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Kaviar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kaviar
8.7
Upscale Japanese kitchen perched above Raymond Avenue serves Executive Chef John Hans Yeo's fusion masterpieces in an intimate upstairs setting. Premium ingredients including A5 wagyu and uni elevate specialty rolls, while the cozy dark ambiance creates special occasion atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro with Uni, A5 Wagyu Roll, Uni Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Bird's-eye Raymond Avenue views paired with premium fish and creative fusion
Who should go: Celebrants wanting upscale intimate experience with top-tier ingredients
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for quieter atmosphere in intimate space
What to order: Toro with uni, shishito margarita, and chef's omakase selection
Insider tip: Upstairs location creates peaceful escape from Old Town bustle
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking in nearby Old Pasadena structures ($3-8), metered street parking very limited. Valet not offered but walkable from Paseo Colorado garage
Dress code: Upscale casual to business casual - avoid shorts and flip-flops, nice jeans acceptable with dress shirt or blouse
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - upstairs location shields from street noise, perfect for meaningful conversations
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday evenings due to limited seating
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner service only Tuesday-Sunday starting 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls and creative non-fish options available, though menu heavily fish-focused
Vegan options: Very limited - one or two vegetable rolls possible, but this is a sushi-centric experience not optimized for vegan dining
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce is prevalent, can request tamari but cross-contamination likely given kitchen setup. Not ideal for celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress - intimate upstairs setting, impressive food quality, and romantic ambiance create special occasion feel. Just know the $$$$ price point means $150-200+ per couple.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult, especially weekends. The intimate upstairs space has limited tables. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for Friday/Saturday, or try Tuesday-Thursday walk-ins around 5:30pm opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - intimate upscale environment suits adults, limited space, and sophisticated menu. Better for teens 16+ who appreciate high-end sushi.
How long does dinner typically take? Plan for 90-120 minutes for full experience. Chef's omakase selections are paced courses. Not a quick-bite spot - this is destination dining.
Is the omakase worth it? Absolutely - Chef John Hans Yeo showcases premium ingredients like A5 wagyu and uni at their best. The omakase lets him demonstrate full range of fusion creativity.
Best For
Better for: Premium ingredients and fusion creativity in intimate setting - choose KAVIAR when you want high-end sushi experience without stuffy formality, and when upstairs seclusion from Old Town crowds matters more than street-level energy
Skip if: You want traditional omakase experience, need quick casual sushi, dining with kids under 16, or seeking value-oriented meal. Also skip if mobility issues make stairs difficult.
Kaviar
8.7
Executive Chef John Hans Yeo brings Vegas-style energy to omakase-caliber sushi in this upstairs sanctuary adorned with authentic samurai armor. Responsibly sourced fish meets luxurious embellishments like caviar and truffles, with tableside fire shows adding theatrical flair to the elevated experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
A5 Wagyu with Uni, Hotate with Caviar, Goldeneye Snapper
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hidden upstairs location with samurai décor serving opulent fusion sushi with theatrical presentation
Who should go: Special occasion diners seeking Instagram-worthy luxury sushi experience
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday evenings when valet parking is available
What to order: A5 wagyu tacos, pan-seared hotate, toro tartar with caviar
Insider tip: Climb the stairs past the ground-floor tables to discover the main dining room with sushi bar views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available Thu-Sat evenings ($12-15), otherwise use Colorado Blvd public garage 2 blocks away or limited metered street parking
Dress code: Upscale casual to dressy - no shorts/flip-flops, but nice jeans work with a button-down or blouse
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - upstairs dining room acoustics allow easy conversation even during busy service
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Fri-Sat, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting at 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 3-4 vegetable rolls and sides, but sushi-focused menu makes options scarce
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 cucumber/avocado options, not ideal for vegan diners
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - tamari available, many sashimi options, but cross-contamination risk on shared surfaces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for 2nd-3rd dates when you want to impress - the upscale vibe and theatrical presentations create memorable moments, but the $$$$ price point and intimate setting might feel intense for a first meet
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive right at 5pm opening, but weekends are consistently booked. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins with 20-30 min waits
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - sophisticated atmosphere, higher noise sensitivity, and $30+ plates make this better for teens (14+) who appreciate sushi
How does this compare to Sugarfish or Katsuya? KAVIAR is significantly more upscale and expensive than both - think special occasion luxury versus reliable quality. The theatrical presentations and premium ingredients (caviar, A5 wagyu) justify the price for celebration dining
Is the omakase worth it? Chef's choice tasting menu showcases John Hans Yeo's Vegas-trained technique with premium fish and luxury garnishes - worth it for sushi enthusiasts, but à la carte gives you more control if you have specific preferences
Best For
Better for: Special occasions demanding Instagram moments and luxury ingredients - the samurai armor décor, tableside fire shows, and caviar-topped presentations outshine typical LA sushi spots for pure spectacle and celebration energy
Skip if: You want traditional omakase purity, are on a budget (expect $100-150+ pp with drinks), or prefer understated elegance over Vegas-style theatrics