Definitely a place worth stopping over, the food is fantastic and well prepared, the cost is fair and it is regularly clean here. Highly recommended.
Michael VanDyken
One of the best Dragon rolls I've ever had.
Kim Y.
First, let me start by saying the food itself is a 5-star rating. Exceptional. I'm knocking a start from my review for only one reason. The staff here are lovely. The restaurant is named after the head sushi chef (and only sushi chef), Ichi. It's a quiet and quaint place for authentic Japanese. I only sit at the tiny sushi bar that's often hard to get a seat at so reserve in advance. The servers are very attentive and kind but most lack great English skills so be patient with them. The chef is kind and friendly as well. I loved my Omakase meal, which is the only way I dine at authentic Japanese restaurants these days. All of the chef's selections of the day. What really irked me was that after some sake with my meal, which wasn't grande, it turns out I was charged $200. I was really surprised but paid and left. I was surprised because in my honest opinion, I felt a little taken advantage of because they felt I was getting drunk (which I was not) and dining solo that night. Every other time, and most often for the local Omakase spots, I always get charged $100. So, be it as it is, I was stunned but moreover, felt taken advantage of. I think I'll go back but I do recommend you be firm about your set Omakase price and they will adjust their offering to you based on that number. The quality is excellent here so you won't get a "worse" meal than if you pay more, but they will just offer you a lesser portion, or change up what exactly you're served.
Janice L.
Yes it's pretty good, but also it is strangely expensive and kind of underwhelming.. The ibi made into a soup after serving was excellent. Food quality was also high and fresh, the only thing was that the bill came out strangely pricier than expected. Good selection of sake.
Dr Dave D.
They are very unique, I'll give them that. They have some dishes no one else have so that's a good reason by itself to go eat there a few times , find something good you like. So we did it 5 times - and tried lots of stuff and I have to admit , it wasn't amazing. I usually have a favorite in each place ... but I don't have it here. Nothing was really good or worth ordering again. There are a few places in the area that I find them to be much tastier. I didn't even like the spicy tuna here. I feel I gave them enough chances. So though they are unique- nothing is really very good... just average.
Grubbinator A.
Easily the best sushi restaurant in Pasadena...and the greater San Gabriel Valley. I highly recommend the Omakase (chef's choice). Bar-side seating is limited to Omakase ordering customers. Not only is the rice seasoned properly balanced, as it should be...not only is the fish exquisite...the creativity the chef and how he utilizes additional items to bring out the best in flavor is mind-blowing! Not to mention, Ichi has some various unique fish that most places won't invest in. Ichi takes pride in the custom and culture. You can feel it...see it...taste it! There are very few Japanese owned and operated Japanese restaurants in the area. Actually, I can only think of a handful scattered throughout the greater SGV, so to find this gem is super amazing. Trust me, this place is far superior to any Korean/Chinese/________ (fill in your ethnicity) owned sushi joints you already frequent...you will NOT be sorry. NO shade...just keeping it real.
Em H.
I still feel sick to my stomach that I paid $7 for below mediocre two tiny pieces of sushi at this restaurant. Other dishes looked & tasted mediocre too (I'm not a chef but I can make a better Udon) This place is totally overrated.
Linda M.
This was my first visit to Sushi Ichi as I just moved back to Pasadena and looking for a new "sushi spot". I was by myself and the place was empty except for a couple sitting at the sushi bar. They sat me at a table.... but why?? When I asked if I could sit at the bar they stated there wasn't room and they had another party coming in. The entire time I was there not a single soul came in that place. Needless to say, I won't be back. The 3 stars are for the sushi, it was good. But I can find good sushi anywhere... but my "spot" will have both great sushi and customer service!!
Ana F.
I have mixed emotions about this place... I came in during lunch time around 12:30pm and ordered the beef teriyaki plate which comes with rice,salad and miso soup... the beef was very tasty juicy and tender, however I do think it's a little bit over priced considering the portions were smaller than other places and this isn't a fancy place... also it bothered me that I had to ask for siracha sauce twice because they were very stingy with their sauce portions as well.
Jen J.
