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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Pasadena

Japanese food spots

The precision and comfort of a Japanese meal is exactly what the appetite demands.

Based on 850 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mills Alley image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen and friendly chefs create a warm vibe. Enjoy fresh sushi like scallops and uni, plus rich ramen and udon dishes. Spacious seating and good acoustics make conversation easy in a clean, modern setting.

Friendly chefs at the open sushi bar offer suggestions and greet guests warmly. The menu features perfectly light sushi like scallops, bluefin, and uni, plus rich dishes like shoyu ramen with a soft-boiled egg and Mentaiko cream udon.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, balanced, and deeply umami."

"The sashimi here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The sushi here was on another level, truly the best ever."

Good to know

1

Reservations for the omakase experience are recommended at least one week in advance.

2

Expect a short wait time during weekday dinners.

3

The sushi is priced at $7.00 per piece, which is higher than average.

02
Haruka Sake and Sushi Pasadena image 1

Newly remodeled space offers modern furnishings and cozy lighting for a relaxing vibe. Sushi features melt-in-your-mouth seared salmon and fresh eel sashimi with delicate flavors. Rolls like California come out rich and buttery, paired with authentic bento and top-quality sashimi.

Sushi here features melt-in-your-mouth seared salmon and fresh eel sashimi with delicate, delicious flavors. Rolls like the California roll come out rich and buttery, paired with authentic bento and top-quality sashimi.

People are saying

"The sushi here is top quality and tastes fantastic."

"I found the food surprisingly affordable for the quality."

"The Japanese food here is fantastic and the fish is super fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and free, with plenty of space in the plaza lot.

2

Tesla Supercharger stations are available in the parking lot.

3

The restaurant offers quick service with virtually no wait time.

03
Sushi Karen image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant offers intimate booths for a cozy, quiet meal. Master sushi chef serves exceptionally fresh fish with thick cuts and authentic flavors. Limited seating means reservations required to enjoy this exclusive dining experience.

Freshness of the fish stands out with every dish. Sushi comes from a master sushi chef who prepares meals with great passion and precision.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be incredible, some of the best I've ever had."

"The tempura here is lightly battered and crisp."

"The Japanese food here is incredibly fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating; call ahead to secure a spot.

2

Parking is limited in the lot, but street parking is available on Arroyo.

3

The prices are about $5 per piece of nigiri, with some items being pricier.

04
KAVIAR Restaurants image 1
Japanese restaurant

Life-size Samurai sculptures and trendy decor create a cozy vibe with dim, warm lighting. Sushi offers freshness and artful presentation that delights the palate. Creative cocktails and soft lounge music make dining here a truly unique experience.

Sushi here stands out for its freshness and artful presentation. Each piece blends flavor and finesse with careful preparation that goes beyond just looks.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi I ever had."

"This is a great date spot for flavorful sushi and amazing atmosphere."

"The atmosphere at Caviar is intimate, sexy, and sophisticated."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Brunch service starts at 10am on weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

05
Sushigah image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small corner sushi spot offers a cozy atmosphere with cute high tops and bar seats for people watching. Sushi and sashimi are fresh and perfectly cut, especially salmon and squid. House-made fruit shochu adds a unique touch to this welcoming experience.

Sushi and sashimi come fresh and cut to perfection with standout options like salmon and squid sushi. Staff accommodate special requests, making the experience welcoming and personalized.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here has really attentive and friendly service."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The tempura here is so crispy and piping hot."

Good to know

1

Parking is located in the same building, making it super accessible.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible through the side entrance.

3

Sushigah has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

06
Sato Ramen House image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers rich broth and spicy heat in a quiet, charming space with classic Japanese decor. Spacious seating ensures comfort while two large TVs showing basketball add a casual touch to the relaxed atmosphere.

Ramen here stands out for its rich broth and spicy heat that arrives hot every time. The menu includes a flavorful curry and a rare, well-made shoyu ramen, all served affordably in a pleasant setting.

People are saying

"The Yuzu Shio Ramen is light, refreshing, and has a gentle citrus flavor."

"I thought the tonkatsu here was the best, hands down."

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is full of authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are only accepted for groups of six or more.

2

Prices are affordable, typically under $40 for two people with leftovers.

3

The restaurant allows guests to bring their own cake and champagne at no extra cost.

07
Akinori Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, clean space with warm wood accents offers a cozy vibe. Fresh fish and real wasabi make sushi and sashimi stand out. Watching chefs work at the bar adds an engaging element to the relaxed energy.

