Seemor

Rice & NoriBWorth Trying

Name: Rice & Nori
Address: 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St UNIT 103, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Los Angeles, United States
Rating: 4.6

123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St UNIT 103, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Japanese restaurant, Sushi restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (475 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Excellent, affordable onigiri and hand rolls for a quick bite in Little Tokyo, with occasional service and consistency hiccups.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Rice & Nori earns a grade B through strong food quality and exceptional speed, though inconsistent execution with rice texture and nori crispness prevents a higher grade. Convenient Little Tokyo location and excellent value make it a reliable quick stop for onigiri fans, but the modest space and occasional service friction keep it from competing with the area's premier casual dining destinations.

Restaurant Summary

Tucked into Little Tokyo, Rice & Nori feels casual and bustling—a counter-service spot where fresh, made-to-order onigiri fly out to hungry shoppers and office folks. One diner summed it up: "Perfect quick stop with warm rice and big flavor." The vibe leans quick bite over sit-down, with cute plants and a lively plaza energy. Expect friendly speed most days, though a few guests hit snags with policies or mix-ups. The cooking sticks to classic onigiri and hand rolls: salmon yuzu miso, spicy tuna mayo, spam and egg, plus pickles and miso soup. Portions are fair for the price, sets bring real value, and when the rice is just right and the nori crisp, it shines. A handful of reviews note inconsistent nori or firm rice, so temper expectations on busy days, but most describe fresh, satisfying bites that belie the modest setting. For families, it works well: kids often gravitate to chicken teriyaki, spam and egg, plain onigiri, edamame, and miso soup. There is no formal kids menu, but the menu has simple, familiar flavors. Space can be tight during rushes, so arrive off-peak if bringing strollers or a crew.

At a Glance

Fresh, made-to-order onigiri with standout flavors like salmon yuzu miso
Strong value, especially hand roll sets
Occasional soggy nori or undercooked/dry rice reports
Strict bathroom policy and inconsistent service interactions
Good vegan and pescatarian options for a casual spot

What Sets It Apart

onigiri_focus
value_sets
vegan_onigiri_options

What People Love

Warm, freshly made rice texture when on point
Classic fillings with bold flavor
Budget-friendly sets
Fast, efficient ordering

Points of Concern

Inconsistent nori crispness and occasional firm/dry rice during rush
A few safety complaints amid many positives; monitor raw items if sensitive
Strict bathroom use enforcement created negative experiences for some
Parking and wayfinding can be tricky within the plaza

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$16-24 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Pair 2-3 onigiri with miso soup for balance; choose a set if opting for hand rolls; add pickles to cut richness.

Perfect For

A quick Little Tokyo lunch stop
Pre- or post-shopping snack with friends
Affordable Japanese comfort cravings
Solo bite before a downtown event

Location Insights

Area: Bustling Little Tokyo plaza setting with heavy foot traffic, casual eateries, and Asian markets.

Safety: Busy, well-trafficked area; occasional crowding. Lighting and foot traffic generally good.

Nearby: Near Japanese Village Plaza and Marukai Market; shopping and quick-bite spots cluster nearby.

ChinatownChinatown in Los Angeles is a bustling neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage, eclectic dining options, and vibrant street life. The dining scene features a mix of traditional Chinese eateries alongside modern fusion and contemporary restaurants, attracting a diverse crowd interested in authentic and innovative Asian cuisine.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–21:00 Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

View full analysis on Seemor →