Since the mid 1990s, I've eaten sushi at least three times per week. Some may think that consuming that much raw fish isn't healthy or is a bit obsessive, but hear (read) me out. For me, sushi is my comfort food. Pick any emotion and sushi is probably what I would consume to get me through the process.
I stick to salmon-based rolls or nigiri, mostly. Sashimi is great with a slice of lemon, but my budget usually prevents me from having the good stuff. I stick to rolls because it gives me the most bang for my buck. There are sushi restaurants on every street corner. They rival Starbuck in popularity here. I have different reasons for eating at these establishments and will do my best to better explain with each selection.
Sugarfish, by far, offers a superior dining experience. From a quality standpoint, I have not had better fish in Pasadena. This is the restaurant that you go to for the experience. Typically, I want to control what I order, the sides that come with my dish and the overall experience. These folks are honey badgers. They just don't care what you think or how you want to eat your sushi. They present the food in very specific ways. You have to put your trust into Chef Nozawa. I've only eaten here a few times and have not been disappointed. The prices are a bit steep for me, but the quality and experience are what you are paying to have. If you don't want to be surprised or try something outside of your comfort zone, I wouldn't recommend this place. If you are on a quest for really tasty sushi and can afford to splurge a bit, this is where I would recommend you go. (http://sugarfishsushi.com)
Ichima Sushi is the my spot! I've held numerous meetings and a few birthday soirees here. The reason that I prefer Ichima is that every single time I've gone there to eat (at least 30 times), they've been nice and friendly. The portions are bigger than expected and the prices are reasonable. Diversity of the menu is always something I keep my eye on and this crew is always innovating. Ichima seems to be a hot spot for birthday gatherings. I can't think of a single time I've been there that the birthday techno music hasn't come on the overhead sound speakers and the staff gets into 'clap' mode. Ichima doesn't take themselves too seriously and they like to have fun. If you want to stay under budget, it might not be as cheap as a Sushi Stop, but it doesn't punish your wallet and you leave full and satisfied. I can't say enough good things about this place. (https://yelp.com/biz/ichima-pasadena)
I've only recently discovered the awesomeness that is GoGo. Many of my Postmates customers order from here and I decided to check them out on my own. Granted, I've only been here twice, but both of my experiences were pleasant and delicioso. The GoGo Poke bowl I have re-christened the JoeJoe Poke Special. This is perfect for a quick lunch meal. It will fill you up, but isn't too heavy and will give you that energy you need to power through the day. If you want a kick to it, I recommend the Dynamite sauce. (http://gogosushipasadena.com)
Below are some other notes about sushi destinations in Pasadena :
Sushi Stop - This is a place you go, when you are ballin' on a budget and you don't mind waiting a bit for your order. The place is super small and there's always a line, mainly because their prices are ridiculously low. I'd say their food is just average, but the price outweighs my taste buds.
Sushi Enya - This is more high-end and closer to Sugarfish, than Ichima on the presentation scale. They are very particular about their ingredients and the dishes look immaculate, when they arrive at your table.
A'Float Sushi - I don't have many things to say about this place. I was unimpressed with the quality and freshness of what was presented.
Whole Foods - Yes, I said it. Whole Foods has amazing sushi at their Arroyo Parkway location. Affordably priced (#shockerface) and tasty for a quick bite on-the-go.
Gen Sushi - This is an affordably priced store and the quality, for me, was middle-of-the-road. I still prefer Ichima, but depending on your time crunch, Gen could be a budget alternative.
So what are some of your favorite sushi spots? What is your favorite sushi to eat and why? Leave comments below.
