Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Pepper Lunch in Alhambra

4.2 (199) 6 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801, United States

Categories

Teppanyaki restaurant
Asian fusion restaurant
Japanese restaurant
Japanese steakhouse

Location on the map

Alhambra, Los Angeles County, California, US

Phone: +1 626-588-1788
Site: http://ca.pepperlunch.us/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–10 PM
Thursday:11 AM–10 PM
Friday:11 AM–10 PM
Saturday:11 AM–10 PM
Sunday:11 AM–10 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.2

199 Reviews for Pepper Lunch 2024:

Review №1

2024-03-07 08:06:30

This is a very casual place. My son recommended this place for lunch. This is the first visit and it was culinary experience for me. The food was served on an iron hot plate, this method of cooking keeps the food hot. I had the eel with rice and added an egg to the order. The food was absolutely scrumptious. This is a must when in SoCal.

Review №2

2024-01-13 23:43:44

Phenomenal service. Eye catching atmosphere. Amazing food.Spoke with the server and learned about the business history. Very knowledgeable and informative.Hard to find a place these days where the employees are able to tell you what you would like.100% will be back and you should go or come back!

Review №3

2024-03-24 02:54:42

Cool place to have your meal prepared on a sizzling plate. Decent pricing and variety. The miso is loaded (silken tofu, dried tofu, seaweed) and not salty.

Review №4

2022-11-10 14:58:50

Right on the corner of Garfield and Main street. There is a parking structure nearby.I think the portion is just perfect! It is filling but not too filling.I ordered the original Pepper Rice and the bowl comes out literally steaming hot so you gotta be careful. They put a paper wrapping around it to help remind clumsy people like me.You do need to cook the meat by just turning it around but I love how it made my rice crunchy and the beef flavor is so good!! My beef came out a little crunchy too (due to me over-cooking it) and it was yummy!They also have sauces for you to use but I personally like it as already flavored.Your clothes will smell after though since the food is cooking in front of you. I forgot to take that into consideration and had to wash all my clothes later cause it smelled like Korean BBQ!There are plenty of tables to sit and outside is an option as well.Friend paid but price is reasonable! I think it came with Miso soup too.

Review №5

2023-07-18 06:24:09

Heard good things and finally got to check out pepper lunch! Nearby garage parking in the back, streets get very busy here. Dining in seems to be a fun experience with the hot stone plates, but I ordered a basic beef pepper rice for takeout. Food was prepared quickly. Decently sized, filling and tasty, but was oily, with little beef. Was pretty good considering the price though, definitely works in its niche. Worth a quick stop if you’re in a rush.

Review №6

2022-10-22 01:24:08

Pepper Lunch is not too busy that you wont get seated soon. The service is great and the staffs are friendly. However, the pricing is too high. I ordered New York Steak and it cost me so much more compared to Diners on Main. The taste was so so and the meat was very hard to cut. I also ordered Beef Teriyaki, yes it tasted great, but the portion was too small that I ate it up in a couple of minutes. My food was up but I was not even full yet.

Review №7

2021-08-24 00:13:33

First time eating Pepper Lunch. Saw this Sizzling Jumbo Beef Pepper Rice at first sight and fell in love with it. All that sizzling looked spectacular and after mixing, the flavors were still amazing. The surprise was the fries. With a Yelp check-in, I got a side for free and I picked fries. The outside was noticeably crunchy while the inside was still very soft. Just the right amount of seasoning too. All of us loved the “free” fries. Kudos to the cook who fried them to perfection.There were a lot of items that I would like to try too, but with sizzling jumbo beef pepper rice on the menu, I don’t think I’d want to order something else. My friend liked this place so much that he came to the establishment 3 days in a row. That’s dedication. My experience here may have been biased or an exception, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to visit again!

Review №8

2024-07-02 01:01:15

Staff is really friendly and good service. It wasnt busy when I was there but there are times when I have to wait so I was really lucky. The place was really clean when I got there. There is indoor and outdoor sitting.

Review №9

2022-01-01 20:27:37

The food was great, but they skimmed on the meat which was disappointing. The staff was super nice and allowed me to use my Yelp reward for a free side. The location had pretty easy parking on the street for 2-hours for free. So many great restaurants around here, but definitely give this one a shot for good Japanese food.

Review №10

2022-01-24 21:54:43

Came to try their famous Classic Beef Pepper Rice skillet with mushrooms and egg and it did not disappoint. The skillet came out piping hot with the meat and toppings cooked halfway. After a few minutes the meat, egg and mushrooms were fully cooked. The final step is to mix it together and eat. Service is friendly and they have a nice outside patio plus free parking structure behind the restaurant.

Review №11

2019-06-25 19:08:07

For what it is, the food is delicious, albeit a bit greasy. The portion for the large is good, it filled me up. The value is decent for the quality, and the restaurant itself is fairly clean and well lit. I ordered the regular pepper beef in large. I didnt get anything special with it. It was very good. I enjoyed every bite of it. Could I have eaten more? The other people in my group added cheese, which added a creaminess to it, as well as some crispy texture for the cheese that dried onto the sizzling plate. Another person got the burger meat, which was very soft, which I didnt like. It wasnt undercooked, it was just very soft beef patty. Almost weirdly soft. The egg is a nice addition to the rice. I would get that next time. Overall a 5.

Review №12

2023-05-01 03:55:06

The food was extremely salty! The portion size was so small. I got the classic sizzling pepper rice with beef and was left so disappointed. The sizzler experience is cool but not worth the $$. The server was super friendly but that doesn’t compensate for the lost money and time.

Review №13

2019-12-20 04:59:00

Im a really big fan of their ordering system. You place your order at the kiosk and they bring you the food.The food is quite tasty for the price and I like how its up to you how you want to cook the meat. Pepper Lunch is definitely a welcomed addition to the San Gabriel Valley. Fast, affordable, and delicious.

