Hello dear
Welcome To Rice & Nori
At Rice & Nori, located in South Pasadena, we celebrate the art of casual sushi with a playful and affordable twist. Our story is rooted in a passion for crafting fresh, high-quality handrolls and delectable onigiri that leave our customers feeling satisfied and delighted. With standout offerings like the Negi Toro handroll and our inspired onigiri selections featuring flavors like spicy lobster shrimp and salmon yuzu miso, every bite is a joyful exploration of taste. The inviting atmosphere and friendly service create a perfect backdrop for enjoying a quick, yet exceptional meal—because here, every lunch is a little celebration.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
3 Handroll Set
Shibazuke
Eggplant Spicy Onigiri
Ikura Mentaiko Onigiri
About
Rice & Nori
Welcome to Rice & Nori, where the art of Japanese cuisine meets the casual comfort of everyday dining, located at 901 Fair Oaks Ave D, South Pasadena, CA. This charming spot has captured the hearts and taste buds of many, offering a delightful range of onigiri and handrolls that promise to transport you to a world of umami bliss.
At Rice & Nori, the star of the menu is undoubtedly the onigiri—Japan’s beloved rice balls. Here, you can find an assortment of flavors that cater to every palate. From the savory Spam and Egg Onigiri priced at just $3.95 to the more refined Salmon Yuzu Miso Onigiri at $4.00, there is something for everyone. The exotic Mentaiko Avocado Onigiri ($4.25) with its spicy caviar adds a bold twist, while the Spicy Lobster Shrimp Onigiri for $5.50 tantalizes with a burst of seafood goodness.
- Spam and Egg Onigiri - A savory classic that is sure to satisfy.
- California Onigiri - A creamy blend of imitation crab and avocado.
- Chicken Teriyaki Onigiri - Sweet and savory, perfectly balanced.
Guests have praised Rice & Nori for its freshness, especially the handrolls. One customer, Viora Soetedjo, expressed her delight, stating, “I was super impressed!” The 3-Hand Roll Set is a favorite among diners, offering three handrolls, your choice of sashimi, and edamame for a reasonable price. This set brings not only value but immense satisfaction—the perfect casual lunch option.
Linda Lam recommended the Spicy Eggplant Onigiri and the flavorful handrolls, though she found the onigiri less spicy than expected. Others, like Melanie Freeland, raved about the delightful combinations, highlighting the Uni cheese handroll as a must-try.
Beyond just onigiri, Rice & Nori also offers a delectable selection of pickles to enhance your meal, including Shibazuke and Takuwan, each priced at $2.00. Additionally, customizations like avocado or the switch from nori to soy paper for $1.00 allow you to personalize your meal further.
The casual yet vibrant atmosphere at Rice & Nori makes it a delightful destination for lunch or a quick bite. With friendly service and an inviting ambiance, it allows you to dive deep into the flavors of Japan without breaking the bank. As Blake Pattengale noted, it’s like “casual sushi but at poor people prices”—where great food meets affordability.
If you’re in South Pasadena and craving authentic Japanese flavors, look no further than Rice & Nori. Indulging in their carefully crafted dishes will surely leave you with a satisfied soul and a happy palate.
For inquiries or to place an order, give them a call at +1 626-345-5550.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I def recommend getting the 3 Handroll set for a filling lunch, very worth it as you get 3 handrolls (1 premium), your choice of sashimi, and edamame. I got the Spicy Eggplant Onigiri, Negi Toro Handroll, and Blue Crab Handroll. My favorites were the handrolls. I thought there was too much rice for the onigiri and it wasn’t spicy at all. The handrolls were pretty big and enjoyable. The restaurant is bright and clean. ”
“ Rice & Nori is a great spot esp. for lunch. It’s like casual sushi but at poor people prices. Instead of spending 30 on a couple sushi rolls, I can spend 13 on three onigiri and be perfectly content with the world. Making it a great casual lunch spot. The staff is nice. ”
“ The hand rolls were fresh and tasted amazing!! Customer service is awesome!! Food comes out very quickly. ”
“ Amazing Onigiri and handrolls! We had the handroll set of three with bay scallop, Uni cheese (don’t miss this one!) and spicy salmon. All excellent. We also ordered onigiri- bacon and avo, salmon and tuna.. salmon was our least favorite. Also seaweed salad is perfection and please don’t skip the lychee lemonade! ”
“ I visited Rice & Nori on a Monday around 5 PM, and while it was semi-busy, most people were ordering to-go. I chose to dine in, and for my first visit, I was super impressed! I ordered the 3-hand roll set for 19, and it was absolutely ... ”
“ What an absolute shame that I haven't found this place sooner. Originally craving Chipotle, I instead went to The Habit. Upon passing by, I saw this store and peeked through the window to observe the menu from afar. I saw some plant-based options and swore to come back again to try this place the next time I was in the area. Finally, I was back in South Pasadena today, just in time for dinner. I stopped by here first to try the plain onigiri and eggplant miso onigiri as an appetizer before heading to The Habit. While eating my burger and fries next door, I opened up the to-go box to try the rice balls. Definitely the best decision I made all day, as I was able to go back for more before they closed for the day. It's absolutely delicious. It's savory and a little sweet. A few riceballs will surely satisfy your hunger. I've been passing by the little tokyo location for years without knowing what I've been missing out on. Shame on me. I'm coming back for thirds. ”
“ delicious food. highly recomend if in the area. perfect takewaway. everything we had was amazing. ”
“ Pretty nice spot here! We enjoyed the salmon handrolls, and salmon nigiri. There is a parking lot, and some street parking. Cool interior with plenty of seating. There is also about 4 outdoor tables. Kid and dog friendly outside. Salmon was tasty, and everything was fresh. We also got the eggplant ohnigiri. That was solid, but mostly rice... staff was nice, and it was a fun spot for a quick bite! The menu was a bit confusing; the combo seemed higher pricing than the items individually. ”