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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of South Pasadena

Japanese food

Japanese dishes that honor the craft without turning the experience into a stiff performance.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Bluefin Sushi and Roll image 1
Bluefin Sushi and Roll image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers a cozy atmosphere with lively music and fresh ocean scents. Immaculate sushi shines with freshness in every bite, featuring dishes like Tako Wasabi and dragon roll. Intimate seating invites relaxed dining with quality portions.

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.

02
Tokoro image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with Ghibli-themed decor offers fresh sushi like salmon sashimi and hot miso soup. Regulars enjoy affordable prices and a chill vibe despite occasional loud patrons. Background music and baseball on TV add to the casual feel.

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."

"Parking is available behind the restaurant and it's a good size."

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.

03
Dumpling Tops image 1
Asian restaurant

Cozy spot with a mural-sized historical picture sets a calm vibe. Vegan udon shines with rich flavors, while authentic Taiwanese dishes like BBQ chicken soup dumplings add variety. Family-friendly but can get noisy with kids.

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."

"The seafood soba noodles were savory and authentic."

"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.

04
Katsu Jin image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot offers a mom-and-pop vibe with a clean, modern look. Guests enjoy a traditional sesame grinding ritual that adds to the authentic feel. Crispy pork loin katsu with a sweet, tangy sauce shines alongside solid appetizers like gyoza, making it a chill neighborhood favorite.

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 that parking available here is free."

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.

05
Kontentsu South Pasadena image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant shines with rich Tonkotsu broth ramen and bold spicy miso flavors. Simple, classy decor and great lighting create a relaxed atmosphere. Menu suits picky eaters with accommodating choices and tasty grilled yakitori.

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 offers intimate French bistro vibe with cozy sidewalk seating. Shrimp tempura shines with crispy texture and fresh taste. Warm atmosphere and subtle elegance make it perfect for relaxed dining and lively conversation.

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
Bristol Farms image 1
Grocery store

Upscale grocery store shines with a super bakery and freshly roasted turkey at the deli. Sushi and poke are reasonably priced with standout grilled salmon bowls by Anthony. Posh atmosphere includes a wonderful kitchenware section and self-bagging kiosks.

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."

"The sushi and poke here are really good and well priced."

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.

08
Silverlake Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small spot with creamy tonkotsu ramen offers a casual vibe and vegetarian bowls free of meat and fish. Outdoor seating adds charm while sides like spicy tuna appetizers and pork buns enhance the menu. Fast service suits quick meals or relaxed visits.

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.

09
Ai Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy booths and a lively sushi bar create a welcoming vibe for families and intimate nights. Fresh salmon sashimi and chirashi shine alongside solid tempura and teriyaki chicken. Warm miso soup adds to the peaceful, home-like atmosphere.

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."

"It's a great spot for a dinner date with amazing ambiance."

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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