SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

146 S Lake Ave #108, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
About This Sushi Bar

SUGARFISH, a food-centric full-service restaurant, features a unique omakase-style service based on Nozawa’s 50 plus years of experience in Japan and the US. The menu features only tradition-based sushi of the highest quality, offered in four "Trust Me®" options, as well as an array of a la carte sashimi, sushi, and hand rolls made with carefully sourced fish, warm and loosely-packed rice, and crisp nori. SUGARFISH has locations in Los Angeles and New York City. For more information follow SUGARFISH on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Sushi Reviews
Sushi Experience №1

This is the best sushi that melts in your mouth. It's perfectly portioned, spaced well in-between courses and the staff was very friendly!!! Highly recommend!!!!!

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №2

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №3

I adore this restaurant! My brother who is usually a picky eater also enjoyed the food, so that says something! The atmosphere is nice and relaxing, making it a nice place to go for a small meal or an intimate family gathering.

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №4

Food was excellent. Service was pretty bad. They almost all had attitudes where they couldn't care less.

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №5

Very fresh, clean tastes. The various fish very cool to try. Sashimi scallops yummy. Waited for 1 hr. Peak season @ new year. While waiting, we heard 2 1/2 hr wait.

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №6

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №7

This place is the BEST. The sushi is to die for. So freaking good.

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №8

i used to love sugarfish but today something here gave me food poisoning. i’ve been having the worst diarrhea and vomitting up my whole stomach for five hours with full body shakes and sweats. :((

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №9

The restaurant is great! I will come here often!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №10

Not recommended for sushi lovers

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №11

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №12

Trust Me.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №13

Food was freshly prepared. Food was brought out at a consistent and manageable pace. Temperature, taste and texture of food is was surprisingly very good. Hand rolls had warm sushi rice with cool tender sushi fish. To get the full experience you must eat the hand roll immediately. I would recommend to eat here instead of takeout.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №14

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №15

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №16

We came to Sugarfish Pasadena to celebrate my daughter's birthday since she had been wanting to visit after trying the LA location. When we arrived, they told us the wait would be 30 minutes, but we were pleasantly surprised to be seated in just 15 minutes.

From the moment we sat down, the service was amazing. Our waitress Kat, server Paul, and the entire team were attentive from start to finish. They promptly brought out waters and took our orders with care.

We all decided to go for the omakase and ordered:

1. TRUST ME ($30)
2. THE NOZAWA TRUST ME ($39)
3. DON'T THINK. JUST EAT. ($59)

Everything was absolutely delicious! The Tuna Sashimi with ponzu and chives was a highlight, as were the Albacore Sushi with ponzu and chives, Salmon Sushi with toasted sesame, and the rich Toro Hand Roll. Other standout pieces included the Lobster Sushi, the melt-in-your-mouth Toro and flavorful Eel, Japanese Yellowtail Sushi with lemon, Chutoro Sushi, New Zealand Sea Bream Sushi with citrus salt, Hirame Sushi with yuzu ponzu, and the Blue and Dungeness Crab Hand Rolls. Each bite was incredibly fresh and flavorful.

The restaurant was cute, very clean, and the restroom was well-kept, which added to the overall great experience. The service truly elevated our time there, and the attention to detail made our celebration even more special. If you're looking for top-notch sushi and impeccable service, I definitely recommend Sugarfish Pasadena.

My Personal Rating : 4.72
Food 4.8/5
Service 4.8/5
Price 4.6/5
Ambiance 4.6/5
Cleanliness 4.8/5

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №17

The sushi here was so fresh! Prices were the standard so it’s not cheap! I enjoyed their different levels of omakase.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №18

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №19

Amazing dining experience. Fish was so fresh, unlike many Sushi places. They focus more on the fish and less on the rice. Ratio of fish to rice, so much more fish.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №20

It's still one of our favorites! Definitely the best Sugarfish location! We come in numerous times a month, and it's always consistent! Great service all around!

Be prepared to wait!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №21

Very good quality!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №22

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №23

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №24

You can’t go wrong at SUGARFISH. It’s always a pleasant dining experience whether you dine in or take out. Customer service is excellent. I highly recommend the Nozawa Trust Me and the “Don’t Think, Just Eat.”

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №25

To the price, disappointed for the food, we waited for a long time, but the manager was playing with her iPhone...

