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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Pasadena

Fish lunch spots

Made for those who prefer a light, protein-focused lunch centered on fresh fish.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Haruka Sake and Sushi Pasadena image 1
Haruka Sake and Sushi Pasadena image 2
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Newly remodeled space features modern furnishings, clean lines, and cozy lighting that create a super chill, relaxing atmosphere. Fresh, high-quality sushi and sashimi arrive quickly, complementing the peaceful vibe. The setting feels welcoming, like hanging out at a good friend's place.

Complimentary sashimi enhances the lunch experience. Sushi and lunch bento boxes satisfy both adults and kids.

Freshness stands out with superior quality fish and a perfect rice-to-fish ratio. The selection includes unique varieties and comes with house-made wasabi and edible flowers to cleanse the palate.

People are saying

"The sushi here is top quality and tastes fantastic."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is warm, kind, and attentive."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and free, with plenty of space in the plaza lot.

2

Tesla Supercharger stations are available in the parking lot.

3

The restaurant offers quick service with virtually no wait time.

02
Sushi Karen image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with intimate booths separated by paper screens creates a quiet, cozy atmosphere ideal for dates. Limited seating and privacy among tables make it feel exclusive. Known for exceptionally fresh sushi with thick cuts and authentic flavors, it requires reservations due to popularity.

Lunch offers a sushi lunch special and individual sushi options. The lunch special provides a good deal with satisfying portions. Spending without alcohol for two reaches around $110.

Fish arrives insanely fresh thanks to daily early morning sourcing. Cuts are thick and generous, showcasing high quality that stands out compared to typical offerings.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be incredible, some of the best I've ever had."

"The fish here is super fresh and high quality."

"The fish at this Lunch Spot is so fresh and top notch."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating; call ahead to secure a spot.

2

Parking is limited in the lot, but street parking is available on Arroyo.

3

The prices are about $5 per piece of nigiri, with some items being pricier.

03
Mills Alley image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen and clean, modern decor create a spacious, inviting atmosphere with well-spaced seating and cushioned chairs. Conversation flows easily thanks to good acoustics despite hard surfaces. Extensive sake selection and fresh, flavorful sushi and skewers complement the artistic Japanese cuisine vibe.

Lunch features a varied menu with plates like Kobe teriyaki chicken served alongside miso soup, rice, and salad. The atmosphere suits midday meals well, making lunch a solid choice here.

Fish served here is incredibly fresh with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sashimi and hand rolls feature firm, thick slices, and grilled fish collar stands out as excellent.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, balanced, and deeply umami."

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The lunch plates here are the stars of the show."

Good to know

1

Reservations for the omakase experience are recommended at least one week in advance.

2

Expect a short wait time during weekday dinners.

3

The sushi is priced at $7.00 per piece, which is higher than average.

04
Kyushu Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, family-run Japanese restaurant with bright red walls and lantern decorations creates a cozy, homey atmosphere. The space feels clean and inviting, with casual and comfortable seating. Fresh, authentic sushi and unique touches like real wasabi and sparkling sake complement the intimate vibe.

Lunch specials deliver great value with large portions and variety. Bento boxes and bowls offer a lot of food at an affordable price.

Fish arrives thick and fresh with every order. Rolls feature whole pieces of fish, not ground, showcasing excellent quality and a good assortment.

People are saying

"I had some of the best sushi I ever experienced here."

"The lunch specials here are an awesome deal."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Parking is available on the side, but access requires a left turn on a one-way street.

3

Lunch specials offer good value for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

05
Sushigah image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small corner sushi restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with pleasant music and cute high tops. Limited seating includes bar seats facing a window for people watching. Sushi and rolls taste fresh and delicious, complemented by house-made fruit shochu.

Small spot open during lunch offers a great lunch stop option. Food timing varies, with some dishes arriving about 10 minutes apart.

Fish comes in incredibly fresh cuts with expert slicing. Flavors and sizes stand out as excellent throughout.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here has really attentive and friendly service."

