The best Japanese casual restaurant in Pasadena area. Run by a couple of Japanese families they keep with the tradition of good quality Japanese food which is sometimes hard to find nowadays unless you pay premium for it. Small sushi bar but always freshly caught fish specials plus really consistent good sushi. Great selection of traditional Japanese and Japanese American favorites including combinations on the menu. Always daily specials of their fresh catch of the day. Very friendly service and plenty of parking. Reasonable prices - a few dollars more than the other Japanese casual places in the area but the quality of the food is much higher. read more

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I really had high hopes for this little Japanese restaurant, because they regard themselves (through their quaint little website) that they opened up to bring "authentic Japanese food to the US". I was very pleasantly surprised. I called ahead one day (a couple months ago when I first moved to Pasadena) to reserve a seat at the sushi bar, as I read beforehand that the sushi bar is reserved for sushi/sashimi orders only and the only place you can do omakase. They said on the phone that omakase ranges from approximately $80-100, but it can be lower or higher than that depending on how much you actually eat. This place has become my go-to Japanese restaurant in the Pasadena area for omakase. The place is 100% family run (father, mother, son) and has a very cozy but yet, elegant feel. The sushi chefs are so fun and pleasant to talk to and laugh with throughout your meal. The place always has a seat for me at the sushi bar when I arrive when they open for dinner service at 5pm. But for tables, regardless of your size, and for sushi bar seating after approximately 5:30-6pm, it is wise to make a reservation in advance. I have seen lines grow out the door on some of my visits here. I think that for the quality and variety of fresh samplings you get, their omakase is very reasonable for the area. FYI: I also went to Sushi Ichi, which has very similar reviews and environment/atmosphere, although slightly smaller, and I was really happy the first time I went, but the second time I went solo, I thought they took advantage of me a little bit on the price, which ended up being $200 for omakase... Too steep for me for what I got. But I think I'll just need to set the price beforehand at Ichi in order for me to leave with a slightly happier wallet. Matsuri definitely has a family feel, and usually, they are very prompt to tend to their customers' needs and does so with a smile. But note that when there's a line out the door, and people waiting to pick up to-go orders as well, the staff definitely rush around. I can't wait to go back! Probably tonight... read more

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Fresh sashimi and friendly service. It's an authentic Japanese owned sushi restaurant. read more

Matsuri - Deluxe sushi lunch plate - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Excellent food and service, great prices, reminds me of Japan definitely top 3 sushi in the area.

With all that Pasadena has to offer when it comes to Japanese options, this is by far my favorite wholesome place to dine at! Parking: yes this is definitely the best parking situation around. Most places in Pasadena are meter parking or structure parking where you'll pay a small fee. This however, has free parking and plenty of it behind the restaurant. Food: simply amazing! I think the Chirashi is something I usually tend to order the most but there so many dishes you can't go wrong with. The black cod is a must try as well! Service: a huge reason I always return here over other restaurants. Family ran business and you can tell from the service. Everyone is so attentive and kind and willing to help to make your dining experience a great one. If you're craving some sushi, come here and keep this amazing place running! You won't regret it. read more

Food is still good but don't go after 1:00 pm. Be warned if you do they will rush you to get out. There are other restaurant that close at 2:00 pm but once you are in and enjoying your food, they do not rush you to leave. Our waiters brought to go containers and literally were trying to take our plates and push the food in to the to go containers. read more

Have ordered for lunch a handful of times now, I only get the sushi so can only speak for that. It's become a go-to now, delicious and fresh every time. The staff is so friendly as well! read more

The food is pretty good especially for lunch! The staff was excellent and super sweet. Service is great as well. I highly recommend coming.