Stopped by yesterday for a celebration dinner and was quite surprised we were the only ones there for most of the night. This place is located in a plaza, not too difficult to find. Parking is small but yesterday wasn't busy so I was able to find a spot upfront. The inside of the restaurant was clean, service was great. Most of all, the sushi was good!! I loved the scallop sashimi that I ordered two!! Every dish we got we were not disappointed. I would definitely come back again!
Worst experience. One couple at the sushi bar and I was at a table at the end of the restaurant. My waitress tells me that her manager told me to tone down my conversation on the phone. I wasn't even talking that loud. Anyways Sushi wasn't fresh and not sure why this restaurant has so many positive reviews. Overall experience was horrible. Do not recommend- there are better Sushi Bars in Pasadena. Avoid!!!!!
Sergio C Jaramillo
Stopped in after reading the reviews and was not disappointed. Sat down on a quiet Thursday night for an omakase, and was given incredible attention and service. The plates kept coming until we let them know we were finished, each one unique and incredibly well crafted. While loathe to play up a cliche, this place really is a hidden gem, and they've a pretty killer Sake list to go along!
dEep cLEAr bLUE skY iS tAlKinG tO cRAnbERRy
great service & awesome fresh fish
Nerissa N.
Literally walked in 15 mins after they opened, w/ a party of 9 and owner said that they won't take us; that our party was too big for them to accommodate. Technically, we came in, in 2 separate parties: I was with 4 other people and the other party had 4 people, so we could've easily been accommodated w/ two separate tables. There was one occupied table w/ two people and the rest of the tables were empty. Even the server wanted to seat us, but the owner denied her. What business turns down money? You just lost our business permanently!!! Please go elsewhere.
Nini S.
Very nice server, food's normal and tasty, but definitely pricier than other places w/similar food. $20 Dragon roll $9 spicy tuna cut roll (just average rolls) $9 albacore Good fish but would have appreciated less rice. I don't know I have some mixed feelings about the prices given this is not a fancy place. The other thing that stood out was the fact that they charge for extra ginger. I was given little ginger & ordered a few rolls. Thought since I was done with it, a little more ginger would come out with my new roll. Nope, thus, prompting a review. The staff & chef did seem to be taking their jobs very seriously though, so that was nice.
Definitely a place worth stopping over, the food is fantastic and well prepared, the cost is fair and it is regularly clean here. Highly recommended.
One of the best Dragon rolls I've ever had.
First, let me start by saying the food itself is a 5-star rating. Exceptional. I'm knocking a start from my review for only one reason. The staff here are lovely. The restaurant is named after the head sushi chef (and only sushi chef), Ichi. It's a quiet and quaint place for authentic Japanese. I only sit at the tiny sushi bar that's often hard to get a seat at so reserve in advance. The servers are very attentive and kind but most lack great English skills so be patient with them. The chef is kind and friendly as well. I loved my Omakase meal, which is the only way I dine at authentic Japanese restaurants these days. All of the chef's selections of the day. What really irked me was that after some sake with my meal, which wasn't grande, it turns out I was charged $200. I was really surprised but paid and left. I was surprised because in my honest opinion, I felt a little taken advantage of because they felt I was getting drunk (which I was not) and dining solo that night. Every other time, and most often for the local Omakase spots, I always get charged $100. So, be it as it is, I was stunned but moreover, felt taken advantage of. I think I'll go back but I do recommend you be firm about your set Omakase price and they will adjust their offering to you based on that number. The quality is excellent here so you won't get a "worse" meal than if you pay more, but they will just offer you a lesser portion, or change up what exactly you're served.
Yes it's pretty good, but also it is strangely expensive and kind of underwhelming.. The ibi made into a soup after serving was excellent. Food quality was also high and fresh, the only thing was that the bill came out strangely pricier than expected. Good selection of sake.
They are very unique, I'll give them that. They have some dishes no one else have so that's a good reason by itself to go eat there a few times , find something good you like. So we did it 5 times - and tried lots of stuff and I have to admit , it wasn't amazing. I usually have a favorite in each place ... but I don't have it here. Nothing was really good or worth ordering again. There are a few places in the area that I find them to be much tastier. I didn't even like the spicy tuna here. I feel I gave them enough chances. So though they are unique- nothing is really very good... just average.
