This is our 2nd favorite Sushi / Japanese restaurant. It is conveniently located but not enough parking, but we got lucky and found a spot. It is always busy get there before 5:30 pm or wait and hour, but worth the wait... On my first look, it was clean and neat, very high end looking. Then, and we were greeted by a friendly hostess, Jan, with traditional attire. It looked busy, yet we did not wait more than 2 minutes. The menu showed Americanized Japanese food and along with the real stuff like, sashimi and bento boxes. It is a bit high in price, except the bento boxes, which are reasonably priced, my family usually will get, them, the best value. Our server came, he was in a kitchen staff uniform, was very polite and friendly. He came by often to ask how we are and if we need more tea. Then we ordered miso soup, which was a bit too salty, had better. The edame looked like it was in the fridge to long, but still tasty. Our main courses came at a good pace. The bento boxes were clean and well presented. The portions were small, but each course was very good. The tempera was perfect, not over cooked and crispy. The California role was also very good. The rice was a perfect sushi rise, soft not hard or old tasting. The salmon cutlet was also cooked perfectly, not over done so it is cardboard flavored fish or still swimming. I just wanted more. So, I ordered a dragon role with 3 different kids of fish, was perfection, I only had better when I was in Japan and it cost ten times more. Then the oh-no came. Why four stars out of five because, even though the place was clean, the restrooms could be in a gas station. Dirty, out of soap and paper. I had to use my foot to open the door out, I did not want to touch it. I wounded if the kitchen was clean, so I peaked, it was fairly clean looking but had the typical dirty flor of many of these types of places. Because so much hurry and cutting... So, go to the bathroom before you come, and come early. There are better Japanese restaurants like Gin Sushi, but if we can't get in, we will come back, just not use the bathroom... read more

I've never been to a sushi place serving "Izumidai"; I had no idea what it was and it turned out to be Tilapia, which is basically super cheap farm raised imitation that looks similar to Red Snapper. No thanks. I'm sure sketchy places serve Tilapia instead of real red snapper, and most will have no idea, to save major costs... I guess at least they are being honest here, so they don't get sued. It's like restaurants serving "White Tuna" but there really is no such thing, and what it really is Escolar. I can see why this place is popular for being spacious and the bento boxes having a lot of volume for the price. But it's ok. It's catered for Western style. It got really crowded around 6:30pm on a Thursday. I like the seating in booths and you get a lot of food for the price. I was surprised the basic rolls, like spicy tuna, on the list were only $4, cost the same as the hand rolls; I guess because it comes with smaller 5-6 pieces, as opposed to the usual standard size 8. They're really way too heavy on the sauce here. I didn't really enjoy the beef teriyaki as it was just covered with way too much teriyaki sauce. It kind of felt more like I was eating beef stew... also thin/chewy. Also the marinated BBQ taste like something you can make at home. The calamari was alright. Very diverse friendly staff here. But there were like three sushi chefs and they looked like they weren't really in a good mood that night/looked kind of like a mafia gang/strict, though. Lol. They gave out complimentary miso soups, which is nice, but they bring it out way too earlier with the drinks before even placing the order. I wish the soup was hotter because it was lukewarm. This is a Korean place. read more

If you're looking for an unforgettable Japanese dining experience in Pasadena, this is the place. From the moment I walked in, I felt transported straight to a cozy spot in Kyoto. The ambience is just stunning -- warm wooden accents, soft lighting, and traditional touches that make the whole space feel peaceful and authentic. The music was subtle and calming, setting the perfect mood for a relaxed meal. The food? Absolutely exceptional. Every dish was fresh, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor. We started with the halibut sashimi that was so firm yet tender, with a smooth, almost silky mouthfeel when sliced properly. Their miso black cod was hands down the best I've ever had. Each dish tasted elevated and crafted with care. I wish that I had taken more photos of the rest of the food that we ordered! What truly made the night stand out was the service. The staff was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing. They explained each dish with genuine passion and made sure we were comfortable throughout the entire meal. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down, savor, and truly appreciate every bite and every moment. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself, this gem is worth every penny. I cannot wait to come back to Ichima! read more

A Must-Try Sushi Spot in Pasadena! Ichima Sushi truly lives up to the hype! The sashimi is incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and generously portioned. The Umi Sashimi Platter (24 pieces of chef's choice sashimi) was an absolute standout--each piece was buttery, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The salmon and yellowtail, in particular, were phenomenal. The uni (sea urchin) was hands down the best I've had--sweet, fresh, and sourced from Santa Barbara. If you're a fan of uni, this is a must-order. Their rolls are massive and packed with fresh ingredients, making them a great value. I tried two rolls and some nigiri, and everything was top-notch. Beyond the food, the restaurant itself is clean and well-maintained, creating a comfortable dining atmosphere. The staff is friendly, attentive, and provides excellent service, making it an enjoyable experience from start to finish. It's also a fantastic spot for celebrations--the lively ambiance makes birthdays and special occasions extra fun. If you're a sashimi lover, Ichima Sushi is a must-visit. With generous portions, fresh high-quality ingredients, and great value, it's easily one of the best sushi spots in town! Highly recommend the Umi Sashimi Platter and Uni nigiri. Would definitely return! read more

