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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in South Pasadena

Japanese food

A meal centered around Japanese dishes is the only thing that sounds right for dinner.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Dumpling Tops image 1
Dumpling Tops image 2
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Asian restaurant

Cozy Asian restaurant with a mural-sized historical picture on the wall creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere. The space fills with families, sometimes becoming noisy due to small children. Offers a varied vegan menu alongside authentic Taiwanese dishes, distinguishing it from typical noodle spots.

Food features authentic Taiwanese cuisine with flavorful and delicious dishes. Sesame balls stand out as a notable specialty.

Vegan udon stands out with rich flavors. Seafood soba noodles and BBQ chicken soup dumplings offer solid variety. Pan-fried cod pairs with water chestnut dumplings for a unique twist.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are perfectly juicy and flavorful."

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The Japanese food here is amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available in the back of the building around the corner.

2

The parking lot behind Dumpling Tops is small and often crowded.

3

A reservation is recommended for evening visits.

02
Bluefin Sushi and Roll image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a laid-back vibe and lively music. Comfortable seating fills a few tables, creating an intimate setting. The space smells faintly of ocean, enhancing the fresh sushi experience.

Food arrives quickly and shows great quality. The dishes taste delicious and prompt compliments to the chef.

Freshness stands out with immaculately prepared sushi and fresh ginger and wasabi. Small portions focus on quality, featuring dishes like Tako Wasabi and a flavorful dragon roll.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the sushi here to be fresh and delicious."

"The food here is great, especially the fresh fish."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is not an all-you-can-eat place.

2

Prices are fair for the quality of sushi offered.

3

The restaurant is very small, so expect limited seating.

03
Katsu Jin image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant offers a casual and comforting atmosphere with a mom-and-pop vibe and modern, clean interior. Guests engage in a traditional sesame grinding practice while waiting, adding to the authentic experience. The place fills quickly around midday and maintains a chill, neighborhood feel throughout.

Food comes out fast and looks beautifully presented. Dishes taste authentic and show high quality in preparation.

Crispy, tender pork loin katsu stands out with a light but crispy panko coating and a sweet, tangy sauce that clings well. Cheese katsu, shrimp, and katsu curry show attention to detail and flavor, while gyoza and tempura serve as solid appetizers.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, is juicy, crispy, and flavorful."

"The spicy miso ramen at these dinner spots is super flavorful."

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

Good to know

1

The wait is around 30 minutes on Saturday evenings.

2

Free parking is available for customers.

3

Reservations are suggested to ensure seating during busy times.

04
Tokoro image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy ambiance with Ghibli-themed decor and a chill, comfortable vibe despite occasional loud patrons. Regulars frequent the spot, drawn by fresh sushi and affordable prices. Background music and baseball highlights on TV add to the casual atmosphere.

Food here is consistently excellent and really good. The dishes deliver great flavor and quality every time.

Fresh, high-quality sushi stands out here with salmon sashimi and teriyaki salmon as notable dishes. The menu also includes hot miso soup that complements the sushi well.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"It's a warm, chill place that feels comfortable."

"I found the food here to be really great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from open to close with a buy one get one for a dollar on beers.

2

Parking is available behind the restaurant and there is also street parking nearby.

3

The average price per person is around $25 or more.

05
Kontentsu South Pasadena image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers simple but classy decor with great lighting and music creating a relaxed, elevated casual atmosphere. Menu includes extensive ramen options with rich, flavorful broths and accommodating choices for picky eaters and dietary preferences.

Food features well cooked and seasoned dishes with flavorful Ramen broth and noodles. The kitchen delivers fresh, hot Japanese food promptly to the table.

Ramen stands out with rich Tonkotsu broth and huge servings loaded with pork. Spicy miso ramen and green bean tempura add bold flavors, while yakitori offers a tasty grilled option.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and well-seasoned."

"The ramen broth here is out of this world."

"The ramen here is amazing, with a flavorful broth and noodles."

Good to know

1

The price for a bowl is around $20 after tip and tax.

2

The restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options.

3

Expect generous portion sizes, especially for ramen.

06
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.

Food features authentic French flavors with fine quality and perfect seasoning. Portions come ample and dishes are well-presented.

Shrimp tempura stands out with its crispy texture and fresh flavor. Chicken liver mousse and tempura prawns also feature as excellent starters.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The staff's helpful input made ordering French food a breeze."

"You have to try the tuna tartare; it's so fresh."

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.

07
Silverlake Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with outdoor seating offers a fast food vibe and nicely decorated interior. Atmosphere feels inviting and casual, with rich, spicy ramen as a highlight. Patrons often come for vegetarian options and enjoy sides like pork buns and spicy tuna appetizers.

Food arrives hot even with delivery and stays well packaged. Offers tasty broth, quick service, and a variety of rolls, rice bowls, and desserts at a low price.

Ramen features a creamy tonkotsu broth with perfectly cooked noodles. Options include a very spicy Blaze ramen and a vegetarian bowl free of meat and fish products. Sides and rice bowls complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The ramen here is so flavorful, especially the broth and egg."

"The food here is great with generous portions."

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the ramen broth."

Good to know

1

There was tons of parking available at Silverlake Ramen.

2

The $19 combo includes one ramen and one side, offering good value.

3

I went for lunch on a weekday and there was no wait.

08
Bristol Farms image 1
Grocery store

Upscale grocery store with a super bakery and high-end deli offering freshly roasted turkey and gourmet foods. Atmosphere is posh with a wonderful kitchenware section and decorative items. Customers bag their own groceries at do-it-yourself kiosks, maintaining quality but at a premium price.

Soups and prepared foods show consistent quality and convenience for quick meals. The specialty foods and bakery deli offer a gourmet touch that stands out.

Sushi and poke come at reasonable prices with good quality. Anthony in the sushi department cooks grilled salmon and salmon teriyaki bowls that stand out.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a fantastic selection of fresh, high-quality items."

"Ashley Rodriguez made my chocolate experience so welcoming and professional."

"Ashley Rodriguez helped me discover quality food and new items."

Good to know

1

Bristol Farms offers a wide selection of specialty items not found in other stores.

2

Parking is free in the lot outside the store.

3

Self-checkout is available for a quicker shopping experience.

09
Ai Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy home-like atmosphere with comfortable booths and a sushi bar that adds a fun element. The vibe is down-to-earth and welcoming, suitable for family gatherings and intimate nights. The setting balances a peaceful ambiance with positive, warming energy.

Food offers authentic Japanese flavor with large lunch combinations that often leave leftovers for takeout. The dishes consistently deliver delicious taste and pair well with cocktails.

Freshness stands out with salmon sashimi and chirashi prepared skillfully. The tempura and teriyaki chicken plates offer solid, satisfying flavors alongside warming miso soup.

People are saying

"I thought this Japanese food was the best sushi in town."

"The lunch spot specials are delicious and economical."

"The food here is remarkably delicious and like home-cooked Japanese cuisine."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Parking is available behind the restaurant, but can be limited during peak hours.

3

Combo lunch prices are reasonable, offering good portion sizes.

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South Pasadena, California

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