Welcome to Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto
At Onigilly Japanese Kitchen in Palo Alto, we bring the vibrant flavors of Japan to life through our unique rice balls, or onigiri. Our story is rooted in a passion for creating delicious, healthy fast food that showcases traditional Japanese ingredients. Located on University Avenue, we have carved a niche with our thoughtfully crafted menu, featuring iconic dishes like spicy tuna poke and tempura shrimp. Our welcoming atmosphere complements our commitment to quality, with each order crafted to satisfy both hunger and longing for authentic cuisine. Each bite is a testament to our dedication to fresh flavors and heartfelt service, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
- 164 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States Hotline: +1 650-313-2104
Welcome to Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Situated at 164 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, this charming eatery specializes in the delightful art of onigiri, a Japanese rice ball that promises to capture your taste buds with its diverse flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or a curious newcomer, Onigilly offers an inviting experience that caters to all.
The menu is a vibrant tapestry of options that highlight the versatility of onigiri. You can create your own custom set, choosing from mouth-watering selections like teriyaki tofu, ginger beef, and the nostalgic sour plum rice ball, a sought-after favorite praised by customers like Nicole Abdelaziz, who noted the satisfaction of finally finding this long-desired dish.
Onigilly’s commitment to quality doesn't stop with rice balls. Their array of sides includes the Wasabi Slaw Cup, a refreshing blend of cabbage and carrots in a zesty dressing, and the hearty Lemon Shrimp, kissed with garlic and cilantro. Other highlights include the exciting Soboro Fries, generously drizzled with spicy mayo, and the warming Zosui soup, perfect for a fulfilling meal.
Quenching your thirst is just as important, and Onigilly doesn’t disappoint. Savor the rich, velvety texture of their Matcha Latte Smoothie or cleanse your palate with a crisp Sapporo Lager. For a unique twist, try the Strawberry Matcha Latte, which fuses vibrant flavors to create an unforgettable drink.
- Restaurant Highlights:
- Fresh and diverse selection of onigiri
- Health-conscious options and friendly service
- Quick service with a modern self-serve checkout
- Unique beverages to complement your meal
Customer feedback sings praises of Onigilly’s flavors and atmosphere. Many patrons appreciate the quick service, as evidenced by Kiana Jade’s experience, where her order was ready moments after placing it. Casual dining experience, strong community vibes, and fresh, satisfying food reflect a space where health meets flavor, making Onigilly a must-visit.
In the realm of fast yet wholesome food, Onigilly Japanese Kitchen - Palo Alto stands as a beacon of culinary creativity. Each dish narrates a story of flavor that invites you back for more. If you're in the area, don’t miss out on exploring the beautiful array of delights waiting for you at this urban gem.

We 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.

We 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.

Super yummy! It's a nice little place for lunch. There's a good variety of meat and vegetarian onigiri. The portions may not look like it but it really fills you up.

We really like the miso beef onigilly. It came with a little bit of edamame and pickled daikon. Perfect snack for two. They have a self serve checkout which was slightly confusing. Minimal interaction with staff but they were helpful when needed. The restaurant itself was nice, but the shared restroom down a hallway in the back was a bit grimey. Overall I loved it and wish we had one in my neighborhood.

The staff was super friendly. Great options for healthier fast food.

Best meal to remind us of home on Maui, great, fresh take on some of our favorites. Would have a line out the door if you opened on Maui in Kahului for the local people. We need more restaurants!

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!!!

delicious food! I had been craving onigiri for a while and this really hit the spot. the server was very kind and helpful! The service was also quick and my food was ready in less than a minute and prepared in front of me. definitely will be revisiting in the future!