Fresh fish and real wasabi stand out here. Sushi and sashimi come beautifully prepared with no strong fishy smell, plus appetizers like shishito tempura and karaage add variety.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be incredibly fresh and delicious."

"It's a cozy, clean, and quiet little spot."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking at Akinori Sushi is easy with spaces available right out front.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of sushi served.

3

The lunch special does not include miso soup or salad as stated in the menu.

08
Roll Factory by Straycat Kitchen image 1

Secluded spot offers a calm vibe with fresh sushi and unique purple rice poke bowls. Wide sauce selection includes standout Truffle Ponzu. Locals love its simple, satisfying flavors and thoughtful approach.

Fresh sushi features high-quality salmon and hot tempura. Sushi rolls come with many options and a wide range of sauces, with Truffle Ponzu standing out for its rich and bright flavor.

People are saying

"The sushi here is amazing, with really fresh, high-quality fish."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"The seafood here is so fresh, I really enjoyed it."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a wide selection of toppings and sauces for sushi.

2

Great alternatives like steamed rice are available if menu items are missing.

3

Expect a variety of sushi rolls and options on the menu.

09
Oseyo Shabu Shabu image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Individual hot pots with induction heating offer a clean, cozy setting with wooden decor and floral touches. Enjoy fresh Angus Beef and Australian Lamb in flavorful broths for a true shabu shabu meal. Lively lunchtime vibes with a K-pop soundtrack keep energy high for small groups or solo diners.

Fresh, high-quality meats and flavorful broths create a full-on shabu shabu experience. Options include Angus Beef and Australian Lamb sets with plenty of meat, vegetables, udon, and rice.

People are saying

"The shabu shabu here is delicious and the meat is so tender."

"You have to try the vintage prime beef; it's so tender and melts in your mouth."

"The Japanese food's beef is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deals offer great value from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant offers a two-person feast for $80, including drinks and dessert.

3

Parking is easy and free outside the restaurant.

10
Kyushu Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Bright red walls and lanterns create a cozy atmosphere in this family-run spot. Sushi shines with real wasabi and fresh sashimi. Sparkling sake pairs well with rich seafood udon, making it a clean, inviting place to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors.

Sushi here is fabulously fresh and beautifully presented with real wasabi. The sashimi and rolls stand out for their incredible freshness and quality, while the Soup Udon offers a rich seafood broth with soft udon noodles.

People are saying

"I had some of the best sushi I ever experienced here."

"The lunch specials here are an awesome deal."

"The tempura here is so crispy and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Parking is available on the side, but access requires a left turn on a one-way street.

3

Lunch specials offer good value for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

11
Noda Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy spot serves fresh sashimi and generous tempura with a low-key vibe. Lunch offers customizable Bento boxes for a casual, tasty experience. Prices rose but value stays strong in this quiet, welcoming space.

Sushi features fresh sashimi and well-prepared rolls like the salmon lover and Cynthia roll. Lunch offers a customizable Bento box option, and tempura servings come out generous.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

"I enjoyed the great food here."

"The dinner here was so satisfying."

Good to know

1

Last call is at 8:15 PM during the week.

2

Last call is at 8:45 PM on Saturdays.

3

Lunch option includes a customizable Bento box.

12
Go Go Sushi image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers fresh high-quality fish and a variety of rolls like Rainbow Roll. Warm atmosphere with a Las Vegas lounge vibe and chill music sets a relaxing mood. Friendly service shines, especially with accommodating dietary restrictions.

Sushi features fresh, high-quality fish with big servings and a variety of rolls like the Rainbow Roll and salmon roll. Service stays attentive and friendly, and dishes like chicken katsu and shrimp tempura curry add variety beyond sushi.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious Japanese food, especially the fresh sushi rolls."

"The sushi here is always fresh and delicious for a great date spot."

"There's plenty of parking available, which is a huge plus."

Good to know

1

Happy hour pricing is available from 11:30 am until 3 pm.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

The menu offers a variety of sushi and hot dishes.

13
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 1

Upscale interior with covered patio seating creates a warm, inviting vibe. Tonkotsu ramen features a rich, flavorful broth with mild spice, while sushi rolls are fresh and well-crafted. Multiple TVs show sports, keeping the atmosphere chill and relaxed.

