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Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
8.6
Since 2013, Chef Shigefumi Tachibe's family-owned restaurant has earned acclaim for both its premium shabu-shabu featuring Saga wagyu beef and its seasonal omakase. Jonathan Gold praised it as an 'izakaya-plus' with fish selections rivaling Japan's best.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase Sushi, Saga Beef Shabu-Shabu, Shishito Tempura Stuffed Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Creator of the original tuna tartare, per Chef Tachibe
Who should go: Groups wanting both sushi and hot pot options
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the shokado bento experience
What to order: Premium omakase, Saga beef shabu-shabu, king salmon ceviche
Insider tip: Reserve a week ahead for inside seating during peak times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Multiple structures nearby including free 90-min parking at Paseo Colorado with validation, street parking limited after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual recommended, upscale casual acceptable for shabu-shabu tables
Noise level: Moderate - comfortable for conversation, livelier near shabu-shabu tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable shabu-shabu option, multiple sushi rolls and appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable shabu-shabu can be made vegan, 3-4 sushi options
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, shabu-shabu without udon, gluten-free soy sauce available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - shabu-shabu creates interactive dining experience that breaks the ice, quieter sushi bar for intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, dinner walk-ins possible at sushi bar only (6-8 seats), shabu-shabu tables require reservation
Is it kid-friendly? Very accommodating - shabu-shabu engaging for kids 7+, children's portions available, high chairs provided
Best For
Better for: Superior wagyu quality compared to chain shabu-shabu spots, fresher fish than most Pasadena Japanese restaurants, unique combo of premium hot pot and omakase under one roof
Skip if: Want quick casual sushi rolls under $15, prefer all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu value pricing, or need large party space for 10+
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
8.8
Family-owned since 2013, this authentic Japanese spot excels at both shabu-shabu and pristine sushi, with Chef Shigefumi Tachibe credited as the inventor of tuna tartare. The premium omakase showcases wild-caught seasonal fish at remarkable value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase Sushi, Shishito Tempura Stuffed Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Creator of the original tuna tartare recipe
Who should go: Purists seeking authentic Japanese excellence
When to visit: Make reservations weeks ahead for weekends
What to order: $75 premium omakase, yellowtail carpaccio, uni
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch master preparation
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
8.9
Family-owned Japanese restaurant established in 2013, renowned for fresh sashimi, traditional shabu-shabu, and chef Shigefumi Tachibe's invention of tuna tartare. Jonathan Gold praised it as 'izakaya-plus' with fish quality rivaling Japan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase, Saga Beef Shabu-Shabu, Shishito Tempura Stuffed Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Chef-inventor of tuna tartare with highest-grade Japanese wagyu
Who should go: Serious sushi aficionados and business diners
When to visit: Lunch for easier reservations, dinner books quickly
What to order: Premium omakase, shabu-shabu, battera sushi
Insider tip: Reserve shabu counter seats in advance for best experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8-10, nearby public garages $3-15, street parking limited after 5pm
Dress code: Business casual to upscale, no shorts or flip-flops, suits common at lunch
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for business discussions and dates
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 2+ weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for walk-ins, reservations recommended for groups
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable sushi rolls, agedashi tofu, tempura options
Vegan options: Very limited - vegetable rolls without mayo, edamame, salads
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, shabu-shabu with tamari, staff knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate lighting, shabu-shabu creates interactive experience, impressive without being intimidating. Request booth seating for privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Lunch walk-ins usually seated within 20 minutes. Dinner requires reservations, especially Thursday-Saturday. Bar seats sometimes available for sushi-only dining.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate quality food. No kids menu, but staff accommodating with simple rolls. Early dinner (5-6pm) more family-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Superior fish quality and traditional technique compared to trendy fusion spots. Shabu-shabu experience more authentic than Kagaya or Kula. Business atmosphere more refined than casual ramen joints.
