Japon Bistro

The goal of any sushi-eating Angeleno is to find the freshest, most mouthwatering piece of fish possible without paying enough to fund a trip to Japan. For those living in and around Pasadena or a visitor of the famous Rose Parade city, Japon Bistro will satisfy even the pickiest sushi lover.

Sandwiched between a huge Love Birds Cafe and a rather excitable pita place, Japon Bistro is easy to miss. But it is definitely worth the U-turn on Mentor Ave to find it – as well as the hunt for street parking. (There is parking behind the stores on that block for about $4.50 if you get desperate.)

Despite the rather trendy store sign, the restaurant itself is unpretentious and relaxing – which serves to only highlight just how amazing the sushi is. Chef Ichi-san is the master behind the food and you can join him at the bar in the back. To make a point of how delicious the sushi is, servers recommend eating the fish without soy sauce or any of the usual additions. Every piece of sushi is served with a dab of special sauce created by Ichi-san for just that particular fish so it’s best not to interfere with the efforts of the master and just eat the fish as it is served. (Even the owner is not quite sure what Ichi-san puts in his special sauces!)

In addition to the sushi – but what else would you go there for? – the menu includes a rather interesting and creative selection of appetizers and entrees. If you enjoy something with a little heat, be sure to try the stuffed shishito peppers: Japanese peppers stuffed with spicy tuna, deep fried tempura style with eel sauce drizzled on top. The most interesting dish I’ve seen on the menu is the uni pasta: uni and squid ink with mixed seafood. Maybe the other Japanese restaurants don’t tell us when they serve squid ink but this is certainly the first time I’ve noticed it on a menu.

But there is more to Japon Bistro than just the food: they have amazing service. The servers are friendly, amusing and efficient. They make the dining experience an enjoyable one as they are allowed, and even encouraged, to socialize with the patrons. If you take care of them, they will definitely take care of you.

One common complaint about Japon Bistro is the price. An assorted sushi plate is $21 and the assorted sashimi plate (tuna, yellowtail, white fish, salmon, albacore, octopus and surf clam) is $27. But I can only point out that this is a rather moderate price for such amazine sushi (without having to fly all the way to Japan for it!). Plus, the service is truly something else and the sake selection is well thought out – an irresistible combination.

927 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106

(626) 744-1751