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №26

Great Food

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №27

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №28

It never disappoints. I always remember fondly the days when Sushi Nozawa was around. One of the best sushi places.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №29

Absolutely the best sushi in Pasadena, and tops in all of L.A. Just got with a Trust Me and you're set.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №30

A must visit spot. Pick a Trust Me set menu option and you will be pleased. This is a very good Sushi experience. Not for those looking for lots of options or fancy Americanized sushi rolls.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №31

Dine in or take out, it doesn’t matter on price because they will automatically charge you 16% in tip either way! Also, they will not take to go orders over the phone unless you are physically there to place one.

Besides this crazy rule, the food is excellent. This place is about quality over quantity. The sushi is amazing and fresh and there is always a line to get a table no matter what time of the day it is! The portions are small so remember that you’re paying for quality. Even their green tea is amazing. They will even offer you to go cup if you ask. All in all, it is worth it but I wish they serve you a bit more considering the prices

There is plenty of parking across the street in the giant lot behind lake ave.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №32

This place is good. The sushi is fresh and well-prepared, and the service is attentive. There's a parking lot and street parking available, plus a cute courtyard to hang out in while you wait for your table. It's a solid choice for sushi.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №33

I had high expectations for this sushi spot, and it did not disappoint. They do not take reservations. You have to get there in person and leave your name and phone number. We arrived on Friday at 2 pm, and the expected wait was 30 minutes for two people. In reality, it was about 25 minutes. There are shops nearby to kill time and chairs in the courtyards to chill and wait.

I ordered the "Trust Me" which was a perfect portion for me. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but because they serve it at a very slow pace, I was satisfyingly full at the end of the meal.

Edamame
Tuna Sashimi - ponzu and chives
Albacore Sushi - ponzu and chives, 2-pc
Salmon Sushi - toasted sesame, 2-pc
Toro Hand Roll
Japanese Yellowtail* Sushi - lemon, 1-pc
Hirame* Sushi - yuzu ponzu, 1-pc
Blue & Dungeness Crab Hand Roll

My favorite was the Dungeness Crab handroll. The flavor is incredible. The seaweed was still crunchy. I loved that the rice was served warm in the nigiri and just melts in my mouth! So good! My son had "The Nozawa Trust Me" which had everything in "Trust Me" with 4 extra pieces of nigiri. If you're still hungry, you can order anything in a la carte menu.

I think this place sets it apart from other sushi spot is that each dish is made from the chef's table directly to our table while it's still warm and fresh! Friendly and attentive staff. It was a great dining experience.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №34

다 좋은데 주차비가 너무 비싸요

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №35

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №36

Sushi great and all. Server Paul M. was an absolutel joy and made our night with his wonderful energy!

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №37

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №38

You'll wait forty minutes to get a table minimum but, my god, it's worth it. I cannot recommend any place other than sugar fish. I've been going for 15 years and every experience is better than the last which is weird cause the first was pretty amazing.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №39

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №40

For the price I'm paying, I was thoroughly disappointed. This place is consistently getting raved as a go to premium sushi spot but I honestly can't see why people, who have had good sushi would consider coming here to eat after trying once.

First, due to it being hyped up for being a good spot, the wait time, if you missed the opening for the day, is long, as it is a small restaurant with an omakase dining style. You cannot make any reservations ahead of time, so if you really wanted to try this place out, either wait roughly an hour or two, or order to go.

I believe this place would rather consider itself as a rendition of sushi, as it breaks a few conventional norms. The sushi rice is overly warm, to the point it was separating from itself. If I picked up a nigiri, I don't expect the piece to disintegrate when grabbing it.

The service was mid at best, given their positioning in the market. I would never expect for an omakase style set course, to have servers come up and ask, can you finish the last piece up, so that they can just take the now empty dish up. This gave a feeling of, I'm being rushed to eat and go.

Also, as shown in the pictures, I somewhat expected some form of plating, or at least nicer looking plates, given the price tag. Everything was just a generic white square/rectangle plate, it really degraded the experience.

