The Rice Photos
Business Info
The Rice Popular Dishes
THE RICE ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
Recommended Reviews - The Rice
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Outstanding food! We started with the house salad - the dressings were so tasty - carrot onion dressing and a sesame dressing - loved both! We got the Hokkaido don - salmon, ikura, and scallops over rice. We also got the toro don - toro over rice - loved the radish in the bowl for the crunchy texture. Both bowls featured fresh fish and nicely cooked rice. The miso soups that came with were very flavorful and tasty. We definitely want to come back to try some of the cooked dishes/bento boxes. Friendly service! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute, cozy spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
Got the prime beef sukiyaki to go and it was really yummy! The beef, tofu, and mushrooms were all flavored really well. It was a perfect lunch portion that doesn't fill you up too much. We called in and picked it up within 15-20mins and it was ready by the time we were there. My only complaint is the prices are pretty steep for portion size but overall happy with the food!
Found The Rice unintentionally, after a hike on the Whiting Ranch Trail. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The Rice feels like a mom and pop kinda place, with a few tables inside and two tables outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu is pretty expansive, and offers a variety of Japanese comfort food. The staff are really friendly. We sat outside initially as there were no tables available inside, but once a table became available inside, the cashier invited us to sit inside. We got pork curry udon, black cod bento box and cold brew matcha. Food was pretty good. The curry felt home made and had a unique umami aftertaste. The fish was fresh and nicely cooked. The side salad came with two types of house made dressing to choose from, and they were both really good. The cold brew matcha was $9 but it comes in a big jar and it was freshly made. Overall, a very nice experience, but I agree with others, that the price is a bit high.
Food was unique. Very interesting tasting curry. Not sure if I liked it but I can definitely say I have never had any curry like this before, super herbal tasting. Also lamb chops were good but SO SMALL!!! For the price, I was not expecting the portion to be so tiny. The chirashi bowl was good though! Good quality fish and the rice was very well made! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super super small seating area. The owner does not allow big parties.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 3.5/5 Overall decent uniquely flavored food, but definitely pricey for the portion sizes. If I returned, will stick to the chirashi bowls!
Do: - Get the Donburi and bluefin toro bowl! - Enjoy the miso soup that comes fresh tofu Don't: get the curry lamb chop it was too small and not a traditional curry taste The service was amazing even though they had constant flow of customers walking in. We got their speciality teas and mochi dessert to end the meal. Would definitely come back again for the bowls.
Hidden Gem in Foothill Ranch - The Rice is a Must-Try! After dining at The Rice, I had to share. This place absolutely delivers on flavor, quality, and service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm, modern, and welcoming. It's cozy, and quaint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You can tell the staff actually care about what they're serving. I ordered the Miso Mackerel, and it blew me away. Perfectly balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and that comforting homemade feel without being heavy or greasy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]What I really appreciate is the attention to detail--whether it's the presentation, the portion sizes, or even how clean and inviting the restaurant is.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You get the sense that this isn't just another strip mall eatery; it's something special. The portions were the perfect size. I felt I didn't overeat, and was perfectly satisfied with the meal. Prices are totally fair for the quality, and it's the kind of spot you can bring a date, your family, or even pick up something quick and satisfying to-go. They have an excellent tea selection, as well as a selection of beer and sake ! Highly recommend this place if you're in the area--or even if you're not. It's worth the detour.
This entire meal was so amazing!! Came here with family and we ordered a bunch of stuff to share. First off the miso soup was pretty good, just your standard soup. But oh my gosh the salmon and hamachi, and unagi donburi was sooo good!! I came here like 2 months ago and I'm still thinking about it today. The salmon and hamachi bowl had some really fresh fish. The pieces of fish are so thick and I think this is really good value for $18. There was too much rice in the bowl though so the ratio wasn't the best, but the amount of fish was still a lot. My favorite was the unagi donburi bowl and the eel was so delicious!! I love the smoky flavor and the sauce paired with the eel. Again though there was way too much rice in the bowl. The kitsune udon was super light and refreshing as well! Service was super quick and food came out fast too :)
Good: spacious parking in area with Chase bank & Ralphs supermarket, grilled cod bento box was delicious, [[HIGHLIGHT]]some outdoor seating[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and service. Bad: [[HIGHLIGHT]]tiny place that could seat 3-4 small groups inside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], miso soup was lukewarm (ick), 3% charge if paying with credit card, prices were quite high with most items $20+ which being in a strip mall is audacious for lunch.