Love this place! It seems to have loyal patrons. It's never crowded, service is excellent, and the food is carefully prepared. You're always greeted by staff upon entering, it's like being on the set of Cheers. read more

I love Matsuri! The sashimi is so fresh and delicious. The entire staff is warm and welcoming. The sushi chefs are amazing - friendly, considerate and very skilled. Pre-pandemic, they would really get to know their regulars at the sushi bar. Sitting at the sushi bar was always a treat- great food and friendly banter with the sushi chefs and others sitting at the bar. Matsuri is one of my favorite places in Pasadena! read more

Matsuri - Shiso hot (upgrade). So good! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

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As a former restaurateur (Japanese food), I may be more critical than most. Our party of four sat at a table and did not order anything from the sushi bar. We had a few standard dishes and flavors and portion sizes were fine. This restaurant is owned and operated by real Japanese and pretty authentic without any quirks often encountered in "Japanese" restaurants operated by other Asian ethnicities. Prices are reasonable and it's a good place for a casual weekday dinner. read more

I have been here many times and have always wondered why it doesn't get more hype. I think it's just poorly marketed or the location is just not the best. If you are reading this review this is your sign to go check out this place. Their ribeye teriyaki is to die for and everything else that I have tried were spot on because this place is Japanese-owned. And to the owners of Matsuri- please consider opening your business on weekends. We wanted to go for lunch on a Saturday but you were closed and on Sundays you are closed all day. read more

Friendly staff, fast service and fresh, high quality ingredients. This place is reasonably priced for fresh sashimi. I got the sashimi super dinner and loved it! The atmosphere is very homey and relaxing. Japanese and soft jazz playing in the background. I would recommend if you're in the area read more

Terrific food. A peaceful, calm relaxing place with gracious and lovely staff. It feels like being back in Japan. Go once and you'll be a regular, I promise read more

Great food! We enjoyed every dish we ordered. Their tempura was perfect, and the yellowtail toro was buttery soft. Their vinegary sauces have a nice zing. read more

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Stopped by for lunch on Wednesday at 1pm with my wife and baby. Was informed there is no room for us, but upon looking there were plenty of tables open. They were not busy and there were no parties waiting. In short, they do not want to service families with a baby in stroller. read more

I went in at 8:30 tonight, * WARNING THEY NOW CLOSE AT 9 not 9:30* I got Blue Fin, Ankimo, Red Snapper, Aji, Salmon and Eel. The quality was fantastic, great cuts of fish and a lovely little restaurant all around. I can't wait to bring my boyfriend here, we love sushi and this place is wonderful!!!! I will definitely be coming back (*ahem* tomorrow) read more

Matsuri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

Love their chirashi and sushi! Our server is great too. Will definitely come back again.

Great food and service. Sushi tastes fresh and tempura is crispy af. Hard recommend! The desserts are delicious but I'd rather fill up on the entrees and appetizers read more

I came in to have dinner a few days ago, and I ordered the Beef Terriyaki and Tempura bento box plus a side California roll. The Beef Terriyaki, just like other Japanese restaurant, is well done, and it is tough; despite the fact that Matsuri claims to use ribeye portion. The tempura here is a failed item, as the batter layer is so thick and hard after the frying process. Good tempura batter should coat the food items with a thin and soft layer after the frying process, but not here. The California roll here is also not good; mostly because they don't prepare the rice properly. They use long grain rice, and they put too little rice vinegar into the rice. In addition, they use the regular Kikkomann soy sauce here, and it is simply too salty. For the price they charge, they should serve the customers with Kikkoman low sodium soy sauce. Service-wise, the older waitress is courteous and ok, but the young Japanese waiter is simply not up to his job. First, he has no manner and his service is rough and inattentive. Second, his face doesn't look like he wants to be there. I felt apprehensive when he talked to me. Oh, btw, they charge $2.50 for a cup of green tea, which is usually free at other Japanese restaurants. In conclusion, I don't feel the price they charge justifies the poor cooking skill of their chefs, and the poor service of some of their staff. read more

Matsuri - Beef Teriyake + Tempura Bento Box (Dinner) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Matsuri does not disappoint. Fresh fish. Awesome service. Delicious food. All the way. I love this place read more

Matsuri - Unagi sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

It's impossible to find a good version of these three things anymore - tempura, pepperoni pizza and BBQ pork (char siu). Anyway, as far as tempura goes, Matsuri is the best I can find. Good batter. Good frying. Notice they give three shrimps, not two like some lesser places. The vegetables are a good selection. Somewhat limited hours so catch them when you can. Again, this is the best pure tempura play around. read more

Matsuri - Shrimp and vegetables tempura at lunch - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

