Hi MiLOWE readers!

This is Julianne Gabert of Girls on Food. Since the GOF days, I’ve created a new Insta-Column called HighchairLA and I’m so excited to contribute to MiLOWE site as well!

I believe kids are bigger epicureans than we give them credit for and I want to show you that dining out with them doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think. Before I had a kid, I was told I’d have to say goodbye to my tastebuds and hello to Denny’s. I dissent. Every other week, my little one and I will be featuring restaurant reviews with the family in mind.

The restaurants featured in this column will be as diverse as the city of Los Angeles itself. I plan to spotlight everything from beloved family diners to global cuisine and even some James Beard Award winners. You won’t find me reviewing a Denny’s, or a Chuck E Cheese - I’m all about keeping it locally-owned. My little one and I are also ovo-lacto pescetarians, so you won’t find burgers and chicken tenders here. #sorrynotsorry

I’m looking forward to bringing MiLOWE the best of the LA dining scene for families. I rate restaurants based on the following criteria: kid menus/sharable dishes, price, restaurant vibes, highchairs, changing tables, stroller access and parking.

Break out those bibs and let’s get eating!

LITTLE TOKYO/DTLA

Rice & Nori

123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #103, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Little Tokyo is a historical district of downtown Los Angeles and one of only three "Japantowns" in the United States. It’s packed with restaurants, shopping, entertainment and the Japanese American National Museum.

Last year, Rice & Nori opened in the Weller Court Plaza (a shopping center also home to Marukai Market) specializing in Onigiri (warm rice balls stuffed with filling, then wrapped in nori) but also serving handrolls, spam musubi, salads and desserts.

What’s the best way for a little one to dig into onigiri? I recommend pulling apart little bits of the sticky rice and showing them how to blow (takes about 100 times before she got the concept…) to cool down before taking a bite. She ate these bites hand held, it’s not spoon kid of dish.

Vibes: This is a fast-casual place with friendly staff. Perfect for families looking to grab a quick but culturally relevant meal and before exploring the area more.

Kids menu: There is no designated kids menu but 1 or 2 onigiris alone should satisfy a hungry kid.

I got California Onigiri, but I subbed imitation crab for tomago and one Plain Onigiri, which means just rice. These rice balls arrive warm, so be mindful of temperature before handing it over.

Price: $6 – not including tax + tip

Highchairs: They did have a clean highchair and booster seats.

Changing Table: No changing table, so be sure to figure out a diaper situation prior to coming in.

Stroller Access: There is plenty of room for a stroller here, whether you’re a single or double wide. The counter is easy to access and there is a lot of seating in the spacious dining room.

Parking: Weller Court Plaza offers a private parking garage and there is validation with purchase at Rice & Nori.

Bonus: The best part of Onigiri is that it’s a hand-held meal, so even if kiddo doesn’t finish it, it’s easy to wrap and take along with you.

Rating: 5/5 Spoons 🥄 🥄🥄 🥄 🥄