Rich, flavorful broth defines the tonkotsu ramen here, with a perfect, mild spice level. Sushi rolls stand out as fresh and well-crafted, making this spot a reliable choice for ramen and sushi lovers.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"You have to try the frozen beer; it's a must-try."

"I found their sushi rolls to be affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals on beer are available.

2

Lunch deals offer great value for money.

3

Parking is limited to one hour in the back lot.

14
Allied Food To Go image 1

Robots deliver fresh, tasty unagi and salmon in a clean, simple space with an old building vibe. Multiple kitchens offer diverse options, making ordering seamless and contactless. Sushi quality rivals Studio City, perfect for quick, quality Japanese food.

Fresh and tasty unagi and salmon stand out. Sushi quality matches what you'd find in Studio City, no need to drive far for Katsu Ya cravings.

People are saying

"I thought the food was very tasty and never disappoints."

"You can order from many restaurants for takeout or delivery."

"The Japanese food, especially the onigiri, is delicious."

Good to know

1

The pickup process is contactless and efficient, allowing for quick retrieval of orders.

2

Parking can be challenging; street parking is the only option available.

3

Food is ready in less than 10 minutes after ordering.

15
Pillow Talk Cafe Pasadena image 1

Cozy cafรฉ offers a relaxing atmosphere with spotless white walls and high ceilings. Japanese-inspired dishes like okonomiyaki pancake and unique sandwiches shine alongside sweet desserts served in individual tins. Ample seating makes it perfect for casual dining.

Okonomiyaki stands out with its savory pancake base, loaded with bacon, egg, and cabbage, and topped with mayonnaise and dashi. The menu also features a unique okonomiyaki sandwich alongside sweet desserts like mango coconut sunny side and strawberry shortcake.

People are saying

"The desserts here are pretty, creative, and taste fresh."

"This honeycomb latte is FIRE and perfectly creamy."

"The Japanese food here is beautifully crafted and visually appealing."

Good to know

1

Prices for sandwiches and mini cakes are around $10 to $13, which is reasonable.

2

Street parking is available nearby, making access convenient.

3

The cafe has limited indoor seating, so outdoor seating may be necessary.

16
Yakiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers authentic cuisine with impeccable service in a lively atmosphere that suits both dates and family gatherings. Features include smokeless BBQ grills and a notable drink selection. Conversation can be challenging due to noise.

Authentic Japanese cuisine shines with impeccable service and a menu that could benefit from more high-quality sashimi or sushi options instead of American Wagyu short rib.

People are saying

"The fine dining here is incredible, with quality meats and seafood."

"It's classy, polished, and elegant, yet still inviting."

"The Japanese food here is a revelation of flavors and culinary mastery."

Good to know

1

Reservations at Yakiya are highly recommended.

2

Yakiya offers a pre-fix menu for $128 per person.

3

Expect a multi-course dining experience with a focus on Japanese cuisine.

17
Champion's Curry Pasadena image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with counter seating offers a cozy, modern vibe perfect for quick meals. Japanese curry shines with rich, authentic flavor and juicy pork katsu. Service is lovely and calm, making it a solid spot for authentic Japanese curry lovers.

Japanese curry here features a rich, authentic flavor inspired by Kanazawa style. The pork katsu stands out as juicy and tender, avoiding dryness common in fried pork, while the chicken katsu also delivers solid taste.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese curry here to be authentic and delicious."

"The Tonkatsu here is perfectly cooked, juicy and tender."

"The Japanese curry here is so rich, thick, and yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, and there is no free parking available.

2

The restaurant is located in a small alley, not on the main road.

3

It's advisable to call ahead during holidays and peak meal times to ensure seating.

18
B-Man's Teriyaki image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old school vibe meets Halloween decorations in a lively, casual spot with large portions and quick service. Teriyaki chicken shines with sweet and savory sauce, paired with affordable prices and a clean, safe environment.

Teriyaki dishes feature tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that balances flavor well. Large portions come with options like ABC Burgers, teri-fries, and chicken musibis, all cooked to perfection and fairly priced.

People are saying

"The teriyaki sauce here is slightly sweet, savory, and one of the best."

"I thought the ABC burger was very good."

"The Japanese food, specifically the spam musubi, was delicious and exactly what I needed."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available, making pickups quick and easy.

2

Parking is shared with Trader Joeโ€™s, so avoid peak shopping times.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes that are great for sharing.