Overall, after finally trying this place once, I can now say I am pretty reluctant to come again on my own accord. For the price you're paying here, you can get better quality of handwork and sushi with little price variance.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №41

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №42

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №43

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №44

🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №45

Good price for omakase

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №46

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №47

The rice on sushi way too loose, when I picked a sugar with chopsticks, the rice is everywhere.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №48

Really good omakase. Price is descent and service is pretty good

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №49

This is real sushi. High quality fish that is buttery, fresh, & melts in your mouth. My friend treated me here for my birthday lunch, & she said the sushi at sugarfish is like a "party in your mouth". The experience lived up to her high praise.

We ordered the "Trust me", which is like a set menu of dishes. And it was reasonably priced $35. The sauces served with some of the sashimi were perfect. The seaweed of the hand rolls had the right amount of crisp & salt to it. I left satisfied & full.
Delicious.

The restaurant is a bit small. We didn't have reservations. So, we opted to eat at the bar rather than wait 30 minutes for a table. Since it was my first visit, the server at the bar explained the menu, & how he recommends eating the dishes.

Highly recommend if you love sushi.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №50

Wow! One of the best sushi spots I've ever been through!
Also, you didn't just eat sushi, you're really in for a culinary experience !!!
While, unfortunately, not everything on the menu was still available, they helped me a lot by providing me with very good alternatives and later on, helped me pick some extras !!
Loved every piece of it and the service & atmosphere was just impeccable & wonderful!!!
Thank you to all the staff for my wonderful evening! Surely a must visit when you're in town!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №51

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №52

Came in on a Saturday at 4ish, waited 20 minutes to get a table. It was definitely worth the wait. Perfect sushi and sake.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №53

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №54

Great sushi & friendly staff !!!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №55

Fantastic toro, salmón nigiri and lobster roll

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №56

Food and service was top notch. Everyone was very nice and welcoming to us out of towners.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №57

There’s a reason this place always has an hour plus wait time. The value is incredible considering the quality and omakase style. Top tier sushi restaurant for sure, definitely do the “trust-me”. They are very trustworthy.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №58

Damn good

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №59

This is by far my favorite spot for sushi. We get their early to avoid the wait. And already go with the trust me or trust me nozawa. We had the pleasure to be served by Paul tonight and couldn’t have been happier.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №60

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №61

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №62

best sushi possibly in the world

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №63

Warm rice, fresh fish, nice setting

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №64

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №65

Always delicious. Go every time I’m in LA. Often more than once. Service is great. Food is great. Rice is AMAZING.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №66

Simple, fresh and delicious. Our service was great and we would 100% come back

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №67

SUGARFISH really knows how to do the sushi game. The food is always so fresh and delicious. This is the third different location I’ve been to in this local chain and the service and quality of food is consistent. I almost always get the Nozawa omakase and I did this time as well and each course was presented beautifully that tasted great. If you don’t mind a wait because they don’t take reservations then you should definitely give this place a shot.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №68

reliable and dependable delicious quality. we typically take it to go, and the sushi is a delight.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №69

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №70

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №71

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №72

Perfect

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №73

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №74

Great fresh sushi with warm rice

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №75

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №76

Wonderful service and great sushi with buttery fish. However, think the rice could be slightly better! I’ve eaten here multiple times and the quality has always been quite consistent. Also get takeout from here many times - see picture for takeout.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №77

Best sushi I've ever had! Super fresh and prepared right before it's served to you. It's a whole experience and vibe. The price is the same at any basic sushi place but this food and service is in a league of its own!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №78

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №79

The sushi is excellent! Also, please give Paul a raise!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №80

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №81

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №82

Sugarfish is my favorite sushi place in the world. I think about it all the time. The Trust Me is impeccable. The cool crab in the warm seaweed handroll...the fresh tuna in ponzu...the spicy halibut...I really really love this place.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №83

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №84

Horrible customer service! Horrible waiting in long lines, very small inside, definitely over rated. I've been to way better restaurants and the customer service was on point! These females zero smiles or let's say fake smiles.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №85

Always fresh

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №86

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №87

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №88

Absolutely great night celebration for my son's birthday. Never been to this location but it didn't disappoint- Sugarfish always offers high quality sushi. What put it over the top was our server, Paul- what a gem! Attentive, kind, and very personable. Good sake recommendation and the Nozama Trust Me was excellent- the scallops were like butter- not overdone and Bluefin Otoro was amazing. Looking forward to next trip out.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №89