"The fish here is incredibly fresh and expertly sliced."

"The Lunch Spot here is so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is located in the same building, making it super accessible.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible through the side entrance.

3

Sushigah has limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.

06
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa image 1

Minimalist interior and dim lighting create an intimate atmosphere in a small, cozy space. The vibe is casual but polished, with a welcoming and relaxed energy. Consistent pacing and a quiet courtyard offer a comfortable setting despite the compact size.

Lunch offers a simple, quick, and easy experience with a deluxe lunch box option that includes cute packaging and clear condiment pairings. Staff seat guests promptly even after busy lunch rushes.

Fish arrives very fresh and delicate, often melting in the mouth. Portions emphasize a higher fish to rice ratio with tender, cool fish paired with warm sushi rice for balanced flavor.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The food here always tasted so fresh."

"The fish at this Lunch Spot just melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over an hour, especially during peak hours.

2

A mandatory 16% service fee is added to all bills.

3

Parking is available for $3 with validation in the garage behind the restaurant.

07
Pasadena Fish Market image 1
Seafood market

Small take-out spot with Afrocentric vibe and Island soul food focus offers fresh seafood and Jamaican cuisine. Atmosphere feels authentic and mom-and-pop, attracting those who appreciate black-owned establishments. Food preparation takes about 15 minutes, making ordering ahead common.

Lunch features jerk chicken specials and a four-piece fish option with mostly boneless pieces. Take-out service supports busy weekday crowds and makes it a solid spot for quick meals.

Fish comes very fresh and is cooked to order, often deep-fried yet still maintaining its freshness. The selection includes a big variety at reasonable prices, with dishes like fried catfish served hot and freshly prepared.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"The American Food here, especially the oxtails, is fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful."

"The fish at this lunch spot is so good, it's the best fried fish I've had."

Good to know

1

Pasadena Fish Market operates on a take-out only basis with no restrooms available.

2

It's best to order ahead as food takes around 15 minutes to prepare.

3

Lunch specials include four pieces of fish, usually without bones or fins.

08
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Fast casual seafood spot with quick service and a clean, modern setting. Atmosphere feels bare and cold, lacking cozy or lively vibes, but outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with heating. Offers healthy, hearty fish portions with fair prices and consistent quality.

Very good atmosphere makes it a nice spot for lunch. The place gets crowded during lunch hours, especially around noon and early afternoon.

Fish dishes come in large portions with a spot-on batter to fish ratio that keeps the fish flaky and intact. The fish is always fresh and never overcooked, served hot and tasty across various menu options.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be fresh and tasty."

"The fish here is fresh and tastes great."

"The fish & chips lunch spot had a spot-on batter to fish ratio."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses a kiosk ordering system for faster service.

2

Expect crowded conditions during lunchtime, especially on weekdays.

3

Parking is usually available in the plaza, making access easy.

09
HaiCha image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy, small space with comfortable seating and calming music creates a welcoming, family-run vibe. Free amenities like wireless chargers and Wi-Fi support study sessions and casual hangouts. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a homely spot with a peaceful, chill energy.

Quick service starts with a friendly greeting and prompt order taking. Haicha fish balls offer a tasty, well-sized option for lunch. This spot suits those looking for small eats during the midday break.

Fish balls come hot and fresh, staying tender and warm even after 30 minutes. They have a juicy meat filling and pack a lot of flavor, often served with perfectly done broccoli.

People are saying

"I found the tea here to be fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully smooth."

"The fish balls are tender, juicy, and full of flavor."

"The owner Tommy is so nice and makes your lunch fresh."

Good to know

1

HaiCha opens before 11 AM.

2

Getting to HaiCha is very easy and there is street parking right outside the shop.

3

HaiCha has restrooms for customers.

