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tonil.yelp.com

Toni "Food Pornographer" L.'s Profile
Photo of Toni L.

"You eat it, you buy it"

Elite 2009 Elite 2008 Elite 2007

profile votes icon Review votes:
1041 Useful, 698 Funny, and 875 Cool

Location

Pasadena, CA

Yelping Since

August 2007

Things I Love

Korean BBQ, creme brulee, yakitori, paella, tamales, sopapillas, shawarma, samosas, paneer, hollandaise sauce, dumplings, cupcakes, bouillabaisse, wonton noodle soup, ramen, soon du bu, sukiyaki, brandy alexanders

My Hometown

Orange, CA

My Blog Or Website

http://scanwiches.com/

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm thinking about Yelping

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I love food more than life itself

Japanese Food

See All Lists
Because I like my fish RAW.
Photo of Sushi Go 55

 1. Sushi Go 55

333 S. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 687-0777

Category: Sushi Bars

Neighborhood: Downtown

5 star rating
  9/27/2008

It was a warm summer day. Birds were singing, the sky was blue. Then I saw Sushi Go 55 and fell in love. I can still feel the salmon melting on my tongue...

Food: This is hands down the best sushi I have ever had in my life. We're talking purely fish,…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (7)
  • Funny (5)
  • Cool (5)
Photo of Haru Sushi & Roll Café

 2. Haru Sushi & Roll Café

480 S San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-0547

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

Neighborhood: Mid-City West

5 star rating
  11/29/2008

I feel like I discovered this place (obviously not true given the number of reviews already posted). Vivian L. and I were trying to go to La Paella when we discovered they have crazy hours and weren't open for lunch. What do we happen to find next…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Fukada Restaurant

 3. Fukada Restaurant

8683 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-0111

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

5 star rating
  4/7/2008

Alas, that Fukada is so far away from civilization! The only time I ever get to eat here is when there's a concert at Irvine Meadows across the street.

Food: I went to a concert around the area about 2-3 years ago and ate at Fukada for the first…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (4)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Ami Japanese

 4. Ami Japanese

1051 Broxton Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 209-1994

Category: Japanese

Neighborhood: Westwood

5 star rating
  8/26/2007

Love, love, love this place. I live about a block away from it which makes it hard to wrench myself away from its fatteningly delicious sauces and artsy but inexpensive rolls. Perhaps that's not a bad thing considering I can get full off of a single…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (14)
  • Funny (4)
  • Cool (7)
Photo of Yoshi's Sushi

 5. Yoshi's Sushi

8274 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 848-9105

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

Neighborhood: West Hollywood

5 star rating
  9/10/2007

If sushi is an art form, then Yoshi's is a veritable haven for culinary masterpieces. Too bad traffic coming from Westwood during dinnertime is an issue. Otherwise, I'd definitely be a regular.

Food: Not only is the sushi here beautifully plated, it…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Nijiya Market

 6. Nijiya Market

2130 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 575-3300
5 star rating
  8/24/2007

I think I could live in this store if they didn't close around midnight. Aside from the fact that they always have ample stores of bento, rice balls, milk cakes, gyoza, shu mai, and other cold Asian foods, they carry anything and everything you'd…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Santouka Ramen

 7. Santouka Ramen

665 Paularino Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 434-1101

Category: Japanese

5 star rating
  5/25/2008

This is in the food court of the Mitsuwa market in Costa Mesa. There's another almost identical location in West LA on the corner of La Cienega and Venice. Santouka would've been perfect if not for the slightly elevated price (still a good deal…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Mitsuwa Marketplace

 8. Mitsuwa Marketplace

3760 S Centinela Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 398-2113

Categories: Grocery, Japanese

5 star rating
  5/11/2008

Even though I'd rather go to the Mitsuwa in Costa Mesa, it's mostly because of aesthetic reasons (yes, lame I know). This location basically has the same amenities as the other one, minus some of the smaller vendors that hang out in the middle…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Mitsuwa Marketplace

 9. Mitsuwa Marketplace

665 Paularino Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 557-6699

Category: Grocery

5 star rating
  5/11/2008

This is the first Mitsuwa I've been to and, as such, it holds a special place in my heart. You can find almost anything Japanese you'd want here and I mean anything. One time I was thinking, hey, I really want to get a noren. Bam! There were a whole…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of Nanbankan

