this place was a disappointment. read more

I come here periodically, I always get in the queue, but I do not go hungry. The hall is small and constantly queued, but the price and amount of food justifies itself. Especially I love sushi, which for such a price you will not try anywhere. I love this place! read more

I have a habit of getting the same things every time I come here, despite the giant menu of offerings --- But I have been a patron of Rice Things for what seems like nearly a decade, and the food never disappoints. Keep in mind that Rice Things is a Japanese fast-food restaurant, and set your standards appropriately; you'll be pleasantly surprised. Prices have inched up over the years but remain very fair. The restaurant itself is rather small and can get very busy during peak lunch and dinner hours. It reminds me of mini-restaurant stalls in Japan, with just a bit more room for guests. Preparation of your order can range from quite fast to what-did-i-order-again? This is all determined by how busy things are, so plan accordingly. My tasty favorite list includes: Chicken Katsu, Curry and Beef Sukiyaki Update: Sadly, I need to lower my rating of this restaurant as food quality seems to have gone down in recent years. read more

I like this place, good prices good combos good miso soup, close to my house... hmm what else... ive never had a problem there, food always good. Give it a try =) read more

Looking for something good, fast and tasty? Look at none other than the gem of Japanese goodness at Rice Things. They have a complete array of Sushi's, Noodle soups, and your typical hibachi type meats along with an assortment or veggies to along with your spread. The prices are decently priced for their sushi's and combo plates. I usually go with the 2 combo plate with veggie tempura and chicken teriyaki along with some salmon rolls. It comes with a little salad too! The fiance usually goes for the noodle soups which she is thoroughly satisfied with. It's a place we frequent when we don't feel like cooking, that's fast, good and filling. read more

Oh rice things. Rice things is the PERFECT cheap Japanese food. Emphasis on cheap. The prices are very affordable, and the food is delicious. The quality of the ingredients seems to be a little on the cheaper side as well, but everything is well prepared and fresh to order. This place is great for Japanese on a budget, and they have plenty of variety. read more

Very good Japanese food and not expensive as other Japanese restaurants... Great for lunch and dinner.. I had the 3 Item combo with drink tonight... Chicken Katsu, Steak Teriyaki, and Crunch Roll includes salad and rice... For about $12.00 and the portions are nice.. The Staff is friendly..For you first timers going there for lunch I suggest getting there by 11:30 to beat the rush. Try the sweetened Green Tea it is good.. Under $10 if you go with the 2 item combo... read more

This is my first time at Rice Things- and I found this place to be great! The price for their portion is hhhhamazing~! I mean, I would need to be a lumberjack to be able to finish their 3 meal+drink combo which was only about $8- Since it was japanese, I thought 3 meal? eh~ how big can it be since usually all the japanese restaurants' food are dainty and small- and being extremely hungry I ordered that- which to my amazement- IT WAS HUGEEE!!! and I am NOT exaggerating- I ordered beef sukiyaki, beef teriyaki and spicy chicken- it comes with rice AND salad- the beef was a tad tough for my liking, but overall, it tasted good and I was FULL! I will definitely come back when I am starrrrrving~ (which unfortunately is quite often) read more

I love this place. I frequent it 1-2 times a week! Its affordable and fresh. I always get a "pick 2" with spicy tuna and avocado rolls... double salad, no rice. The staff is super friendly and remember me whenever I enter. There is outdoor seating, which is limited and butted up to a parking lot, but its nice to sit in the sun. Its the best $7 lunch in town! They are fast enough for a lunch break and delicious enough to tell your friends about. This is a MUST TRY. Parking is stellar with a private lot, too! **the atmosphere is a little cafeteria-like and there is no wine/beer, so I wouldn't bring a date here, but its a great stop for affordable sushi with friends or coworkers. read more