19
Mako Bowl image 1
Japanese restaurant

Casual spot with unique resin rock tables offers Japanese curry and teriyaki bowls featuring fresh, crispy veggies and charred chicken. Large bowls cost under $10, making it a great choice for tasty, affordable meals.

Teriyaki bowls stand out with perfectly charred chicken and spicy sauce. The Japanese Curry and chicken katsu also hold consistent, strong flavors over many years.

People are saying

"The teriyaki chicken is perfectly charred and chef's kiss."

"I found the food to be really yummy and delicious."

"I love their teriyaki chicken bowl; it's the best in LA."

Good to know

1

In-store prices are often lower than those listed online.

2

Parking availability can vary; sometimes it's easy, other times it's challenging.

3

They accept both cash and credit cards for payment.

20
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa image 1

Minimalist interior and dim lighting create an intimate, cozy space with a quiet courtyard. Sushi offers fresh fish and warm rice that melts in your mouth. Omakase menu delivers high-quality sushi with great value in a casual but polished setting.

Sushi here features fresh fish and warm sushi rice that melts in your mouth. The omakase-style menu offers consistent, high-quality sushi with great value.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The food here always tasted so fresh."

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over an hour, especially during peak hours.

2

A mandatory 16% service fee is added to all bills.

3

Parking is available for $3 with validation in the garage behind the restaurant.

21
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate spot with a cozy atmosphere perfect for quiet meals. Ramen shines with well-balanced tonkotsu broth and tender pork. Seating fits small groups but wooden chairs can be somewhat uncomfortable. Overall, a mellow place for solid Japanese flavors.

Ramen here features well-balanced tonkotsu broth and melting pork that stands out. Both the dipping and spicy ramen offer solid, inventive flavors with noodles that hold up well without being too salty or oily.

People are saying

"I found the vegan ramen broth to be rich and delicious."

"The staff here is so welcoming and attentive during dinner."

"The Japanese Food broth here is so creamy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $1.50 for 15 minutes at nearby lots; no parking at the restaurant.

2

A 17.68% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

3

Reservations are not accepted; the whole party must be present to be seated.

22
Wagyu Master Shabu House | Pasadena image 1

Enjoy an interactive hotpot with A5 Wagyu and diverse Asian broths in a modern, stylish setting. Fresh sushi and an all-you-can-eat area offer great variety. Watch the Sukiyaki ceremony for a unique dining experience.

Freshness and variety stand out with an all-you-can-eat area featuring sauces, meats, vegetables, sushi, and desserts. The wagyu bone marrow and table side sukiyaki get special attention, with the sukiyaki cooked perfectly at the table.

People are saying

"The Wagyu service from Kit and Eric was attentive and knowledgeable."

"The Wagyu steak here is unforgettable and melts in your mouth."

"The A4 wagyu here is buttery, flavorful, and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Joining the waitlist helps avoid long lines and wait times.

2

Parking costs around $6 to $7 at Paseo for convenience.

3

Arrive early or get on the waitlist to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.

23
King of Ramen Pasadena image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small family-run ramen shop offers a quiet spot with authentic Japanese recipes. Broth is creamy and slow-cooked for rich flavor. Located in a tucked-away strip mall, it provides affordable, high-quality dining away from crowds.

Ramen here stays true to authentic Japanese recipes without American twists. Tonkotsu ramen offers a savory, creamy broth, while Tan Tan ramen brings spicy minced pork on perfectly cooked noodles.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The ramen here is so good, my son demanded we come back regularly."

"The ramen here is delicious and super satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to limited seating.

2

You can order for pickup in-store, online, or over the phone.

3

The restaurant serves authentic ramen with homemade broth.

24
Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena image 1

Steakhouse blends top-notch steaks with wagyu aburi nigiri for a unique dining mix. Soft lighting and black and white decor create an elegant atmosphere perfect for intimate meals. Cocktails are expertly crafted, matching the refined vibe and diverse menu.

Omakase features wagyu aburi nigiri, uni toast, and a variety of dishes like bacon wrapped shrimp and pork tonkatsu. The menu blends Asian flavors with unique items such as lobster ramen and octopus.

People are saying

"The Wagyu steak here is perfectly marbled and rich with umami."

"The service here is so refined and intentional."

"The Wagyu sushi and steak were perfectly grilled."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least a month in advance, especially for dinner.

2

Expect high prices, with steaks averaging around $100 each.

3

Private parties of 10 or more can be accommodated in multiple rooms.

