Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto Introduce
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto, located at 164 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA, is a Japanese restaurant specializing in onigiri, a traditional Japanese rice ball. You can reach them by phone at (650) 313-2104 or via mobile at +1 650-313-2104. For local users accessing a "Doctor Near Me" platform, Onigilly Japanese Kitchen, while not a healthcare provider, offers a vital service: providing quick, hearty, warm, and inexpensive meals and snacks that contribute to daily well-being. In a fast-paced environment, having access to convenient, wholesome, and affordable food options is essential for maintaining energy levels and reducing stress. Onigilly effectively "prescribes" a satisfying solution for hunger, offering comfort food that is both delicious and efficient, contributing to a sense of nourishment and satisfaction.
The environment at Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto is designed for efficiency and quick service, catering to a grab-and-go model rather than a traditional sit-down dining experience. While specific details on interior decor are not provided, the reviews suggest a practical and functional space focused on order fulfillment. The atmosphere is described as "pretty quiet," which implies a calm and orderly environment even during busy periods, facilitating quick pickups without undue stress or noise. This quiet setting is conducive to efficient service and allows customers to easily communicate their orders.
Given its focus on quick meals, it's likely that the space is compact, possibly with a counter for ordering and pickup, and perhaps limited or no seating. The primary "ambiance" is defined by its speed and convenience. It's a place where you can pop in, quickly get your food, and be on your way. This makes it ideal for busy professionals, students, or anyone looking for a fast and satisfying meal without the wait times or formalities of a sit-down restaurant. The emphasis on "pickup" (as one reviewer noted their order was ready by the time they arrived) further underscores this efficient, on-the-go model. The positive comments about "super friendly employees" also contribute to a pleasant, albeit brief, interaction within this efficient environment.
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen's core offering revolves around onigiri, Japanese rice balls typically filled with various ingredients and often wrapped in nori (seaweed). They provide a diverse selection of flavors and accompaniments. Key features and popular items include:
- Wide Variety of Flavors: Customers praise the "lots of flavors to select from" for their onigiri. This variety ensures there's something to appeal to different tastes and dietary preferences, from traditional fillings to more innovative combinations. Typical fillings include salmon, tuna mayo, teriyaki chicken, umeboshi (pickled plum), and more.
- Quick and Efficient Service: A major highlight is the speed of service. One reviewer noted, "I ordered for pickup at 2:55 and it was done by the time I arrived at 3:00." This rapid turnaround time makes Onigilly an excellent option for those on a tight schedule, ensuring that customers get their "food pretty quick."
- Hearty and Inexpensive: The onigiri are described as "quick, hearty, warm and inexpensive snack." This combination of affordability and satisfying portion sizes makes Onigilly a great value proposition, particularly in an area where dining out can be costly.
- Popular Side Items: Beyond onigiri, the restaurant offers other Japanese comfort food favorites. The "shrimp tempura and spam pieces" (likely Spam Musubi) are mentioned as popular choices, and the "4 piece chicken karaage" is a "definitely a must try!!!" These additional items complement the onigiri and provide a more complete meal option.
- Friendly Customer Service: Customers consistently praise the "amazing customer service" and "super friendly employees." This positive interaction with staff, even in a fast-casual setting, significantly enhances the overall experience and encourages repeat visits.
- Convenient Location: Situated on University Ave, it is centrally located in Palo Alto, making it easily accessible for locals, students, and workers in the downtown area.
While one reviewer made a comparison to a "Japan 7-Eleven," stating "It's no Japan 7-Eleven, but it'll do," this implies that while it might not replicate the exact widespread availability and specific nuances of convenience store onigiri in Japan, it still serves its purpose effectively as a readily available and satisfying option in the U.S. context. This slightly tempered praise still underscores its utility and basic quality.
The customer reviews for Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto offer direct and compelling promotional points. The enthusiastic "SO GOOD!!" serves as an immediate and strong endorsement of the food quality. The explicit recommendation of "Definitely a must try!!!" for the shrimp tempura and chicken karaage highlights specific popular items that new customers should consider.