 10. Nanbankan

11330 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90189
(310) 478-1591

Categories: Japanese, Barbeque

4 star rating
  6/18/2008

I definitely think all the 5 star reviews are unwarranted given the steep prices. This place should really should be a $$$ rather than a $$. Even though the prices were irritating, I did enjoy the food and had a fun time watching the chefs bbq on the…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (3)
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Photo of Midori Sushi

 11. Midori Sushi

11622 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 623-7888

Category: Sushi Bars

Neighborhood: Studio City

4 star rating
  3/25/2008

Why isn't this place bankrupt already? Fish is expensive so the idea of an all-you-can-eat sushi bar boggles the mind. Anyway, Midori is exactly that, which sounds like a good idea before you start eating, but seems less so after you've had your…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Banzai Sushi

 12. Banzai Sushi

6655 Leetsdale Dr
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 329-3366

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

Neighborhood: Southeast

4 star rating
  8/1/2008

A little pricey for what you get, but Banzai is delicious if you're into rolls.

Food: The meal starts out with a microscopic sweet pickled cucumber salad (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). It wasn't bad, but I didn't have much of a chance to really taste…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
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Photo of Yakitoriya

 13. Yakitoriya

11301 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 479-5400

Category: Japanese

4 star rating
  6/13/2008

I really don't want to give this place four stars due to overpricing, but the yakitori here is delicious!

Food: I was in a hurry so I got three yakitori sticks to go: chicken, duck, and three quail eggs (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). The chicken stick…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
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Photo of Daikokuya

 14. Daikokuya

2975 Harbor Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 436-0151

Category: Japanese

4 star rating
  4/13/2008

In all honesty, I don't think Daikokuya is as good as reading the Yelp reviews made me believe. Yes, this ramen place is good. Yes, they give you a lot of food. The only problem is I'm not dying for more after going there.

Food: The ramen combo comes…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
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Photo of Santouka Ramen

 15. Santouka Ramen

3760 S Centinela Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 391-1101

Category: Japanese

4 star rating
  2/9/2008

Santouka would've been perfect if not for the slightly elevated price (still a good deal though). Their ramen comes with the best collection of broths your tongue could hope for. Like Vivian L. said, Santouka beats the pants off other ramen places on…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (1)
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Photo of Kaisen Kaiten

 16. Kaisen Kaiten

3855 S Bristol St
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 444-2161

Category: Sushi Bars

4 star rating
  2/12/2008

I love kaiten sushi because it's a meal AND a show (if you call food revolving on a conveyor belt entertaining). Sure, you don't know exactly how long the items have been parading around, but there's something exciting about grabbing your meal as it…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
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Photo of Sushi Uokura Restaurant

 17. Sushi Uokura Restaurant

815 Nile Ct
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 278-8000

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

4 star rating
  7/12/2008

There are so many things aesthetically wrong with Sushi Uokura and yet I love it.

Food: If you're coming here for lunch, try out the sushi lunch special (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). You get one of all the popular nigiri sushis, six tuna rolls, miso…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
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Photo of Sushi Zanmai

 18. Sushi Zanmai

1221 Spruce St
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 440-0733

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

4 star rating
  9/14/2008

Sushi Zanmai has some definite drawbacks, but I came away with a full stomach and a smile on my face.

Food: The fish here is pretty fresh, so no complaints about the quality here. I tried a tuna roll (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), a spicy tuna roll (More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
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Photo of Cream Pan

 19. Cream Pan

602 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 665-8239

Category: Bakeries

4 star rating
  6/8/2008

This place is awesome for what it is: a Japanese bakery. Look at it as anything else and you're going to be disappointed. There's another listing for this place under Japonaise Bakery & Cafe, but it's really the same place, Cream Pan Japonaise Bakery…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Honda Ya

 20. Honda Ya

556 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 832-0081

Category: Japanese

4 star rating
  1/8/2008

Honda Ya has it all... almost. I feel like this place is somewhat ruined by its popularity, but I'm sure the owners have no problem with that.