The Rice is amazing and pretty authentic! Definitely a hidden gym that is not easy to spot. Their fish bowls were so good and helped me to relive the fond memories I had of Japan! The place is super authentic, fish is super fresh. The sushi rice that comes with the meal is super good. I normally never finish the rice but I was tempted to eat all the rice here. The texture and quality of rice is A+. The name doesn't stand out, and I would have overlooked this place if not for the compliments from my friends. Give this place a try even though it's just called "The Rice" Cons: Pricey, but the quality of fish and prep is worth it! Pro-tip: They charge a 3% fee for using credit cards or gift cards. So either bring cash to pay or use a debit card to avoid the 3% fee.
Incredible! Both the service and the food were outstanding. We went in skeptically because of the few recent poor reviews but were pleasantly surprised. We ordered the Prime Beef Sukiyaki Bento and the Deluxe Kaisen Donburi. The sashimi couldn't have been any fresher and the roe on top was sweet. The beef was tender and perfectly cooked and seasoned. Service was fantastic and we didn't have to wait as much as people have complained - probably waited 15-20 mins to get freshly cooked meal which is totally worth it. Family cooked meals tend to take time. And they brought in our miso soups (included in combos) while we were waiting. Portions were great for us. Probably not as large to take leftovers home but an entree size is enough to stuff an adult. We cannot wait to go back!
Pricey but the quality is there. The deluxe donburi is the best. They put premium sashimi in the bowl. The tuna is like the fatty tuna. They put smelt and salmon eggs. The sweet shrimp and scallop pieces are good. No complaints here. Every time that I got this deluxe bowl, I have been happy. The chicken and egg donburi was good. Very tasty. Seating is limited but we never had to wait too long for a table. Don't forget to try the soy sauce spray! HAPPY SASHIMIING!!
There's no reason to travel to Japan or even Little Tokyo when you can get authentic Japanese food right here in Foothill Ranch. This small shop makes various dishes that taste authentically Japanese...because they ARE. Aside from the food the cooks and staff are Japanese and offer uniquely friendly Japanese hospitality. Even though most of their business looks to be takeout it's a popular place with limited seating. The interior only has four tables with a couple outside. It's a good idea to call and make a reservation on a weekend night if you plan to come with the family otherwise you may find yourself waiting. I ordered the curry pork dish and my wife got a beef bowl that came with miso soup. The curry was incredible. They create it using a secret mix of spices. The pork pieces were tender and delicious and a small salad was fresh with a vibrant dressing on the side. You'd expect a place named The Rice would have some good rice on the plate and they most certainly deliver. You're not going to find better prepared rice anywhere outside of Japan. A couple bites of my wife's beef bowl allow me to say that one is a winner too. The beef is so tender and flavorful. The Rice is located in a Ralphs shopping plaza that I go to multiple times each week and have overlooked until now. Big mistake on my part. This is going to be a spot I frequent often from now on.
