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.
Good to know
Reservations are required due to limited seating of only 4-5 seats per seating.
The restaurant operates on a BYOB basis with no corkage fee.
Expect a unique omakase experience crafted by a single chef.
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.
Good to know
The South Pasadena Farmer's market occurs every Thursday from 4 to 7 PM.
Parking can be difficult to find during the Farmer's market hours.
Weekend crowds could have lines, so reservations are suggested.
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.
Good to know
Parking is difficult on weekends; nearby garages may charge around $30.
Expect to pay around $100 for two people, depending on the order.
Lunch specials offer great prices for a variety of dishes.
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.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for the multi-course dining experience.
The tasting menu starts at $450 for two people.
Matsu offers a vegan course alongside its main menu.
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.
Good to know
Happy hour runs until 6 PM with discounted prices on select items.
The restaurant can only accommodate about 25 customers at a time.
Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and popularity.
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.
Good to know
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner service.
Parking is available in the structure behind the restaurant with validation.
Valet parking is offered for convenience.
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.
Good to know
Happy hour is available every day, including weekends, from 4-6 PM.
A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills without prior notice.
Credit card payments incur an additional 3% fee.
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.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy.
The restaurant may run out of matcha ice cream, so ask ahead.
Expect higher prices compared to other Japanese restaurants in the area.