Easily the best sushi restaurant in Pasadena...and the greater San Gabriel Valley. I highly recommend the Omakase (chef's choice). Bar-side seating is limited to Omakase ordering customers. Not only is the rice seasoned properly balanced, as it should be...not only is the fish exquisite...the creativity the chef and how he utilizes additional items to bring out the best in flavor is mind-blowing! Not to mention, Ichi has some various unique fish that most places won't invest in. Ichi takes pride in the custom and culture. You can feel it...see it...taste it! There are very few Japanese owned and operated Japanese restaurants in the area. Actually, I can only think of a handful scattered throughout the greater SGV, so to find this gem is super amazing. Trust me, this place is far superior to any Korean/Chinese/________ (fill in your ethnicity) owned sushi joints you already frequent...you will NOT be sorry. NO shade...just keeping it real.
I still feel sick to my stomach that I paid $7 for below mediocre two tiny pieces of sushi at this restaurant. Other dishes looked & tasted mediocre too (I'm not a chef but I can make a better Udon) This place is totally overrated.
This was my first visit to Sushi Ichi as I just moved back to Pasadena and looking for a new "sushi spot". I was by myself and the place was empty except for a couple sitting at the sushi bar. They sat me at a table.... but why?? When I asked if I could sit at the bar they stated there wasn't room and they had another party coming in. The entire time I was there not a single soul came in that place. Needless to say, I won't be back. The 3 stars are for the sushi, it was good. But I can find good sushi anywhere... but my "spot" will have both great sushi and customer service!!
I have mixed emotions about this place... I came in during lunch time around 12:30pm and ordered the beef teriyaki plate which comes with rice,salad and miso soup... the beef was very tasty juicy and tender, however I do think it's a little bit over priced considering the portions were smaller than other places and this isn't a fancy place... also it bothered me that I had to ask for siracha sauce twice because they were very stingy with their sauce portions as well.
Stopped by yesterday for a celebration dinner and was quite surprised we were the only ones there for most of the night. This place is located in a plaza, not too difficult to find. Parking is small but yesterday wasn't busy so I was able to find a spot upfront. The inside of the restaurant was clean, service was great. Most of all, the sushi was good!! I loved the scallop sashimi that I ordered two!! Every dish we got we were not disappointed. I would definitely come back again!
Restaurantji Recommends
Worst experience. One couple at the sushi bar and I was at a table at the end of the restaurant. My waitress tells me that her manager told me to tone down my conversation on the phone. I wasn't even talking that loud. Anyways Sushi wasn't fresh and not sure why this restaurant has so many positive reviews. Overall experience was horrible. Do not recommend- there are better Sushi Bars in Pasadena. Avoid!!!!!
Stopped in after reading the reviews and was not disappointed. Sat down on a quiet Thursday night for an omakase, and was given incredible attention and service. The plates kept coming until we let them know we were finished, each one unique and incredibly well crafted. While loathe to play up a cliche, this place really is a hidden gem, and they've a pretty killer Sake list to go along!
great service & awesome fresh fish
Literally walked in 15 mins after they opened, w/ a party of 9 and owner said that they won't take us; that our party was too big for them to accommodate. Technically, we came in, in 2 separate parties: I was with 4 other people and the other party had 4 people, so we could've easily been accommodated w/ two separate tables. There was one occupied table w/ two people and the rest of the tables were empty. Even the server wanted to seat us, but the owner denied her. What business turns down money? You just lost our business permanently!!! Please go elsewhere.
Very nice server, food's normal and tasty, but definitely pricier than other places w/similar food. $20 Dragon roll $9 spicy tuna cut roll (just average rolls) $9 albacore Good fish but would have appreciated less rice. I don't know I have some mixed feelings about the prices given this is not a fancy place. The other thing that stood out was the fact that they charge for extra ginger. I was given little ginger & ordered a few rolls. Thought since I was done with it, a little more ginger would come out with my new roll. Nope, thus, prompting a review. The staff & chef did seem to be taking their jobs very seriously though, so that was nice.