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Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena
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.
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.
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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