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №90

I wish they took reservations. I had to wait about 45 minutes to be seated. However, it was worth the wait. Everything was melt in your mouth delicious.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №91

Excellent fish selection on a perfectly warm and vinagered bed of rice. Excellent waitstaff who are friendly and welcoming. The food is certainly worth the price. Get a tasting menu.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №92

Not worth the price. You get perhaps half the food at double the price compared to a takeout sushi place (of course the food is better here, it’s just almost comedically small portions), and half the food at the same price however just as good quality as an AYCE

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №93

This location has the best service and layout imo. Lunch time you’ll see people lining up. Parking is difficult but you should find street parking or there is parking behind the building for meter. I love that I can just order on the website even if the restaurant is not opened yet. Walked in 15 minutes before when my pick up time was and they had my food all ready to go! Packing is so cute and if you open the lunch box it tells you what condiments go with what. I do like the dine in experience and I would make a reservation instead of walking in. Get the $40 deluxe lunch box, you won’t regret it!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №94

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №95

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №96

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №97

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №98

The best, so fresh and delicious! Our server, Helena, the absolute best. She was so personable and caring! She’s due for a raise!!!! I will be back!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №99

Simply good sushi.
The more I try fancy Omakase, I realize how I like classic sushi more than the fancy ones with lots of seasonings or raw fish layered on top of another. Like places that does classic really well. When my friend who treated me out to Seoul’s best omakase came to US I took him to Sugarfish. I wanted him to try a popular Omakase restaurant. He really liked it. He also agreed how classics are the best.

Best thing was o toro. Other things were actually not that great-wish they stopped serving the tuna appetizer in the beginning drenched with soy sauce.

Their scallop is really good yet today’s don’t think just eat didn’t have it. I don’t think don’t think just eat is worth it since it takes too long for them to make it. Our meals were done 1.5hrs later. Considering the time sushi wasn’t very special. I would rather order basic omakase and add scallops, albacore belly and toro. I don’t like their Ankimo since it’s finely chopped.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №100

So good. Just so good.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №101

Excellent service! Thank you to the wonderful team of friendly staff! When I was asked if there was anything else, I responded that I was waiting for a salmon order. When they served it to me, I realized I already received it earlier. I was mortified, and asked them to charge me for it. I get my bill, and they did not charge me the extra salmon, and instead told me it was my lucky day. Indeed! Thank you so much for the unexpectedly kind gesture!
Food was amazing, as always! Had the Crab and Yellowtail handrolls (my usuals), salmon nigiri (x2), sea bream nigiri (extra yum!), kanpachi nigiri, sweet shrimp, sea bream with shiso (soo good!). First time trying the sea bream and I have another favorite fish! All delicious!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №102

Very disappointed by the quality of everything I ate here.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №103

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №104

Easily the best sushi place around. They do charge a 16 percent fee to the end of the bill.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №105

The sushi here is always amazing- " like butter", it melts in your mouth. Wonderful tastes, which are well presented and friendly and attentive service. You can enjoy a meal that will leave you satisfied and not stuffed and groggy. I wish the seating wasn't so close together, bit I like space. Thank you for your wonderful food and service. Will be back soon.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №106

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №107

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №108

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №109

Fantastic service and great food.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №110

My friend brought me here. Their sushi is pretty good and reasonably priced. The fish is very fresh and has a very fragrant taste when chewed.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №111

Great sushi spot for a quick date night/ birthday, although the table spacing makes it a cramped dining experience. Check in on a Wednesday evening was simple. We only had to check in at the front and wait 5 minutes before we were seated. Parking on the street was complimentary, but parking in the garage behind the restaurant is available for $3 (with validation). We ordered the chef's menu which consisted of 7 nigiri, 2 hand rolls, and unago with some additionals (see pictures). All was very good and tasty and the service was good at refills and adding anything we needed. Overall it came out to $75/person (mandatory 16% fee on each check, but is a no tip establishment) which we felt was worth the experience. It was quicker in/out experience than the LA sugarfish, and the fish quality was similar. The ambiance was a little worse at this iteration.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №112

The fish is so fresh! It’s melting in your mouth🤤 Best sashimi and sushi I have ever had!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №113

If you like high quality sushi at an affordable price go here! Look now longer you’ll thank me later! My favorite is their crab hand rolls and scallop rolls! I’ve been here a dozen times and every time everything tastes so fresh! I wish they had this in the bay!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №114