25
MAMA M SUSHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy spot with intimate live music and a quiet vibe. Sushi rolls are extremely fresh, crafted by a skilled chef using inventive ingredients. Outdoor patio offers city views, perfect for relaxing while enjoying spicy edamame and soft shell crab.

Sushi rolls come extremely fresh and are crafted by a professional chef with inventive, fresh ingredients. The spicy edamame offers a strong garlic flavor, and the menu includes spicy tuna rolls, sashimi, and soft shell crab that stand out.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is always great and fresh."

"The service here is incredible and the staff is super friendly."

"It's a quiet, casual, and cozy atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers specials every day of the week.

2

Live music is available on Friday nights outside.

3

Parking options include street parking or a nearby lot costing $7 for 2 hours.

26
TSUKE Artisan Noodle image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with anime music sets a chill vibe for small groups. Ramen shines with rich broth and fresh noodles, especially the spicy ajitama and deluxe tonkatsu. Vegan ramen offers a solid choice, blending modern and homey feels in a simple layout.

Ramen here features a rich and flavorful broth with fresh noodles that work well for dipping. The spicy ajitama ramen and deluxe tonkatsu stand out, while the vegan ramen offers a surprisingly good option.

People are saying

"The ramen here is so delicious and rich."

"The vegan ramen here is surprisingly creamy and exceeded my expectations."

"The ramen here is delicious and rich."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a garage right across the street.

2

Expect a short line on Sunday evenings around 6 pm.

3

The restaurant is best suited for parties of up to four.

27
Birria Master image 1
Mexican restaurant

One-man truck serves specialized birria tacos with rich flavor in a family-style seating setup that encourages community. Unique dishes like Lengua Birria Ramen blend Japanese and Mexican tastes. Convenient street and on-site parking make visits easy.

Lengua Birria Ramen and Beef Birria Plate stand out as notable dishes. The menu blends ramen with Mexican flavors, featuring items like a quesadilla birria and a quesataco.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are amazing and super tender."

"The salsas here are delicious and complement the meal perfectly."

"I couldn't find prices for the Japanese food anywhere."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot and on the street.

2

The queso birria tacos cost $3.50 and the consomรฉ is $3.

3

Drinks and water are sold separately.

28
Teri & Yaki image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant serves chicken teriyaki bowls and Chinese chicken salad in a quiet, chill atmosphere. Popular Japanese dishes include pork ramen and gyoza, with options for extra teriyaki and hot sauce. Seating is limited, focusing on fast casual takeout with reasonable prices.

Offers flavorful chicken teriyaki bowls and pork ramen with options to add extra teriyaki and hot sauce. Side dishes include gyoza and glass noodles, complementing the teriyaki salads and wontons.

People are saying

"I found the food here was always on point."

"The Chinese chicken salad here is a must-have."

"The Japanese food, like the chicken teriyaki bowl, was delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be inconvenient.

2

Prices are reasonable for the area.

3

The entrance is an automatic sliding door that may be confusing.

29
Top Restaurant image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Mom-and-pop spot offers a fusion of Chinese, Indonesian, and Hawaiian flavors with crispy fried chicken and flavorful BBQ dishes. Japanese options like chicken katsu curry and spam musubi add variety. Takeout-only with ample parking and a steady drive-thru line.

Chicken katsu curry stands out with rich flavor and crispy texture. Plates like BBQ chicken and spam musubi offer solid variety in classic Japanese dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken was so crispy and flavorful."

"I loved the Indonesian fried rice here."

"The chicken katsu curry here is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Top Restaurant is takeout only with no indoor seating available.

2

Expect about 20 minutes from ordering to pickup.

3

There is ample parking available at Top Restaurant.

30
Mama Lu's Dumpling House image 1

Spacious spot shines with Art Deco chandeliers and a buzzing vibe perfect for groups or dates. Japanese dishes like beef udon with XO sauce and dumplings bring bold flavors. Bar area adds an adult touch to the classy yet casual setting.

Beef udon with XO sauce stands out, especially when paired with hot chili and soy sauce. Dumplings and pan-fried noodles also deliver solid flavors, alongside dishes like hot and sour soup and stir-fried seafood udon.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is delicious and juicy."

"The food here is delicious and well-seasoned."

"The Japanese food, especially the dumplings and udon, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is available around the corner in a lot that costs $1 for the first 2 hours.

3

Prices are affordable, with good portion sizes for the cost.

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