Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi - Pasadena

This restaurant is certainly one of the best Japanese restaurants in the Los Angeles area. The sushi is outstanding, and the cooked dishes are perfect.

Osawa offers delicious food and incredible service from Phillip! I also want to give a shout out to the kitchen for quickly preparing my meal as I was very hungry. Phillip suggested the Sawara (Spanish Mackerel) sushi, which was outstanding. Although I can't recall the other sushi I ordered, the rice tasted a bit off that day, but the fish was still very fresh. My favorite dish was the Soy Glazed Black Cod Collar lunch special, which was indescribably delicious! It came with large blocks of tofu in a delightful soy-based sauce, providing a comforting meal. I can't wait to return with my family next time, although I wasn't able to take pictures on this visit due to my phone upgrading.

This restaurant is very well-liked, which means that the ingredients and dishes are always fresh and distinctive. Additionally, the service is outstanding.

*take out review* Ordered the Shokado Bento for takeout and it was delicious! I won't say it's good value because it was $32, but this is a classy Japanese place in Old Town P, so I wasn't expecting budget-friendly meals. Every part of the bento was well-executed including the sashimi, steak, and salmon. I do wish the steak was a bit more generous in portion and cooked a bit more rare. Would come back to dine-in or do the bento again.

I am writing this review because it has been awhile since my last one, I am very happy to report that Osawa is better than ever. The food is wonderful, my wife and I went to celebrate my birthday. We sat at the Shabu Shabu counter, Natori remembered us and his service was superlative, he is professional, courteous and very attentive. Our server was Kenji also very friendly and professional. I can't say enough about Sakura, Sayuri and Sho, they treat us like family. They are the heart and soul of Osawa. It would not be the same if not for their presence. Many thanks to the entire staff, it is our go to restaurant for all occasions.