Skip if: Want quick casual meal (try Sugarfish instead), need extensive vegan options (Shojin better), or prefer modern fusion over traditional (go to Nobu or Katsuya)
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
9.1
Family-owned since 2013, this authentic Japanese restaurant excels at both traditional sushi and interactive shabu-shabu hot pot dining. Chef Shigefumi Tachibe, creator of the tuna tartare, delivers what Jonathan Gold called 'as beautifully diverse an assortment of fish as you'll see outside Japan.'
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase, Saga Wagyu Beef Shabu, Shishito Tempura Stuffed Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Chef Tachibe invented the tuna tartare and offers rare Saga beef
Who should go: Serious sushi aficionados and shabu-shabu lovers
When to visit: Weekday dinners for best availability
What to order: Omakase, wagyu shabu-shabu, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Reserve shabu-shabu bar seats for interactive dining experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8 at nearby structures, metered street parking until 6pm then free but highly competitive
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - elevated date night attire recommended
Noise level: Intimate - perfect for conversation, shabu-shabu tables slightly livelier
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min walk-in usually works
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable shabu-shabu, veggie sushi rolls, extensive appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable shabu-shabu minus egg, avocado/cucumber rolls
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, shabu-shabu with tamari swap available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - shabu-shabu creates interactive experience that breaks ice naturally, intimate lighting, not too loud. Request sushi bar if you want chef interaction as conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends. Best walk-in odds: Tuesday-Thursday before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm. Bar seats sometimes available for couples.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who can handle hot pot safely. No kids menu but shabu-shabu portions work for sharing. Request booth seating away from bar area.
Best For
Better for: Superior fish quality and variety versus Sugarfish, more authentic than Nobu Pasadena, better value omakase than brothers sushi
Skip if: Want quick casual sushi (try Midori instead), need large group space (Gyu-Kaku better), or seeking modern fusion (head to Rokusho)
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
8.9
Husband-and-wife duo Shigefumi and Sayuri Tachibe deliver ultra-fresh sushi and traditional shabu-shabu in a chic blond-wood space. The restaurant embodies authentic Japanese omotenashi hospitality with meticulously prepared omakase featuring seasonal fish and premium ingredients. Opened in 2013, this Old Town destination has become Pasadena's premier spot for high-quality Japanese cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Sushi Omakase, Shabu-Shabu Ribeye, Black Cod Collar
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Pristine fish quality with authentic Japanese hospitality and owner-operated excellence
Who should go: Sushi purists and special occasion diners
When to visit: Reserve ahead for dinner; expect 45-minute waits
What to order: Premium omakase, shabu-shabu ribeye, seasonal sashimi specials
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar for the full omakase experience and chef interaction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public parking structures on Green Street ($2/hr evenings), street parking challenging after 6pm. Closest lot: Paseo Colorado garage (5min walk)
Dress code: Smart casual required - collared shirts recommended, no athletic wear. This is upscale dining; dress to match the $$$$ experience
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate conversations flow easily. The blond-wood interior absorbs sound well
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation (often fully booked). Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for prime slots
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, but omakase counter fills fast. Arrive by 12:30pm for best selection
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie rolls, miso soup, edamame, seaweed salad. Shabu-shabu has vegetable broth option
Vegan options: Very limited - essentially edamame, seaweed salad, cucumber roll. Not ideal for vegan diners
Gluten-free options: Challenging - tamari available but cross-contamination risk high. Sashimi safest option, communicate clearly with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress - the intimate sushi bar creates natural conversation, omakase pacing prevents awkward silences, and the sophisticated ambiance signals you put thought into the evening. Budget $150-200 for two with drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Difficult on weekends (60-90 min waits common), but weekday lunches and early weeknight dinners (5-6pm) offer better walk-in odds. Call ahead same-day to check - they sometimes hold bar seats for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Ages 10+ who appreciate sushi will enjoy it, but the upscale atmosphere and omakase pacing make it challenging for younger children. No kids menu. Consider for well-behaved teens learning fine dining.
How does the omakase work here? Chef's choice tasting menu featuring 12-15 pieces of seasonal fish, served one-by-one at the sushi bar. Expect 60-90 minutes, $80-120 per person. Trust the chef - they're showcasing peak-season ingredients.