I wish I could put ZERO stars.... but in order to write this review I have to leave one.. Where do I start???? First time came here back in 2014 food was great service was excellent but there was a cockroach on the floor.. That was the first sign for me but I didn't say anything and left.. So last night I was craving sushi and I said let me give this place a go again. They didn't welcome me when I walked in, Waited about an hour to have a seat. I was alone. There were plenty of places to sit! After waiting an hour they finally sat me down on a table where 4 could easily fit... I ordered what I had the first time I came here. The fish looked spoiled and had a stench, customer service was terrible, waited another half hour just to get water.. and yet again saw 6 roaches wondering around. That is disgusting and something they should take care of ESPECIALLY if you're a restaurant! So I called the server over and asked to speak to a manager. She told me that they are busy and to come back if I had a complaint. OKAY! Instead of wasting my time going over there just to tell you about how DISGUSTING your restaurant is, isn't worth my time! NEVER will I be returning to this place again! If you're okay with eating rotten sushi around roaches enjoy! read more

Ichima - My Go-To Sushi Haven I've been a loyal patron of Ichima for years, and it's my absolute favorite spot for sushi in the area. Here are the reasons why: 1. Consistency: The quality at Ichima is unwavering. Every visit, I know exactly what to expect--delicious, high-quality sushi. The popularity of this place is evident in the wait times, so I highly recommend joining the Yelp waitlist before heading over. Sometimes the wait can be up to an hour, but it's definitely worth it. 2. Service: The service at Ichima is consistently good, even during busy times. The staff make every effort to check on tables and ensure that customers' needs are met, which enhances the dining experience. 3. Location: Nestled in a large shopping area, Ichima is conveniently located, with ample parking available. On weekends, you might have to park a bit further away, but it's never too much of a hassle. 4. Price: For the quality of the food, the prices at Ichima are very reasonable. The menu offers a range of options from $ to $$, making it accessible for various budgets. Whether you're new to the area or just looking for a fantastic sushi spot, I highly recommend Ichima. I've introduced many friends to this gem, and none have been disappointed. read more

Okay, more like a 4.5 but yay! Philadelphia Roll - Don't judge a book by its cover! This roll came out looking pretty disappointed but as soon as I had my first btie, its creaminess shut me up, seriously, the BEST Philly roll, EVER! Mango Tango Roll - Consists of spicy tuna, imitation crab mix, salmon on the roll, with sprinkles of pecans and topped with mango. Just as delicious as it sounds. The most delicious sushi I have ever had! Fried Jalapeno Something Roll - Jalapenos stuffed with some stuff..don't really remember. Very unique, but it wasn't worth it. Wasn't all that great, but it wasn't bad! Yellow Tail Sashimi - The taste was there, but the texture wasn't. I don't think it was all that fresh, but still not bad. An order had 7 fat slices, it was worth it. The reason I gave this place a 5 is because of its value and service. My boyfriend and I didn't have to call the server at all. They were very on top of things and very friendly. We also left paying only $45 including tip WITH leftovers, come on now! read more

Ichima is a standout sushi spot that has quickly established itself as a local favorite in the area. Known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, Ichima offers a menu that skillfully balances traditional sushi offerings with innovative rolls that cater to a variety of tastes. The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect setting for both casual dinners and special occasions. The service at Ichima is consistently friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience from the moment you walk in. Regular patrons often rave about the sushi chef's expertise and the staff's recommendations for both sushi newcomers and aficionados alike. Overall, Ichima is a reliable go-to for anyone in the area looking to enjoy excellent sushi in a welcoming atmosphere. It's a good staple that promises quality and creativity at a reasonable price, making it well worth a visit for anyone craving Japanese cuisine. read more

Just had dinner here with my family tonight during the Covid restrictions. They have a makeshift outside tent that is closed on all sides except for one side where a cold draft of air comes through. We didn't know this until we were seated. We kindly asked to be moved to another area in the tent where it was more enclosed and warm. Waiter went to ask the manager and came back to tell us that the manager denied our request and would not move us. We have been coming here for years!! This is enough for us to never come back. We ate our meal as quickly as possible and most likely might catch some kind of cold given the cold wind exposure. Given the Covid scenario, they make a good effort to exist and remain open. A simple request to move a table to a warmer area should not be an issue, especially when you have children below 5 with you. read more

Came here last night with a group of friends. Recommend: Salmon sushi lover - topped with salmon and avocado. Has the crunch from the tempura inside the roll. It's a good roll. I get it every time. Recommend: For kids, chicken bowl. The kids really like it. Only thing I would suggest is adding some vegetable (steamed brocolli maybe?) to make it a more finished meal for the kiddos. Service: Great! The waiters and waittresses are super nice. When I go, they are usually really attentive. Once in awhile, it gets really busy and then it doesn't go as well (forgot the Miso, missed an order), but they are quick to replace and apologize when something is wrong. I would recommend coming here if you're in the Pasadena area and have a craving for Japanese. It's my go-to Japanese spot! read more