The emphasis on speed ("done by the time I arrived," "get your food pretty quick") is a key promotional message for busy individuals. This directly addresses the need for efficiency in dining choices. Furthermore, the combination of "quick, hearty, warm and inexpensive" positions Onigilly as an ideal solution for budget-conscious consumers seeking a satisfying meal or snack. In an expensive area like Palo Alto, value is a significant draw.
The "amazing customer service" and "super friendly employees" are invaluable promotional assets. Positive staff interactions create a welcoming environment and build customer loyalty, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth. While no specific promotional offers or discounts are mentioned, the inherent value proposition of affordable, delicious, and fast food acts as its own powerful form of promotion.
For local users on a "Doctor Near Me" platform, Onigilly Japanese Kitchen is an excellent recommendation for a quick, convenient, and wholesome Japanese meal or snack. It offers a practical solution for those seeking nourishing food on the go, contributing to their daily well-being by providing a satisfying and easy-to-access option. It is the perfect place to "prescribe" yourself a comforting and flavorful bite when time is short, making it a valuable resource for maintaining energy and satisfaction throughout the day.
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto Food & drink
Onigilly - A La Carte
A single Onigilly can be a great snack! Just choose from our variety of veggie, seafood & meat flavors
- Teriyaki Chicken US$3.65
grilled chicken w/ teriyaki sauce
- Soboro - Ginger Beef US$3.65
ginger-honey braised ground beef
- Spicy Miso Beef US$4.10
ground beef w/ spicy kochujang miso sauce
- Spicy Bacon [GF] US$4.10
[GF] chopped bacon w/ chili & garlic butter
- Snow Crab [GF] US$4.65
[GF] cooked real crab meat w/ lemon aioli
- Unagi -Braised Eel US$4.65
broiled fresh water eel w/ sweet unagi sauce
- Salmon [GF] US$4.10
[GF] baked all-natual salmon w/ shio koji sauce & black sesame
- Spicy Shrimp [GF] US$4.10
[GF] cooked shrimp w/ spicy aioli
- Lemon Shrimp [GF] US$4.10
Shrimp tossed in zesty lemon-garlic sauce with freshly chopped cilantro
- Miso Tuna Salad [GF] US$3.65
[GF] cooked wild albacore w/ miso aioli
- Krab Salad US$3.65
Surimi seafood salad w/ aioli and furikake
- Tarako -pollack roe [GF] US$4.10
[GF] baked pollack roe aioli spread
- Tempura Shrimp US$4.10
fried tempura-battered shrimp
- Wasabi Slaw [GF] US$3.65
Cabbage and carrot dressed in creamy wasabi dressing
- Shiitake Mushroom [V GF] US$3.65
[V GF] soy braised shiitake mushroom
- Hijiki -Braised Seaweed [V GF] US$3.65
[V GF] braised hijiki seaweed, carrot, tofu & edamame
- Miso Nasu -Eggplant [V] US$3.65
[V GF] flash fried eggplant in Aka miso w/ sesame & green onion
- Teriyaki Tofu [V] US$3.65
[V] baked organic tofu w/ teriyaki sauce
- Ume -Pickled Plum [V GF] US$3.65
[V GF] sour pickled plum w/ shiso flakes
Onigilly Sets
Our classic Onigilly combined with sides to create a healthy, balanced meal.
