Ai Japanese Restaurant

Japanese Restaurant $$ 4.3Google (360)


Ai Japanese Restaurant is praised for its authenticity and quality Japanese comfort food. Many customers appreciate the cozy atmosphere and the authentic flavors, especially the sushi and traditional dishes. However, there are mixed reviews regarding service efficiency, with some indicating it can be slow during busy periods.

Overall:

4.1

(300 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.1

Atmosphere:

4.0

Service:

3.8


Closed · opens tomorrow 11:30 AM

Hours from Google · may not reflect holidays or recent changes

Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (626) 799-0534

Address: 1013 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030, USAOpen in Google Maps

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I visited Ai for the first time last weekend. The sushi was decent but I felt like it lacked authenticity. The chicken teriyaki was tasty, but everything else seemed average. The service was amiable but definitely lacked urgency. I may give it another shot if I'm in the area, but I wasn't blown away by the experience. " (*Curated Review*)

" Ai Japanese Restaurant is the ultimate comfort food destination! Every time I visit, I am transported back to Japan. The sushi is consistently phenomenal and the vegetables used are always fresh. Whether I’m dining alone or with friends, the ambiance and service exceed my expectations every single time. A must-visit for sushi lovers! " (*Curated Review*)

" After hearing quite a bit about Ai, I decided to try it for a family dinner. We ordered a variety of dishes, including the tempura and an assortment of sushi rolls. The flavors were genuinely authentic, reminiscent of the meals I enjoyed during my time in Japan. The atmosphere was calming and pleasant, with attentive staff that ensured we had everything we needed. The portion sizes were generous, making it a great value for our money. I highly recommend visiting Ai for anyone looking for authentic Japanese cuisine! " (*Curated Review*)

" I really wanted to love Ai, but the last visit was unfortunate. Although the restaurant had a lovely interior, the food was inconsistent. Some dishes, like the karrage, were delicious, while others, including my sushi, were unremarkable. I think they may be struggling with maintaining quality. The service was decent; however, slow responses made me feel forgotten at times. " (*Curated Review*)

" As a sushi enthusiast, I was excited to visit Ai but left feeling somewhat let down. While the tempura and teriyaki chicken dishes were hearty and reasonably priced, the sushi failed to impress. It lacked the finesse and creativity I had expected. We encountered a long wait for service as well, which put a damper on our evening. The setting is nice, so it might suit someone looking for traditional Japanese dishes, but I won’t be returning for sushi. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (290)

" Last night I had an awful experience. The table we were seated at had a draft, and the server barely acknowledged us. It took forever to get our sushi, and when it finally arrived, it was subpar at best. The shrimp I had tasted fishy; definitely a sign of not being fresh. The only saving grace was the lovely miso soup. I won't be back after such letdown. " (*Curated Review*)

" Each time I visit, I find something new to love at Ai. Their seasonal sushi rolls are creative, and the traditional Japanese dishes never disappoint. The atmosphere is consistently warm, and the staff are friendly. It's not uncommon for them to chat with me about my preferences and suggest items based on what I like. Every meal has felt personal and satisfying – a truly lovely dining experience! " (*Curated Review*)

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