Can’t beat the price of this sushi spot for the quality! Every time I visit SoCal, I have to stop by Sugarfish. I always order the Nozawa Trust Me set and it’s a perfect full at the very end. All of the items that come from that set is super good but my favorite would have to be the Toro Handroll and the Blue and Dungeness Crab Handroll. I haven’t tasted any Handroll better than the one at Sugarfish! Service here is also very attentive. There is also a no tipping policy since they already charge a service fee.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №115

Such a fun experience. Fish is fresh and the staff are welcoming and efficient. Highly recommend!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №116

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №117

Simply melt in your mouth delish!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №118

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №119

Cozy and intimate. However, be warned the wait is apparently always long esp on weekends we waited almost 2 hours (they were about to close too). I’ve never gotten that sushi ick from all the rawness but me and my boyfriend got it for some reason even though the fish was so good 😂 that’s just personally what happened to us to clearly we still went back lol.
- This is a real sushi place so no spicy Mayo or eel sauce in sight.
- Server was funny and personable I really liked her I can’t remember her name but she was about 5’4ish with black hair!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №120

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №121

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №122

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №123

I don't want to tell people about this place because then it will get harder to eat here 😆
I've come here for lunch several times with my friends. The food is amazing. However, just know they only do simple sushi and rolls. No extra stuff, no tempura, no Philadelphia or caterpillar rolls, etc. Also, I wished they took reservations.
But I will keep going back as long as the sushi stays delicious and the people friendly.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №124

Wonderful night. Staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and kind. Food is, of course, delicious. The whole night was an experience to remember.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №125

Finally got a chance to try this popular place. We were here for lunch. All their sushi is warm due to the hot rice. Hot rice sushi is really unconventional. The ingredients were great, you can taste the freshness of different types of seafood. But having them with hot rice really ruins it. The sushi falls apart easily when you pick it up due to that too. Am I going to wait in line to dine in again? I most likely will pass on it.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №126

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №127

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №128

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №129

Overrated sushi place, the sushi rice was hot which was just unheard of, and t sushi rice also tasted weird. The server forgot to call my friend’s name for our table when we waited for over an hour in front of the restaurant.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №130

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №131

This place has phenomenal sushi! The fish is so fresh and sweet. The downside is that the place is crowded and the price is on the higher side. Still it is worth for special occasions or just simply the desire for excellence. Just look how the pieces of fish fully cover the rice. Oh and the rice is also perfectly cooked and seasoned. Exactly like out of the book, the rice should simply fall apart and release flavor once it is on your mouth, not sticking to each other. We definitely want to visit this place again next time we go to LA.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №132

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №133

Great little area of places with its own parking in the back. They validate as well. The place is small but not seated on top of each other. Roomy. Our waitress was a doll (Helena). Very personable & willing to engage her opinion of the fare. Per her suggestion, we each got the Nozawa Trust Me. Provided for plenty of buttery, savory sushi where soy sauce is not really needed. Would definitely come again.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №134

Really great experience

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №135

Coming in Friday afternoon after 3pm lunch rush staff is fast and courteous to seat us the menu was well laid out after deciding and getting multiple dishes and having the food made fresh my only shock was the edamame being cold and still delicious. I will be coming again for a great meal and staff.
And After trying 100+ sushi spots global I will always have a spot for sugar fish and it's price for the "trust me menu" with its great range of flavors sharables and sashimi making it a delicious bite of flavor customer service and care into the whole dish.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №136

Used to order delivery from them when they first opened and was impressed by the quality, in that context. Finally came to eat at the place itself, which was casual as expected. However, for a place that is a primarily sushi only, I was surprised that the rice was falling apart. You could not pick up the sushi properly, with chopsticks or fingers. The fish and uni quality were just ok. Uni was thin and anemic. The sashimi and hand rolls in the Don't Think box should not be served -- they are essentially scraps, and the presentation does little to conceal this, especially the sashimi. I know they're not priced to be the ultimate sushi experience, but I did expect more for the price point and marketing.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №137

I used to have old Mr. Nozawa serve me whatever he thought was good that morning in his fluorescent lit strip mall restaurant in North Hollywood. Sugarfish manages to replicate the uniquely delicious approach of the food while making the atmosphere and service comparable. Get the Nozawa. Trust me.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №138