- Edamame Set w/2 Onigilly US$9.65
CHOOSE 2 ONIGILLY w/ edamame & takuan(pickled radish)
- Edamame Set w/3 Onigilly US$13.15
CHOOSE 3 ONIGILLY w/ edamame & takuan(pickled radish)
- Bento Set w/2 Onigilly US$13.95
CHOOSE 2 ONIGILLY w/ chicken karaage(fried chicken), tamagoyaki(omelette), edamame & takuan(pickled radish)
- Bento Set w/3 Onigilly US$15.95
CHOOSE 3 ONIGILLY w/ chicken karaage(fried chicken), tamagoyaki(omelette), edamame & takuan(pickled radish)
- Miso Soup Set w/2 Onigilly US$10.40
CHOOSE 2 ONIGILLY w/ miso soup
- Wakame Salad Set w/2 Onigilly US$11.95
CHOOSE 2 ONIGILLY w/ wakame salad
- Custom Set w/2 Onigilly US$7.30
CHOOSE 2 ONIGILLY & ADD SIDES
- Custom Set w/3 Onigilly US$10.95
CHOOSE 3 ONIGILLY & ADD SIDES
- Custom Set w/4 Onigilly US$14.60
CHOOSE 4 ONIGILLY & ADD SIDES
- Karaage Set w/2 Onigilly US$14.95
- Karaage and Wasabi Slaw Set w/2 Onigilly US$14.75
CHOOSE 2 ONIGILLY w/ chicken karaage (fried chicken), and wasabi slaw.
Poke Bowls
Japanese influenced Poke Bowls. Fresh and delicious.
- Create Your Own Poke Bowl (2 Scoops) US$14.25
Your choice of 2 scoops of Protein served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Create Your Own Poke Bowl (3 Scoops) US$15.95
Your choice of 3 scoops of Protein served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Shio-Koji Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl US$14.25
Shio-Koji Ahi Tuna Poke served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Ginger Ponzu Salmon Poke Bowl US$14.25
Ginger-Ponzu Salmon Poke served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl US$14.25
Spicy Tuna Poke served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Salmon Sweet Soy Poke Bowl US$14.25
Salmon Sweet Soy Poke served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Wasabi Soy Tuna Poke Bowl US$14.25
Wasabi Soy Tuna Poke served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Spicy Shrimp Poke Bowl US$14.25
Spicy Shrimp served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Shrimp Shio-Koji Poke Bowl US$14.25
Shrimp Shio-Koji Poke served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
- Tofu Shio-Koji Poke Bowl US$14.25
Tofu Shio-Koji Poke served over rice & mixed greens with krab salad, seaweed salad, cucumber, corn, carrot, red cabbage, edamame, crispy onion, furikake and cilantro.
Bowls
Our variety of flavors bowl style
- Rice Bowl US$14.25
Choose three flavors. Partially-milled brown rice, mixed greens, wakame salad, red cabbage, carrot, edamame, takuan (pickled radish) & onion.
- Salad Bowl US$14.25
Choose three flavors. Mixed greens, wakame salad, red cabbage, carrot, edamame, takuan (pickled radish) & onion.
- Tofu Noodle Salad Bowl US$15.25
3 Toppings on Tofu noodles w/ mixed greens, red cabbage, carrots, edamame, pickles, seaweeds & onions
Japanese Curry
Our special vegan & all natural dark curry made from fruits and vegetables. Curry sauce served with your choice of toppings, shredded cabbage, Fukujin-pickles and 50% milled brown rice
- Chicken Karaage Curry & Rice US$14.95
Chicken Karaage with katsu sauce served with shredded cabbage, Fukujin-pickles and 50% milled brown rice
- Tempura Shrimp Curry & Rice US$14.95
Tempura shrimp curry with tartar sauce served with shredded cabbage, Fukujin-pickles and 50% milled brown rice
- Japanese Sausage Curry & Rice US$14.95
Arabaki Pork Sausage curry, which is juicy and has a slightly sweet and mild smoky flavor, served with katsu sauce, shredded cabbage, Fukujin-pickles and 50% milled brown rice
- Pumpkin Croquette Curry & Rice (V) US$14.50
Pumpkin Croquette Curry with katsu sauce served with shredded cabbage, Fukujin-pickles and 50% milled brown rice
- Tofu Curry & Rice (V) US$14.50
Flash-fried tofu with katsu sauce served with shredded cabbage, Fukujin-pickles and 50% milled brown rice
Hot Soup Meals
- Zosui US$7.95
Miso-based rice soup w/ shiitake mushroom, sesame, green onion & seaweed
- Zosui Set US$13.40
Zosui + 1 Onigilly w/ edamame & takuan
- Tofu Noodle Soup US$8.95
Low-carb tofu shirataki noodles in miso-based broth w/ shiitake mushroom, sesame, green onion & seaweed
- Tofu Noodle Soup Set US$14.40
Sides/Small Dishes
Enjoy Japanese-Style Small Dishes
- Chicken Karaage - Fried Chicken 4pc US$6.50
Japanese style fried chicken
- Chicken Karaage 10pc US$13.00
- Edamame US$3.50
[V.GF] Lightly salted soybeans
- Kabocha Pumpkin Croquette 2pc US$4.75
[V] Crispy panko-crusted croquette made with Kabocha pumpkin and heirloom Cobbler potato
- Mini Poke Salad Ginger Ponzu Salmon US$7.95
Salmon Poke with lime ponzu sauce and ginger over a bed of mixed greens and garnished with onion.