Review №14

2021-04-11 11:51:33

Thanks to my wife and her great knowledge of Asian Food Chains with Living in Asia, I was happily blessed with eating in this place. Eating with these sizzling plates are out of the norm but a well appreciated event for me at least. The food was delicious and I would definitely return to this location. We need one of these locations in Ventura County 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

Review №15

2019-10-06 21:06:15

Fun experience for beef rice plates. The food is served in sizzling hot plates that cook the meat as it’s delivered.Food was pretty good. Too much rice for my taste, wish there way to downsize rice the same way you can upsize it.It gets pricey fast unless you stay with the basic plate and don’t add anything, but I highly suggest adding toppings to balance out the protein and carb heavy dish. Suggest veggies, tomato, corn, things that will add brightness and more texture.We ordered the shaken seaweed salad and fries with the meal. Both good.Total meal (jumbo beef plate, eel rice plate, two premium sides) was about $50It’s mostly self service. You order at the kiosks, get your own drinks and dressings. They bring the hot plates out to you

Review №16

2020-03-10 20:40:59

Fun concept of serving on hot stone plates. Good flavor, but piping hot! Mushrooms and onions were raw; you have to mix everything in to cook it on the plate first... have to wait some time before actually digging in. Menu and ordering was a bit confusing. Very techy. Lots of options and add ins; you have to study the menu before you get here!*chicken curry, add egg, add mushrooms

Review №17

2019-02-19 23:33:48

Its a newer hip/trendy restaurant that opened in Downtown Alhambra. Theres iPad at the front door if you like to pay using credit card. Or you can opt for line and cashier.The food is OK (some might think its good but I had better so.....) and the speed the food is served to your table was very fast. BEWARE HOT PLATE!!!However, the price to me is on higher side based on the tastiness of the food. The service and the level of attentiveness was amazing though.Overall, I probably will come back if my friends suggest to come here for the service and the clean environment.

Review №18

2022-11-04 06:53:44

Gosh it was so good. Simple but amazingly fresh and tasty. And totally enough for two people to share. I really enjoyed my meal and wanna come again soon!!

Review №19

2022-09-14 05:32:15

First time there with my friend. She ordered sizzling beef steak. Comes on a hot sizzlin cast iron skillet with fried rice sprinkled with green onion. Very good👍. Can sit outside or inside. With the warm weather still around, we sat outside.

Review №20

2019-05-12 17:12:18

If you love peppery taste, then this PepperLunch will be a great place to eat, however, the restaurant is a little small, hard to bring kids along. During lunch and dinner hours, the line will be long. Even with the peppery taste, I am surprise that my 6 year old son is able to eat the Cream Teppan pasta and he loves it. My wife ordered the Rib Eye Steak and I ordered the Curry Beef Pepper Rice. They do taste good.

Review №21

2024-02-14 22:58:02

Our skillets were not hot enough. Do not get hamburger one. So disappointed

Review №22

2024-01-30 08:06:04

Fast service, you order and pay first. Food tasted great, even for someone who doesnt eat carbs / rice often this was worth the calorie splurge! Though I do wish there was more protein for the price of a sizzling plate.

Review №23

2024-01-23 08:40:19

I have always enjoyed going to Pepper Lunch before the pandemic. However, I havent been back since. I decided to visit again with my friend before Christmas because apparently, many restaurants were closed on Tuesdays.I was pleased to see that you no longer have to order from the machine. Instead, you can order at the cashier and pay there. They have also added some udon dishes to the menu. Although tempting, I stuck with the two meats with curry sauce. I had never tried that before, as I almost ordered the classic beef pepper rice. My friend ordered the tofu and veggie rice.With the Yelp check-in, one could get a free size. I opted for the seaweed salad as I wanted something healthy. My friend chose the sweet potato rice, and we planned to share the sides.My mixed two-meat curry rice was excellent. I enjoyed the sizzling presentation in front of me, and the smell of the curry was heavenly. The seaweed salad added some greens to my meal, although its nothing special. The sweet potato fries were not particularly crispy, as they were kind of thick.Towards the end of the meal, we discovered they had some new drinks for people to try, displayed on a separate table along the wall. We were welcome to try them and provide feedback. Excited, we sampled four flavors, including some mixed fruit ones. They were all pretty good, and we left them our honest reviews on the notes provided.Overall, Pepper Lunch remains one of my favorite restaurants in Alhambra. Next time, I definitely want to try the udon dishes.

Review №24

2023-05-15 19:49:10

Delicious steak and love how it’s served on a sizzling plate so you still have the option to cook it longer if you wish. Seasoning is just right 👍🏻

Review №25

2019-02-18 03:05:29

The same taste and flavor I remember having while traveling in Asia. So happy that they brought here to the US and in the Los Angeles Area. Service is fast, unlike the wait. You mind find yourself going somewhere else if you’re not willing to wait. Not the place to hangout with your family and friends. In true modern Japanese fashion, you order from an electronic kiosk.

Review №26

2019-11-27 03:57:44

I love that there was an electronic ordering system. It made ordering quick and easy and the food came out fast! I highly recommend adding an egg to your dish, the runny yolk tastes amazing with the sizzling meat and rice 👌 i ordered the beef.

Review №27

2023-12-24 00:55:05

Pretty tasty but I feel like there could’ve been more food included in the dishes instead of having to do add-on’s for everything. Meat was also a bit too salty. Beef Pepper Rice was very peppery (which isn’t a bad thing if you really like black pepper). Easy lunch option.

Review №28

2021-06-27 17:11:29

I ordered the eel dish and doubled the meat. I highly recommend if you order eel, double it. The double looks like it should be normal portions though 🤣 . I added the garlic and the sweet sauce and afterwards, I couldnt go back to eating it plain.

Review №29

2022-07-22 20:54:58

Angus cut steak portion is super stingy. Same with the vegetables. Pepper Lunch has surprisingly bigger portions in other countries. Tastes very similar, although the rice looked and tasted like old rice.

Review №30

2019-08-07 17:50:43

I really like their sizzling hot plate presentation. Our family first tried Pepper Lunch when traveling in Singapore a few years ago. The much higher pricing in the US is the biggest difference. The salmon dish is around $11 here and about 5USD in Singapore. The taste is just as good. Its very popular and gets crowded during weekend dinner times. Simple chairs and tables, exterior seating is available as well.

Review №31

2021-07-20 04:40:21

First time here and got the beef dish with cheese and egg on it. Love the idea of the skillet brought out steaming hot. The rice, corn, cheese, egg and meat was a great simple mixture. Added the honey soy sauce on top and it was complete.

