Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Pasadena | Upscale Japanese Food

17 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Pasadena | Upscale Japanese Food

• Poke Salad Bar — Japanese · rated 5/5: A sun-drenched, modern oasis where the vibrant colors of the Pacific come alive in every meticulously crafted bowl. Silky cubes of premium ahi tuna and salmon mingle with crisp, garden-fresh toppings and zesty house-made dressings, creating a symphony of textures and clean, coastal flavors. Each customizable creation offers a refreshing escape, delivering a wholesome and energizing dining experience that celebrates the art of the perfect poke bowl.
• Ramen Tatsunoya — Japanese · rated 5/5: The air at Ramen Tatsunoya is thick with the savory, comforting aroma of slow-simmered tonkotsu broth, drawing diners into a vibrant space where the art of the noodle bowl takes center stage. Velvety, collagen-rich soups provide a deep, umami-laden foundation for tender slices of seared chashu and springy noodles, perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of golden gyoza and zesty garlic shrimp. Whether diving into a bowl of fiery spicy miso or the soul-warming depth of their signature Koku broth, guests experience a masterclass in Japanese comfort that lingers long after the last sip.
• Champion's Curry — Japanese · rated 5/5: The air is thick with the savory, spiced aroma of Kanazawa-style curry, a deep and velvety gravy that blankets every plate in rich, umami-laden comfort. Served in signature stainless steel vessels, each dish offers a satisfying contrast of textures where crispy, golden-fried cutlets meet a refreshing mountain of shredded cabbage for a soul-warming Japanese dining experience.
• Sushi Roku — Japanese · rated 4/5: Sushi Roku pulses with a sophisticated, high-energy allure, where sleek modern design sets the stage for a bold reimagining of traditional Japanese flavors. Artfully plated crudos and carpaccios take center stage, pairing the delicate sweetness of fluke with bright kumquat or the silken richness of salmon with earthy truffle. It is a vibrant culinary playground where zesty serrano heat and inventive touches like edamame hummus transform the dining experience into a sensory celebration of the contemporary sea.
• Aikan Sushi — Japanese · rated 4/5: Aikan Sushi transforms the traditional dining landscape into a sleek, modern sanctuary where the boundaries of indulgence are redefined through a premium, limitless exploration of Japanese artistry. Glistening slices of buttery sashimi and vibrant, hand-pressed nigiri arrive in a continuous parade of elegance, inviting guests to savor an endless array of meticulously crafted flavors in a sophisticated, high-energy atmosphere.
• Osawa — Japanese · rated 4/5: Osawa offers a refined yet spirited escape where the clean, bright flavors of Japanese cuisine take center stage in an atmosphere of understated elegance. The kitchen masterfully balances texture and taste, pairing the crisp snap of yuzu-marinated daikon and crunchy cucumber with the indulgent warmth of golden potato croquettes and savory miso-glazed eggplant. Each plate, from the delicate agedashi tofu to the spicy kick of tuna-stuffed shishito tempura, invites guests to linger over a shared meal that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.
• OJI Sushi and Sake Bar — Japanese · rated 4/5: OJI Sushi and Sake Bar invites guests into a sleek, modern sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the sushi knife meets a curated library of premium rice wines. Shimmering ribbons of pristine seafood are transformed into edible art at the polished bar, while the warm, ambient glow of the space sets the stage for an evening of sophisticated pairings and vibrant Japanese flavors.
• Motto Tea Cafe — Japanese · rated 4/5: Step into a serene haven where the deep, emerald hues of premium Uji matcha are whisked into frothy perfection and crowned with velvety, savory-sweet clouds of cheese mousse. The experience is a vibrant celebration of tea artistry, blending the floral elegance of High Mountain Oolong with bright, jewel-toned infusions of fresh citrus and sun-ripened berries.
• Sushi Kimagure Ike — Japanese · rated 4/5: Soft light glows against the polished wooden counter where the rhythmic dance of the chef’s blade creates a mesmerizing prelude to a symphony of seasonal flavors. Each hand-pressed piece of sushi arrives as a fleeting masterpiece, balancing the subtle warmth of vinegared rice with the cool, silken texture of premium fish in an atmosphere of quiet, focused elegance.
