Kiku Sushi — Restaurant in Monrovia

Oh my god... who knew that there would be such a hidden gem in Arcadia/Monrovia? Maybe most of you guys know this place, but I live about 20 minutes away (Pasadena) and was recommended here by a regular. (they said owner has been changed only about 10 month ago) We sat at the bar and ordered only sushi, so I would not know about the cooked, regular food. It is a straight up traditional sushi joint--small and slightly cramped, but with the smell of sushi and a Hinoki wooden-zen ambiance! The servers and chefs were extremely nice, and Japanese servers Dwayne and Ian (Dwayne is from Tokyo, Ian is from Kyoto, next to Osaka) helped me picking the right dishes. As I mentioned their service and attitudes are always top notch and personable!

We ordered:

Seared albacore sushi with miso: The chef used a blow torch to sear, and it was dressed in some sort of citrus very refreshing sauce. I couldn't really tell it was something i knew, but the fish melted in my mouth, and the dressing enhanced the flavor to make it some delightfully creamy melt-in-your-mouth treat! This is probably my favorite!

Uni from directly from Santa Barbara: BEST UNI I HAVE EVER TASTED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. You will LOVE this dish!

Ama Ebi: They actually show you the energetic shrimps before the chef twists off the heads...then they stick the writhing heads on a plate and let you watch while they prepare the bodies (morbid, right?) BUT you KNOW it is fresh!! The fresh shrimp meat is sweet and firm instead of that mushy nasty frozen crap you get at cheap places, and the shrimp head fried really adds a savory flavor. I actually prefer my shrimp head fried, and i chomp the whole thing down like crunchy shrimp chips!

Baked lobster: This is less saucy than most joints, which is good because its less heavy and not chocked full of mayo. The lobster chunks are bigger than your usual shreds and niblets of crawfish (I'm comparing this to Gen's from Pasadena) and the flavor is amazing!

Crunch Roll: My least favorite, though not because it was bad. Just your usual roll...better tasting than most places, but I would rather be eating more seared salmon!

Overall, amazing place for this location. It may have been enhanced by my equally amazing company, but everything was enjoyable and enchanting, and I had a GREAT night! WILL BE BACK! I heard the...

First off, I was in a generous mood to give this five stars. Hardly a restaurant rates that but I can't rate it 4.5 stars. In the Arcadia/Monrovia area there are many sushi joints. Most of them are not worth mentioning. if they are AYCE the portions are all rice and paper thin pieces of fish. If not that then they are way over priced. None of them give you any value. This place was a breath of fresh air. I had a lunch special, M-F for $13.95. I received four pieces of sushi and one roll. Many choices. All the fish was well and tasted good. All good portions. My last two or three pieces were a struggle to finish. I can eat a lot of sushi too. But after a very small salad and some miso soup, I was done. Plus, get this, pay with cash and your soft drink is free. The waitress kept my glass of iced tea full. They have another lunch special and also a dinner special. This is now my go to sushi place. I will not stray. Also they have a $9.95 special of two options albeit the rolls are smaller. Still a value. ADDENDUM- Raised their prices abt. 20% as of Jan. 2016 (Lose 2 stars.) I guess I shant be eating here anymore.

ADDENDUM 2; Why in many reviews do people say the fish is fresh? There is no fresh fish in eating sushi. The ahi must age a minimum of ten days. Most fish sold has all been previously frozen. Even the stuff in the case on display. they took it out of a freezer and put it behind glass. Believe me, you don't want to eat raw fish that hasn't been aged. If you are going to grill it, that's a whole other story. I've BBQ'd tuna caught on the boat, less than an hour from sea to my stomach. Killer! But sushi? I want it aged. So stop it already and stop saying the fish wasn't fresh, of course it wasn't! Would you want to eat beef that wasn't dry aged for 28 days? Of course not, sashimi...

I have come to this restaurant for over two-years now, and every time it's worth the time and drive from Pasadena. First, the main head chef is the owner, which reflects in the quality of fish and presentations, as well as the authentic Ramen noodles.

I love the fish, especially the salmon, Hamachi, albacore and lobster. The spicy tuna roll or hand roll is simply perfection. Perhaps the spider roll is ordinary, but the ingredients are not.

As for the Udon and Ramen? The original is wonderful, but on a cold night, the spicy version is the one to have. The texture of the broth and noodles is perfect,

While the servers have come and gone over the years, and not all have been the most attentive or trained, I cannot say it has marred any visit at any time. What hasn't changed are the main head chef (the owner) and...