Review №32

2023-06-17 03:23:34

Update: June 2023.Good food. Good service. Dog friendly in the patio.

Review №33

2019-11-17 05:53:54

1st time trying this restaurant in LA.The taste maybe its a abit different with the other country that ate before.(Japan & Indonesia)The taste still good for me, but the price is a bit high. So far its still good food. 👍👌😉😁

Review №34

2023-10-14 03:40:58

My guilty pleasure! Quick, unctuous, affordable, buttery, garlicky. Whats not to like?! Only thing I wish more meat on the plate. My go to is beef plate with extra beef, mushroom and garlic chips!Service is always great too. Friendly and welcoming!

Review №35

2020-01-07 00:54:18

I love this place!!!!!Food is awesome and you can control how you cook your steak. So you can avoid the steak cook too old.Food triggers you by both sound and smell.the only thing is the tea machine seems broke, not working wellbut i will try them in other store for sure!!!

Review №36

2019-10-20 20:30:21

I love Pepper Lunch and you will too. From its wide selection of meals to its cozy interior, this is one of the best trendy places on Main St. I like to get either a classic beef pepper rice or curry beef pepper rice with an extra egg and it smacks so hard. Its a good serving size but I still always wish I had more when Im done eating.

Review №37

2019-03-10 01:58:30

Place had a line out the door, but we didnt have to wait terribly long. The prices seemed reasonable for what we got; I was expecting more damage. Food arrived quickly. Had the hamburger curry pepper rice - really good.

Review №38

2020-03-26 17:52:01

I enjoyed my Salmon dish. Plenty of choices which also include vegetarian/vegan options. The server was kind enough to help with ordering and I was able to add miso soup and extra toppings to the dish. Fast and delicious, a good meal to share with friends and family.

Review №39

2023-11-03 18:49:25

Came here with some friends after being recommended the place and it did not disappoint! It’s an order at the counter style restaurant and we got our food very quickly and you let it cook in the hot stone bowls to your hearts desire! It’s not super expensive and very popular so plan your visit accordingly!

Review №40

2023-08-24 00:25:13

Came here for linner on a Thursday afternoon. We had a party of seven, but the staff wouldn’t give us a table that accommodates seven until everyone showed up. We found that rather odd considering the restaurant was practically empty at that time. Okay, no problem, it’s a small place with only a handful of tables. Aside from that, the beef rice plate was good, but the portion was super small.

Review №41

2023-10-18 22:13:48

Food was great and hot. Went with 2 meat combo beef and chicken.Curry sauce was very good,Got a nice spot outside on the patio on main Street. Service was friendly as well.5/5 would eat again.

Review №42

2019-11-18 04:05:09

Yummy but it tastes like theres been a lot less garlic in their garlic sauce lately. I like garlic like a fat kid likes cake so this was sad.

Review №43

2023-08-27 05:24:53

Long wait and small meat portions.i could barely taste the chicken in all the rice. staff was friendly and seemed to be in a tough spot due to how swamped the place was so i have to give them credit. still i wouldnt recommend this place with so many other unique places out there.

Review №44

2020-11-08 03:51:42

The best. I havent had this restaurant in over 13 years in Tokyo Jp. To see it and enjoy it in California is refreshing and wonderful! The food was amazing and nostalgic!

Review №45

2021-11-15 22:30:27

I was surprised how small portions of Salmon were so thin, approx 1/4” thick with a small cube of chicken.

Review №46

2023-03-06 05:47:12

Got the 10oz steak. Steak was served so raw as if the animal was still alive and walking. Even though I understand the sizzling plate cooks it but you really shouldnt serve something inedible to a customer, it should be cooked to at least rare before being served. So I cooked the steak with the residual heat from the sizzling plate, which wasnt nearly enough and I was left with a pile of half raw half rare steak. Basically half the steak was inedible, the veggies were cooked much better. Seriously this needs to be taken off the menu if you cant find the people to cook it.I thought this chain served food. Appearantly not at this particular place.

Review №47

2023-06-29 20:06:07

Great spot for lunch especially with coworkers/friends! As soon as you enter, on your right, theres menu pamphlets. Once youre ready head to the cashier. Most importantly they serve your food sorta frozen on a very hot griddle [its already getting cooked sorta so] so be ready to cook your meat to your preference and vegetable portions once the server places it on your table. Be careful handling the griddle BTW. Also on the far end of the corridor theres the soda machine, condiments, straws and whatnot . Also the bathroom is located around there.And yes they do take out orders. And for parking, theres like 2 parking lot buildings nearby. Its free but youre gonna have to leave before the 4th hour. The only con from this place is the soda machine. The soda [I got Dr pepper] wasnt carbonated right and lacked flavor. Tasted like diet idk why. Lastly you can eat outside or inside and the tables are designated by numbers to keep an eye out for thatBefore I forget, read the pamphlet carefully for the allergens.

Review №48

2020-01-06 23:49:19

The staff is friendly, and good service, price affordable, their from Japan, is self-service style

Review №49

2021-11-15 04:28:11

Efficient and tasty pepper beef and rice spot in Alhambra!We recently (Oct 2021) discovered this spot while looking for a quick but tasty dinner place nearby the Alhambra theater complex and were very happy to find this area. Street parking or lot parking (near the Citibank, can enter either from 1st St or Garfield Ave) is available.Oct 2021: Once you enter you are faced with menus at the automatic kiosk which is NOT on during COVID - place your orders at the counter!SERVICE:Weve been here a couple times - first time the person taking our order let us take our time getting acquainted with the menu and the second time the other person seemed impatient with us as we were deciding - but in any case once your order is taken you get a number you can bring to your table to wait, and service thereafter is fast and efficient!FOOD:I am here for the BEEF PEPPER RICE, served in a sizzling stone bowl with a protective paper ring around it reminding you that the bowl is hot (!!) and be careful not to touch! The rice is cupped around a seasoned pat of butter so be sure to mash your rice and butter down to get it all melted and incorporated. Sweet corn is included and the beef slices are arranged around the outside, and its nice to be able to stop the cooking as you wish if you like the slices more rare by putting the slices on top of your rice. The BEEF CURRY RICE was my partners favorite (even more so than the Beef Pepper for him), with Japanese style sweet curry, which pairs really well with the sizzling pot searing flavor. This feels like something that you can really only appreciate in person.The SEASONED FRIES are my favorite style of fry - served in a personal side basket and with a thin crispy exterior with a light and fluffy interior, generously seasoned which is how I like it.The sauces on the side help you with upping the garlic flavor or sweet sauce flavor as you please!Wonderful spot, quick and sizzling and filling, in Alhambra.

