IF RICE AND NORI ONLY HAD ONE FAN IT WOULD BE ME…read more It brings me to tears writing this review because that's just how much I love rice and nori. Every time I come here my tastebuds are in for the treat of their lives. My favorite is the tuna mayo, blue crab handroll, and bacon avocado onigiri. Every onigiri is crafted with love and fresh rice, they are generous with the filling amounts, and the size of the onigiris are decent. I can't wait for my next visit back!

Rice & Nori in Pasadena is my new lunch spot when I want something fresh but not heavy. Got the…read moresalmon yuzu miso onigiri and it hit that perfect balance of citrusy and savory -- rice was warm and seasoned just right, not that cold sad rice you get elsewhere. Also grabbed a spicy tuna hand roll and the seaweed was crisp, not chewy or stale like some grab-and-go sushi spots. Everything's made to order so it takes a few minutes, but it's worth the wait for the freshness. Portions are fair for the price and the whole menu is easy to customize if you're picky about fillings. Great grab-and-go option if you're in the area and want something quick but still feels a step above typical fast casual. Would definitely come back to try the baked lobster shrimp hand roll next time.

Howlin' Ray's is always a top spot for a solid Southern-style chicken sando. The chicken is…read moreperfectly crispy around the edges while staying juicy and tender inside, and the combination of pickles and coleslaw gives the sandwich an amazing balance of flavor and texture. I also got the shake fries, vinegar slaw, and their special sauce, and I'm glad I did--the sauce complemented the sando really well, while the sides rounded out the meal nicely. The staff was friendly, the food was great, and even though there's almost always a line, it's still a great experience. I also appreciate the little touches, like Aesop soap in the restroom and complimentary still and sparkling water on the side. Definitely worth the wait!

Howlin' Ray's has some of the best customer service I've seen in a while. There was a bit of a…read morelong line outside, however they handed us umbrellas for the shade which was amazing. We ordered and everyone was so kind and helpful, answering any questions that we had! We were going to a local festival that day, and they were playing music from some of the bands to perform later which was a nice touch. We had a large group of 9 and seating looked stressful, however the employees on the floor took care of everything and found us two tables together, I can't remember her name, I think it started with a "Y" but she was wonderful and was so helpful accomodating our big group! The food was GREAT, all the employees were so kind and helpful, I would gladly wait in a long line for them again!

I usually don't leave reviews to places cause it's a lot to do tbh…read more But this place is by far the best brunch place I've gone to. Their service is top tier; Sara was very nice, polite, friendly and always took care of my table with an amazing service. I tried their strawberry matcha & the short rib sandwich. Hands down.... Best of the best The place is nice, great vibes and great employees.

Visited at lunch on a Saturday for the first time in awhile with wife, toddler, and friend since…read moreour friend had never been. Found seating outside but moved some plates ourselves from one table to another to find shade for us the kiddo. Grabbed a high chair and got seating set up. A few folks were setting up to play music out on the patio. We ordered inside as expected, thankfully the line wasn't too bad at that time so it went smoothly, though the prices are still higher than the average mom/pop sandwich place (but we anticipated this). We waited a bit for food while the patio band played. Ambience was pretty nice. Our friend's sandwich came out first and about 5 minutes later our food came. However, the Arnold Palmer we ordered didn't arrive with the food so we asked if they'd come back to bring it, and we were told they'd be right back. We waited probably another 5 minutes but drink still didn't come so I went inside to ask about it and saw the drink sitting on the back counter. So I asked staff if I could pick up the drink and they handed it over. Our friend's sandwich (the Jester) looked pretty filling while wife and I ordered/shared the Crown Jewel with cheese and mayo on the side. The Crown Jewel was pretty meh overall. Wasn't as stacked as the Jester and the bread fell apart as I ate it, despite the mayo on the side. At the end of eating someone came by to grab our order numbers and ask how things went. I commented on the wait for the drink and was told they couldn't find us, which sounded strange because they found us when bringing the sandwich and we still had our order number. But she said we could get a free refill. Since I wanted to take advantage of the refill I went inside to inquire but the order counter had gotten extremely busy. So I asked one of the bus/wait staff outside if they could grab my refill. He directed me inside and he commented how busy they were but I said I didn't want to wait in the huge line simply for a refill, so he offered to meet me inside to get the refill. Eventually I did receive the refill and we left. Overall, for the price of the food I felt the service was very average bordering on subpar, and the food was meh for the price. I don't blame the staff as they all seemed to be working very hard, but perhaps they were understaffed which would be more of a management issue. We basically bussed a couple tables on our own and waited what eventually amounted to 20-25 minutes for an ice tea/lemonade. I pre-tipped when I bought the food, which I kind of regretted but also felt bad that the employees were understaffed so I likely would have left a tip anyways. I don't plan to go back anytime soon. Wish the food and service were better

We just missed the time for breakfast, but their sandwiches are amazing! They're dog friendly as…read morewell and the servers were very friendly and complimented my dog. Very relaxed and chill place. My husband got the Cuban sandwich and I got the meatloaf. Can't wait to try their breakfast!

