Ai Japanese Restaurant

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.

Great happy hour! Service can be slow but the food and cocktails are well worth the wait!

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!

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!!!

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.

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.

Fumito was an excellent host, we felt like family!