Review №50

2019-05-06 20:56:02

Its an okay sizzler plate dish. I wish they put more ingredients in their standard al de carte.

Review №51

2022-06-28 22:23:24

Such a shame. This used to be one of my favorite places to go. But since the pandemic hit, things had gotten much worse. They charge more and give less portions. I ordered the ribeye and it was so disappointing. It had more chunks of fat and gristle than any ribeye Ive seen. And you can forget asking for extra garlic butter. That alone was 1.50 for a small pat!Im not gonna say Ill never come back, but itll be a long while, if I do.

Review №52

2024-02-19 07:03:31

Not as good as the other locations that we tried. The service is slow and the food is average.

Review №53

2019-06-28 01:37:38

This place offers very convinent service and a decent amount of space. Their rice can range anywhere from $10 to nearly $20 depending on what you add.Their iron grill is cool and fun to eat from. Though I have to say that their flavoring can be a little too much for some. There was just so much pepper and seasoning around that it made the dish too overpowering for me. But that might just be the modern taste that peoples going for.My favorite part is the tablet that you can order from. Theres no confrontation with any people and ordering is very easy for anyone whos touched a smart device before.Generally speaking, it seems like that their servers would try to avoid you a little. They do respond if you call on them, but getting them to make eye contact with you is a little hard. But I wouldnt mind that too much, since thats what they were passively trained to do with all their customers wanting privacy.I wouldnt come here for the food since it is a little heavy for me. But they do provide a great atmosphere for people to chill out and talk with, which is definitely worth a try for anyone within the area.

Review №54

2023-01-04 16:58:50

Ive discovered a Pepper Lunch in my town and theyre serving my fave cheesey Japanese sauce with sizzling beef. To eat something thats sizzling hot from start to finish is an incredible dining experience! Sizzling in goodness

Review №55

2019-02-11 04:07:57

Super fun time with my girlfriend and my co worker. The concept is great and I love how simple yet tasty the food is. It cooks so fast that the line moves quickly so dont let the line stop from trying it. High quality meat, fresh veggies and great atmosphere. There was ample seating, restrooms in the back were clean and overall nice restaurant.

Review №56

2021-10-19 04:19:28

Food/Taste/Flavor: 5/5 - ordered a classic beef pepper rice and wild angus (5 oz) & New York steak (4 oz). The butter seasoning could be salty by itself but was spot on mixed in with the rice. The wild angus and New York steaks were good cuts with just the right amount of fat.Ambience: 4/5 - the store was busy and almost felt chaotic as the servers ran around t serve dishes. It was also fairly cold in the restaurant that we all had jackets onService: 3/5 - the cashier was friendly and efficient. Our table received an extra order and we let the server know that it wasn’t ours. A few minutes later, a different server came by with the exact same order and tried to serve it to us again. When we asked for ketchup, we were taken back by the attitude when she pointed to the drinks at the other end of the restaurant and stated it was there.Value for price: 4/5 - the classic was reasonable on price but the half ‘n’ half was quite pricey. A good experience but unfortunately the food was not that memorable.

Review №57

2022-01-03 00:07:41

We came by on a Sunday for a quick brunch/lunch meal based on some reviews from friends. This was at around 10:45-50am, and it was very chilly outside for my family. I tell you this because when we came in simply to grab a menu and see if we could wait inside while they got ready to open (supposedly at 11am), we were sharply shooed out to wait outside.Not a big deal we thought at first, so we went across the street to shop at Burlington to pass the time. Then when it was about 10:55, we went back to check if we could stay inside the restaurant but were promptly and rudely asked to leave and wait outside again because they had to supposedly get some equipment ready for service.Isnt that what the whole morning is for -- to get ready for service by opening hours? Just a thought (not a service worker, just a MasterChef viewer and avid home cook). They didnt give an approximate time that they would be ready by, so we went away cold, frustrated, and hungry.The server gave off an extremely unfriendly and unpleasant attitude towards us as if we werent at all welcome to simply wait inside by the entrance even. Not judging this place based on the food, because we werent given the opportunity -- just rating on service alone.By the way Pepper Lunch, we went across the street to Blaze Pizza, who were much more welcoming and prepared to serve a quick and enjoyable lunch.

Review №58

2019-01-14 07:21:41

Good food inviting atmosphere and friendly people. The lines can get really long but its worth the wait. Pro tip: dont want to wait? Order to go!The pasta dishes are my favorite and theres plenty of veg options to go with.The curry is solid and goes well with the food.Try everything its all very fresh and full of flavor!

Review №59

2021-06-25 14:19:02

Food is tasty. I got the beef and Hamburg with curry and its great. The curry isnt super flavorful and Im pretty sure thats on purpose to not overpower the flavor of the beef.The only real issue with this place is pre pandemic the lines could be absurd. Right now though the lines are shorter (at least in my experience).

Review №60

2019-10-04 05:01:40

Went here for lunch. Was not disappointed, but the price was a bit much for me. However, every bite was worth it as a treat.

Review №61

2023-12-05 03:15:11

Flavor is good. But the portion of the jumbo beef pepper rice is quite disappointing.

Review №62

2022-05-18 17:16:34

My go to when I want kbbq but not really and I want meat best place. When you get your food make sure to cook it thoroughly before it stops sizzling otherwise you will be stuck with some raw meat! Parking is behind. Is a bit tricky and some walking.

Review №63

2019-03-19 16:32:50

One of my favorite restaurants. The dishes are so simple yet so good (basically just rice with butter and meat, and seasonings on the table for you to experiment). The large classic is my go-to, and they fill you up to a satisfying amount. Be careful of the ketchup dispenser, as it will squirt all over you because the pump is weird.

Review №64

2022-09-07 02:15:54

Interesting way for food. You should try it.