$50 for two coffees and two salads that are using grocery store spring mix…read more Used to be high quality. I know times are tough on everyone but this keeps us from spending money here.

Food/Drinks 9/10 Went with my siblings and we got the:…read more -Breakfast Burrito -Breakfast Sandwich -French Toast sticks -Chai latte The breakfast burrito and breakfast sandwich were two versions of the same idea, but both brought their own unique take and textures. Truly had a hard time deciding which I liked better and I think it would just come down to what mood I'm in because both were so yummy. The French toast sticks were delicious as well. They were sweet with a nice crisp and came with a side of fruit. I didn't have high expectations for this dish and thought it would just be small pieces of French toast, but they had such a nice crisp to them. All three dishes I would order again. Chai latte was unfortunately watery--would not order again. Service 10/10 Friendly, fast service. It sounds like the staff get a lot of regulars. Service is fast-casual service where you order at the counter, take a number, food is brought to you, and you bus your own table. Atmosphere 9/10 The decor was very warm and vibey, cute and modern a lot of plants. A fun summer aesthetic and would be a good place to study or bring a book. Would definitely love to do brunch here with friends. Looking forward to returning!

Order before you sit on a table. Water, utensils are self service…read more Got the orange grove and dusty dena. I was not a fan of dusty dena, i couldnt really taste tge chai but irange grove was good. Very orangey. The coffee is really strong. It made my heart race like crazy. I liked the avocado toast with the crispy arugula and the tater tots. Tater tots were nice and crispy but soft on the inside. I would pass on the french toast sticks though. They were overly sweet for me but the fruits it came with were good. Surprisingly cooler than expected with the fan on and no ac on a hot day. Small parking in the back but you park on the streets. Decors are cute. There are random parrots everywhere

Formerly Modan, Kontesu is probably one of the most ethically priced restaurants in the SGV. At a…read moretime when all restaurants seem to use inflation as justification for their inflated prices w out the quality to match, Kontesu proves that good food doesn't have to come with an outrageous bill. From their sub $20 generously portion unagi plate to their $9 appetizer, all with freshness and quality that rival the high end Japanese restaurants in the area, This place is a shining example that even in affluent neighborhood like South Pas, restaurant can still serve quality food at honest, reasonable prices. Honorable mention is their perfectly cooked soy marinated egg.. which most ramen shops charge $2.50-$3 per..Here it's $1.25! Part of me is worried Kontentsu might realize they're still stuck in affordable pre-covid pricing... Here's hoping they' don't!!

Came here twice and both times were very positive. Every ingredient is very fresh, and the flavors…read moreare neither under nor overwhelming. The stand out for me is the poke ramen. This was one of the most unique things I've tried at a Japanese restaurant. For $17, the portions are super generous - lots of fresh salmon and tuna, and not overfilled with lettuce fillers. I normally won't eat kale, but I'll eat this! The kale noodles were very similar to soba noodles, and the kale bits were crispy almost like nori. I enjoyed the sauce they used - a little sweet and nutty. I'd repurchase this without a doubt! I got the salmon lotus roll on my first visit because I love lotus chips, and so this one really intrigued me. The salmon on top was delicious and very tender. It might be one of the best salmon rolls I've had. The unagi in the don was also very tender that there was no need to chew. I haven't had much unagi in the past, but this is one of the better ones I've had. I've mainly had firmer ones, but I liked that this was very soft. Lastly, I tried the black tonkatsu ramen, and what I loved the most about this was generous amounts of the crunchy thin mushroom. This is one of my favorite ingredients in ramen other than the chashu and noodles. The broth isn't very thick or rich, and I think the amount of garlic in it was just right to be enjoyable. The noodles were cooked perfectly al dente. Overall, I've found this place to be a very enjoyable experience, and I'm excited to try more of their menu!

I was walking around Pasadena and stumbled upon this cute café. It's surprisingly spacious inside!…read moreI've been here twice already, and I'll definitely keep coming back. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming. I love the vibe here--it's family-friendly, has great air conditioning (a huge plus during this heat), and is the perfect spot to get some work done on your laptop or just relax with a coffee. Definitely a great find in Pasadena!

After having lunch next door, I wanted a sweet treat so I came by for a donut! My friend and I were…read morehoping to try out their breakfast sandwiches but they were sold out by 11. There is a wide variety of sweets to pick from and everything is gluten free which is great since I'm trying to cut back on the gluten. The lady behind the counter is super kind and helpful in sharing her favorites and best sellers. I opted for the double chocolate donut and it was good! The donut itself was a bit dry but the glaze on top overall saved the donut. I know gluten free treats are often drier than normal so my expectations weren't too high. This is a cute little spot to sit down and chat with friends. The inside is super clean and the silverware gave a nice afternoon tea feel. I would definitely come back to try more of the goodies they have here! Hopefully next time I can try their breakfast items. They must be so good since they sell out quickly haha.