*Review Based on 2 visits. Dine-in & take out* I've heard of this place for a while from coworkers who rave about it constantly. So as a loyal Yelper I looked it up before trying it... mixed reviews! So I went for it! *Dine-In Service* Two coworkers and I drive over and place our orders for dinning in... we take a seat at a 4 top table (we combine two 2 tops) as there are 3 of us and noticed another set of 3 people had done the same. While waiting for our food an older (50's/60's) oriental lady comes over and says "No no please sit over there"... (pointing to a 2 top table) as she is getting an additional chair and places it converting the 2 top into a now squished 3 top! I am 7 months pregnant and myself nor my coworkers are by any means petite! "Just for lunch, its busy", she says... Ok I'll give in and remain squished for the sake of her business being so busy! (There was only us, the other party of 3, and another couple eating at the time... but hey she knows her business best and its just 11:30am! .. Food arrives about 10 minutes later and if we weren't cramped before we most definitely are now! Its insane! She comes back as she noticed the other party of 3 had a table for 4 (as we did before) and she proceeds to move them to a single table along with their food! Again saying just for lunch as it gets "REALLY" busy! Mind you it is now around 11:45 and it's still just us, the party of 3 and another couple... and there are about 10 tables open! ... still, we eat and walk out around 12:45pm and the entire time the place stays at a max of about 4-5 couples eating! Never did it get swamped nor super busy! I noticed many phone in orders for take out instead! *Food* I ordered the Teriyaki Salmon combo plate with veggie tempura and a CA Roll, super tasty! Salmon was cooked perfectly and it was a really big peice! Plate comes with rice and salad which was way more than plenty! Food was great so no complaints there! *Take-Out Service* 2 weeks later I crave Chicken Katsu (well the baby NOT me, LOL)... so of course I decided to have another go at this place but this time I'll bring it back to the office!.. didn't call it instead I drive up! I place my order and it was quick and simple... total $6.52 for a Chicken Katsu Plate with an Avocado Roll... Nice! ... I sit and wait... Less than 10 minutes later I have my food.. As a creature of habit I check my food just in case.. Notice there are only 2 little packets of Tonkatsu sauce so I ask the young girl whom took my order for a couple extra, she gives me one, I ask very nicely if she would be so kind as to give me just 1 more. Thats when my pleasant visit goes sour and guess who shows up to the party!? Yup, you guessed it... the older oriental lady from our past visit! She proceeds to take my bag from me never saying a word to me in ENGLISH and opens my plate to see how many packets were in there.. 3! She starts speaking in her native language and I think its safe to say I annoyed her!.. I tell her "I realize I have 3 but I'll pay if I have to to get just 1 more because I really like the sauce!" She says "OK" walks away to get another packet and all while probably wishing death upon me in her language! I ended up paying $0.25 for the additional packet! The young girl whom took my order just stood there against the back wall with an apologetic look on her face and just gave me a smile. *Food* This time I ordered the Chicken Katsu Plate with rice, salad, and an avocado roll! Food was plenty, chicken crunchy but juicy. Salad was crisp and the roll was tasty. Again, no complaints on the food! Bottom Line: 3 Stars but only for the food! I would give it a 5 stars if this lady would just stay in the back and run the office side of things and leave the customers alone! I thought I would get around it by ordering out but boy was I wrong! read more

Rice Things - Chicken Katsu with Avocado Roll - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

Ok, I do like this place--the food is generally yummy and fresh, and all for a good price. But the owner was a bit ornery when I asked him what was in the curry. His face turned sour, as he said "vegetable" and walked away. I wasn't trying to steal the recipe. I was only trying to see if the curry fit within my current diet parameters. So, don't expect to make small talk with the owner--especially about what he puts in the curry. All in all though, the food is cheap and good. read more

Honestly I thought the food was mediocre. Ya it's cheap and fast but I would like tasty also. here's my experience. I had the chicken teriyaki and california roll combo. 1. the chicken was boiled and sauced poured over it (disgusting) 2. the the rice texture on the cali-roll was doughy. if you just want cheap food be my guest but. The food is terible, i honestly dont know how some yelpers can say this is good food. It just isn't. the fact that they boil the chicken for teriyaki should tell you that. read more