Review Insights
7 hours ago
I tried their sashimi bowl and it was good but expensive! Sushi was soft and flavorful so quality of fish is top tier. It comes in a big bowl of sushi rice. It was like $35 bucks though for 7 pieces. It's a bit much for me. People are nice and parking is easy. It's in a shopping center. Not a fan of the name of the place though. Maybe it should've been a Japanese name since it's a pretty authentic Japanese place. read more
4 months ago
Can't believe I haven't written about this place after all these years. Hands down the best authentic Japanese restaurant with some really amazing items especially in their rotating menus written on the blackboard. Can't go wrong with anything here but the best ones are the seasonal ones and those specials on the board. Be adventurous and try something that you won't see in typical Japanese eateries around here. Some of my favorites: - beef tongue curry - saba mentai roll (slightly sour marinated and grilled mackerel) - scallop creamy udon - grilled mackerel They use local organic veggies. Have good alcoholic beverages selection. Service is always prompt even when they're busy around lunch time. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is cute and reminds me of the one featured in the Midnight Diner on Netflix[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . read more
Outstanding food! We started with the house salad - the dressings were so tasty - carrot onion dressing and a sesame dressing - loved both! We got the Hokkaido don - salmon, ikura, and scallops over rice. We also got the toro don - toro over rice - loved the radish in the bowl for the crunchy texture. Both bowls featured fresh fish and nicely cooked rice. The miso soups that came with were very flavorful and tasty. We definitely want to come back to try some of the cooked dishes/bento boxes. Friendly service! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute, cozy spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
11 days ago
7 months ago
21 days ago
Got the prime beef sukiyaki to go and it was really yummy! The beef, tofu, and mushrooms were all flavored really well. It was a perfect lunch portion that doesn't fill you up too much. We called in and picked it up within 15-20mins and it was ready by the time we were there. My only complaint is the prices are pretty steep for portion size but overall happy with the food! read more
24 days ago
1 year ago
Found The Rice unintentionally, after a hike on the Whiting Ranch Trail. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The Rice feels like a mom and pop kinda place, with a few tables inside and two tables outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu is pretty expansive, and offers a variety of Japanese comfort food. The staff are really friendly. We sat outside initially as there were no tables available inside, but once a table became available inside, the cashier invited us to sit inside. We got pork curry udon, black cod bento box and cold brew matcha. Food was pretty good. The curry felt home made and had a unique umami aftertaste. The fish was fresh and nicely cooked. The side salad came with two types of house made dressing to choose from, and they were both really good. The cold brew matcha was $9 but it comes in a big jar and it was freshly made. Overall, a very nice experience, but I agree with others, that the price is a bit high. read more
11 months ago
Dan Dan Udon is the bomb when it's available. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Small like a Japanese restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is nice and friendly but a little slow. read more
1 year ago
Food was unique. Very interesting tasting curry. Not sure if I liked it but I can definitely say I have never had any curry like this before, super herbal tasting. Also lamb chops were good but SO SMALL!!! For the price, I was not expecting the portion to be so tiny. The chirashi bowl was good though! Good quality fish and the rice was very well made! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super super small seating area. The owner does not allow big parties.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 3.5/5 Overall decent uniquely flavored food, but definitely pricey for the portion sizes. If I returned, will stick to the chirashi bowls! read more
Do: - Get the Donburi and bluefin toro bowl! - Enjoy the miso soup that comes fresh tofu Don't: get the curry lamb chop it was too small and not a traditional curry taste The service was amazing even though they had constant flow of customers walking in. We got their speciality teas and mochi dessert to end the meal. Would definitely come back again for the bowls. read more
1 year ago