Food: I don't know what "real" Japanese tastes like having never been to Japan, but I spotted some pretty…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (5)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Yashima Japanese Restaurant

 21. Yashima Japanese Restaurant

11301 W Olympic Blvd Ste 210
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 473-5297

Category: Japanese

4 star rating
  9/13/2007

I'm glad I wandered around the Olympic complex next to Pinkberry for awhile and found Yashima. The fish is fresh, the noodles are perfectly done, and it's affordable!

Food: The specials are always a good deal, especially if the special for the day is…More »

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  • Useful (1)
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Photo of Asahi Ramen

 22. Asahi Ramen

2027 Sawtelle Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 479-2231

Category: Japanese

4 star rating
  8/24/2007

While Asahi isn't going to win any awards for their broth collection, the sheer quantity of food you get here has a special place in my heart. I can order a single bowl of ramen here for $6.50 and eat it for four consecutive meals!!!

Food: The ramen…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of Mizu 212

 23. Mizu 212

2000 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90189
(310) 478-8979

Category: Japanese

3 star rating
  1/5/2008

Don't come here too hungry or your wallet will suffer. I'd recommend Mizu 212 for dates or some other event where the food is not necessarily the highlight of the moment. Expect high prices ($20-40/ person depending on if you share) and small…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
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Photo of Katsu-Ya

 24. Katsu-Ya

11680 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 985-6976

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

Neighborhood: Studio City

3 star rating
  3/29/2008

For the longest time my friend has been talking about this place. Katsu-Ya this, Katsu-Ya that yadda yadda yadda..!!! Recognizing that she could only be let down with such high expectations, I came in steeling myself to achieve objectivity.…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
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Photo of Shiki Restaurant

 25. Shiki Restaurant

1936 E Katella Ave
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 633-1765

Category: Restaurants

3 star rating
  3/25/2008

I can't even begin to count the number of times I've seen this restaurant's giant sign from the 55 freeway and wondered whether or not it was any good. Well, I finally went against my instincts and tried it out. I guess I should trust my gut more…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
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Photo of Hanabi Sushi Bar

 26. Hanabi Sushi Bar

345 S Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 796-8080

Category: Sushi Bars

Neighborhood: Pasadena

3 star rating
  11/15/2008

Seeing as this place is one of the closest sushi joints to where I live, I desperately wanted Hanabi to impress. No dice. Everything was average, but at least it wasn't mediocre.

Food: The meal begins with complimentary edamame (More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (5)
Photo of Tokyo Lobby Restaurant

 27. Tokyo Lobby Restaurant

13951 Carroll Way
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 731-6980

Category: Restaurants

5 star rating
  Update - 1/24/2009

This review is for the sukiyaki alone and because I'm really afraid this place is going to tank and I won't be able to gorge myself on noodles, veggies, and beef whenever I'm in Orange. You really must try this culinary spectacle.

Food: Ok, yes, the…More »

People thought this was:

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    8/24/2007

    Sure, it's not authentic. But if you take it for what it is (completely Americanized Japanese… Read more »

Photo of Bento Ya

 28. Bento Ya

317 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 687-0237

Category: Japanese

Neighborhood: Downtown

3 star rating
  6/13/2008

Bento Ya is a stall in Grand Central Market that serves Japanese food, mainly bento boxes. The ramen is extremely cheap and decent.

Food: As far as price goes, this place can't be beat. I got a container of chashu ramen (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)…More »

People thought this was:

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Photo of Sushi Mac

 29. Sushi Mac

2222A Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 481-9954

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

3 star rating
  8/30/2007

Sushi Mac messes with your miiiind. You think you're getting a cheap meal because each plate is $2.50, but the sushi plates aren't huge, folks. Disappointing, I know. I'm pretty small and need 3 to 4 plates to feel even remotely full which overall…More »

People thought this was:

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Photo of Tomodachi Sushi

 30. Tomodachi Sushi

10975 Weyburn Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-8805

Category: Sushi Bars

Neighborhood: Westwood

3 star rating
  9/10/2007

Okay, this is going to be an incomplete review for now because I've only tried this place twice and plan on sampling something from every category in the menu before I form a solid opinion.

