ICHIMA — Restaurant in Pasadena

📍Los Angeles | Pasadena’s Ultimate Sushi Spot – Ichima

Hidden on Rosemead Blvd in Pasadena is a true hidden gem for sushi lovers: Ichima Japanese Restaurant 🍣✨ 📍Address: 325 N Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA

From the moment you step inside, the cozy wooden furniture and warm lighting instantly create a peaceful, almost nostalgic vibe. It’s quiet, elegant, and perfect for enjoying high-quality Japanese cuisine with a touch of ritual.

Here’s what we tried (and totally recommend!):

🍱 Must-Try Dishes 1️⃣ Deluxe Sashimi Platter – A massive plate of premium sashimi so fresh it practically dances in your mouth. Featuring salmon, tuna, sweet shrimp, sea urchin, caviar, oysters, snapper, salmon roe… all beautifully arranged with twigs and flowers like edible art. Perfect for your IG feed 📸

2️⃣ Seared Salmon Roll – Lightly torched for that smoky aroma, with a special house sauce. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

3️⃣ Shrimp Tempura Roll – Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy inside, perfectly balanced with a sweet-savory glaze.

🍵 Plus: their miso soup, pickled radish, and side dishes are all delicately prepared. Every detail feels thoughtful and refined.

👨‍🍳 The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable—they’ll even recommend seasonal seafood options. Whether you’re out with friends, on a date, or dining solo, Ichima gives you that slow, satisfying food experience.

📝 Tips Before You Go • Definitely make a reservation—it fills up fast at dinner time • Bring your camera! The food is seriously photogenic • Average spending is around $50–$80 per person, and worth every penny for the quality

✨ If you’re into beautifully presented, high-quality Japanese food, Ichima in Pasadena is...

Came here on a Thursday afternoon with my mom for lunch. She's been telling me how their bento boxes are a great lunch deal, since she had it for lunch a week prior. Despite the restrictions of letting patrons dine indoors being lifted to 50% capacity, Ichima has not prepared itself for indoor dining at the moment. Everything is currently outdoors underneath their large canopy tent. The tables are spaced out far enough between other tables that you're not in close proximity between other guests.

Getting to the food, we both ordered a bento combination for lunch. My mom had their Teriyaki Salmon, California roll, and Mixed Tempura. I ordered the Pork Cutlet, Spicy Tuna Roll and Mixed Tempura. We both ended up packing most of it to-go because the amount of food they give you is ridiculous. Both our lunch were scrumptious and worth the $13.25 per combination.

You can literally portion this meal out for lunch and dinner. It's no wonder America has a obesity problem because of the large portions we're given. When I went to Japan right before Covid came to the states, my meals in Japan were a quarter of the size of what I was given for lunch here and that still filled me up. It may seem like I'm complaining about their portions but I'm just stating that your meal can easily be two separate meals, unless you're truly hungry and demolish the entire thing.

Definitely give this spot a try if you're in the area and craving Japanese food because you can't go wrong with their dishes. The servers are welcoming as well and do their very best in giving you the pre-covid...

A Must-Try Sushi Spot in Pasadena!

Ichima Sushi truly lives up to the hype! The sashimi is incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and generously portioned. The Umi Sashimi Platter (24 pieces of chef’s choice sashimi) was an absolute standout—each piece was buttery, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The salmon and yellowtail, in particular, were phenomenal.

The uni (sea urchin) was hands down the best I’ve had—sweet, fresh, and sourced from Santa Barbara. If you’re a fan of uni, this is a must-order. Their rolls are massive and packed with fresh ingredients, making them a great value. I tried two rolls and some nigiri, and everything was top-notch.

Beyond the food, the restaurant itself is clean and well-maintained, creating a comfortable dining atmosphere. The staff is friendly, attentive, and provides excellent service, making it an enjoyable experience from start to finish. It’s also a fantastic spot for celebrations—the lively ambiance makes birthdays and special occasions extra fun.

If you’re a sashimi lover, Ichima Sushi is a must-visit. With generous portions, fresh high-quality ingredients, and great value, it’s easily one of the best sushi spots in town! Highly recommend the Umi Sashimi Platter and Uni nigiri.

Would definitely...