Noodle Street has always been one of my go-to places for comfort food and a good noodle dish. This…read moretime, I had about an hour to kill while waiting for my appointment at the Apple Store in Pasadena. I was walking around thinking about what to eat. The I saw the Noodle Street sign. Of course, I went in because I already know the quality of their food. I always find their noodles fresh and chewy, and the dishes are rich in texture and flavor. But this time, since I was by myself, I didn't order a noodle dish because I was just by myself. So, I ordered the beef roll, which is also to die for! Just really enjoy their food overall. If you've never tried Noodle Street before, definitely check out their menu and give their noodles a try. This particular location was clean, the staff was nice, and the wait wasn't long when I arrived. I would definitely come back again! I'd like to add one more detail. While I was waiting for my food, one of the staff members, possibly the manager, Justin, came over and asked if I'd like to have a small bowl of broth on the side. I said yes and was impressed by that offer. Why? This young man understood that I had ordered only the beef roll, which is a dry dish. Having a little warm broth on the side made it much easier and more enjoyable to eat. I had water, though, but I personally never drink water before or after my meal, so the broth was definitely a perfect complement to the beef roll. This is the first time in my Noodle Street eating history that I've been offered something simple to enhance my dining experience. A small gesture that I think is worth mentioning, as it showed that he was attentive and had very good common sense when it comes to customer service. Thumbs up to him, and an extra star from me for this location.

Old Town, Pasadena Super fun and comfortable Korean noodle and rice dishes place. It advertises…read moreitself as an Asian fusion noodle restaurant. Most of the dishes are Korean and Korean spiced versions however so be prepared. I expected the food to be much spicier and more pungent. They are not they are modernized slightly lighter versions of Korean noodle dishes. I'm addicted to the cold noodle salad with kale, carrots, and you can ask for it with tofu as I'm not eating beef for the next six months due to the beef recalls nowadays. Love the modern simple setup. There is a crew of chefs in the back cooking behind the glass. The staff are attentive and they take Apple Pay. I cannot believe the prices here. They are very reasonable. Why go to a fast food restaurant? End of Yelp.

Second time this week that I stopped in after a morning ruck walk. Got lucky with tons of street…read moreparking available before the rush of customers. Noticed they had great craft beer on tap (love Paperback) and wine. I had asked previously, alcohol can be served early in the morning too.. winning! Today instead of taking coffee to go, we ordered to enjoy there. We also ordered food. I brought my computer to work from so we can thoroughly enjoy our meal and the space. We shared two dishes: - chilaquiles: tasty, still crunchy chips, mild spicy salsa verde, scrambled eggs. very tasty. next time will try with meat - french toast: thin, toasted on the edges, soft center, served with powdered sugar and fresh blueberries. will order again Their coffee drinks are delicious. Strong enough espresso for me, enough flavor and sweetness for my sweet tooth husband to love. There was a steady flow of customers coming in. Some ordered to go but a lot of people sat and occupied tables. Nice to see a local small business thriving. I will definitely be back to work and drink. will also come for one of their Tuesday wine pour events.

We came here for early breakfast, at 7 am shortly after they opened the door. The cafe was still…read moregetting ready. We browsed through the menu and decided to order a couple coffees, a breakfast burrito, a toast with some side eggs. We sat outside which was cool and quiet, it was still early. But I got bitten by a mosquito immediately, and we took our coffees and moved back inside. The service was good, the breakfast came out quick. I enjoyed my breakfast burrito and the toast and eggs are fine. It's a little pricey for all that at $42. Yes. I understand that we are paying for the expensive neighborhood. It was a good experience but we understand there are many great choices in the area.

I've been to Amara Kitchen multiple times, and I keep coming back because the food is genuinely…read moregood. The quality of the food is what brings me through the door. Unfortunately, the service has been consistently disappointing. Every time I visit, the staff seems uninterested, bothered, or inconvenienced by customers. There's rarely a warm greeting when you walk in, no welcoming energy, and often it feels like you're interrupting someone's day just by asking a question or placing an order. I understand that everyone has difficult days, and working in the restaurant industry isn't easy. But hospitality is a huge part of the dining experience. A simple smile, eye contact, a "hello," or making customers feel welcome goes a long way. The food deserves praise, but the service does not match the quality of what's coming out of the kitchen. Management may want to spend some time retraining and refocusing staff on customer service and hospitality. Customers should feel appreciated, not like they're a burden. I truly want to see this place succeed because Highland Park needs good local businesses, and the food is excellent. But after several visits with the same experience, I felt it was worth sharing honest feedback. Great food brings people in; great service keeps them coming back. I hope management takes this as constructive criticism and works to create a more welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the door.

Amara kitchen is one of my favorite gluten friendly places to go. Their bison breakfast burrito is…read moremy go to, but also love grabbing a coffee and sitting outside. The only downside for me is that the customer service is always superficial but if you are from LA that's pretty typical. Other than that i would recommend checking them out!