- Mini Poke Salad Shio-Koji Tuna US$7.95
Ahi Tuna Poke with house sesame oil and shio-koji sauce over a bed of mixed greens and garnished with onion.
- Miso Soup US$3.50
[V.GF] All natural vegan miso soup w/ tofu, green onion & wakame seaweed
- Mixed Green Salad US$4.20
[V.GF] Mixed greens, carrot, onion & red cabbage w/dressing
- Takuan - Pickled Radish US$3.95
[V.GF] All natural pickled daikon radish
- Tamagoyaki - Omelette 2pc US$3.75
Japanese sweet egg omelette
- Tempura Purple Yam US$4.20
[V] Fried tempura-battered Japanese purple sweet yam
- Tempura Shrimp 2pc US$4.95
Fried tempura-battered shrimp (2 piece)
- Tempura Veggie 2pc US$4.75
Fried tempura-battered carrot, onion & kale
- Wakame Salad US$5.20
[V.GF] All natural wakame seaweed w/ mixed greens
- Wasabi Slaw Cup US$4.25
[GF] Cabbage and carrot dressed in creamy wasabi dressing
- Side of Rice US$2.50
- Aonori French Fries US$4.75
French fries seasoned with Japanese aonori (green seaweed). Served with shichimi mayo.
- Fujiyama Fries US$11.25
French fries topped with soboro, spicy miso beef, and garlic bacon. Drizzled with our house spicy mayo sauce and garnished with fresh chopped green onions.
- Chicken Karaage and Fries Basket US$11.25
Japanese fried chicken kaarage served with french fries.
Family Meal
- Onigilly Family Meal US$49.95
Your choice of 10 Onigillys and 4 Sides, comes with Edamame and 4 Miso Soups.
Japanese Fry Baskets
- Soboro Fries US$11.25
French fries covered with soboro (ginger braised beef) drizzled with our house spicy mayo sauce and garnished with fresh chopped green onions.
- Spicy Miso Beef Fries US$11.25
French fries covered with spicy miso beef drizzled with our house spicy mayo sauce. Garnished with fresh chopped green onions.
- Garlic Bacon Fries US$11.25
French fries covered with garlic bacon drizzled with our house spicy mayo sauce. Garnished with fresh chopped green onions.
Drinks
- Organic Matcha Lemonade US$4.25
[V.GF] House-made green tea lemonade sweetened w/ organic agave
- Strawberry Lemonade US$4.25
Strawberry infused lemonade naturally sweetened with agave.