Is the shabu-shabu worth ordering? Absolutely - it's a signature alongside sushi. The ribeye option with house-made ponzu is exceptional. Great for groups wanting a communal cooking experience, but omakase is the move for solo/couple dining.
Best For
Better for: Authentic omakase experience with owner-operated quality control, genuine Japanese hospitality, and fish quality that rivals LA's best at slightly lower prices. Best in Pasadena for special occasions requiring traditional excellence.
Skip if: You want casual/quick sushi, need extensive vegetarian options, prefer trendy/loud atmospheres, or aren't comfortable with $$$ price points. For relaxed rolls and sake, try Sushi Roku nearby instead.
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
8.9
Family-owned since 2013 by chef Shigefumi and Sayuri Tachibe, this Old Town favorite delivers exceptional omakase alongside shabu-shabu in a refined blonde-wood space. Late food critic Jonathan Gold praised its diverse fish selection rivaling what you'd find in Japan, with standout preparations like shishito tempura stuffed with spicy tuna.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase Sushi, Shabu-Shabu Ribeye, Blue Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Chef Shigefumi Tachibe's mastery creates some of LA's most diverse sushi selections beyond typical offerings
Who should go: Sushi purists seeking premium fish and authentic Japanese hospitality
When to visit: Make reservations well in advance for dinner service
What to order: Premium omakase with seasonal wild-caught seafood, wagyu beef sushi, matcha soufflé
Insider tip: Even with reservations, expect potential wait times during peak hours due to popularity
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking and nearby public lots in Old Town - typically $2-3/hour evenings, more competitive after 6pm on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual - jeans acceptable but avoid athletic wear, many guests dress up for omakase experience
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - hushed atmosphere at sushi counter, slightly livelier in dining room but still date-appropriate
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins may face 45-90 min waits or be turned away during prime hours (7-9pm)
Weekday lunch: More accessible - 15-20 min waits possible without reservation, but booking still recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but quality - vegetable tempura, miso soup, edamame, cucumber rolls, some vegetable sushi options available
Vegan options: Very limited - can accommodate with advance notice for vegetable-focused dishes, but not the ideal choice for plant-based diners
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - tamari available, but cross-contamination risk with tempura and some preparations, notify server in advance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - intimate counter seating creates natural conversation, refined atmosphere impresses without pretension, and omakase format provides built-in talking points. Budget $100-150/person for full experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Not recommended for dinner - this is one of Pasadena's most popular sushi spots and they book out days in advance on weekends. Better luck at lunch or try arriving right at opening (5:30pm) on weekdays. Call ahead same-day to check cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for mature tweens/teens (12+) - quiet, refined atmosphere and premium pricing make it less ideal for younger children. No kids menu, but kitchen can prepare simpler rolls or teriyaki for less adventurous eaters.
How does this compare to Sushi Roku nearby? Osawa focuses on traditional Japanese technique with Jonathan Gold-level fish quality, while Sushi Roku skews more modern/fusion with a scene-y vibe. Choose Osawa for authentic omakase, Sushi Roku for creative rolls and cocktails.
Is the omakase worth the price? Yes if you appreciate premium fish - Chef Tachibe sources exceptional variety including seasonal catches you won't find at mainstream spots. Expect $85-120 for omakase. Skip if you prefer familiar rolls or California-style sushi.
Do they have a bar for solo dining? Absolutely - sushi counter is perfect for solo diners and offers the best view of Chef Tachibe's knife work. Counter seats are prime real estate, so mention preference when booking.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Japanese technique with diverse, seasonal fish selection that rivals Tokyo quality - Jonathan Gold's praise still holds. Choose Osawa for traditional omakase experience, exceptional hospitality from the Tachibe family, and when you want premium sushi without Westside pretension or pricing.
Skip if: You prefer creative fusion rolls, need a budget-friendly option (most entrees $30+), want guaranteed walk-in seating, or are dining with young children. Also skip if you're averse to raw fish - while they have cooked options, the star here is the sashimi and nigiri.