Don't waste your money.Not fresh at all.If you want to eat left over looking sushi, this is the place for you.Never going back! Yuck!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Alaina Willis
Great happy hour! Service can be slow but the food and cocktails are well worth the wait!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kacie Parente
My dear husband suggested we go to AI. The food was remarkablely delicious. Service was warm and welcoming. I had the shrimp tempura. Oh oh it was heavenly. Big butterfly shrimp. Yum. We ordered shumai fried that was new for us. Or for my husband who did not want to share. Also, appetizer shrimp roll. Hubby had ? He ate it so fast I can't remember. Price was fair for lunch $50.00 would have been 30.00 and we'd be full. Valentine's Day we splurged spent a bit more. Parking in Pasadena not impossible but rarely easy. We did park behind the restaurant. So boys and girls go eat there. It delightful. And leftovers too.Vegetarian options: Tempura vegetables. Rice, miso soup. I'm not sure what else.
Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Roll
DAL Iah
Their teriyaki chicken is so tasty?. The beef has less, therefore, order the chicken ?! Their service is super slow, they are understaffed or just won't hire the help they need in their busy times or days, hence, Be patient ? Their sushi can be good, but fish isn't the most fresh you can have there.They can definitely improve on service and the food also takes a long time to get to you, make sure you order your drink and food at the same time or it will take so long for them to come back and get your food order if you order drinks 1st and then your dinner!
For over 30 years, this is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. When we're in the area shopping or running errands, we like to drop by for their tempura. The tempura is fresh, light and taste great. The servers are nice and friendly. Plenty of parking in the back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Beef Teriyaki & Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura
V Acosta
I have to update, I've been here many times for last 15 years, and the food used to be so good, I mean consistently good, however, the last three times were not, and it was very disappointing. I think maybe they got a new cook because that would explain the lack of quality. No matter how many times they would get the chicken wrong (under cooked) their tempura would still be the best, but the last time I went it was bad, and that did it for me, I stopped going. The waitress was always very sweet and attentive, but this place is just not what it used to be, now when I drive by there I wish I could stop by, because I miss their food when it use to be delious but I just remember my most recent dining experience and I drive on.Parking: They have a small parking lot in the back, but there is free street parking in the front as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Teriyaki, Miso Soup, Tempura California Roll
Ceci Angelinni
This restaurant is a hidden gem in South Pasadena, CA!! I tried it for the first time last Saturday, and I have already been back!! The food is DELICIOUS!! I love the peaceful ambiance, the location and their prices are right.Yummy!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Salmon and Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki, Green Salad Slice, Miso Soup, Tempura Salmon Teriyaki
Tina Caldwell
Fumito was an excellent host, we felt like family!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi Deluxe
Gary LT
Great food and excellent service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Magdaleno
Great food. Great atmosphere. Great staff! Thank you
Ai is an Authentic Japanese restaurant with excellent quality and atmosphere! The chef and owner is talented and dedicated, staff was hospitable, friendly and helpful. I went for my wedding anniversary and had an amazing dinner. Definitely recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
w chia
Ai combo prices are decent middle of the road and you get a good amount for the price. The taste is excellent. Salmon teriyaki is a good medium thick piece, unlike some places that slice it thin or have it small in size. Curry Rice was ok as I never found Japanese curry to be particularly exciting. Rolls provide good value.Parking: Small parking lot in the back. One row with about 7 spots is Ai's. The other row is Domino's. Otherwise it will be street parking.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Teriyaki and Sashimi Lunch Combo, Grilled Salmon and Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Shrimp Tempura & Sashimi, Grilled Salmon Vegetable Tempura & Salad, Japanese Beef Teriyaki & Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Scallops
Karen Zacatelco
?美味しい? Came here with my best friend and our moms.Service:Good service with friendly staff. Positive and warming atmosphere to the restaurant.Food:Ordered a lunch special (karage+ California rolls) and got more food than I expected. The food took a while, but tasted amazing and suited my palate. Authentic Japanese flavor. The miso soup was warming and comforting. The karrage was crispy and satisfying. Salad was fresh and balanced the plate.Overall super good. The only challenge would be if you're in a rush, the food takes a bit since they are cooking it for you. Better to enjoy the food and atmosphere. Would recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Soup
Lyn
Love love loved this restaurant! Staff were kind, friendly, and our server was just so wonderful! I feel bad because I forgot his name but he was wonderful! My friend and I came here after a long day showing kimono. Loved the food. I got the yellowtail sashimi dinner, amazing.Parking: We parked around the corner at the nearby bank. Not too far but a little spooky at night. No problems with it though. Otherwise there was street parking
Don't waste your money.Not fresh at all.If you want to eat left over looking sushi, this is the place for you.Never going back! Yuck!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great happy hour! Service can be slow but the food and cocktails are well worth the wait!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My dear husband suggested we go to AI. The food was remarkablely delicious. Service was warm and welcoming. I had the shrimp tempura. Oh oh it was heavenly. Big butterfly shrimp. Yum. We ordered shumai fried that was new for us. Or for my husband who did not want to share. Also, appetizer shrimp roll. Hubby had ? He ate it so fast I can't remember. Price was fair for lunch $50.00 would have been 30.00 and we'd be full. Valentine's Day we splurged spent a bit more. Parking in Pasadena not impossible but rarely easy. We did park behind the restaurant. So boys and girls go eat there. It delightful. And leftovers too.Vegetarian options: Tempura vegetables. Rice, miso soup. I'm not sure what else.
Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Roll
Their teriyaki chicken is so tasty?. The beef has less, therefore, order the chicken ?! Their service is super slow, they are understaffed or just won't hire the help they need in their busy times or days, hence, Be patient ? Their sushi can be good, but fish isn't the most fresh you can have there.They can definitely improve on service and the food also takes a long time to get to you, make sure you order your drink and food at the same time or it will take so long for them to come back and get your food order if you order drinks 1st and then your dinner!
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Chicken Teriyaki Sashimi, Miso Soup, Beef Teriyaki
For over 30 years, this is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. When we're in the area shopping or running errands, we like to drop by for their tempura. The tempura is fresh, light and taste great. The servers are nice and friendly. Plenty of parking in the back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Beef Teriyaki & Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura
I have to update, I've been here many times for last 15 years, and the food used to be so good, I mean consistently good, however, the last three times were not, and it was very disappointing. I think maybe they got a new cook because that would explain the lack of quality. No matter how many times they would get the chicken wrong (under cooked) their tempura would still be the best, but the last time I went it was bad, and that did it for me, I stopped going. The waitress was always very sweet and attentive, but this place is just not what it used to be, now when I drive by there I wish I could stop by, because I miss their food when it use to be delious but I just remember my most recent dining experience and I drive on.Parking: They have a small parking lot in the back, but there is free street parking in the front as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Teriyaki, Miso Soup, Tempura California Roll
This restaurant is a hidden gem in South Pasadena, CA!! I tried it for the first time last Saturday, and I have already been back!! The food is DELICIOUS!! I love the peaceful ambiance, the location and their prices are right.Yummy!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Salmon and Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki, Green Salad Slice, Miso Soup, Tempura Salmon Teriyaki
Fumito was an excellent host, we felt like family!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi Deluxe
Great food and excellent service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food. Great atmosphere. Great staff! Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Fumito...the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ai is an Authentic Japanese restaurant with excellent quality and atmosphere! The chef and owner is talented and dedicated, staff was hospitable, friendly and helpful. I went for my wedding anniversary and had an amazing dinner. Definitely recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ai combo prices are decent middle of the road and you get a good amount for the price. The taste is excellent. Salmon teriyaki is a good medium thick piece, unlike some places that slice it thin or have it small in size. Curry Rice was ok as I never found Japanese curry to be particularly exciting. Rolls provide good value.Parking: Small parking lot in the back. One row with about 7 spots is Ai's. The other row is Domino's. Otherwise it will be street parking.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Teriyaki and Sashimi Lunch Combo, Grilled Salmon and Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Shrimp Tempura & Sashimi, Grilled Salmon Vegetable Tempura & Salad, Japanese Beef Teriyaki & Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Scallops
?美味しい? Came here with my best friend and our moms.Service:Good service with friendly staff. Positive and warming atmosphere to the restaurant.Food:Ordered a lunch special (karage+ California rolls) and got more food than I expected. The food took a while, but tasted amazing and suited my palate. Authentic Japanese flavor. The miso soup was warming and comforting. The karrage was crispy and satisfying. Salad was fresh and balanced the plate.Overall super good. The only challenge would be if you're in a rush, the food takes a bit since they are cooking it for you. Better to enjoy the food and atmosphere. Would recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Soup
Love love loved this restaurant! Staff were kind, friendly, and our server was just so wonderful! I feel bad because I forgot his name but he was wonderful! My friend and I came here after a long day showing kimono. Loved the food. I got the yellowtail sashimi dinner, amazing.Parking: We parked around the corner at the nearby bank. Not too far but a little spooky at night. No problems with it though. Otherwise there was street parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tempura