Review №65

2023-03-14 17:37:42

Relaxing spot to grab some foodPortions are, in my opinion are smallish. But flavor was there. Interesting concept of the hot stone. Parking located in the back

Review №66

2020-11-28 19:11:25

I visited this place during the pandemic, there were only 3 tables available for dine in service. So be prepared to wait if you are intending to go there during lunch/dinner hours.Ordered two combo meals. Each combo meal came with a side and a soda. I was really impressed with their onion rings and fries. They had a very light and crispy batter (not oily), yummy. Dishes came on sizzling hot plates. I thought my curry karate chicken was ok, but my wifes two item: angus steak and salmon were perfect.

Review №67

2019-02-17 10:19:55

I came to Pepper Lunch because I have a few friends that have been raving about it to me. I never got the chance to give it a try since Ive been on a strict diet the past few months but last Saturday was finally the day!I came with two other people on a Saturday night, but the wait wasnt too bad despite the line being out the door. I would say we waited about 20 minutes to order and be seated.The menu has a lot of variety in terms of what types of proteins you can pick -- beef, chicken, seafood, etc. We ordered the jumbo classic pepper lunch, a beef/chicken curry pepper lunch, and their kale and mushroom? pasta. Of course, we added various toppings like cheese, corn, mushrooms, etc. Its great that your order comes on a cast iron but I actually dont feel like the food itself is that special. What I enjoyed the most was the curry. Its a classic Japanese curry as far as I know -- thick in consistency and flavorful.What stood out to me was that the cost for toppings really starts adding up and if youre ordering at their kiosk -- its really easy to just start pressing all the different options.It kind of pains me to say that if I just wanted a protein with a side of rice on a cast iron/hot plate, Id probably rather get it at one of the various HK cafes in SGV. Definitely worth a try though!

Review №68

2019-06-08 21:54:54

Food was super quick and delicious. You have a choice to order at the counter or through the kiosk but kiosk will only accept card for payment. They have sauces at the table if you need more flavor. They curry was also flavorful. The trick to eat the sizzling plate is to let it sizzle for a bit then mix everything togather like friedrice or eat separately. Make sure your meat touch the bottom of the plate to get that char.

Review №69

2021-05-03 03:12:44

The food was excellent, I just wished that I had received the portion that I saw in the picture when I ordered it.I ordered delivery for the hamburger & beef combo. Waited an hour for the delivery, then when I finally got the meal there were 2 small cut pieces of hamburger & 2 small pieces of beef......crazy. will never order delivery again

Review №70

2021-05-29 04:44:16

Ive been to Pepper Lunch in LA and the ones in Taiwan multiple times, but after this visit I might have to rethink my loyalty to this chain.We got to the restaurant and the worker said 45 min for dine-in, 25 min for take-out, so we did take-out but then ended up waiting 45 minutes while people who dined in got their food within 15 minutes (three different groups). Then they ran out of rice so we had to wait an additional 15 minutes.I cant tell if Im hangry, sad, or disappointed. Probably all three.

Review №71

2019-03-18 03:56:58

Awesome food concept !!!!Food is delicious and well served, service by the staff is on point.Limited seating and if your not used to ordering from a kiosk it may take some time.They have Sapporo in large cans which is a plus !!!Tips : fires are way better then the onion rings(bland)Adding an egg always makes life taste better lolThe sizzling curry is safe if the menu is overwhelming

Review №72

2019-03-26 03:15:46

It was okay, I had the jumbo pepper rice. The food had no real flavor other then salt. The meat didnt seem of high quality. Really it was just an over priced fried rice. You are paying for the experience not the quality of portion size. Id suggest dining else where.

Review №73

2021-07-18 04:56:27

Rude to touristsUnderstaffed, many free tables and many guests standing up to queue, got our order wrong, didnt apologise, looked at us like were the ones causing them inconvenience, ignored when I said thanks when my food came. We also had to wait for an hour to finally be seated. Go to literally any other restaurant. Kimchi chicken pepper rice was not tasty enough to order again. Food came instantly.Only the waitress noting down our names for the queue was friendly.

Review №74

2019-03-18 01:32:54

Pepper Lunch is a great choice for eats when you want to escape from the cold. The food is freshly made and piping hot. Perfect for when the nights start to get chilly.Most of the rice dishes come with butter inside the center, which are intended to be pressed down on with the spoon. This adds tons of flavor to the dishes.A place Ill be visiting again. 5/5 stars!

Review №75

2019-06-29 20:20:45

First time at Pepper Lunch. Had to wait in line for about 15 mins but at least they were smart and gave us menus to look at. You have to order on a kiosk station so if you dont read English it might be a problem. The food came out pretty quick. I had the Kimchee Beef with Cheese Rice. I really liked it but it was pretty hot for a long while since everything comes out on a sizzling plate. I would definitely come here again.

Review №76

2019-02-07 22:37:18

Good concept and excellent execution. The food came fast and had plenty of flavor. Be careful though, the plate is hot I would recommend everything on the menu, you cant go wrong! The pepper is really their staple.

Review №77

2019-02-07 06:48:29

Dont let the long wait and delicious smell fool you! This location of pepper lunch needs to get a lot more organized. Outside of the sporadic customer service the food itself smelled better than it tasted. The hot plate lasted longer than an average pace eating time which meant some burnt rice at the bottom. That could be on me but I have a good eating pace so who knows at this point. For those that care to know this is a Pepsi supporting restaurant sorry cokeheads. On the plus side the music was delightful, playing the forefront of contemporary pop, hip hop, and rap bangers.If you do go make sure you dont wait long its just not worth it!

Review №78

2019-04-30 16:32:36

Love love love this place. The food is delicious. You get to cook your meat the way you like and because the skillet is really hot, each bite you get is as hot as the one before. Definitely my favorite go-to near our area.

Review №79

2022-10-03 16:59:38

The food was meh. Chicken was a bit dry. The cuts of the steaks was a bit fatty. Not sure if it was worth it spending extra money for the Angus beef and the ribeye.

