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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Pasadena

Japanese food spots

The precision and comfort of a Japanese meal is exactly what the appetite demands.

Based on 702 Opinions
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01
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Small restaurant offers intimate booths for a cozy, quiet meal. Master sushi chef serves exceptionally fresh fish with thick cuts and authentic flavors. Limited seating means reservations required to enjoy this exclusive dining experience.

Freshness of the fish stands out with every dish. Sushi comes from a master sushi chef who prepares meals with great passion and precision.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is incredibly fresh and high quality."

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.

02
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Open kitchen and friendly chefs create a warm vibe. Enjoy fresh sushi like scallops and uni, plus rich ramen and udon dishes. Spacious seating and good acoustics make conversation easy in a clean, modern setting.

Friendly chefs at the open sushi bar offer suggestions and greet guests warmly. The menu features perfectly light sushi like scallops, bluefin, and uni, plus rich dishes like shoyu ramen with a soft-boiled egg and Mentaiko cream udon.

People are saying

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

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.

03
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Small corner sushi spot offers a cozy atmosphere with cute high tops and bar seats for people watching. Sushi and sashimi are fresh and perfectly cut, especially salmon and squid. House-made fruit shochu adds a unique touch to this welcoming experience.

Sushi and sashimi come fresh and cut to perfection with standout options like salmon and squid sushi. Staff accommodate special requests, making the experience welcoming and personalized.

People are saying

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

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.

04
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Small, clean space with warm wood accents offers a cozy vibe. Fresh fish and real wasabi make sushi and sashimi stand out. Watching chefs work at the bar adds an engaging element to the relaxed energy.

Fresh fish and real wasabi stand out here. Sushi and sashimi come beautifully prepared with no strong fishy smell, plus appetizers like shishito tempura and karaage add variety.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking at Akinori Sushi is easy with spaces available right out front.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of sushi served.

3

The lunch special does not include miso soup or salad as stated in the menu.

05
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Ramen restaurant offers rich broth and spicy heat in a quiet, charming space with classic Japanese decor. Spacious seating ensures comfort while two large TVs showing basketball add a casual touch to the relaxed atmosphere.

Ramen here stands out for its rich broth and spicy heat that arrives hot every time. The menu includes a flavorful curry and a rare, well-made shoyu ramen, all served affordably in a pleasant setting.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is full of authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are only accepted for groups of six or more.

2

Prices are affordable, typically under $40 for two people with leftovers.

3

The restaurant allows guests to bring their own cake and champagne at no extra cost.

06
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Life-size Samurai sculptures and trendy decor create a cozy vibe with dim, warm lighting. Sushi offers freshness and artful presentation that delights the palate. Creative cocktails and soft lounge music make dining here a truly unique experience.

Sushi here stands out for its freshness and artful presentation. Each piece blends flavor and finesse with careful preparation that goes beyond just looks.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Brunch service starts at 10am on weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

07
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Bright red walls and lanterns create a cozy atmosphere in this family-run spot. Sushi shines with real wasabi and fresh sashimi. Sparkling sake pairs well with rich seafood udon, making it a clean, inviting place to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors.

Sushi here is fabulously fresh and beautifully presented with real wasabi. The sashimi and rolls stand out for their incredible freshness and quality, while the Soup Udon offers a rich seafood broth with soft udon noodles.

People are saying

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

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.

08
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Small, cozy spot serves fresh sashimi and generous tempura with a low-key vibe. Lunch offers customizable Bento boxes for a casual, tasty experience. Prices rose but value stays strong in this quiet, welcoming space.

Sushi features fresh sashimi and well-prepared rolls like the salmon lover and Cynthia roll. Lunch offers a customizable Bento box option, and tempura servings come out generous.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Last call is at 8:15 PM during the week.

2

Last call is at 8:45 PM on Saturdays.

3

Lunch option includes a customizable Bento box.

09
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Individual hot pots with induction heating offer a clean, cozy setting with wooden decor and floral touches. Enjoy fresh Angus Beef and Australian Lamb in flavorful broths for a true shabu shabu meal. Lively lunchtime vibes with a K-pop soundtrack keep energy high for small groups or solo diners.

Fresh, high-quality meats and flavorful broths create a full-on shabu shabu experience. Options include Angus Beef and Australian Lamb sets with plenty of meat, vegetables, udon, and rice.

People are saying

"The Japanese food's beef is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deals offer great value from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant offers a two-person feast for $80, including drinks and dessert.

3

Parking is easy and free outside the restaurant.

10
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Robots deliver fresh, tasty unagi and salmon in a clean, simple space with an old building vibe. Multiple kitchens offer diverse options, making ordering seamless and contactless. Sushi quality rivals Studio City, perfect for quick, quality Japanese food.

Fresh and tasty unagi and salmon stand out. Sushi quality matches what you'd find in Studio City, no need to drive far for Katsu Ya cravings.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the onigiri, is delicious."