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №139

This place is awesome! We were visiting from Northern CA and I wished we had one in the Sacramento area. The food was so fresh and tasty. Will definitely visit again if in the area. Bravo!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №140

It's always a treat to dine here. The food is some of the freshest around, and the dishes are, simply, great

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №141

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №142

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №143

I’m so surprised to see all the good reviews about this place, and this place still survived over many years. Well, everything was quite bad…that made me write my first ever review. They cannot introduce themselves as “Traditional Japanese Sushi Experience” when it’s obviously more of an American sushi fast food quality. The rice was warm(🫠) and falling apart, it was definitely not Japanese rice. Even the Green Tea came out in a tea bag. Waiters really don’t care much either. Very upsetting and disappointing.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №144

Took the family out for some sushi, menu is fine and food was ok but not kid friendly at all, a tiny plate of rice for kids? Ridiculous. First plate of food was tiny pieces of tuna that looked like something you’d feed a cat. Most of the fish seemed fresh with the exception of a couple that weren’t. Rice fell apart on EVERY piece of sushi, frustrating to eat. Was seated near the entrance where the employees were chatting about their life problems. 15% gratuity automatically added, not deserved. Won’t be going back.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №145

Hard to really argue with Sugarfish, you are either up for it and know the drill or it's totally insufferable. My rule is that if someone is buying, I'm in. The nice thing about this Pasadena location is you can just get it to go and sit in the courtyard without waiting. Also the interior here is beyond basic and not a great dining in experience. Getting the ready to go box is the only thing I've ever done here. It's always great and filling as well.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №146

Delicious and highly recommended! Just too crowded. The wait would've been 1 hr 40 min, so we decided to order takeout which took 40 minutes. The place is nice but way too small.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №147

It was a fabulous moment! The staff is definitely involve in providing an amazing experience! They know their products very well! And obviously the food is very delicious.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №148

Have had takeout a few times from sugar fish, overall consistently good quality. Easy and accessible to get when craving some sushi. Prices are as expected. Takeout box is a good deal when split between two people. Tasty pick me up.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №149

Very fresh fish at an intermediate price, and in my opinion a great compromise between casual sushi and high-end omakase that could cost 100+ per person and take hours. Would go again.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №150

A great omakase-style experience. Especially for beginners. The quality is very good. Service is also very friendly and pleasant. Ambiance is lovely. I wish they had bigger tables.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №151

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №152

My friends wouldn't stop raving about Sugarfish so I had to try it myself. But when they mentioned the signature warm rice, I immediately reacted "sacrilegious! how can they?!" However, after having tried it, I hate to admit that I kinda liked it. Definitely not traditional, but it feels somehow... nice... to have that warm rice in your mouth with the fish. The fish is fresh and good quality, and a great value for the price.

I'm docking one star because they use way too much sauce on the sushi. It totally detracts from the flavor of the fresh fish. The pieces I enjoyed the most were the ones with no or very light seasoning.

Also, make sure to get a reservation. As you know, Sugarfish is very popular. We came here on a Friday night and waited over an hour for a table like a noob.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №153

Normally we are a lover of Sugarfish in the East coast. First time trying in the west coast and for some reason, didn’t taste as good. Also the wait for dinner was almost 2hrs. We waited of course to have a good sushi but it decreases the overall experience of the meal. Also tried to order take out instead of in-dining waiting but even for the take out they gave us an hour.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №154

The best and most consistent sushi you can find. Excellent for take out although better when dining in for the warm rice and amazing hand rolls.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №155

This is my go to restaurant for sushi in the Pasadena area and I love it dine in & to go. Definitely prefer dine in which is what I did this time. I always get one of the preset boxes, then make sure to ask for their “secret” menu, which are the items that are special for the day that sell out and are the Premier cuts of fish.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №156

Not fresh very disappointed

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №157

Decided to take advantage of the LA restaurant week special. 35$ got an app, several nigiri and several hand roll. Everything was very tasty. The tuna hand roll and Dungeness crab roll was the favorite items

The nigiri was hard to eat honestly. When I went to pick it up with my chopstick and dip the piece meat side first, it fell apart. The rice was not set or stiff enough for the task. It was too mushy to hold together for the one bite. Other reviews back this claim too