10
Fishwives image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, intimate seafood restaurant with nautical decor and a New England fish house feel. Bright interior and courtyard seating offer a mix of indoor and outdoor dining. Atmosphere tends to be loud and lively, with a friendly vibe.

Casual atmosphere defines the lunch experience here with a quiet vibe during midday. It suits a relaxed meal or a simple date with low crowd levels and a comfortable setting.

Fish comes out very tender and amazingly fresh here. The fish and chips stand out as a solid choice with great quality.

People are saying

"The seafood here is top quality, especially the crab cakes and lobster roll."

"The fish and chips here are fresh and a great value."

"This Lunch Spot has great seafood, especially the oysters and clams."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups, due to high demand.

2

There is no parking available near the restaurant.

3

The average cost for a meal for four is around $385, excluding tip.

11
Mercado Pasadena image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant offers a heated outdoor patio with pet-friendly seating and powerful fans for comfort. Atmosphere feels inviting and cozy, with a great view and lively energy. Specialty margaritas and flavorful dishes like carnitas and enchiladas stand out.

Seafood lunch stands out with superb quality. The team offers special menu items and ensures everything needed during lunch is provided.

Fish dishes feature crispy skin Sea Bass with flaky white flesh and flavorful fish tacos including white fish and ahi varieties. The kitchen can adjust preparations, offering very mild versions when requested.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has such attentive and welcoming service."

"The service at this lunch spot is always helpful and friendly."

"The fish tacos here are great and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers tacos for $12, a great deal compared to regular prices.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking is $2 for 20 minutes, and they do not validate parking.

12
Poke Salad Bar image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Poke Salad Bar offers generous protein portions and fresh fish in a quiet, cute setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. The atmosphere stays calm, making it suitable for relaxed lunches. Outdoor seating allows for dog-friendly waiting while orders are placed inside.

Poke Salad Bar stands out as a lunch option. The spot stays quiet enough for conversations with friends. Staff sometimes ignore customers during lunch, and the door can be locked even when empty.

Freshness of the fish varies, with some servings showing high quality and others lacking in fish portion. Greens often come fresh, but the fish taste does not always match expectations.

People are saying

"The salmon here is super fresh and not greasy."

"You get super generous portions of poke here."

"The fish here is so fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant.

2

They offered free self-service water.

3

Checking in with the Yelp app grants a free small bowl of miso soup.

13
Mama Lu's Dumpling House image 1

Spacious restaurant blends Art Deco chandeliers with classic architectural details, creating a classy yet casual vibe. Energy runs high with a buzzing atmosphere that suits gatherings and dates, while a bar area adds an adult touch. The space accommodates both small and large parties comfortably.

Fish dishes feature a crispy exterior with tender insides and bold flavors. The Seaweed Fish stands out with its crunchy seaweed coating, while fish dumplings offer a savory, pork-like taste.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings, is delicious and juicy."

"You have to try the fish with seaweed; it's delicious."

"The dumplings here are good and not salty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is available around the corner in a lot that costs $1 for the first 2 hours.

3

Prices are affordable, with good portion sizes for the cost.

14
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery image 1
Traditional American restaurant

Space combines modern industrial design with wood accents and an open kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating areas include a patio with heaters, supporting a relaxed vibe. A small retail section offers cheeses, wines, and snacks, blending dining with shopping.

Extensive menu covers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with solid options for lunch and brunch. Night visits offer a different vibe but lunch holds its own with enjoyable choices.

Pickled tuna pate stands out as a tinned fish of the day with a superb flavor. Cheese boards often include tinned fish and crackers, while some fish dishes come rich with cream and butter.

People are saying

"The cheese board and tater tots are amazing date spots."

"The lunch here is fantastic, especially the omelette with spicy cheese."

"You have to try the tinned fish of the day; it's superb."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least a week in advance due to high demand.

2

Expect a 4% automatic charge added to your bill for health insurance.

3

A 25% tip is preselected on the card machine for all bills.

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Pasadena, California

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