Food: 9/10/07: As suggested by the employee over the phone,…More »

People thought this was:

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Photo of Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar

 31. Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar

2002 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-9834

Category: Japanese

3 star rating
  8/29/2007

I completely agree with Steve C.'s review of this place, pehaps because I ordered similar stuff.

Food: The gyoza is tasty, but not ground breakingly different. I had the miso pork ramen which featured incredibly thick and tasty broth sprinkled with…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of Kinchans

 32. Kinchans

2119 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 445-0031

Category: Japanese

3 star rating
  9/9/2007

I am a die-hard Asahi fan so apologies for the completely biased review that is to follow.

- Kinchans looks unhygenic inside
- Kinchans' soup base is not thick enough
- Kinchans' noodles aren't as tasty as Asahi and are too yellow
- Kinchans' seating…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of ISO Fusion Cafe

 33. ISO Fusion Cafe

1108 Gayley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 824-1268

Categories: Japanese, Korean, Asian Fusion

Neighborhood: Westwood

3 star rating
  3/19/2008

ISO gets three stars, but definitely not for the food. I'm not sure how this happened, but it has suddenly exploded into the most popular place to study I have ever seen.

Food: I tried the spicy ramen after reading some of the posts here. First of…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
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Photo of Furaibo Restaurant

 34. Furaibo Restaurant

2068 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 444-1432

Category: Japanese

3 star rating
  8/29/2007

Surely not your mama's Japanese restaurant, Furaibo is hip, packed, with plenty of beer to go around. The only downside: you might be hungry after a meal there.

Food: One of the stranger things I've tried there is the fried cheese calamari. It sounds…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of Fuji Grill

 35. Fuji Grill

2318 N Tustin St
Orange, CA 92856
(714) 998-3689

Category: Japanese

3 star rating
  9/10/2007

I haven't found too many great sushi places in OC around where my parents live, but this place is so close by that I end up eating here quite a bit. It's not bad... it's just not great.

Food: All the sushi bowls come with heaps of raw, shredded fish…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
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Photo of SanSai Japanese Grill

 36. SanSai Japanese Grill

10904 Lindbrook Dr
Westwood, CA 90024
(310) 443-0610

Category: Japanese

Neighborhood: Westwood

3 star rating
  9/21/2007

Meh is all I can concretely say about Sansai. It's basically Japanese fast food and if you're comparing it to other Westwood Japanese eats, it's probably not going to top the list. It's cheap though for all you bargain hunters. I would go here over…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of Amai Sushi

 37. Amai Sushi

1904 N Tustin St
Orange, CA 92865
(714) 279-9454

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

3 star rating
  4/6/2008

I don't have much to say about Amai as I've only tried their sushi once and have never set foot inside the restaurant. My rainbow roll (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) tasted a little fishy, but was otherwise okay. The order (takeout) came in a styrofoam…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of For Tuna

 38. For Tuna

1114 Gayley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 824-0280

Categories: Japanese, Korean

Neighborhood: Westwood

3 star rating
  9/25/2007

The food isn't bad but boy are they stingy with the portions.

Food: 9/15/07: When kimchi fried rice pops up on the menu, you can be pretty sure the joint is Korean owned. Such was the case with my first visit to For Tuna, formerly Osaka (which was so…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
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Photo of Tokyo Joe's

 39. Tokyo Joe's

145 Union Blvd
Lakewood, CO 80226
(303) 988-1176

Category: Japanese

3 star rating
  6/23/2008 First to Review

This place is to Japanese food as to Chipotle is to Mexican. It is completely not Japanese. Expect weird combinations of Japanese ingredients cooked in a very American way.

Food: Joe's offers some nigiri sushi, sides like gyoza, and bowls. I tried…More »

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
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  • Cool (2)
Photo of Sak's Teriyaki

 40. Sak's Teriyaki

1121 Glendon Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-2002

Category: Japanese

Neighborhood: Westwood

2 star rating
  9/5/2007

The food at Sak's is just as strange as the architecture. I definitely wouldn't call this straight up Japanese. It's more like a mish mosh of Asian themes at Walmart prices.

Food: I got the Spicy Chicken and Chicken combo which came with fried rice…More »

People thought this was:

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1 to 40 of 52  | Go to Page 1 2 Previous | Next

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