Review №80

2019-02-08 18:49:13

Food was good for the price, friend got the seafood pasta and was pleasantly satisfied that there were a bit more than just shrimp and mushrooms for a $12 dish. I ordered a $14 10oz steak that was grilled quite well and flavorful. But as a person on keto, I was wary of the sauce that covered in and also couldnt eat my veggies because they were of the Carby nature (green string beans, carrots, corn.) Speed of food arrival and quality for the price is what gets it to 4stars. The iPad ordering system isnt my favorites, I cant customize my order and ask for a side salad instead of the wasted veggies, I cant ask for the miso on the side, and the chip reader freaked out on me several times.

Review №81

2019-03-04 18:01:18

I like the idea of this place! The food is simple but they’re served on hot plates where you can cook the veggies and protein yourself. There’s plenty of vegan/vegetarian options and the prices are very affordable. You order using an iPad and seat yourself. They’ll bring the food to you. I’ve tried the tofu and pepper rice with and without curry and the teriyaki salmon plate. Both are really good. The two sauces on the table are interesting and worth trying out as well.

Review №82

2019-06-28 10:28:13

I remember coming here when it just opened and they just loaded the pan. But then I went back a week ago and it’s not as packed:(Occasionally, the plate isn’t seasoned enough but I definitely love the ambiance and idea of this restaurant. They definitely could expand this by conjoining other types of menu options. The wait is sometimes really longggg :((Overall, the quality to price is aight. Once you leave you’ll have that kbbq smell for sure. Ordering is pretty easy sometimes the line spills out of the doors. There is occasionally a staff that will help you order(maybe I happened to go where they were super busy - usually the staff is always there I believe) Definitely would encourage y’all to try this once at least. But I’m pretty sure the menu will make you want to try something else the next time you come! :)

Review №83

2019-05-22 19:08:46

I like this place because its unique to the area. There arent many sizzling plate restaurants in the area. I think this place is from Japan? But its fusion style because they have a kimchi fried rice (which is really good) I like sizzling plates because your food always comes out piping hot. Also Im a fan of the ordering with a machine lol even though its a little hard to scan the code for your table. I would suggest coming here at lunch because at dinner the wait is sometimes out the door

Review №84

2019-03-17 03:22:21

You are overwhelmed with a joyous atmosphere, filled with comforting food scents, and sizzling ala carte plates. Brought my mother here last minute, we were instantly greeted by a gentleman who advised we may sit where we like after we order. There are 2 KIOSKS for debit card payment only, they take cash payments as well. My mother had a great time and enjoyed her Pepper Salad! You definitely have to visit them 😀

Review №85

2021-10-04 07:36:52

I love Pepper Lunch! Its solid and inexpensive. Get the jumbo order of meat instead of the regular if youre hungry. Looks like a lot of food but it always go down so easy, ha.

Review №86

2019-06-15 20:53:42

You cant really go wrong with a stone so hot in front of you capable of giving you 3rd degree burns. Great meat choices and sometho g about cooking in front of you that is very nice. I think their seating situation leaves a lot to be desired. Very crowded.

Review №87

2022-01-07 21:55:12

Mix your food together before you eat it. Mix it well. The seasoning they put on is meant for the whole dish and I made the mistake of eating all of it in a bite. 😅 The curry is great

Review №88

2019-01-21 06:05:44

Stopped here on a rainy Tuesday night to eat some dinner before catching an evening movie. The while experience was confusing. I stood in a roped off line with no idea what I was waiting for. About 15 minutes later, a young kid walked up to me, gave me a meny, and walked away. He didnt explain the ordering procedure, how long the wait was, or even care if I had questions. I reviewed the menu and had an idea of what I wnated until I reached the ordering kiosk. The menu and what is on the kiosk do not coincide and I almost felt as if I was getting priced gouged because everything was charged seperately. I wanted to pay cash but had no idea there was a seperate ordering line for cash orders. I ordered the two meat curry platter with a drink and onion rings and my husband ordered the kimchi rice, which cost $34. I found a seat all the way in the back, cramped in between the entrance to the bathroom and the soda machine. The food arrived pretty fast, which was the only plus. The hamburger meat had no flavor and the other meat was full of fat. The curry sauce was ok but didnt add any needed flavor. Overall, it was a worth a try but I would not go out of my way to eat here again, especially for the cost.

Review №89

2021-12-17 03:31:23

Great flavor for the value. Came out fast in only a few min so a quick stop for lunch was perfect. The place is small so seating really is limited.

Review №90

2018-12-23 04:00:12

Incredible food. The pepper is the star here. It never overwhelms or underwhelm the food and just adds consistent flavor that makes you want to go again and again. I am happy to see another restaurant from Japan make it here to the states!

Review №91

2022-06-06 01:11:07

Love this place. Simple food but always good. Not much atmosphere and service is meh sometimes but very consistent food and great value. If you havent been..its kind of an unique experience too

Review №92

2020-03-14 01:06:56

Very easy to navigate menu with lots of simple options. Be careful with what you add on, the cost will go up fast if youre not careful. Portions are on the smaller side but everything tastes super fresh! I recommend going here if it isnt crowded.

Review №93

2022-04-12 07:23:01

Misleading advertising picture!!!Actual premium steak is 1/4 inch thin (see real pic, the thickness of corn kernel). Tasteles frozen veggies, extra $ for onion rings. A meal for 1 thats not worth $40!

Review №94

2019-02-03 22:33:24

Didnt live up to the hype. Long lines for food that is more expensive and less tasty than local Hong Kong style diners that serve up sizzling dishes. Got the sliced beef and ribeye plates for about $40. Limited sitting so dont recommend families with tots.

Review №95

2022-07-22 10:47:48

You can ask for no butter. not as healthy with all the sauces and butter. price feels a bit expensive. but I saw them serve food to someone on a wheelchair. made my heart pump.

Review №96

2023-05-20 00:43:04

My daughter introduced me to this place. She found one in Northridge. And not to far from me now Alhambra. Taste so so good.

Review №97

2020-10-12 05:19:20

Really nice waiters, and they didnt hesitate once, even though we asked for a lot of things. They were also very explicit explaining with the menu. Wonderful food and loved the place!