Hidden Gem in Foothill Ranch - The Rice is a Must-Try! After dining at The Rice, I had to share. This place absolutely delivers on flavor, quality, and service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm, modern, and welcoming. It's cozy, and quaint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You can tell the staff actually care about what they're serving. I ordered the Miso Mackerel, and it blew me away. Perfectly balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and that comforting homemade feel without being heavy or greasy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]What I really appreciate is the attention to detail--whether it's the presentation, the portion sizes, or even how clean and inviting the restaurant is.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You get the sense that this isn't just another strip mall eatery; it's something special. The portions were the perfect size. I felt I didn't overeat, and was perfectly satisfied with the meal. Prices are totally fair for the quality, and it's the kind of spot you can bring a date, your family, or even pick up something quick and satisfying to-go. They have an excellent tea selection, as well as a selection of beer and sake ! Highly recommend this place if you're in the area--or even if you're not. It's worth the detour. read more
2 years ago
This entire meal was so amazing!! Came here with family and we ordered a bunch of stuff to share. First off the miso soup was pretty good, just your standard soup. But oh my gosh the salmon and hamachi, and unagi donburi was sooo good!! I came here like 2 months ago and I'm still thinking about it today. The salmon and hamachi bowl had some really fresh fish. The pieces of fish are so thick and I think this is really good value for $18. There was too much rice in the bowl though so the ratio wasn't the best, but the amount of fish was still a lot. My favorite was the unagi donburi bowl and the eel was so delicious!! I love the smoky flavor and the sauce paired with the eel. Again though there was way too much rice in the bowl. The kitsune udon was super light and refreshing as well! Service was super quick and food came out fast too :) read more
1 month ago
Good: spacious parking in area with Chase bank & Ralphs supermarket, grilled cod bento box was delicious, [[HIGHLIGHT]]some outdoor seating[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and service. Bad: [[HIGHLIGHT]]tiny place that could seat 3-4 small groups inside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], miso soup was lukewarm (ick), 3% charge if paying with credit card, prices were quite high with most items $20+ which being in a strip mall is audacious for lunch. read more
The Rice is amazing and pretty authentic! Definitely a hidden gym that is not easy to spot. Their fish bowls were so good and helped me to relive the fond memories I had of Japan! The place is super authentic, fish is super fresh. The sushi rice that comes with the meal is super good. I normally never finish the rice but I was tempted to eat all the rice here. The texture and quality of rice is A+. The name doesn't stand out, and I would have overlooked this place if not for the compliments from my friends. Give this place a try even though it's just called "The Rice" Cons: Pricey, but the quality of fish and prep is worth it! Pro-tip: They charge a 3% fee for using credit cards or gift cards. So either bring cash to pay or use a debit card to avoid the 3% fee. read more
9 months ago
Incredible! Both the service and the food were outstanding. We went in skeptically because of the few recent poor reviews but were pleasantly surprised. We ordered the Prime Beef Sukiyaki Bento and the Deluxe Kaisen Donburi. The sashimi couldn't have been any fresher and the roe on top was sweet. The beef was tender and perfectly cooked and seasoned. Service was fantastic and we didn't have to wait as much as people have complained - probably waited 15-20 mins to get freshly cooked meal which is totally worth it. Family cooked meals tend to take time. And they brought in our miso soups (included in combos) while we were waiting. Portions were great for us. Probably not as large to take leftovers home but an entree size is enough to stuff an adult. We cannot wait to go back! read more
Pricey but the quality is there. The deluxe donburi is the best. They put premium sashimi in the bowl. The tuna is like the fatty tuna. They put smelt and salmon eggs. The sweet shrimp and scallop pieces are good. No complaints here. Every time that I got this deluxe bowl, I have been happy. The chicken and egg donburi was good. Very tasty. Seating is limited but we never had to wait too long for a table. Don't forget to try the soy sauce spray! HAPPY SASHIMIING!! read more
There's no reason to travel to Japan or even Little Tokyo when you can get authentic Japanese food right here in Foothill Ranch. This small shop makes various dishes that taste authentically Japanese...because they ARE. Aside from the food the cooks and staff are Japanese and offer uniquely friendly Japanese hospitality. Even though most of their business looks to be takeout it's a popular place with limited seating. The interior only has four tables with a couple outside. It's a good idea to call and make a reservation on a weekend night if you plan to come with the family otherwise you may find yourself waiting. I ordered the curry pork dish and my wife got a beef bowl that came with miso soup. The curry was incredible. They create it using a secret mix of spices. The pork pieces were tender and delicious and a small salad was fresh with a vibrant dressing on the side. You'd expect a place named The Rice would have some good rice on the plate and they most certainly deliver. You're not going to find better prepared rice anywhere outside of Japan. A couple bites of my wife's beef bowl allow me to say that one is a winner too. The beef is so tender and flavorful. The Rice is located in a Ralphs shopping plaza that I go to multiple times each week and have overlooked until now. Big mistake on my part. This is going to be a spot I frequent often from now on. read more
