Michael Rousso
I have spent very little time in Pasadena over the years! Happened to be staying just 5 minutes from Sushi Karen and so thankful I was able to go enjoy this! I love eating sushi and would put what I had tonight up against anything I’ve had in LA and well beyond! The passion from the service and sushi chef (who I believe both were owners)was amazing and just a completely incredible place! I would not only eat at Sushi Karen again, but will show as many people as I can who love and appreciate good sushi and all it has to offer! Thank you and I feel honored to have stumbled upon this and to watch what true passion and love for what you do is amazing to see and taste.
… moretammy
Loved this meal. Really fantastic quality fish and large portion size. We had the assorted sushi dinner for $50 and it was more than enough food. again, very impressed with the high quality of each fish. Best I’ve had in the area. I only took two photos as I was to hungry at the start of my meal to take those photos. There were several courses.
… moreRodrigo “funning”
I was looking for a new sushi spot in Pasadena and saw this had a perfect score, so I went and checked it out. The booths are separated by separator stands so you’ll have a feeling of a little more privacy with your guests.
I ordered the salmon skin salad, soft shell crab appetizer, blue crab roll, salmon belly sashimi and uni. The salmon skin salad was definitely one of the best versions I’ve had, solid dressing and just the right amount of salmon skin. The blue crab roll was also good, hoping it was a little warmed up but still delicious. The salmon belly was top quality and the flavor was on point. The uni was delicious and on point. Lastly the soft shell crab appetizer was definitely good. Overall it was a great meal, but the price was definitely up there. $15 for one piece of uni is pricey but at least it was that good, I think two pieces would of been more reasonable.
I definitely recommend this spot but the price is a lot higher compared to other restaurants. The quality of sushi is definitely top notch. Now parking is limited to the plaza and streets which isn’t that bad.
… moreG T (Explorer GT)
Sushi Karen is a hidden gem! Super fresh fish, generous portions, and friendly staff. The sashimi platter is top-tier. Cozy atmosphere and great value—perfect for a chill sushi night in town.
… moreSamer
Honestly, one of the best sushi places you can find.
The place is located in a small shopping area & quite honestly, it will definitely throw you off when you first arrive. Once you are inside, you will notice there are a few tables there. I was fortunate enough to be sat right away due to being the first customer there when they opened but the place fills up when 30 minutes so calling ahead & setting up reservations is extremely recommended.
The shop has 1 server & 1 chef so patience is required but given the fact the place had me wanting to go back to Japan. It was definitely worth it.
I would recommend this place if you want to take someone out for a special occasion since they do have omakase.
… moreNicole 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.
… moreKeanan Block
Absolutely fantastic. This place does sushi right. Thick cuts of fish. Quality all the way around. Not cheap but priced very well for the quality. Non-sushi menu items from the kitchen were also executed fantastically. Toro, salmon, and eel sushi were favorites of the night. Interior is small but cozy. Staff poised and friendly. This restaurant will definitely remain as a favorite to go to.
… moreShawn 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.
… moreMei Chi Siu
Never did we expected Sushi Karen was actually an authentic mom&pop sushi restaurant. For such a tiny restaurant (max 14 seatings), ALL sashimi, sushi and tempura dishes were excellent; fresh and deliciously seasoned/ prepared. We’ve tried MANY sushi places over the years in SoCal, this is by far one of the better restaurant for serving very fresh raw seafood (a must for sushi/sashimi). This is a gem for sushi lovers. We’re happy to have found this place and highly recommend it. Lastly, due to such limited seating, call & reserve ahead of time. Pictures included 2 different types of sea bream carpaccio, uni, Spanish mackerel, shrimp & vege tempura, scallop, unagi and spider roll. We shall return!
… moreClaire Lee
Small Mom-n-Pop Japanese sushi restaurant.
We had Omakase. Price was reasonable $65 and the cuts were thick and of high quality.
Service was prompt and they had a good selection of Japanese beer!!
Reservation required for indoor dining.
… more