Review №98

2019-09-23 21:49:42

Overpriced, meat quality is not par with the prize, i order ribeye and angus/newyork, 1/4 of the parts are chunky Fat. And theyre very thin cut. Good seasoning tho

Review №99

2022-04-14 05:14:50

Pretty good food. Very cool how you semi cook the meat before you eat it. Theres also an afters ice cream near by so its a good 1,2 combo

Review №100

2019-05-17 19:32:37

First time and last time I will be dinning here. I work for the city and taught I come by and give it a try. Food was very salty there was more rice than my seafood. Corn was not fresh it was from a can.

Review №101

2022-11-28 02:51:51

What an amazing chain. Definitely will be a go to of mine. Food is great. Amazing idea and it’s very affordable plus plates are filling.

Review №102

2022-05-30 22:02:53

Food is good but portions aren’t worth the price they charge ordered the larger portion didn’t seem any bigger then my boyfriends that order the smaller one ..

Review №103

2019-01-30 04:01:54

THE. CURRY. IS. TO. DIE. FOR!!!A favorite restuarant of mine now, its got plenty of options for food from, the staff is kind and attentive. Its new and popular so there may be a bit of a wait but I promise the food is quite worth it!

Review №104

2023-07-12 22:49:33

So so good. was worried it wouldn’t live up to the ones in asia but it is just as good!! true comfort food and very filling.

Review №105

2019-04-14 07:32:00

The menu is Amazing ! All the food looks good making it difficult to choose. My dish was delicious and I dont think you can go wrong with any dish. A must try !

Review №106

2023-09-22 17:33:21

It was aight. Pictures look good but the food is pretty regular.

Review №107

2023-08-03 19:00:32

We went there earlier this week for lunch, and they were close. There was a sign saying they were closed due to an electrical problem. All the while, all connected businesses were opened. Called today before I went, and nobody answered. Seems they are still closed

Review №108

2023-03-18 20:09:55

Just average food. On the salty side. Plus if no service there shouldn’t be tips. This whole upfront tipping culture is getting out of control.

Review №109

2019-03-04 22:44:12

Service needs to get better. All the servers ever did was talk amongst themselves. Not once did any of them ask if there was something else we needed. We had to get off our seats to approach them.to ask for things. Food was ok. The pasta didnt have taste and the steaks were ok.

Review №110

2020-02-03 22:18:27

Simply delicious! All dishes served on a hot cast iron skillet! I had the rib eye steak. It was tender and super juicy!

Review №111

2020-01-07 05:46:49

The food was great, just as expected. I usually get the sizzling curry beef and hamburger with tofu and mushrooms, plus the red japanese pepper from the shakers they have.

Review №112

2023-12-14 01:55:18

I love their food it’s sooo good!

Review №113

2021-08-14 07:26:41

First time there with an old friend! Service was good and food came out fast. Parking was just difficult to find. Overall great experience and would go again.

Review №114

2021-06-29 02:58:53

Went for my first time today and they got my order wrong and when I got the correct order it was OK. Not a fan of so much pepper. Then later throughout the day I felt sick it did not agree with me.

Review №115

2019-02-28 06:36:07

I was obsessed with this place the first time I tried it. After a few more times coming here, the hype was gone and I realized Im just eating beef and rice with pepper. I still love the strong taste but it gets boring after a couple times. Still a must try though!

Review №116

2019-04-03 05:55:19

Its an experience. Food is tasty af tho surprisingly light. Makes u wnna order more. Will definitely come back to try the whole menu.

Review №117

2023-04-10 02:15:37

Food comes out fast, cool cause you can cook yourself, personally I get the jump steak and a side of fries!!!

Review №118

2019-01-29 06:59:52

Our meat got overcooked. My friend had the jumbo sizzling beef rice and I had the salmon rice. It was the first time there for both of us so we didnt know what to do. It would have been nice for the staff to give us some instructions, but we learned the hard way. Basically, the meal is served in a sizzling bowl and you have start taking the meat off the sizzling bowl or else everything gets overcooked - which is what happened to my salmon and my friends beef. Kinda pricey for what we got. Might come back to try the curry. Staff was friendly and accommodating, but not super well trained on customer service.

Review №119

2021-11-23 15:47:45

Pepper rice is pepper rice. It’s good for what it is.

Review №120

2021-05-26 18:48:40

So good, love japanese curries and this really hits the spot. Only down side is the only spice they have is Sriracha, but still totally delicious.

Review №121

2022-01-16 19:51:59

The food was good but it wasnt what I was expecting to be honest, I got little help from the staff when it came to making a decision n I left unsatisfied. I definitely didnt feel it was worth the cost.

Review №122

2022-12-30 17:31:46

Had the sizziling beef curry and it was good. In fact my girlfriend, who doesnt like curry, tried it and intends to order it the next time we go.

Review №123

2021-08-10 03:38:32

Very tasty dishes, served in a unique way. I loved the curry and my kids really liked the teriyaki chicken.

Review №124

2019-07-24 15:50:25

I understand why its popular. Hot plate kept food hot until it was delivered to the table. The classic beef pepper rice was very good.

Review №125

2022-11-06 17:36:24

I tried to order eat in and an other for take out. Eat in is almost double the size. Next time Ill order eat in and pack it togo myself to get two boxes, lol

Review №126

2020-04-09 02:50:12

My wife loves this place and it was my first time going. After my first couple bites, I immediately understood why she loves this place. Just wish we had one inn Minnesota where we live

Review №127

2022-03-19 22:54:41

I last had this in 2012 while in Japan. So good!

Review №128

2019-06-18 22:14:59

The restaurant is very unique. The portion is good for lunch but not so for dinner. I really like the seafood rice.

Review №129

2023-04-23 03:17:00

Food is okay. Its meat and rice with corn No veggies and its kind of pricey.

Review №130

2021-04-14 02:15:03

It was alright. Wifes dish was okay. . . Mine was meh. Barely any meat. flavor was great.

Review №131

2019-12-26 23:18:44

Great flavor! I wanna go back and try some other things. I would recommend add-ons to the meal (like onions or egg) over the premium sides

Review №132

2019-09-01 00:47:37

Good portion and wide variety options for customization. The pepper butter in rice on tepan is delicious, thumb up!

Review №133

2019-02-09 17:49:50

It was quick and good portion for lunch

Review №134

2023-04-01 06:18:15

More of a Beefy Supper than Pepper Lunch, but it felt just like I was back in Singapore! :)

Review №135

2019-08-13 01:00:30

Order at a kiosk and find a table, food will come out to you. Food was delicious but a little too oily for me, but assume so that it doesnt stick to the hotplate.