Good to know

1

The pickup process is contactless and efficient, allowing for quick retrieval of orders.

2

Parking can be challenging; street parking is the only option available.

3

Food is ready in less than 10 minutes after ordering.

11
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Upscale interior with covered patio seating creates a warm, inviting vibe. Tonkotsu ramen features a rich, flavorful broth with mild spice, while sushi rolls are fresh and well-crafted. Multiple TVs show sports, keeping the atmosphere chill and relaxed.

Rich, flavorful broth defines the tonkotsu ramen here, with a perfect, mild spice level. Sushi rolls stand out as fresh and well-crafted, making this spot a reliable choice for ramen and sushi lovers.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals on beer are available.

2

Lunch deals offer great value for money.

3

Parking is limited to one hour in the back lot.

12
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Small family-run ramen shop offers a quiet spot with authentic Japanese recipes. Broth is creamy and slow-cooked for rich flavor. Located in a tucked-away strip mall, it provides affordable, high-quality dining away from crowds.

Ramen here stays true to authentic Japanese recipes without American twists. Tonkotsu ramen offers a savory, creamy broth, while Tan Tan ramen brings spicy minced pork on perfectly cooked noodles.

People are saying

"The ramen here is delicious and super satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to limited seating.

2

You can order for pickup in-store, online, or over the phone.

3

The restaurant serves authentic ramen with homemade broth.

13
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Minimalist interior and dim lighting create an intimate, cozy space with a quiet courtyard. Sushi offers fresh fish and warm rice that melts in your mouth. Omakase menu delivers high-quality sushi with great value in a casual but polished setting.

Sushi here features fresh fish and warm sushi rice that melts in your mouth. The omakase-style menu offers consistent, high-quality sushi with great value.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh and 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.

14
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Casual spot with unique resin rock tables offers Japanese curry and teriyaki bowls featuring fresh, crispy veggies and charred chicken. Large bowls cost under $10, making it a great choice for tasty, affordable meals.

Teriyaki bowls stand out with perfectly charred chicken and spicy sauce. The Japanese Curry and chicken katsu also hold consistent, strong flavors over many years.

People are saying

"I love their teriyaki chicken bowl; it's the best in LA."

Good to know

1

In-store prices are often lower than those listed online.

2

Parking availability can vary; sometimes it's easy, other times it's challenging.

3

They accept both cash and credit cards for payment.

15
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Sushi restaurant offers fresh high-quality fish and a variety of rolls like Rainbow Roll. Warm atmosphere with a Las Vegas lounge vibe and chill music sets a relaxing mood. Friendly service shines, especially with accommodating dietary restrictions.

Sushi features fresh, high-quality fish with big servings and a variety of rolls like the Rainbow Roll and salmon roll. Service stays attentive and friendly, and dishes like chicken katsu and shrimp tempura curry add variety beyond sushi.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious Japanese food, especially the fresh sushi rolls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour pricing is available from 11:30 am until 3 pm.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

The menu offers a variety of sushi and hot dishes.

16
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Small Japanese spot offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic tempura that is light and crispy. Fresh soba and a special tempura bowl with rice and miso soup highlight the menu. Space feels clean and welcoming but tight, often crowded during peak hours.

Tempura stands out with its light, crispy texture and a unique sauce featuring radish for a distinct taste. The menu includes fresh soba, scallop and squid tempura, and a special tempura bowl served with rice and miso soup.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the tempura, is light, crispy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak hours due to limited seating.

2

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first serve.

3

The restaurant requires all members of the party to be present before seating.

17
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Casual Japanese grill offers generous portions of grilled chicken and teriyaki dishes with authentic flavors. Sushi features creative rolls like the Tiger Roll and fresh nigiri. Spacious seating and a mini snack shop create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for quick meals or groups.

Sushi includes creative rolls like the Tiger Roll and a variety of fresh nigiri such as salmon, tuna, and shrimp. Teriyaki dishes feature authentic, tender grilled meats, including beef and chicken, paired with well-balanced flavors and generous portions.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food, especially the Beef Teriyaki, was incredible and tender."

Good to know

1

There is a Caltech discount available.

2

Free parking is available out back.

3

Prices are generally affordable, with meals around $9.

18
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Simple sushi spot serves fresh rolls and chicken teriyaki with quick service. Bento boxes are large and affordable, perfect for a filling meal. Atmosphere is plain, with some seating used for storage, focusing on food over decor.

Offers no-nonsense Japanese food with satisfying bento boxes and consistently good chicken teriyaki. Sushi and tempura are solid choices, with maki specials providing good value.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is really good, especially the teriyaki chicken."

Good to know

1

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly dining option.

2

Dine-in seating is available, but space may be limited.

3

Takeout is a popular option for those in a hurry.

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