One thing that I am up in the air about is the 16% surcharge. The menu does say they will charge a 16% surcharge and that they do NOT accept tip. Whenever dining at these places that do a surcharge, I hope it goes to the server wage. With a 16% surcharge, however, it is technically cheaper than an 18% tip. If the 16% does go to the server and pays them a more livable wage, then I am all about it

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №158

Solid 4 stars. Good food, nice service, nice clean modern atmosphere. Good choice for casual lunch or dinner

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №159

This is where you go for hand rolls! The best. Crisp seaweed. Fresh, cold fish. Excellent service. Well worth the wait. I was beyond happy to hear that they were affiliated with Kazu nori. Sad for my wallet lol but happy for my tummy 🤭. Highly highly recommend!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №160

Decent sushi but we got a few cuts that tasted fishy. Also they were short of one menu items and replaced it with other things but did not notify us.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №161

This sushi restaurant is an absolute gem - the fish is incredibly fresh, and the rolls are prepared to perfection. The atmosphere is also great, with a welcoming and relaxed vibe, making for an all-around fantastic experience. Highly recommend to any sushi lover!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №162

Came here on a Monday afternoon around 3. Got seated right away and loved EVERYTHING. It was a great atmosphere and so so so delicious. Wahoo!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №163

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №164

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №165

First time here. Rich delicate flavors…. Pleasant and easy dining experience. We got their Mantra “don’t think just eat” is spot on!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №166

This experience is extraordinary!
First i was greeted by amazing manager Diana
The line was very short
This is The type of sushi place you WANT to come back.
It offers ala-carte options and 3 versions of pre fix menu items
16$ gratuity included with your order so no wondering how much tips you can leave, which insures consistent , in my opinion
I chose TRUST ME for 30$ and was very happy with experience

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №167

Best sushi I have EVER had. Can't wait to visit again so we can return.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №168

Overall disappointing experience.

The upside: reasonable prices, fresh fish.

Downside: For a place that makes only sushi, they don’t seem to pay any attention to rice. As others have pointed out, they got the rice wrong, and I don’t think it was only a one time thing.

It was the weirdest experience I had in a sushi place: hot, starchy rice with cold fish on top. The handrolls were particularly strange, with piping hot rice rolled with raw fish, that starts cooking inside the handroll.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №169

Had the Trust Me for takeout and was quite impressive with the quality. The sushi came in a detailed box with instructions on what condiments to use for each fish. Each condiment was labeled as well. My favorite was the salmon nigiri.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №170

I’m nor sure if I’ve ever had better sushi than this place. An amazing service on top of that

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №171

Amazing.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №172

Excelent food

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №173

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №174

Incredible food and 5 star service!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №175

“Trust me”, it’s a must whenever one is in LA.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №176

Folks usually start lining up 10-15min before lunchtime opening. They validate parking (still not free but that's not a SF issue). If you've been to SF before, then you know what you're getting into-quality, prix fixe sushi at a fair price. The salmon and albacore melt in your mouth. The blue crab roll is a beautiful finishing touch. Nothing particular stands out to me about this location (which I consider a good thing).

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №177

This was my first time truly enjoying nigiri and hand rolls. The fish quality was excellent, don’t know how I am going to go back to anything else

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №178

Amazing food, great service. This place really knows what they're doing. When they named the menu "trust me" they meant it! Thank you all 🌸

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №179

Came relatively early on a Friday night to try and snag a table before a movie. The hostess said it would be about an hour wait but we got a text our table was ready about 30 minutes later. Things were looking good. We ordered the Nozawa Trust Me and the Don't Think Just Eat.
Fish was fresh and good quality. The sushi rice is on the vinegary side but not overpowering. The bad thing was that on the presauced nigiri the rice consistently fell apart on the serving plate. The other factor we weren't used to was how warm the rice was. In the handrolls the rice was warm enough to almost be uncomfortable to eat without cooling off, but then the nori lost the crunchiness. Lastly, none of the nigiri was seasoned with wasabi.
TLDR: fresh fish but rice left a lot to be desired.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №180

Reasonable prices and delicious quality fish! If you are new to sushi, this is especially a great place to try out. It is simply delicious and gives you a good idea of what sushi is about without all the frills of modern sushi restaurants nowadays.

