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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Pasadena's best

Japanese salad spots

A meal that balances a crisp salad with the precision of a Japanese kitchen.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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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.

Salads include a crisp Sunomono Cucumber Salad that feels refreshing. The tuna salad also appears on the menu, complementing the fresh fish offerings.

Sushi here features melt-in-your-mouth seared salmon and fresh eel sashimi with delicate, delicious flavors. Rolls like the California roll come out rich and buttery, paired with authentic bento and top-quality sashimi.

People are saying

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

"The Japanese food here is fantastic and the fish is super fresh."

"I was blown away by the incredible salad experience."

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
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.

Freshness stands out in the seaweed salad and the sashimi salad. The bento menu pairs salad and sushi well, offering variety with the rainbow platter.

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."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seaweed salad here is so fresh and flavorful."

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.

03
Teri & Yaki image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers a quiet, chill atmosphere despite busy street surroundings. Seating is limited, focusing mainly on fast casual takeout with reasonable prices. Popular dishes include chicken teriyaki bowls and Chinese chicken salad known for their flavor and portion size.

Chinese Chicken Salad stands out with a perfect portion size and reasonable price. Salads and wontons come super fresh, with a side salad offering a spicy kick.

Offers flavorful chicken teriyaki bowls and pork ramen with options to add extra teriyaki and hot sauce. Side dishes include gyoza and glass noodles, complementing the teriyaki salads and wontons.

People are saying

"I found the food here was always on point."

"The Chinese chicken salad here is a must-have."

"The Japanese food, like the chicken teriyaki bowl, was delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be inconvenient.

2

Prices are reasonable for the area.

3

The entrance is an automatic sliding door that may be confusing.

04
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 1

Japanese restaurant offers upscale interior with covered patio seating and multiple TVs showing sports. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed, with a warm, inviting vibe suited for quiet meals or late-night dates. Seating is somewhat tight but sufficient for medium crowds.

Kaiba Salad stands out with its fresh ingredients and pairs well with miso soup and sushi. Adding extra salad and California rolls boosts the meal's nutrition and variety.

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."

"You have to try the frozen beer; it's a must-try."

"The yellowtail sashimi salad was so fresh and soft."

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.

05
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.

Salads feature lots of crab and fresh ingredients like asparagus, thinly shaved carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes. The crab Louie salad is assembled with care and offers a good balance of flavors.

Seafood shines with a diverse menu featuring sushi, sashimi, and a raw bar. The handrolls stand out, especially salmon and Maryland bluecrab, alongside fresh scallops and pickled vegetables.

People are saying

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

"The salad dressing was really tasty."

"The Japanese Food here, especially the scallops, is delicious."

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.

06
San Sai Pasadena Japanese Grill image 1

Casual Japanese grill with spacious seating and a mini Japanese snack shop inside. Atmosphere stays relaxed and clean, suitable for quick meals or group hangouts. Offers affordable, generous portions with a focus on grilled chicken and teriyaki dishes.

Two salads come with the plate, including a noodle and mandarin orange salad. Both salads taste delicious and often get eaten first.

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 food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"This is a great lunch spot for comforting Japanese classics."

"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.

07
B-Man's Teriyaki image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old school interior combines with Halloween decorations and a casual atmosphere that feels lively despite some loud number calling. Large portions and affordable prices attract a steady crowd, with quick service and a cleaner, safer environment than similar spots nearby.

Salads feature Chinese chicken, oriental chicken, and a noodle salad with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and bean sprouts. Macaroni salad appears consistently and pairs well with other dishes.

Teriyaki dishes feature tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that balances flavor well. Large portions come with options like ABC Burgers, teri-fries, and chicken musibis, all cooked to perfection and fairly priced.

People are saying

"The teriyaki sauce here is slightly sweet, savory, and one of the best."

"The Japanese food, specifically the spam musubi, was delicious and exactly what I needed."

"You should try the Chinese chicken salad; it's very good."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is available, making pickups quick and easy.

2

Parking is shared with Trader Joeโ€™s, so avoid peak shopping times.

3

The restaurant offers large portion sizes that are great for sharing.

08
Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena image 1

Steakhouse offers an elegant, refined atmosphere with soft lighting and black and white decor that creates a cozy, intimate setting. The space feels wide and open yet comfortable, encouraging meaningful conversations. Known for top-notch steaks and expertly crafted cocktails, it attracts diners seeking a sophisticated dining experience.

Beet salad stands out with its earthy flavor and appeals to those avoiding meat. Caesar's salad offers a classic taste that complements the menu well.

Omakase features wagyu aburi nigiri, uni toast, and a variety of dishes like bacon wrapped shrimp and pork tonkatsu. The menu blends Asian flavors with unique items such as lobster ramen and octopus.

People are saying

"The Wagyu steak here is perfectly marbled and rich with umami."

"The prime rib melted in my mouth, so tender."

"The Wagyu sushi and steak were perfectly grilled."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least a month in advance, especially for dinner.

2

Expect high prices, with steaks averaging around $100 each.

3

Private parties of 10 or more can be accommodated in multiple rooms.

09
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate Japanese restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and relaxed vibe. Seating includes wooden chairs that are somewhat uncomfortable, and the space remains quiet and uncrowded during visits. The setting suits parties of 2-4 people and offers a mellow dining experience.

Combo meals include a generous salad portion paired with ramen and rice bowls. Salad dressing comes separately packaged for to-go orders, unlike other places. Upgrades to a side salad are available for extra hunger.

Ramen here features well-balanced tonkotsu broth and melting pork that stands out. Both the dipping and spicy ramen offer solid, inventive flavors with noodles that hold up well without being too salty or oily.

People are saying

"I found the vegan ramen broth to be rich and delicious."

"The Japanese Food broth here is so creamy and flavorful."

"The ramen soup was creamy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $1.50 for 15 minutes at nearby lots; no parking at the restaurant.

2

A 17.68% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

3

Reservations are not accepted; the whole party must be present to be seated.

10
MAMA M SUSHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small interior with a cozy atmosphere and low lighting creates a relaxed vibe. Live music adds to the intimate setting, while a patio area offers outdoor seating with city views. The place attracts locals and maintains a quiet, welcoming energy.

High-quality greens and a light dressing define the house salad. The cucumber salad comes in a very small portion priced at five dollars.

Sushi rolls come extremely fresh and are crafted by a professional chef with inventive, fresh ingredients. The spicy edamame offers a strong garlic flavor, and the menu includes spicy tuna rolls, sashimi, and soft shell crab that stand out.

People are saying

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

"The service here is incredible and the staff is super friendly."

"The cucumber salad was a very small dish for $5."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers specials every day of the week.

2

Live music is available on Friday nights outside.

3

Parking options include street parking or a nearby lot costing $7 for 2 hours.

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Pasadena, California

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