We wanted to find a local spot that had some decent Japanese dishes and Matsuri is definitely one of those old school traditional Japanese restaraunts we'll come back to try other dishes. Very much on the Japanese comfort food level. We ordered the Tonkatsu Dinner Set, Japanese Eggplant with Miso, Salmon Skin Salad, Cold Tofu, and some side orders of sushi. The tonkatsu meat they used was about half an inch, moist and tender. The oil they used wasn't overly burnt so it kept the tonkatsu crispy and golden. The sides of coleslaw and macaroni salad or simple and not over powering. The Japanese Eggplant with Miso was flavored and cooked just right. Not overly soft while keeping the light char on the outside. The flavoring wasn't overly salty and had hints of white miso to keep the flavors flowing nice and smooth. The Salmon Skin Salad was abundant. It tasted great with the ponzu based dressing and the little bits of bonito shavings and salmon skin to top the dish off. The Cold Tofu was cooled in ice water perfectly awaiting a hot summer day with all of the right condiments like ginger, green onion and bonito flakes to flavor it properly with shoyu. The fish used in the Toro, Hamachi and Salmon were solid. The only thing we would ask to have improved is the sushi rice they used. Both of us agreed it lacked the osu + sugar that we normally see in sushi rice. Again, a spot to visit if you're looking for Japanese comfort food :) read more

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Amazing authentic Japanese food. I highly recommend the TORO it's worth it! Trust me. Also very nice staff and intimate atmosphere.

Best Sushi I've ever had! Had a nice sampling of their Sashimi specials and everything was perfect. Excellent service and nice warm atmosphere. Highly recommended! read more

Matsuri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

Our visit visit after Covid was about a month ago & we were relieved to see that Matsuri is still there and as good as ever!! WE LOVE this place, it small but comfortable. The food remains excellent and even though the place got busy later, they remained vigilant to re fill our drinks and inquire that all was well. My fav is Udon but my husband goes for the tempura dishes. And their Sushi is amazing!! For old timers who remember the "drum" that welcomed you, well that went away.. but they still warmly welcome you!! read more

Tried the Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura Lunch combo (included miso soup, rice, and salad) and Vanilla Sesame Ice Cream. I was satisfied with both the food and service, no complaints in either area. Menu pricing seems to be within average range for this type of restaurant. The seats are reasonably comfortable, and parking availability in the area seems to be dicey. Upon entry into the restaurant, the staff will greet you by banging on a drum. That's all I got for now. 'Til next time ... read more

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This charming down home restaurant/sushi bar serves wonderful, delicious, authentic sushi and many other typical Japanese delights; teriyaki chicken and salmon, several kinds of udon, and donburi, a long list of appetizers, poke bowls, sashimi and salads. And, don't forget the soba noodles during these still hot days. Almost forgot - great deals on lunch combinations. The staff at Matsuri couldn't be nicer and because they had to adjust to takeout only for the time being, would really appreciate your business. I'll be in again very soon! read more

After years of visiting Matsuri mostly for pick up orders, it's safe to say their sushi/fish quality is consistently decent and good value. read more

Matsuri - Sushi Super Deluxe - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

If you decide to dine in, all you need to know is they have a Toto in their bathroom. Game over (at least for me) Fish quality is better for dinner, but bento sets for lunch are very simple and thoughtful, with finesse. Quality overall is solid for the price and menu is very home-style Japanese. read more

Soooo good and the staff is friendly and accommodating! We had a team lunch of 18 people, service was accurate and quick!

Super swift and satisfying Japanese meal! Was here on a Saturday night for a quick date night with my boyfriend before he had to go back to study (though, he ended up never studying afterwards... LOL). The place as 80% packed at 8pm with bar seating, tables, and booths available. Looking around the room, you will find families getting together, friends catching up, and couples enjoying their date night. It's a casual spot that has its own charm. It was hard to decide what to get as they have offer many dinner sets that ranges from sushi, sashimi, and cooked meat. You can also order cut rolls, hand rolls and bowls as well. After browsing the menu and discussion, we decided to get one of their 18pc sashimi set, which came beautifully on a boat. Portion wise, it's pretty hefty for one person but since we're a duo that shares (b/c sharing is caring ya know), we also got their regular sushi sets, which had 8 pc of various of nigiri and spicy tuna cut roll. Price is a bit on the steeper side BUT the quality of meats they use definitely makes up. My favorite would have to be their unagi nigiri, scallop and salmon. We split the bill and spent at least $30 per person. Service was super quick that we were also their for around 30 minutes. Not sure if I will come back on a regular basis but perhaps when I feel like it's a "treat yoself" type a day, I'll keep this place in mind. read more

