Sushi Karen

Christine Tran 4 weeks ago

A delightful little sushi spot run by just two people, and that small, personal touch really comes through. It’s an authentic, no-frills place focused on sushi and sashimi, with fresh, quality ingredients. Don’t come expecting over-the-top rolls, wild combinations, or gimmicks. This place keeps things simple and lets the freshness of the fish speak for itself. It’s the kind of spot that reminds you how good straightforward, traditional sushi can be. A true little hidden gem for anyone who appreciates fresh sushi done right. Even if it looks empty, you should call ahead of time to see if they can fit you in. They are a small ops spot so they can’t handle too many people at once.Their hours are not standard. Definitely catch them when you can. We literally called from the parking lot and came back 20 min later to eat.

Chris HAig 5 months ago

Wow what can I say, best sushi in Pasadena hands down, honestly maybe all of LA... When you go to Japan, you will always find this small place where you taste the most amazing food.. it's not like America in this sense, in Japan, there are genuinely more hidden gems.. This is like one of those authentic hidden gems, here in LA. Literally everything is amazing.. Go with the sushi dinner or the omakase.. don't think toucan navigate your own menu the same way the 70 year old chef behind the counter whose been doing this for 55 years can.. Trust the chef and enjoy... all I have to say.. Flawless meal...

Joseph J 5 months ago

Simply amazing. Sushi Karen is an unassuming family-run hole in the wall, but an absolute hidden gem of Pasadena. Our dinner was a tasting experience, not just a meal. We had the assorted sushi dinner. The nigiri were large, clean, delicate, and top quality. The unagi nigiri was so tender and delicious -- the best we've ever had. Each part of our meal took some time to prepare and come out, but that leads to experiencing the sushi, not just scarfing it down. The location is small, so a reservation is recommended. The owner and chef were both very sweet and welcoming. As locals, this is definitely a place we will be coming back to.

tammy 11 months ago

Loved this meal. Really fantastic quality fish and large portion size. We had the assorted sushi dinner for $50 and it was more than enough food. again, very impressed with the high quality of each fish. Best I've had in the area. I only took two photos as I was to hungry at the start of my meal to take those photos. There were several courses.

Michael Rousso a year ago

I have spent very little time in Pasadena over the years! Happened to be staying just 5 minutes from Sushi Karen and so thankful I was able to go enjoy this! I love eating sushi and would put what I had tonight up against anything I’ve had in LA and well beyond! The passion from the service and sushi chef (who I believe both were owners)was amazing and just a completely incredible place! I would not only eat at Sushi Karen again, but will show as many people as I can who love and appreciate good sushi and all it has to offer! Thank you and I feel honored to have stumbled upon this and to watch what true passion and love for what you do is amazing to see and taste.