• Tatsu Ramen — Japanese · rated 3/5: Steam rises from bubbling cauldrons of rich, savory broth in this vibrant noodle house, where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of slow-simmered pork and toasted sesame. Diners dive into bowls of "Old Skool" classics or playful "Hippie" creations brimming with springy noodles, while sizzling plates of seasoned rice provide a hearty, savory counterpoint to the bold, spicy heat of the signature "Red" ramen. It is a high-energy sanctuary for soul-warming comfort, where modern innovation meets the timeless art of the perfect slurp.
• Sato Ramen House — Japanese · rated 3/5: Stepping into Sato Ramen House feels like entering a warm sanctuary where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered broths and the rhythmic clatter of noodle baskets. Deep ceramic bowls arrive brimming with velvety stocks and springy noodles, topped with melt-in-your-mouth proteins and vibrant garnishes that celebrate the soul of Japanese comfort food. It is a vibrant escape where the communal hum of satisfied diners and the steam rising from the open kitchen create an atmosphere of pure, unhurried warmth.
• Sushigah — Japanese: Sushigah pulses with a vibrant, social energy where the enticing aroma of garlic-tossed edamame and charred shishito peppers sets the stage for a modern, flavor-forward feast. The kitchen artfully balances delicate coastal treasures like buttery hamachi collars and baked mussels with the bold, savory crunch of golden K-Dak and hand-folded mandoo. This spirited destination invites diners to lose themselves in a world of umami-rich bites and artful presentations that feel both effortlessly cool and deeply satisfying.
• O2 Sushi pasadena — Japanese: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where sleek, modern aesthetics meet the meticulous artistry of the sushi bar, creating an atmosphere that feels both energized and intimate. Shimmering slices of pristine sashimi and inventive signature rolls arrive as edible masterpieces, celebrating the delicate balance of ocean-fresh flavors and bold, contemporary accents. Whether seated at the lively bar watching the chefs’ precision or tucked into a cozy table, diners are treated to a sensory journey that elevates traditional Japanese dining into a spirited urban escape.
• Tokyo Riso — Japanese: Tokyo Riso invites diners into a sleek, dimly lit sanctuary where the precision of Japanese craft meets the soulful warmth of Italian comfort. Here, velvety bowls of risotto are transformed by the deep umami of dashi and miso, topped with artfully arranged ribbons of fresh sashimi or tender, seared proteins that melt on the tongue. Each bite offers a sophisticated harmony of textures and cultures, creating a vibrant dining experience that feels both avant-garde and intimately familiar.
• Mama M Sushi — Japanese: This intimate haven blends the meticulous artistry of traditional sushi-making with a soulful, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a well-kept neighborhood secret. Jewel-toned slices of pristine fish are draped over perfectly seasoned rice, while creative rolls arrive as vibrant edible canvases bursting with fresh, clean flavors and delicate textures. Every plate reflects a graceful commitment to craftsmanship, inviting guests to slow down and savor the elegant simplicity of the ocean’s finest offerings.
• Again Cafe x Chibiscus — Japanese: Sunlight streams into this vibrant fusion hub, where the playful energy of a modern cafe meets the soul-warming comfort of a traditional ramen shop. Steam rises from bowls of rich, velvety broth while the scent of toasted seaweed and savory grilled meats fills the air, inviting guests to linger over creative Hawaiian-Japanese bites and colorful, hand-crafted milk teas. It is a welcoming retreat that bridges the gap between a quick midday escape and a cozy evening sanctuary, celebrating bold flavors and whimsical culinary pairings in every bite.
• Tokyo Wako — Japanese: The air crackles with theatrical energy as skilled teppanyaki chefs transform the communal grill into a stage of rhythmic chopping and soaring flames. Beyond the sizzle of the hibachi, a serene sushi bar offers a masterclass in precision, serving up buttery slices of sashimi and artfully constructed rolls that celebrate the delicate flavors of the sea. It is a vibrant destination where the warmth of the hearth meets refined Japanese tradition, creating an immersive experience perfect for lively celebrations and shared culinary discoveries.