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Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - PasadenaBWorth Trying

Name: Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena
Address: 1713 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106, Pasadena, United States
Rating: 4.6

1713 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106 · Japanese restaurant, Ramen restaurant, Sushi restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (542 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Crowd-pleasing Japanese spot near PCC with hearty ramen, American-style rolls, and value lunch combos; expect occasional slow service and uneven sushi execution.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong ramen execution and generous portions that justify its loyal following near campus. Quality variation in sushi and roll construction prevents grade A-grade performance, while service inconsistency during rush periods limits reliability. Best experienced for ramen and hot plates rather than as a sushi destination—a dependable mid-tier choice with good value but without the polish of higher-rated establishments.

Restaurant Summary

On Colorado Boulevard across from PCC, Kaiba hums with casual, lively energy. Servers juggle a digital wait list, ramen bowls fly from the kitchen, and the patio’s heaters keep things cozy. One diner captured the vibe: "Big, hot bowls and friendly faces, but bring patience at peak." Expect TVs, a buzz, and generous portions. The cooking leans American-style Japanese comfort: rich tonkotsu and spicy miso ramen, crowd-pleasing specialty rolls, and sizzling teriyaki plates. Quality is reliable for ramen and hot plates, while sushi execution ranges from fresh and buttery to a bit sloppy. Value-focused lunch combos make this a solid mid-tier choice near campus rather than a purist sushi temple. Families do well here thanks to approachable dishes like California rolls, teriyaki with rice and miso, edamame, and mild ramen. Portions are kid-shareable, prices are manageable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and forgiving. No formal kids’ menu is noted, but the menu has plenty children will eat.

At a Glance

Hearty ramen with rich broth and quick kitchen turnarounds
Great value lunch combos and generous portions
Sushi quality and roll construction can be inconsistent
Service can lag on refills and check delivery during rush
Limited and time-restricted parking nearby

What Sets It Apart

hearty_ramen_bowls
value_lunch_combos
wide_menu_breadth

What People Love

Comforting ramen that arrives piping hot
Value-forward lunch specials
Friendly staff when not slammed
Wide menu with something for everyone
Patio seating with heaters

Points of Concern

Sushi execution varies from fresh to sloppy depending on visit
Refills and check timing can be slow during busy periods
Parking has one-hour limits and fills fast
One reported food safety incident; most reviews report fresh food

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$28-45 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Lean ramen or sizzling plates for consistency and value
Use lunch combos for best price-to-portion ratio
Ask for spice level adjustments on ramen to taste

Perfect For

Casual weeknight ramen near PCC
Mixed-group dinners where everyone wants something different
Budget-friendly lunch with big portions
Warm patio meal on cool evenings

Location Insights

Area: Busy college corridor near Pasadena City College; casual, student-friendly, steady foot traffic.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial strip; typical urban parking constraints and turnover enforcement.

Nearby: Across from PCC; mix of eateries, small shops, and services; draws students and locals.

East PasadenaEast Pasadena is a primarily residential area with a mix of local businesses and eateries. The dining scene here is casual and community-oriented, catering mostly to neighborhood residents and visitors seeking authentic and approachable cuisine.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–21:00 Tuesday11:30–21:00 Wednesday11:30–21:00 Thursday11:30–21:00 Friday11:30–21:30 Saturday11:30–21:30 Sunday11:30–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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