The fish will literally MELT IN YOUR MOUTH! Any of the set menus are great and have a variety of fish. Nigiri, edamame, sashimi, and handrolls are included in all of them. I definitely recommend getting the regular TRUST ME to get the best value. Ask to switch out the hirame for the bay scallops if you can :)

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №181

Meat quality ok

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №182

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №183

Just, ahhh-mazing! I don't knos what they do to their fish but they are so buttery and melts in your mouth. When I think of SUGARFISH, I think of CONSISTENCY! They have not ones disappointed us! Keep up the great work!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №184

I wish that I could call them directly for take out.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №185

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №186

I waited for almost 2 hours to get it... And I was excited for every second because I knew it was worth the hype and anticipation..... And then when I got the text that said I was next in line I came inside and checked in, and the host even acknowledged me and told me I was next in person.... However after the person in front of me was seated the hostess marked me as a no show while I was 6 feet away from her and then called 3 other parties ahead of me. Eventually I spoke up and was seated promptly but..... The organization and concentration needs work.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №187

Always a treat to go to Sugarfish. Great sushi and amazing service. Always get the Nowzawa Trust Me

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №188

Best Sushi in Town! Hands Down, it’s just amazing Quality & Freshness. The Staff are very friendly, Great Service! It’s a treat for me, Nice for a Business Lunch, or a great atmosphere for a Date Night! Compared to general sushi joints it’s more expensive, but for the Quality & Service it’s a Fair Value!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №189

Best sushi in LA

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №190

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №191

Sugarfish is always a masterpiece in my eyes. I’ll start by saying it’s simply the best sushi/sashimi I’ve ever had. This might change one day as I try more places.

The wait: eh. It’s usually an hour or so. there’s a bit of stuff to walk around and see, and a nice Mexican restaurant with a bar.

The food: 10/10. I get the “trust me” and it’s always amazing.

The atmosphere: great. It’s a small restaurant. Cozy. Comfortable. I love it.

The service: 10/10 as well.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №192

Always a treat. Incredible food, amazing ambience and service

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №193

Great quality sushi at reasonable prices.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №194

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №195

The food is pretty good and so is the presentation. But, when it’s made to-go, the taste isn’t as good. You can’t call to order the food—you must use their website or Postmates. Mind you, there are A LOT of one-way streets near here, so be careful when you’re driving around the vicinity.

Update: Recently we revisited the restaurant and got Don’t Think About It Just Eat. It was $59 each. I did not like the grilled eel. It had a lot of fine bones and wasn’t cooked right. It lacked the teriyaki flavor, too. The bill was steep, but the quality and service didn’t justify the price.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №196

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №197

It's a dining experience beyond comparison. Upscale Japanese cuisine with a nod to the trendy and upscale.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №198

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №199

Hot sushi alert !!! Yes, I said HOT sushi! Not spicy, literally hot in temperature. Antithetical to the concept of sushi!! Not just one experimental dish- it ALL came out hot, and then the server hat the NERVE to tell me it was the intention of the chef!!!!! Take the time to cool your rice!!! This placed is way too overhyped and overly expensive and seats way too many people at once. I don’t like eating in a stranger’s lap!!! QUALITY OVER QUANTITY COUNTS, GREEDY CORPORATE C$&*S!!!!! Don’t think, just eat x 3 hot sushi

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №200

Had alovely time when I was on me holidays, there was nothing realy on the menu that I fancied, so the helpfully staff done me some fish and chips. We had a lock in and watched big trouble in the China on the old blue Ray. Ten out 10

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Details
  • 14 sushi photos
  • 200 sushi reviews
  • 4.5 Sushi Rating
  • Reservations: +1 626-298-8386
  • Menu Website: https://sugarfishsushi.com/pasadena/
  • Sushi Address: 146 S Lake Ave #108, Pasadena, CA 91101, United States
  • Sushi Map: 34.1435198, -118.1317447
Specialties
  • Sushi restaurant
Sushi Hours
  • Monday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Service options
  • No-contact delivery: Available
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
Amenities
  • Toilets: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
  • Trendy: Available
  • Upmarket: Available
Crowd
  • Tourists: Available
Planning
  • Usually a wait: Available
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Available
  • Paid parking lot: Available
  • Paid street parking: Available
  • Parking: Available