Came here the other day with family to celebrate my niece's, 17th birthday. Damn! I'm getting old. I've been here a few times but didn't get a chance to review Matsuri. So, I've been on a cold noodle kick lately since it's quite healthy. I had the Ten Zaru Soba served cold with a cold broth and tempura on the side. Wasabi is served to mixed in with the sweet soy broth for a kick and and green onion is served on the side to mix in with the soba. Tempura was made perfect with a light batter and freshly fried. Not bad for a light dinner. Good combo of textures. Cold slimey soba and crispy battered tempura go well together. Soba is supposedly better for you since it's made of buckwheat noodles and has minerals compared to other noodles which are quite starchy. This combo was good enough for me, but if you're hungry, it's best you order an appetizer along with this noodle/tempura combo. Prior to coming here, I've been here a few other times but it's been a while. I don't re-call what I had. The menu is quite authentic with limited rolls, more sashimi dinners, and small appetizers. Service was great and friendly. read more

Matsuri - Cold soba - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

Why is it that all the great Japanese restaurants are like an hour's drive away from me? My best friend lives in Pasadena and when I went to visit her this time around, she informed me that she's taking me to this Japanese restaurant with excellent fish which will just leave me wanting for more. I've always trusted my friend in terms of food and this time, she wasn't wrong either. We arrived pretty late (after an entire afternoon of gluttony) at around 9.20pm. They close at 10pm so we were cutting it rather close. My friend and I pick out seats at the sushi bar and she immediately tells Eiji the sushi chef to make us a sashimi platter. Now, I'm not into sushi per se. I don't like eating the rice at all. I only like the fish. So while Eiji is preparing the platter, my friend's already ordered some other specialties of the house which she wanted me to try. The first to arrive was a dollop of spicy tuna atop a piece of shiso tempura and the same tuna atop a rice cracker. The spicy tuna was smooth and creamy with the right amount of spice, but it was the contrast between that texture and the crunchy texture which blew me away. When you bite down into it, the combination just creates a burst on your tastebuds, definitely leaving you wanting for more. The rice cracker gives the same experience of the combined textures except this time, the crunch leaves a slight stickiness of the starch along with the crunch. Mmmm.... such a great start. What arrived next was a large chili pepper (it looked like an Anaheim chile) stuffed with imitation crab and cooked tempura style. Then, the pepper is sliced across giving it the look of a sushi without rice at all. This appetizer is served with mayo and a ponzu sauce (liked the ponzu, not the mayo -- personal taste). I was watching Eiji create the sashimi platter and almost told him to forget decorating it. I was just dying for a taste of uni (my favorite). When he placed the platter before me, there was uni, blue fin maguro, salmon, amaebi, hamachi and monk fish liver. Now, I'd never had monk fish liver before and it had this creamy texture not unlike foie gras, although, foie gras is slightly softer than the monk fish liver. Everything was orgasmic. I had to get another order of uni sashimi since those pieces weren't enough. Spicy albacore sashimi was another dish we ordered. God, the texture of the slightly seared fish (Eiji does this with a blowtorch) along with the negi (scallions) and spicy daikon and a dash of sauce was just overwhelmingly sinful. They had a special blue fin toro which, according to my best friend was so rich you can only have one piece. We got a piece each and proclaimed it just too good to be true. Matsuri is special in that it is family owned and the owner (Eiji's dad) goes to the market every single day to hand pick the fish himself for the sashimi at his restaurant. Eiji's brother Jyun works alongside him at the sushi bar creating all the mouthwatering selections we tasted. I don't think I would feel intimidated or feel weird walking into this restaurant on my own to eat because they would just strike up a conversation with you and keep you occupied while you eat. I am just so bummed that I don't live closer, but when I visit Pasadena again in the future, this will be one of those places I'm definitely visiting. If you want to have an outstanding sashimi/sushi meal, ask them first what is fresh today and you'll be sure to get the most fabulous experience ever. If you're the California roll type of person, well, I dunno what to tell ya except .... go to another restaurant. You're wasting your time here. CLOSED ON SUNDAYS (cuz the fish market's closed on Sundays) read more

