Ai – Japanese
Ai invites diners into a sleek, intimate space where the vibrant energy of a modern izakaya meets the refined precision of Japanese culinary tradition. The air hums with conversation as plates of golden-crisped chicken karaage and zesty spicy tuna tacos arrive alongside delicate, silken agedashi tofu bathed in savory dashi. From the earthy crunch of kinpira to the succulent snap of fried soft shell crab, every dish celebrates a harmony of textures and fresh, ocean-inspired flavors designed for shared discovery.
1013 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena CA 91030 https://aisouthpasadena.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, raw-food, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Ai
Dairy-Free at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Brown Rice, Steamed Asparagus and White Rice. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 6 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fried Soft Shell Crab, Pork Cutlet and Spicy Tuna Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 26 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Brown Rice, Steamed Asparagus and Soba with Tempura. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 8 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Udon, Bluefin Tuna Sashimi and Agedashi Tofu. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Pork Cutlet. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 2 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fried Soft Shell Crab and Pork Cutlet. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Pork Cutlet. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Ai
Ai in South Pasadena has 7 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Brown Rice, Steamed Asparagus and White Rice. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Ai
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Sashimi Deluxe | 0 g | 114.6 g |
| Rainbow Roll | 1.8 g | 75.9 g |
| Spicy Tuna Tacos | 66.4 g | 44.9 g |
| Ocean Salad | 49.1 g | 40.6 g |
| Spicy Tuna Salad | 12.3 g | 30 g |
| Nabeyaki Udon | 87.8 g | 27.8 g |
| Pork Cutlet | 0.2 g | 25.3 g |
| Bluefin Tuna Sashimi | 0 g | 22.4 g |
| Yosenabe | 111.6 g | 21.8 g |
| Beef Udon | 1.4 g | 18.7 g |
| Chicken Cutlet | 70.6 g | 16.5 g |
| Green Salad | 0 g | 14.1 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its perfectly cooked and savory chicken dishes, guests love the inviting ambiance that makes for a memorable dining experience. Reviewers highlight the courteous staff and attentive service, often noting that the high-quality meals are offered at very reasonable prices.
Menu
Appetizers
- Agedashi Tofu - $12.2: Deep fried tofu in broth Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steamed Asparagus - $10.4: Served with a miso-based dipping sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Karaage - $9: Japanese style fried chicken Available at: dinner, lunch
- Edamame - $8.9: Steamed soybeans in pods Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Soft Shell Crab - $25.5: Cut in portions or served over small green salad Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kinpira - $9.9: Burdock root cooked in soy sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shumai - $10: Pork dumplings, deep fried or steamed Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Tuna Tacos - $11: Spicy tuna on wonton tostadas Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Green Salad - $5 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ocean Salad - $9.5: Seaweed salad with salmon skin Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sashimi Salad - $17.5 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Raw-Food, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Tuna Salad - $19 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sunomono Octopus - $10: Marinated cucumber with octopus Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Beef Teriyaki - $22.4 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Cutlet - $17.9 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Cutlet - $20.9 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sukiyaki - $20.4: Thinly sliced beef and vegetables in a soy-based broth Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmon Fillet Grilled - $22.5: Seasoned with home-style marinade Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yosenabe - $22.5: Seafood hot pot Available at: dinner, lunch
Sushi & Sashimi
- Sashimi Deluxe - $45: Chef's choice premium assortment Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sushi Deluxe - $37 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bluefin Tuna Sashimi - $24 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yellowtail Sashimi - $19.5 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- California Roll - $8.25: 6 pieces Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Rainbow Roll - $31.7 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Noodles & Rice Bowls
- Beef Udon - $16.3: Tender beef with udon noodles Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nabeyaki Udon - $17.5 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Soba with Tempura - $19.7 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Unagi Don - $20.65: Freshwater eel over rice Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Cutlet Curry Rice - $24 Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Miso Soup - $2.95 Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Brown Rice - $2.5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- White Rice - $2.59 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Cheesecake - $5 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Green Tea Ice Cream - $4 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Red Bean Ice Cream - $4 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Ai Cosmo - $10: Ketel One Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry and Lime Juice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Juice-Cleanse, Lectin-Free
- Ai Margarita - $13: Cazadores Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, and Lime Juice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Juice-Cleanse, Lectin-Free
- Draft Beer - $8: Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, or Stone IPA
- Japanese Green Tea - $2 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Soft Drink - $4: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange Soda, or Lemonade
Frequently Asked Questions about Ai
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include chicken karaage, spicy tuna tacos, agedashi tofu, fried soft shell crab, and various savory chicken preparations.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews do not mention any specific concerns, instead highlighting the savory chicken dishes, attentive service, and reasonable pricing.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include edamame and salads, while keto, gluten-free, and low-carb choices feature sashimi deluxe, sunomono octopus, and miso soup.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Ai has an average rating of 4.0/5, with guests praising the high-quality meals and attentive service.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Ai offers extensive options for mixed diets, including keto-friendly Sashimi Deluxe, vegan-friendly Miso Soup, and high-protein Chicken Karaage.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Ai offers a sleek, intimate modern izakaya atmosphere with a vibrant energy, inviting ambiance, and attentive, courteous service.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- Ai is a budget-friendly ($) Japanese restaurant where reviewers highlight high-quality meals offered at very reasonable prices.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided restaurant data does not include specific information regarding the hours of operation for Ai.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Guests enjoy a sleek, intimate modern izakaya space with an inviting ambiance and a vibrant energy that enhances the experience.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- This budget-friendly Japanese izakaya stands out for its high-quality chicken dishes, attentive service, and extensive selection of specialized dietary options.
- Is Ai dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Ai has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Brown Rice, Steamed Asparagus and White Rice.
- What can I eat at Ai on a dairy-free diet?
- Brown Rice, Steamed Asparagus and White Rice carry the dairy-free tag, out of 8 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Ai have vegan options?
- Yes. 7 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Brown Rice and Steamed Asparagus.
- Is Ai gluten-free?
- 6 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Ai?
- Sashimi Deluxe, at roughly 114.6g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Ai
- Teamorrow — Japanese
- Wa Sushi & Izakaya — Japanese
- Tatsu Ramen — Japanese
- San Sai Japanese Grill — Japanese
- Motto Tea Cafe — Japanese
- Sushigah — Japanese
- Ramen Tatsunoya — Japanese
- Sushi Roku — Japanese
- Sugarfish — Japanese
- Aikan Sushi — Japanese
- Osawa — Japanese
- PokeMIX — Japanese
