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Oji Sushi & Sake Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Oji Sushi & Sake Bar
8.2
This sake-forward establishment sources fish from Tokyo's famed Tsukiji Market while offering both traditional omakase sets and creative fusion rolls. The spacious interior and extensive sake selection make it ideal for pre-theater dining near the Pasadena Playhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scallop Carpaccio, Monkfish Liver, Ikura Uni Salmon Donguri
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Direct sourcing from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo
Who should go: Sake enthusiasts and pre-theater diners
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 3-5pm for deals
What to order: Omakase set, scallop carpaccio, premium sake flight
Insider tip: No reservations taken - arrive early to avoid wait
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd and side streets, typically available but fills up after 6pm on weekends. Public lot behind building $8 flat rate evenings
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - anything from nice jeans to business attire fits in
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but energetic during peak hours
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical since no reservations accepted, up to 60 min on Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, tempura, edamame, and several specialty vegetarian maki options
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, seaweed salad, and vegetable tempura (confirm batter)
Gluten-free options: Moderate - sashimi, most nigiri (bring own soy sauce), and designated GF rolls available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially during happy hour - the sake selection creates natural conversation starters, atmosphere is lively but not too loud, and the no-reservation policy keeps it casual
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - arrive before 5:30pm on weekdays or 5pm on weekends to minimize wait. Bar seating often available sooner
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who enjoy sushi. No kids menu but they'll do simple rolls. The sake-forward vibe and lack of high chairs make it less ideal for young children
Best For
Better for: Superior sake selection and education compared to other local sushi spots, plus the Tsukiji Market connection delivers fresher specialty fish than competitors relying on local suppliers
Skip if: You need reservations for a special occasion, want BYOB options, or prefer quieter intimate omakase experiences - try Sushi Kimagure in Old Town instead
Oji Sushi & Sake Bar
8.0
Lively sake bar atmosphere meets creative roll concepts like the Instagram-famous Angrytail and Snow White rolls. The extensive sake selection and $1 happy hour draft beers create a social scene perfect for group celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Angrytail Roll, Monkfish Liver Carpaccio, Ikura Uni Salmon Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Creative roll names and presentations drive social sharing
Who should go: Happy hour crowds and pre-theater diners
When to visit: 3-5pm for $1 draft beer specials
What to order: Specialty rolls, carpaccio selection, sake flights
Insider tip: Buy 3 get 1 free roll special all day
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging in Playhouse District, public lots $8-15 within 2 blocks, valet not available
Dress code: Casual to smart casual, anything from nice jeans to business casual works
Noise level: Lively during happy hour, moderate dinner volume allows conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, inari, edamame, tempura options
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, specify no mayo
Gluten-free options: Moderate - sashimi, nigiri without soy sauce, confirm tempura alternatives
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - the lively atmosphere and Instagram-worthy rolls create natural conversation starters, but it's not intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during off-peak hours, but reserve for Friday/Saturday nights or groups over 4. Bar seating often available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early dinners - kids enjoy the creative roll names and presentations, though it becomes more bar-focused after 8pm
Best For
Better for: Social media moments with photogenic rolls, affordable happy hour sake bombs, and energetic group celebrations versus traditional sushi experiences
Skip if: You want authentic omakase, quiet intimate dining, or are seeking the highest quality fish - this prioritizes creativity over tradition
Oji Sushi & Sake Bar
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This accessible neighborhood spot sources fish from Tokyo's Tsukiji Market to deliver fresh, reasonably-priced sushi with extensive menu variety. Known for generous portions and creative carpaccio preparations, it strikes a balance between quality and value that keeps locals returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Scallop Carpaccio, Flaming Fire Baked Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Tsukiji Market-quality fish at neighborhood-friendly prices with extensive menu variety
Who should go: Locals seeking reliable fresh sushi without fine-dining formality
When to visit: Happy hour 3-5pm Monday-Friday for discounted items
What to order: Spicy tuna crispy rice, ikura uni salmon donburi, monkfish liver
Insider tip: First-come-first-served seating; garlic edamame is a must-try starter
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available; small lot behind restaurant fills quickly during dinner
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly appropriate
Noise level: Moderate - comfortable conversation possible, livelier during happy hour
Weekend wait: 15-30 min typical (first-come-first-served seating)
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including vegetable rolls, tempura, and tofu dishes
Vegan options: Limited but available - veggie rolls without mayo/cream cheese, edamame, miso soup
Gluten-free options: Available with modifications - tamari soy sauce upon request, sashimi options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - relaxed neighborhood atmosphere takes pressure off, moderate noise allows conversation, and shareable plates encourage interaction. Skip if you want upscale ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they operate first-come-first-served. Arrive before 6pm on weekends to minimize wait, or visit during weekday lunch for immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere welcomes families, generous portions satisfy hungry teens, California rolls and tempura appeal to less adventurous young eaters.
How does it compare to other Pasadena sushi spots? Focuses on freshness and value over presentation - you're getting Tsukiji Market fish quality without fine-dining prices or pretense. Better for regular sushi fix than special occasions.
Is happy hour worth it? Absolutely - 3-5pm Monday-Friday offers substantial discounts on already reasonable prices. Popular with locals, so arrive early for best selection.
Best For
Better for: Regular neighborhood sushi dining with Tokyo market-quality fish at accessible prices; extensive menu variety for groups with different preferences; casual family meals
Skip if: You want omakase experience or romantic fine-dining atmosphere; need guaranteed reservations for time-sensitive plans; prefer modern minimalist aesthetic over neighborhood casual vibe