I was introduced to this place by my friend and I have to say that if this is Japanese fast food, then I am impressed. Now some of the dishes and items served here might be akin to your run of the mill Hawaiian fast food restaurant, i.e. L&L and Ono, but unlike said places, the food served here definitely lean towards what you would see at a Japanese restaurant. However, for all intent and purposes this establishment is still considered fast food. Not that there is anything wrong with it, when it comes to food and pretty much everything in life, to each their own. The food is well prepared with generous portions for an amazing price. Their sushi is surprisingly descent, but I go here for other items. Particularly their combo plates and udons. The food is fresh and as authentic as it can get for a fast food Japanese restaurant. trust me it's a must go. Service very friendly when you step up to the cash register to make an order, just make sure you are standing the correct line to make an order. The establishment can get backed up with phone-in/to-go orders and there will be people standing about. You might not know if the person in front of you is either standing to order or waiting for their order. I have never eaten in their main sitting area before. However, from what I can see service is just as friendly when they bring your food to you. read more

I love this place! Yes, it's not a 5-star Japanese restaurant, but it doesn't try to be. What it is, is a little hole-in-the-wall, family owned and run, casual, quick, and cheap-eats gem! I've been going here since 2002, and the only difference I've seen is they have added more items to their menu and are busier, more popular than ever! All this means is that you should plan ahead if you want to dine in...but if you prefer to call in an order ahead of time for take-out, it will still be ready for you in about 10 mins. Just be aware that parking is limited, sometimes a challenge. As for the food, I have my favorites, but it has more to do with my tastes/preferences. I can't speak to the cooked fish, because I don't think I will ever order cooked fish in a Japanese sushi place. The bottom line is I like some things better than others, but on the whole, I think the food is pretty good...and for the price, it's great! My only recommendation is to take some time to review the menu ahead of time, before you get in line, because there are a lot of good options. read more

Been coming here for 10 years. Decent price on meals. Good sushi. The owner (male) is the rudest person I've ever met in the service industry as a customer. His wife is very nice tho. Hopefully he reads this. You make it horrible to have to ever face you. Very rude read more

This is my fav spot for lunch... Taste, service and price are all pretty good in my book. Glad the das is no longer too involved with the day to day device. He lacked human touch! Lol The wife is always very cordial and sweet. Keep it up guys! read more

Placing a Phone order here is one of the hardest things to do... I don't mean to be rude but they're English is not too well and they are not to courteous over the phone. I mean I had to call back and get an ETA because she hung up that fast on me. Now it's around the lunch hour so maybe it's the fact that they might be bombarded with calls possibly but that still is not a proper excuse. Although it was a little disappointing through this process I am not surprised nor am I shocked I have gone on to realize that those with less than four stores usually means that you're going to run into some sort of problems one way or another for me it was this way read more

I lived in the South Bay area before, moved away for three years, and when I moved back, Rice Things was on the top of my list of places to go for good, inexpensive food. I am always in the mood for sushi, but not always in the mood for beach cities sushi bar prices. Sometimes you don't really feel you get what you pay for when you go out for sushi, but at Rice Things you get what you pay for. The lunch combos are perfect portions and won't kill your wallet. I always suggest Rice Things to everyone I talk to that wants sushi and doesn't want to drop sixty bucks to get full. Not five stars because it isn't anything that is going to blow you away, but I have ordered takeout hundreds of times and never been disappointed. For me, restaurants are about being consistent, and Rice Things is just that. read more

I love this place. I use to go there for lunch 2-3 times a week when I worked in El Segundo. Great quality food 4/5, price is 5/5 can't beat their price, service is also good but can get crowded and might take a while to get your food. Giving it 4 stars because I tried 80% of their food and I have to say their Sesame Chicken is over fried and hard. I like their old menu because it was cheaper then their new current menu. Whenever I am around the area its Rice Things time! Recommend 2-3 items combo! read more

Rice and Things is amazing. 2 combo with great portion of food with a drink under $10.00 is amazing. I had the hamburger steak, spicy Tuna a roll combo. It comes with rice, and salad too. Will be back when I'm super hungry. read more

Good cheap Japanese food spot. My friend and I came here one night for a meal and we both got our meals for under $10. Food was good but my friend did catch food poisoning after eating, I was fine. Eater be ware. read more

