Our friend Michael recommended them and we are very glad he did. Will definitely return for the set menu. Highly recommended them. Try to get a table with a view of the master working behind the counter. A sight to see. !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Khalil
Excellent
Judy Penner
We had an excellent dinner! The sushi was very high quality, very fresh. Delicious! The tempura was lightly battered and crisp. The Gyoza were done perfectly - small in a thin wonton skin. The service was excellent - super nice and accommodating. Best sushi restaurant in Pasadena! Don't be fooled by it's location in a strip mall. We'll be going often.
So happy to know about this places. No frills. High quality cuts of fish. Master sushi chef.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maureen Roberts
I had not been here since this was a different restaurant, but I have been curious about Sushi Karen. It is a small restaurant where reservations are essential. Parking is limited in the lot, but I found a spot on Arroyo. Just read the signs!
It's a quiet spot with the tables separated by paper screens. I got the sushi lunch special and my friend ordered individual sushi. The quality was top notch. The nigiri sushi is one piece, not the typical 2, but the pieces are large. I added a seaweed salad and 1 other piece of sushi. Everything was delicious and I was full at the end. Without alcohol, we spent $110 for lunch for two. To me that is on the pricey side but I felt worth it.
The fish really shines here. If you are a fan of lots of different rolls or fusion type of cuisine, I would look elsewhere. Sushi Karen is for fans of nigiri sushi and sashimi. I would like to come back and try the omakase.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scallop, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Shawn Sheng
Don’t let the exterior fool you, this is an amazing sushi restaurant. The quality and presentation are superb. There is never any walk-in seating so you have to call ahead and make a reservation. Every bite of sushi was a flavor explosion in your mouth, absolutely wonderful. Perfect for a date night, definitely would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cherry Liu
A hidden gem in Pasadena! Came here for my bf's birthday, everything is delicious and their sake recommendation is definitely on point!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tempura, Omakase Course
Gary Wang
Excellent sushi!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Kanpachi with Jalapeno Citru, Tempura
Daniel Lee
A huge surprise for me. The food exceeded my expectations for such a humble place. I was expecting a regular American style sushi set but instead got an omakase style dinner. The husband and wife team are friendly as well. I’ll be back for sure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan H
I can't believe this place isn't more popular! You are paying for top quality sushi here. Sushi Karen easily compares to the fancy Omakase style restaurants that are booked months in advance. Try it, you won't regret it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mackerel, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
rude and discriminating server and chef that will talk behind your back about you in Japanese, thinking that you don’t understand :)
Melissa Collins
Love this place... the rainbow roll was delicious as well as the salmom sashimi, scallop sashimi. The place is great for a date. Noise level is low, and there is privacy amongst the tables. Service is great. Dishes are served to enjoy without being rushed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yellowtail Belly, Scallop
Marva Woodson
a little pricey but the sushi was prepared well and tasted really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole M
This place is amazing. You are definitely paying for the quality and love put into the fish. You have to call ahead to make a reservation as there is limited seating.I always order only nigiri as I've found it to be the best items on the menu. The rolls and other crispy fried rice dishes aren't as good as what is prepared by the sushi chef. The tempura veggies and shishito peppers are good appetizer choices. The prices are about $5 per piece of nigiri, so just be prepared for that going into it. My top choices in order are: amber jack, scallop, seared salmon, snapper, yellowtail belly, and sweet shrimp.I would highly recommend this place. We bring friends and family whenever they visit and warn them that it ruins your sushi expectations. I will always come back here when in the area.
Our friend Michael recommended them and we are very glad he did.
Will definitely return for the set menu.
Highly recommended them.
Try to get a table with a view of the master working behind the counter. A sight to see. !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent
We had an excellent dinner! The sushi was very high quality, very fresh. Delicious! The tempura was lightly battered and crisp. The Gyoza were done perfectly - small in a thin wonton skin. The service was excellent - super nice and accommodating. Best sushi restaurant in Pasadena! Don't be fooled by it's location in a strip mall. We'll be going often.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Belly, Tempura, Roll, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Albacore
So happy to know about this places. No frills. High quality cuts of fish. Master sushi chef.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had not been here since this was a different restaurant, but I have been curious about Sushi Karen. It is a small restaurant where reservations are essential. Parking is limited in the lot, but I found a spot on Arroyo. Just read the signs!
It's a quiet spot with the tables separated by paper screens. I got the sushi lunch special and my friend ordered individual sushi. The quality was top notch. The nigiri sushi is one piece, not the typical 2, but the pieces are large. I added a seaweed salad and 1 other piece of sushi. Everything was delicious and I was full at the end. Without alcohol, we spent $110 for lunch for two. To me that is on the pricey side but I felt worth it.
The fish really shines here. If you are a fan of lots of different rolls or fusion type of cuisine, I would look elsewhere. Sushi Karen is for fans of nigiri sushi and sashimi. I would like to come back and try the omakase.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scallop, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Don’t let the exterior fool you, this is an amazing sushi restaurant. The quality and presentation are superb. There is never any walk-in seating so you have to call ahead and make a reservation. Every bite of sushi was a flavor explosion in your mouth, absolutely wonderful. Perfect for a date night, definitely would recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A hidden gem in Pasadena! Came here for my bf's birthday, everything is delicious and their sake recommendation is definitely on point!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tempura, Omakase Course
Excellent sushi!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Kanpachi with Jalapeno Citru, Tempura
A huge surprise for me. The food exceeded my expectations for such a humble place. I was expecting a regular American style sushi set but instead got an omakase style dinner. The husband and wife team are friendly as well. I’ll be back for sure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I can't believe this place isn't more popular! You are paying for top quality sushi here. Sushi Karen easily compares to the fancy Omakase style restaurants that are booked months in advance. Try it, you won't regret it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mackerel, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Restaurantji Recommends
rude and discriminating server and chef that will talk behind your back about you in Japanese, thinking that you don’t understand :)
Love this place... the rainbow roll was delicious as well as the salmom sashimi, scallop sashimi. The place is great for a date. Noise level is low, and there is privacy amongst the tables. Service is great. Dishes are served to enjoy without being rushed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yellowtail Belly, Scallop
a little pricey but the sushi was prepared well and tasted really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is amazing. You are definitely paying for the quality and love put into the fish. You have to call ahead to make a reservation as there is limited seating.I always order only nigiri as I've found it to be the best items on the menu. The rolls and other crispy fried rice dishes aren't as good as what is prepared by the sushi chef. The tempura veggies and shishito peppers are good appetizer choices. The prices are about $5 per piece of nigiri, so just be prepared for that going into it. My top choices in order are: amber jack, scallop, seared salmon, snapper, yellowtail belly, and sweet shrimp.I would highly recommend this place. We bring friends and family whenever they visit and warn them that it ruins your sushi expectations. I will always come back here when in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salmon Belly, Scallop, Albacore, Salmon Sashimi, Yellowtail Belly
Such a hidden gem. Incredible food and warm and professional service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scallop, Albacore, Tempura
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