Sushi Ichi

We tried coming here for the omakase. But we didn't reserve the omakase in advance so they shot us down for that. Instead we just ordered a la carte. The fatty tuna was amazing! Like I can eat that all day. We also ordered a lot of uni. The uni was good but not the best I've had. The sweet shrimp was also amazing, and they would deep fry the head for you too! So it tasted like shrimp chips. Literally. The other favorites were the yellowtail and albacore. The tobiko tasted different than masago. It looked the same but tasted slightly better. The salmon was just salmon. Nothing too crazy there. The sake choices they had was pretty good. Super pricy but it goes down super smooth. I would come back again.

The parking for this place is terrible. Small lot, and you would probably have to wait for someone to leave.

First, let me start by saying the food itself is a 5-star rating. Exceptional. I'm knocking a start from my review for only one reason.

The staff here are lovely. The restaurant is named after the head sushi chef (and only sushi chef), Ichi. It's a quiet and quaint place for authentic Japanese. I only sit at the tiny sushi bar that's often hard to get a seat at so reserve in advance. The servers are very attentive and kind but most lack great English skills so be patient with them. The chef is kind and friendly as well.

I loved my Omakase meal, which is the only way I dine at authentic Japanese restaurants these days. All of the chef's selections of the day. What really irked me was that after some sake with my meal, which wasn't grande, it turns out I was charged $200. I was really surprised but paid and left. I was surprised because in my honest opinion, I felt a little taken advantage of because they felt I was getting drunk (which I was not) and dining solo that night. Every other time, and most often for the local Omakase spots, I always get charged $100. So, be it as it is, I was stunned but moreover, felt taken advantage of.

I think I'll go back but I do recommend you be firm about your set Omakase price and they will adjust their offering to you based on that number. The quality is excellent here so you won't get a "worse" meal than if you pay more, but they will just offer you a lesser portion, or change up what exactly you're served.

Been coming here on and off for several years now and this is the only place in LA that I know of where the sashimi is cold to the tongue as you put it in your mouth [the fish's flesh is very fresh. Other places the fish tends to be lukewarm in temperature].

Food:

Hot tempura soba:

The ingredients used are very fresh: one can taste it in the tempura shrimp, zucchini, sweet potato and kale. The broth is light but with good flavor [add a dash of their chili powder that's on the side and the whole thing gets a nice kick].

Halibut:

Smooth and tender but I prefer their sea bream much more.

Sea Bream: the main reason why I am usually here.

Their sea bream is cold to the tongue as one puts it in the mouth. The flavor is refreshingly citrusy from the ponzu sauce with traces of salt in the background: this dish is sure to entertain one's palate. The texture of the fish is smooth and very clean.

Price:

About two to three years ago their hot soba was about 8-9$ a bowl and now it's about $12; their Omakase used to be $80 now it's $100 per person. I haven't had their $100 Omakase therefore I cannot attest to its value but when I had their Omakase back when it was $80, the dishes served were exquisite and worth the price.

Ambiance:

A small mom and pop shop that is clean, organized and contemporary in its decor. The atmosphere is favorably quiet thereby allowing patrons to enjoy their meals in peace [good deal].

Recommendations:

Hot Soba
Sea bream [must get]
Sea eel [not easy to find. Most places serves freshwater eel instead].

We've been coming to Sushi Ichi over the past year now and it's our favorite local sushi bar to visit. The fish is fresh and they have fish flown in from Japan for their omakase. Japanese owned and very low key. Not the typical Americanized sushi bar you're probably accustomed to wish is a plus for me.

To sit at the sushi bar you'll need to make a reservation for omakase (chefs choice). Otherwise you'll grab a table and have access to the standard dish + sushi menu. If you don't see a fish on the menu, don't be afraid to ask as they might have it. Just don't expect to find Americanized rolls here, they stay pretty true to Japanese flavors and dishes.

A must try if you're a sushi purist and like quality sushi/sashimi.

Easily the best sushi restaurant in Pasadena...and the greater San Gabriel Valley. I highly recommend the Omakase (chef's choice). Bar-side seating is limited to Omakase ordering customers. Not only is the rice seasoned properly balanced, as it should be...not only is the fish exquisite...the creativity the chef and how he utilizes additional items to bring out the best in flavor is mind-blowing! Not to mention, Ichi has some various unique fish that most places won't invest in. Ichi takes pride in the custom and culture. You can feel it...see it...taste it!

There are very few Japanese owned and operated Japanese restaurants in the area. Actually, I can only think of a handful scattered throughout the greater SGV, so to find this gem is super amazing.

Trust me, this place is far superior to any Korean/Chinese/________ (fill in your ethnicity) owned sushi joints you already frequent...you will NOT be sorry. NO shade...just keeping it real.

The chirashi here totally blew me away. Sushi Ichi gently seasons the sushi rice and mixes in diced pickles so you never get tired of a bite of rice. It was topped with a variety of fish, tuna, salmon, shrimp, octopus, egg, and a few more I'm forgetting. The fish was all fresh and clean tasting. Shredded egg omelette is another extra layer adding flavor, texture, and protein. This is now my new standard for chirashi!

I've been looking for a new go-to sushi restaurant and I might have found the one! Sushi Ichi is located in a small quiet plaza in Pasadena. The parking lot is on the smaller side, but I didn't have trouble finding parking at all.

I came on a Saturday night and was afraid of having to wait so I made reservations, but when I came in there were plenty of tables open. I have to say that the variety of fishes are very typical and the selections are a bit limited. So if you are someone who is adventurous and likes to try other things rather than the typical salmon, tuna, yellowtail then Sushi Ichi mighhhht not be for you.. although they do have specials for the day too.

The prices here aren't too bad.. it's about $5-$8 for two pieces of nigiri. The quality of the fish is also great and it was the soft melt-in-your-mouth type of quality. The fish are fresh and most importantly cold enough. I definitely think I'd come back!

Reservation STRONGLY recommended. Nice selections of daily specials and fish in season. Sea Breem, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, Hokkaido scallop.
Presentation and pace of service is thoughtful and not rushed. Absolutely lovely fish, and so so fresh!!

If you are feeling adventurous & have the time, order omokase- you will not be disappointed. (They put some of the best items in their omokase menu).


$20 corkage for wine/champagne. However the selection of sake is quite nice too! Excellent service made for a great sushi experience.

I came here on a Thursday night and the restaurant was pretty empty. There were maybe 7 or 8 tables and the sushi bar, so this place is pretty small. The restaurant is also located in a small plaza with it's own parking lot. The staff was real friendly and prompt, they greeted us and sat us down right away.

We ordered the sashimi plate, salmon, yellowtail and sweet shrimp sushi, cucumber salad, and a dragon roll. I must say that the fish here is really fresh and super tasty, but man.. this place is a little on the expensive side. I guess you are paying for high quality fish. I think this place deserves to be tried at least once if you are looking for something high quality and simple.

They are very unique, I'll give them that.
They have some dishes no one else have so that's a good reason by itself to go eat there a few times , find something good you like.
So we did it 5 times - and tried lots of stuff and I have to admit , it wasn't amazing. I usually have a favorite in each place ... but I don't have it here. Nothing was really good or worth ordering again. There are a few places in the area that I find them to be much tastier. I didn't even like the spicy tuna here. I feel I gave them enough chances.
So though they are unique- nothing is really very good... just average.