We came early for dinner before 5P on Sun. No problem with ordering and the food arrived at the table about 20min later. As we started eating, the old cranky extremely rude Japanese owner was cleaning the tables around asked if there are more people coming and we said NO. Then he started pulling our table away and if I had not picked up my tray quickly, my entire tray would have fallen to the ground. Are you serious? I was in shock and he acted like nothing happened. This Japanese owner is apparently sending a clear message that "With you or without you, I still have good business so get lost". I thought this owner must be a psycho to treat customers this way. I always have respect for Japanese people as they are often seem very well mannered but this owner is the complete opposite. The rest of the employees there were pleasant and helpful. The food was so so, with barely any salad dressings for my salad. I was kind of shock as I often use very little salad dressings anyway but this is probably less than a teaspoon in a tiny cup for a fairly large salad. Very interesting. I rarely ever come here any more because I found a much better Japanese restaurant down the street with similar price point and FAR BETTER food called California Sushi on PCH in Hermosa Beach. read more

We miss Rice Things!!!!!!!!!!!!! We moved back up to Northern CA and this is one of the places we miss the most. We haven't found a Japanese food place that is good quality and cheap. We love the sesame chicken (with no sauce, it's crispier), the calamari salad and the chicken katsu. You can get a 3 item combo with salad, rice and a drink for under $8.00. What a deal, especially in the beach cities. We've never, ever had any issues with service. Maybe that's because my hubby was quite a regular and since converting me we were there at least 2 times a week. Whenever it got crowded the owner George would always find a place for us. His wife is also very friendly and greets us every time we've come in. Our only complaint is that we've never gotten the Rice Things t-shirt. I guess they haven't made one yet. See you on our next visit George! read more

I ordered a Tempura California Roll with Eel sauce and it was so good! Everything seemed really affordable so I'll definitely be back.

Their chicken Katsu is the best or eggrolls - All their food is good they have really good prices I highly recommend this place number one spot. read more

Was expecting it to be bad after the new owners took over after seeing some bad reviews about the changes but it was great and the price increase is worth it. read more

Great value and great selection! I've been here probably a dozen times, and can't remember one bad experience. Everything seems fresh and (for the most part) pretty healthy. They have a wide variety of fish and meat dishes, and it's one of the few places you can get entirely stuffed with quality non-fast-food for under $10. The service is friendly and usually pretty quick. It's kind of small and gets pretty crowded, and the small parking lot can prove difficult at times, but it's usually manageable. My suggestion is to check out the menu online before going, because if you get there and try sorting through the hundreds of possible combinations while standing in line, it'll be your turn to order and you'll either hem and haw and annoy everyone behind you, or you'll freak out and run away. Don't be that guy. My favorite dishes here are the beef sukiyaki, the gyoza, and the salmon teriyaki. The sushi is also pretty good. It's not a gourmet sushi joint, but it's really not bad, and it's a very good value compared to other places in the area. But if it's your first time here, get a 3-item combo and just pick any 3 items at random. Odds are, you'll get at least 2 winners. read more

Love this place for a quick take out dinner. My little kids love their chicken teriyaki bowl and I love the spicy tuna bowl. yummy! Not the prettiest place but it's a good deal for a quick dinner. read more

Food is mediocre. But considering that it's fast food, it's not so bad! I been here a couple of times and honestly, I don't remember what I've tried so far. Cheap though, compared to other Japanese restaurants. Casual enough; it's definitely a great place when you just want to run somewhere and grab a quick bite of non-American fast food. Last week, I ordered to-go. The restaurant was empty at that time but I still waited for about 15 minutes. I completely forgot to check the order (2 beef udon, 8 pieces of crunchy something sushi) when they handed it to me and came home with only 5 pieces of sushi! I only had the beef udon. Soup suited my taste pretty well; not too flavorful, not too bland either. Beef was cut a little too thick. read more

