LA｜Must-Try Japanese Spot — Pasadena Deserves a Spot on Your List!

Saw a friend’s IG story — just from the photos, I could tell the plating was beautiful and ingredients looked fresh. As a sushi lover, I couldn’t resist — had to go immediately! After eating, I was left wondering: Why did I only discover this place now?! 🐠 Umi Sashimi ★★★★★★ 24 pieces chef’s choice sashimi + a small bowl of ikura (salmon roe). Every slice was thick-cut, super fresh, and huge — felt 1.5x bigger than some other spots! They even gave us nori and rice to DIY hand rolls, but with this much sashimi… who needs rice?! 🐚 Hotate Crudo ★★★★★ Large scallop sashimi with yellow kiwi slices — tender, bright, sweet-tangy, and refreshing. 🍣 Sushi ★★★★★☆ We ordered Toro, Scallop, Yellowtail, and Amber Jack — all incredible. The scallop was giant (no wonder it’s called giant scallop lol), toro was melt-in-your-mouth rich, yellowtail firm and flavorful, amber jack fresh and clean. Again — the fish quality here is seriously top-tier! 🌮 Spicy Tuna Tartare ★★★★★ Spicy tuna on crispy rice crackers with tempura crumbs. The crunch paired perfectly with the creamy tuna — spicy mayo and sriracha balanced well. A standout starter! 🍙 Taheati Roll ★★★★☆ Unique presentation — filled with spicy tuna, topped with crispy fried onions that added great aroma and texture. 🐟 Grilled Unagi ★★★★★ One of my favorites — charred, sweet glaze over tender, fatty eel. Perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory. 🍡 Takoyaki ★★★★☆ A classic done right — crispy outside, soft and moist inside with real octopus bits. Layers of texture and flavor — even my picky brother kept praising it! #LALife #LAFoodFinds #LosAngeles #LAFood #LATravel #LAEats #LAJapanese #Pasadena