5 months ago
1 year ago
First time coming here and ordered the salmon and hamachi donburi togo! Was super excited because I was craving fish. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute little restaurant and the lady was very nice and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was surprised that the donburi came with miso soup but of course not complaining... until I did taste the miso. Flavor was not strong at all, mostly tasted like water. Onto the donburi, pretty good until I got to the tiny piece of hamachi on the side. Thought it was just a little extra they added in... did not expect a bone to be in my sashimi. read more
1 year ago
9 months ago
Very underrated Japanese spot in foothill ranch. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is small you can't really eat here with a huge group.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]A total of 4 small tables but the food was good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Seems pretty authentic, very glad I got to check this place out! read more
10 months ago
11 months ago
10 months ago
2 years ago
This is located in the Foothill Ranch Marketplace at the corner of Portola Parkway and Bake Parkway. Chase Mortgage is on the actual corner, but Ralphs is probably more visible or serves more as a landmark for this plaza. It's one of the rare Japanese owned and operated Japanese restaurants (there are more Korean and Chinese owned Japanese restaurants nowadays - nothing wrong with that, just an observation). The interior is small, with couple of tables and chairs that may roughly fit up to 15 people or so. There are outdoor seating as well. Personally, I think that their food is okay...tasty, but not out of this world. With that being said, I gave 4 stars for reasons below. My kid likes it, so thus, I've been here a few times. I recently came here with my kid on a Thursday around 2:30pm for a late lunch to go. Prices definitely have gone up since our last visit, as have every other restaurants'. We ordered the salisbury steak bento box ($20), the salisbury steak curry ($21), and the 8pc gyoza ($9). They do charge a 3% or 3.5% fee (sorry, don't remember) if paying with credit card. The salisbury steak burgers were tender and juicy, and went very well with the onion sauce. In fact, the burgers actually needed the sauce as they lacked a bit of seasoning for my taste. The sides change, and this time I got pickled cucumbers (tsukemono) and mac salad (came with a dressing rather than mayo). Both sides were good. The curry sauce was different from what I'm used to though. They make it from scratch using 21 different spices from India, so there's a strong flavor of those with a slight kick. Kind of like a mesh between Japanese and Indian curry. I think one reviewer said that it tasted medicinal...yeah, I see what you mean (medicinal spices: tumeric, saffron, nutmeg, ginger, etc.). I haven't tried any of their sashimi/raw stuff, but I've had a few of their other menu items like the jidori chicken and grilled salmon. A lot of their proteins are gently seasoned, and the whole menu reminds me of home cooked meals ("katei ryouri"). Everything is carefully sourced, from protein selection to using organic produce and butter, and they make a lot of their stuff from scratch like dressings and sauces. Definitely a great option if looking for something clean and healthier. read more
10 months ago
10 months ago
6 months ago
11 months ago
1 year ago
Best japanese restaurant in foothill ranch,their beef sukiyaki & salmon aburi is so gooddservice always good and authentic japanese food read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
7 months ago
We went for lunch and it seems they added items to their menu. I got the salmon/yellowtail bowl like I did before and the fish was so fresh! My wife had the grilled saba(mackerel) and she liked it. That's her favorite, so if she says it's good, it's good! Such friendly and caring service by the owner(?) We will be back!! read more
Page 1 of 9
More info about The Rice
Ask the Community - The Rice
Does the curry contain any dairy?
Yes - all their curries are made with dairy. I also asked them as a fellow lactose intolerant
Which items are vegan? Can they do a tofu vegan bento box or vegan sushi?
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
10 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
6 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
6 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
The Rice - japanese - Updated July 2026
Best of Foothill Ranch
People found The Rice by searching for…
Browse Nearby
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Restaurants near The Rice
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Coffee near The Rice
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Things to Do near The Rice
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Sushi near The Rice
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Desserts near The Rice
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Parking near The Rice
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Ramen near The Rice
BEST of Foothill Ranch, California Omakase near The Rice