My Love affair with Rice things has existed for many years. I been on Yelp for quite a while and have reviewed Rice Things on my blog bt never on yelp. I live in the south bay, and rice things is close enough to go all the time. Rice things is one of my favorite first date places. The prices are great, the food is very good, and the selection is awesome. Just wish they had a bigger dinning area, cant have a raunchy conversation because the people eating next to you will for sure hear you. The chicken Katsu is my personal Favorite and their Katsu Sauce is the best read more

Rice Things is a must for when I happen to visit my favorite group of friends in Redondo. This place is small and seating is limited when its busy as fuck. I usually get a poke bowl with a philly roll. For my drink I always get a Calpico! They accept debit card so thats a plus. In other reviews for this place a few people have said that their quality of food has gone down. But I think the food is exceptionally good. But then I've only been coming here for a couple of months so.. EH.. I still think its pretty tasty. As for service its alright. Can't really complain. They do whats expected. I've never been shoo'd away for seating and the cashiers have never been rude to me. I'll be coming back to this place because I like this place and I think the food is good. read more

I have been coming here since high school because a good friend of mine worked here. Even after she's gone, it is still my go-to place for Japanese food. It is decently priced and delicious! If you are looking for authentic Japanese food, this is the place for you! The place is a tad small but I never seem to have a problem finding a seat. Great for takeout as well! read more

Rice Things - delicious and cheap! - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

We're regulars and love this place. It's a good value and has delicious, fresh food. The owner is also almost always working and is super friendly. read more

Rice Things - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

They serve curry over rice which is one of my favorite things to eat. They are kind of expensive for what you get, though (I guess I am not completely used to LA being more expensive for food than back home). Also, it gets really crowded during lunch, so don't bring too large of a group. The cashiers can be downright rude. read more

Nice service and tons of food. I had a 3 item combo this time but think I'll try the chicken katsu curry next time! read more

Rice Things - Three item combo with chicken teryaki, gyoza and spicy tuna rolls. - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

I love this place because you get so much for your money. I think this plate was around $13/$14 and I shared with two of my sisters. It's just so much lol I highly recommend their potato Mac salad. I basically come here for that and the veggies! read more

Rice Things - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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My husband and I have been meaning to try this place for years and we finally had an opportunity to do so this past weekend. For a person who frequents this restaurant regularly, I am certain that navigating the menu is not a problem. As first time patrons, we felt a bit overwhelmed. The staff is friendly and the service is quick. The prices are decent except for the sushi, which is a bit on the expensive side for what you get. If you want fast food sushi that is reasonably priced, consider Sushi Boy instead. I would definitely recommend going with the combo plates, the serving portions are fairly large. For example, I was unable to finish my pork katsu dish, I felt that it could literally feed two! We enjoyed our first experience here and will be coming back to try other menu items. read more

Rice things is by far the best Japanese food in Redondo Beach, I have been their patron for more than 10 years now and to this day the quality is on par with places like fusion sushi or other spots in the Southbay that charge slightly more. It is very affordable, filling and there are literally hundreds of combinations for the the combo plates (either a 2 or 3 item). Additionally, they offer great substitutions for health conscious eaters such as extra salad with no rice at no extra charge or brown rice instead of white rice for only .50 more. There Udon and Soba bowls are also perfectly portioned and have a great array of combinations. Let not forget the service, they are always very courteous and attentive. The one recommendation I to not order it for take-out because by the time you get home the food will be cold, even if you heat it up it lacks the same flavor. Keep it up Rice Things! read more

I honestly don't come here as often as I should. Rice Things is a small restaurant but they have so much to offer. I used to come here often way back before I was a Yelper because one of my high school friends used to work here. I probably wouldn't have discovered this place if it wasn't for her. I love it here for numerous reasons. First of all, they're affordable. They offer combination plates at really affordable prices. The other day I was able to get a three item plate with chicken katsu, 8pc avocado rolls, and tofu nuggets for 8.01 and it came with rice and a salad. That's a steal in my opinion. I also love that they have so much food to choose from. You're able to choose from traditional Japanese and Hawaiian foods. Another thing I love about this place is that you have the option for customization. If you order any meats, you can ask for the fat to be trimmed for a healthier meal. It's a great place to dine at after a long day or even a workout. I will be back soon! read more