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The welcoming sounds of a Taiko starts this wonderful dining experience at this traditional and authentic Japanese restaurant. The unassuming facade prevented me from trying Matsuri sooner but I'm estatic I finally made it in. The food is delicious! Using rice bran oil to fry the tempura is genius. The tempura tastes clean, light, and crispy. Price is average and the wait staff nice and friendly. Definitely putting this on my must eat in Pasadena. read more

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Truly a terrible experience today. We have been regulars for the better part of a decade, yet today felt as if they never wanted our business again--which is good for them, because they won't be getting it. For dine-in we ordered two Matsuri Gozen bento boxes and got a third for take-out for someone unable to make it out to the restaurant. When we received the take-out bag we realized that a clam miso soup--listed as one of the components of the bento on the menu--was missing. We had known it was their policy to charge 50¢ extra for miso soups on to-go orders, so we immediately offered to pay the surcharge. They rejected our offer and before having us talk to one of the sushi chefs they said that there was no manager on duty. The sushi chef repeated that they would not include the miso soup because the surcharge policy applies only to regular, non-clam miso soups, but nowhere on the sign does the restaurant articulate that distinction. Upon further questions the sushi chef ran away into the kitchen, rudely saying "I'm not talking to you anymore." Given that this bento box costs $35 plus tax and tip, his reasoning for not including the soup--claiming that to-go orders cost more than dine-in ones to prepare--is totally specious. To all of you reading this review, we have spent many thousands of dollars at this restaurant but today were treated like crap. Don't support an establishment that can't even abide by its own policies. read more

We found a gem for sushi in Pasadena. Matsuri has one of the highest quality sushi I've eaten. When it comes to sushi or sashimi, it's all about freshness and quality. Matsuri is a family owned restaurant and they only serve the best. Ever since I had Hokkaido uni in Japan I was unable to find any restaurant that serve them in US. They typically only have Santa Barbara. As I was about to give up, I just asked the sushi chef where the uni was from and he replied they are from Hokkaido Japan. I was so surprise! And they are amazing. We ordered: Toro - high quality, melts in your mouth. Can't go wrong with this Uni - see above Amaebi - they only serve live spot prawns. These were so different than any amaebi I've had. These were crispy and crunchy. It's the different between letting the prawns sits overnight vs serve live/fresh. Hirame/maguro - fresh and good We will definitely come back. It's hard to good sushi restaurant. And will definitely support small business and family owned restaurant read more

Matsuri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Matsuri is a family owned business and they offer good eats if your on a budget. they are friendly and courteous which I like in a place where I consume food. We were lucky enough to land at the bar with the place packed the two of us figured we'd have to wait a long time but to our surprise everyone else was waiting for a table. It was my cousin's birthday so I was open to ordering up a storm and he was ready to fill his tummy. We ordered an assortment of TORO and they all tasted good especially for the price. It was definitely fresh but I guess I am used to not having to mix up wassabi and soy sauce as my dipping sauces anymore. that's all done for me at another place. We also got sake and I believe we got the OTOKOYAMA and it was pretty smooth. Next time I will have to try their bento boxes. Two Thumbs up! read more

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Easily one of my favorite sushi joints in the area. I like how they pay homage to Yelp and post up actual reviews on their walls just as you enter. We came on a Friday night right at the peak of dinner time and the restaurant was packed. The sushi bar is where it is happening. You can tell that's where all the regulars sit at. Their miso marinated eggplant sprinkled with sesame seeds were delightful. Soft, juicy and full of yummy miso flavor. Their agedashi tofu was alright. They have the dried salmon flakes on there but something about it fell short. Perhaps it was the broth. It was a little bland and it didn't give the tofu enough flavor. I've just recently gotten into eating surf clam and Matsuri had one of the freshest surf clams I have yet to eat. Muy delicioso! Their yellowtail literally melted in my mouth. The cuts were perfectly thick and tasted absolutely fresh. I am frequently in Pasadena and will always default to Matsuri if I am craving sushi and am in the area. The service was very friendly and attentive. We were frequently checked up on and our sake just kept on coming! read more

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Met the owner Jyun very humble and I love that I worked on his suburu and after it was done brought us some sushi. It was delicious will definitely go visit and support local business...All the guys at Rantz Auto loved it read more

Matsuri - Sushi Bars Near Me - Pasadena, California