Review №136

2019-04-06 02:30:14

This place is great the food is good but its also a bit pricey ($12-$20 for an order) and the line can take forever if you come at a busy time.

Review №137

2018-12-26 22:28:50

The only thing to say is.....go try it for yourself !! Thanks Charles!!

Review №138

2019-04-15 01:49:37

Ordering is done using the tablet. Restaurant can get quite busy but the beef rice is good.

Review №139

2024-06-23 21:44:35

This is korean not Japanese

Review №140

2023-03-18 01:53:24

Many interesting and tasty items on the menu. The service is fast and friendly.

Review №141

2024-04-22 00:23:59

Fast service and good food

Review №142

2022-04-15 16:32:14

I like the jumbo beef pepper lunch. The meat quality could be a bit better aside from that its pretty.

Review №143

2021-07-08 19:01:51

Tasty. Pricey. Yummy.

Review №144

2019-02-09 17:48:55

Its okay but not outstanding. Ive been here twice so far. The fries are always good.

Review №145

2023-11-02 17:24:03

Not good at all. Really lacking flavor

Review №146

2023-09-28 18:38:37

Tasty Japanese casual dining at a reasonable price.

Review №147

2022-08-13 01:19:55

You get small amount of food for the price. I been there three times, I have to stop going there not worth it. Too many empty tables

Review №148

2019-09-03 03:48:38

Quick n fast. A bit pricey though. But you get steak, so I can no complain 😋

Review №149

2021-07-18 22:01:58

Tiny dining area. Really good and reasonably priced food. Felt covid safe.

Review №150

2019-03-10 19:53:41

Decent Japanese fast food style. Not bad, but kinda om the expensive side.

Review №151

2020-03-15 20:03:13

Get the original plate its delicious! Overall the food is great there 🍽

Review №152

2019-04-05 01:45:17

Great food, authentic Japanese. Pretty much the same as when I ate there all the time in Japan.

Review №153

2021-09-29 20:58:37

Is it me or the portion got smaller? Or maybe is from inflation? One thing I know is I’m not coming back anytime soon!!!

Review №154

2019-01-20 03:48:23

Didnt like it.. everything was salty but the water However it was pretty good when i asked them remake it

Review №155

2023-09-22 01:45:32

I ordered beef pepper lunch and finished it right away. So good..

Review №156

2021-06-24 08:21:18

Good food overall, the menu can be overwhelming for the fist time however.

Review №157

2019-12-11 18:33:00

Good spot for lunch

Review №158

2021-12-20 21:11:49

1st time with the family... its really good, something new for us... I recommend it highly 😉

Review №159

2022-08-29 20:57:09

The food was good but the fries were great

Review №160

2019-06-16 02:25:01

Great food and especially good of you want to get in and out quickly.

Review №161

2019-04-01 19:17:38

Concept is good, service is good but the New York steak was mostly fat

Review №162

2019-11-22 04:47:36

Food is a little salty, the portion is a little disappointing if you dont order extra protein.

Review №163

2019-01-14 05:12:57

This place was amazing. The food was great. The service was very fast.

Review №164

2021-09-08 00:56:11

Very good . My wife and I love the food here .

Review №165

2020-11-04 16:25:39

Very easy to order even while in pandemic. Only 1 party inside the store at a time to order.

Review №166

2023-03-14 21:14:09

Very Delicious And Amazing Atmosphere!

Review №167

2023-09-25 19:48:35

Taste is terrible. Not worth it.

Review №168

2019-04-21 22:55:58

Fun modernistic delicious restaurant

Review №169

2022-05-25 04:05:52

Delicious, unique and a great staff and atmosphere

Review №170

2019-12-04 05:04:59

I think the food is decent I will eat there again

Review №171

2019-06-10 04:57:01

It’s great! It would be even better if there wasn’t a line.

Review №172

2021-12-07 22:13:58

Great food. Same taste as in China.

Review №173

2019-01-30 00:57:31

Hyped up, can be salty but you can ask for reduced salt. Not bad though.

Review №174

2019-02-10 11:28:56

Another good foodie place to add on to the San Gabriel Valley foodie culture!

Review №175

2020-01-20 22:54:17

Awesome place. Great food and fast service

Review №176

2019-07-26 05:47:29

Friendly environment and staff. Food comes hot and very good!

Review №177

2019-10-20 02:58:38

Best fast food experience and the food was so delicious!

Review №178

2019-04-08 14:59:28

If you like greasy food

Review №179

2019-03-09 06:24:24

Its a Japanese version of sizzling plate...not a fan.

Review №180

2019-03-10 05:20:20

So tasty and delicious. Highly recommended.

Review №181

2022-09-08 04:58:15

The best rice bowl in town!

Review №182

2019-11-03 20:24:00

Not up to par with the Irvine location... then again, cant expect much from this area.

Review №183

2023-11-05 05:01:07

Great like always

Review №184

2022-09-08 03:42:00

Great food. Fast service

Review №185

2023-08-30 04:38:28

Love love this place and the food.

Review №186

2023-09-16 05:09:31

Great food fr !

Review №187

2021-12-14 03:19:16

Good reasonable sizzling lunch food

Review №188

2020-02-23 03:16:29

Omfg.... soooooo good! 10/10 would recommend

Review №189

2022-05-12 01:16:12

Great service, good food

Review №190

2020-09-25 18:58:12

Terrible service, terrible food. I hope this place closes.

Review №191

2023-09-22 16:35:04

Flavorful curry.

Review №192

2019-05-29 05:59:50

The place is clean. Food is Ok.

Review №193

2021-09-11 16:58:15

Generous portions, good value

Review №194

2019-02-18 04:31:20

Tiny place with heater outside at night

Review №195

2022-05-21 04:12:34

Good food and fast service

Review №196

2019-12-29 00:38:16

Tasty food, good service.

Review №197

2018-12-14 22:52:58

Just the way I remember it: the best.

Review №198

2019-12-11 22:02:01

Great food and staff.

Review №199

2019-11-18 04:55:03

Very good and reasonable price