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Intimate spots for tempura

You want to enjoy your tempura in an intimate setting where you can actually hear yourself think.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sushi Masuyoshi image 1
Sushi Masuyoshi image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Tiny sushi bar with only five seats creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere where the chef personally prepares and serves each dish. The vibe feels like dining in a private home, offering a relaxed, exclusive omakase experience. The setting emphasizes simple design that highlights the quality and uniqueness of the sushi.

Only 5 to 6 seats surround the chef, creating an intimate setting. The experience feels relaxed and exclusive with close interaction during the omakase.

Delicate crispness defines the tempura here, standing out even among a wide range of dishes. It pairs well with other unique offerings like binchotan-seared unagi and chawanmushi with uni and ankimo.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was one of the best sushi experiences."

"The intimate setting felt like being invited into someone's home."

"The tempura here is surprisingly light and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating of only 4-5 seats per seating.

2

The restaurant operates on a BYOB basis with no corkage fee.

3

Expect a unique omakase experience crafted by a single chef.

02
Bistro de la Gare image 1
French restaurant

Small space with intimate French bistro style and cozy sidewalk seating creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Lighting fixtures and flower arrangements add subtle elegance without kitsch. Despite some noise, conversation flows easily, offering a genuine, relaxed dining experience.

Warm and quiet ambiance creates a friendly setting. The vibe feels like a Paris bistro with close, cozy seating.

Shrimp and tiger shrimp tempura stand out with their crispy texture and fresh flavor. Chicken liver mousse pairs well with the excellent tempura prawns served as appetizers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The tempura prawns were excellent."

"The beef cheeks here are tender and crispy, truly exceptional."

Good to know

1

The South Pasadena Farmer's market occurs every Thursday from 4 to 7 PM.

2

Parking can be difficult to find during the Farmer's market hours.

3

Weekend crowds could have lines, so reservations are suggested.

03
OOTORO LITTLE TOKYO image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern interior creates a zen atmosphere with dim lighting and an intimate feel. Bar dining area invites guests for an Omakase experience. Space feels spacious and clean, supporting a sophisticated vibe.

An intimate and serene atmosphere sets a sophisticated and premium dining tone. The ambience feels quiet and personal throughout the space.

Seafood tempura comes out crispy and hot, featuring high-quality seafood like lobster tail and sweet shrimp. Vegetable tempura is well done and best eaten warm, with generous portions overall.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, the sashimi melts in your mouth."

"The seafood tempura portions were so generous and delicious."

"It's a sophisticated atmosphere with an intimate feel."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult on weekends; nearby garages may charge around $30.

2

Expect to pay around $100 for two people, depending on the order.

3

Lunch specials offer great prices for a variety of dishes.

04
Matsu image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Japanese-influenced minimalism shapes an intimate dining space with individual table lighting and handcrafted wood chairs designed for comfort. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxing, inviting guests to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails alongside a thoughtful, multi-course menu.

Dim, elegant lighting creates a warm, inviting mood. Beautiful wood tables add to the breathtaking decor and close, personal setting.

Shrimp tempura stands out as the most popular dish, often finished with a wish for more. Staples like the tempura ebi, cabbage dish, and duck also feature prominently on the menu.

People are saying

"The desserts here were outstanding, truly a perfect 10/10."

"I had one of the best meals of my life here."

"The dim, elegant lighting creates a truly intimate dining atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the multi-course dining experience.

2

The tasting menu starts at $450 for two people.

3

Matsu offers a vegan course alongside its main menu.

05
Sushi Yorimichi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant with intimate atmosphere and authentic Tokyo vibes. Limited seating creates a warm, inviting space often packed with charm. Music adds to the serene, chill energy, making it ideal for quiet meals or dates.

An intimate atmosphere defines the space, creating a serene vibe that suits dates and special occasions. The setting feels cozy and quiet, encouraging early arrival to enjoy the full experience.

Shrimp tempura appears in several dishes like the tempura sampler, tempura udon, and specialty rolls such as the Yorimichi and Surf and Skate rolls. These rolls combine crispy shrimp tempura with ingredients like spicy mayo, eel sauce, and seared beef for varied textures and flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazingly fresh and well-priced."

"The vibe here is intimate, perfect for dates."

"The tempura udon was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM with discounted prices on select items.

2

The restaurant can only accommodate about 25 customers at a time.

3

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and popularity.

06
The Night We Met image 1

Thai-inspired Asian parlour showcases luxurious decor with glowing lanterns and birdcages overhead. Dim lighting and live jazz music create a romantic, intimate vibe suited for couples. The space blends modern luxury with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Glowing lanterns overhead and elegant decor create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The small, quaint space feels relaxed and cozy, centered around a stunning bar.

Tempura green beans appear as a crisp starter and as fries alongside other dishes. Veggie tempura also features on the menu, offering a variety of lightly battered vegetables.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are delicious and flavorful."

"The warm, intimate atmosphere has glowing lanterns overhead."

"The tempura here has a cozy, romantic vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Parking is available in the structure behind the restaurant with validation.

3

Valet parking is offered for convenience.

07
ลŒwa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a curved bar top for cocktail service. The space feels classy and meticulously maintained, blending trendy lighting with engaging energy. Cocktails feature Japanese whiskeys and sake, complementing fresh sushi and unique vegan options.

Winding bar creates a unique dining experience while the backroom offers a more intimate date night setting. The venue feels beautiful, modern, and just the right size for close gatherings.

Shrimp and asparagus tempura comes hot and tasty with a beautiful presentation. Vegetable tempura includes zucchini and asparagus, offering flavorful options alongside crispy rice dishes.

People are saying

"These date spots have incredible flavors and textures."

"The intimate experience Jaco provides is educational and a full-on experience."

"The shrimp and asparagus tempura was hot and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day, including weekends, from 4-6 PM.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills without prior notice.

3

Credit card payments incur an additional 3% fee.

08
O-iza Modern Japanese image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an upscale vibe with beautiful contemporary decor and a zen-like atmosphere. Dim lighting creates a chill and tranquil environment. Thoughtful details like rose water hand towels and elegant plate settings enhance the experience.

The atmosphere feels intimate with tables placed very close together, creating a cozy setting. This proximity makes the space feel personal but less private.

Tempura comes in two styles here: one is light and crunchy with a savory inside, and another is a set of four fried vegetables served with dipping sauce that tastes very average.

People are saying

"The food here is an explosion of flavor and looks amazing."

"The food here is amazing, especially the seafood."

"The tempura was light, crunchy, and savory."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy.

2

The restaurant may run out of matcha ice cream, so ask ahead.

3

Expect higher prices compared to other Japanese restaurants in the area.

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