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
C
rude and discriminating server and chef that will talk behind your back about you in Japanese, thinking that you don’t understand :)
Nicole M.
Don't let the strange sign and dark windows scare you - this is one of those rare places that delivers high on quality. The Sushi dinner is the way to go - the seared salmon belly melts in your mouth - even the cucumber salad was dressed with perfection. Sweet mom and pop place - service with a smile. Can't wait to go back.
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
Emma G.
Sushi Karen is the best sushi I have had in my entire life. The best atmosphere - with jazz music and the BEST service. I count myself lucky to eat here and truthfully this is my favorite place in the world.
Heather S.
Superb food and presentation!! We had omikase and were blown away by how good each piece was!
Wesley T.
Excellent quality sushi is a cozy atmosphere. Love supporting mom and pop restaurants that focus on the food
a little pricey but the sushi was prepared well and tasted really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Noah C.
Intimate and exquisite. My favorite sushi restaurant. Prepare for the best fish of your life. Thank you Toshi!
Katherine S.
We made a reservation for dinner on a Thursday around 6pm and got seated right away. It is an extremely inconspicuous place with only a few tables inside so definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time! We ordered the assorted sushi dinner and two oysters. Everything was soooo good that I forgot to take pictures of a couple nigiri. Everything tastes fresh and like what other reviewers said, you do get BIG pieces fish!!! I love how flavorful each piece is but the sauce/dressing doesn't overpower the freshness of the fish. The oysters are AMAZING - must try! You can either get it with rice or just on its own. Service was amazing and there is a parking lot but it might get packed. They also do not offer takeout / to-go currently. Highly highly recommend! Give it a try and you won't be disappointed!
Daniel M.
Some of the freshest and most carefully crafted sushi I've tried. While unassuming and hidden, Sushi Karen's best qualities are its food and attention to detail which the chef curates. Definitely try the Salmon Belly and the sweet shrimp.
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.
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
rude and discriminating server and chef that will talk behind your back about you in Japanese, thinking that you don’t understand :)
Don't let the strange sign and dark windows scare you - this is one of those rare places that delivers high on quality. The Sushi dinner is the way to go - the seared salmon belly melts in your mouth - even the cucumber salad was dressed with perfection. Sweet mom and pop place - service with a smile. Can't wait to go back.
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
Sushi Karen is the best sushi I have had in my entire life. The best atmosphere - with jazz music and the BEST service. I count myself lucky to eat here and truthfully this is my favorite place in the world.
Superb food and presentation!! We had omikase and were blown away by how good each piece was!
Excellent quality sushi is a cozy atmosphere. Love supporting mom and pop restaurants that focus on the food
Restaurantji Recommends
a little pricey but the sushi was prepared well and tasted really good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Intimate and exquisite. My favorite sushi restaurant. Prepare for the best fish of your life. Thank you Toshi!
We made a reservation for dinner on a Thursday around 6pm and got seated right away. It is an extremely inconspicuous place with only a few tables inside so definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time! We ordered the assorted sushi dinner and two oysters. Everything was soooo good that I forgot to take pictures of a couple nigiri. Everything tastes fresh and like what other reviewers said, you do get BIG pieces fish!!! I love how flavorful each piece is but the sauce/dressing doesn't overpower the freshness of the fish. The oysters are AMAZING - must try! You can either get it with rice or just on its own. Service was amazing and there is a parking lot but it might get packed. They also do not offer takeout / to-go currently. Highly highly recommend! Give it a try and you won't be disappointed!
Some of the freshest and most carefully crafted sushi I've tried. While unassuming and hidden, Sushi Karen's best qualities are its food and attention to detail which the chef curates. Definitely try the Salmon Belly and the sweet shrimp.
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