- Bottle Water US$2.50
- Oi Ocha Green Tea US$3.50
- Oolong Tea US$3.50
- Jasmine Tea US$3.50
- Coconut Water US$4.50
- Sparkling Water US$3.50
Craft Drinks
Crafted fresh for every order, our drinks are made with all-natural ingredients and genuine cane sugar, ensuring a premium taste tailored to your preference
- Salted Caramel Milk Tea US$4.00
Creamy milk tea with a twist of salted caramel goodness
- Jasmine Green Tea with Lemon US$4.00
Fragrant jasmine green tea with a zesty lemon twist
- Pineapple Coconut Smoothie US$6.00
A tropical delight combining juicy pineapple and creamy coconut
- Strawberry Matcha Latte US$4.00
A delightful mix of strawberry sweetness and rich matcha flavor
- Mango Green Tea US$4.00
Fresh mango flavor combined with aromatic green tea
- Matcha Latte Smoothie US$6.00
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of matcha green tea, perfectly blended with our non-dairy creamery.
- Strawberry Milk Tea US$4.00
- Mango Black Tea US$4.00
A perfect blend of mango sweetness and robust black tea
- Matcha Milk Tea US$4.00
Traditional milk tea enriched with the earthy flavor of matcha
- Classic Milk Tea US$4.00
Timeless and comforting creamy milk tea
Hot Teas
- Hoji Cha (Hot) US$3.25
- Sen Cha (Hot) US$3.25
Alcohol
- Sapporo Lagar US$5.50
Crisp and refreshing lager with clean finish
- Echigo Koshihikari US$5.50
Clean & crisp flavor from rice and malt. Niigata
- Echigo IPA US$5.50
Light body, crisp bitterness and refreshing, citrus aroma. Niigata
- Ozeki One Cup US$5.50
- Ozeki Nigori US$5.50
Unfilterd junmai sake. Milky color and mildly sweet with refreshing flavor. Hyogo
- Kikusui Sake US$6.50
Honjyozo genshu (un-pasteurized). Fruity aroma and fresh full-bodied flavor. Niigata
Mochi Ice Cream
- Mochi Ice Cream Matcha US$3.10
- Mochi Ice Cream Strawberry US$3.10
Cheesecake
- Matcha Cheesecake US$4.10
Smooth and rich Japanese-style Matcha Cheesecake.
- Yuzu Cheesecake US$4.10
Smooth and rich Japanese-style Yuzu Cheesecake.
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- University students
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto Photos










Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto Location
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto
164 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto Reviews
SO GOOD!! I ordered for pickup at 2:55 and it was done by the time I arrived at 3:00. Amazing customer service as well, super friendly employees.I ordered the shrimp tempura and spam pieces with a 4 piece chicken karaage. Definitely a must try!!!
September 01 · kiana jadeNot a bad spot for a quick, hearty, warm and inexpensive snack. It's no Japan 7-Eleven, but it'll do. Lots of flavours to select from and the spot is pretty quiet so you get your food pretty quick.
February 04 · Nicholas PunWe were super excited to find this rice ball yumminess. My fiancé has been on the hunt for a sour plum rice ball for over 20 years. We had the sour plum, ginger beef and teriyaki tofu. Might have stopped in twice on our trip. You can’t bet $3.85 for this tasty snack.
November 12 · Nicole AbdelazizThe chicken karaage was lukewarm. And croquette [2pc] was 1 croquette and the box it came with. Got shorthanded on that one.The staff were two bust chatting and tried to pass off old chicken. They seemed surprised that we wanted to eat in instead of taking it to go. Probably wanted us to get home and discover the shitty food at home so that we wouldn't return. They gave my wife newly fried chicken after she went back to complain. The fries also tasted bland, watery even.I came here because my employer got catering from this place and the catered food was decent. It was a whole different experience at the restaurant.The dining room is cold and sterile. There's no sizzle coming from the kitchen.I regret tipping server "kiosk." Won't be back, and I definitely won't recommend this place for catering. That sucks. We wanted to like this place, but we just can't. Too many better places to eat next door.
September 07 · Will HugginsWe love the family meal and get that every few weeks. Usually we get Onigilly takeaway but I’ve also eaten there a few times. It’s delicious, healthy, and a great value. I also recommend the Zosui soup, which is warm and filling.
January 12 · Jacinda Shelly
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