Kiwi Scallops Whoever came up with this combo is a genius! The sweet golden kiwi and fresh scallops are a perfect match--big, juicy bites that I'd happily recreate myself. Uni Egg Toast Fresh uni, soft scrambled eggs, a hint of caviar, and buttery crispy toast--simple but unforgettable. Veggie Udon Hotpot Light, flavorful broth with fresh veggies and beef essence. Udon was silky smooth--comforting and satisfying. Crawfish Sushi Roll Loaded with crawfish, teriyaki, mayo, and avocado--classic and still so good! Toro / Salmon / Yellowtail / Snow Crab Sushi All super fresh. The yellowtail belly was rich like ootoro. Salmon belly, toro, and snow crab were spot-on. Great food and lovely ambiance. Slightly pricey, but worth it--and plenty of parking read more

Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The uni scramble toast was a standout - rich, buttery uni over soft scrambled eggs on perfectly toasted bread. It was indulgent without being overpowering - a must-try dish! The chirashi bowl was generous and packed with a vibrant variety of sashimi cuts over perfectly seasoned sushi rice. Each bite was balanced and satisfying. We also had the assorted sashimi, which showcased the quality of their fish - melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor in every piece. Service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere felt both relaxed and refined. Ichima is definitely one of my new go-to spots for sushi in Pasadena. Highly recommend! read more

The end of a Era. We've been coming to this restaurant for almost 10 years. We kept coming through the recession, the endless remodels, the numerous price increases, and the policy where people began getting carded on their birthdays for a song, all because my daughter liked this place. Well, we draw the line at verbal abuse. The current hostess staff, specifically one crass "Cammie", have forever turned us off of this place. There are too many other, high quality sushi restaurants to want to endure verbal assaults and endless attitude. Unless you want to start your meals with an appetizer of interrogation and insults, please heed this warning and take your loved ones elsewhere. read more

I had a fantastic dining experience at Ichima in Pasadena! From the moment we walked in, the manager and staff were incredibly welcoming, attentive, and professional. Their warm hospitality truly made us feel taken care of. As for the food--everything was outstanding. The tuna toast was flavorful and perfectly balanced, the nabe udon was refreshingly light yet satisfying, and the chirashi bowl was beautifully presented with fresh, high-quality fish. Each dish felt thoughtfully prepared and exceeded expectations. Ichima has definitely earned a spot on my list of go-to Japanese restaurants. Highly recommended for anyone who values great service and expertly made Japanese cuisine! read more

This place did not disappoint. The albacore sashimi was extremely fresh (served with cripsy onion slices and a great sauce). The Sashimi B combination was also good - the slices of fish were generous and delicious. It came with albacore, salmon, yellowtail, tuna, and shrimp. The lobster roll was just okay. We also got a tuna roll and a yellowtail roll. Both are not traditionally cut. These are suppose to be smaller than the normal rolls. Still - the fish inside was good. Overall - I agree with the majority of these great reviews as to quality of food and price. I would definitely come back here for fresh sushi! read more

Decent place. Very busy and usually a wait, but you can join the Yelp wait list before you go. Inside it's nice, no traditional floor seating if that's your kind of thing. Service is pretty good, pretty fast and numerous people dropping off dishes. They have a lot of options that can be overwhelming Oysters are expensive Sushi rolls have too much rice If you have someone at your table with a birthday let them know, it's pretty awesome, they play a song and everyone claps Lastly their self generated tipping options are post tax. If you like tipping higher cool, but their 18% option is actually 20%. Not cool read more

Had an amazing dinner at Ichima! We tried the Ichima Roll and the Yellowtail Delight Roll, and both were absolutely outstanding. The presentation was beautiful, and you could really taste how fresh the ingredients were. The Ichima Roll was rich and creamy with perfectly ripe avocado, while the Yellowtail Delight Roll had an amazing balance of flavors and fresh fish that melted in your mouth. Every bite was delicious! The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. If you're a sushi lover, these rolls are definitely a must-try. Can't wait to come back and try more from the menu! read more

Absolutely horrible! Their service is by far the worst! Not only ALL of the workers have attitude problems, but they're also very rude, disrespectful, and unprofessional. The two ladies working in the front were unapproachable, they showed no sense of urgency to seat people who have been waiting for a long time. Our server, Chris, was terrible. When we asked for anything, he would take his sweet time and make nasty remarks. Do NOT go here, the food (smells extremely fishy) and service is horrible! Next time I'm only going to Kabuki conveniently located in the same plaza (better food and excellent service). read more

bad service. we waited over 2 hrs for a group of 9 people and they never called us for a table. we told the host that we are willing to break into two table seating. They ignored us and said we have to wait. We saw numerous big group of people left and the waiters broke up those big tables into smaller ones to serve less parties who came 2 hrs after us. I just think this is a fucked up how they organize the priorty. Very unprofessional and rude host. we walked out and didnt want to wait anymore. Never go back there again because we as customers don't deserve this kind of treatment. read more