Oba Sushi Thai Tapas Introduce
For those in the California region craving a culinary adventure that seamlessly blends the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine with the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai dishes, Oba Sushi Thai Tapas in Pasadena is an absolute must-visit. This establishment, lauded by its patrons as an "over the top" experience, stands out for its commitment to quality, rich flavors, and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where every bite, whether it's a perfectly crafted sushi roll or a zesty Thai tapa, is designed to leave you wanting "to come back for more."
This article aims to be your comprehensive guide to Oba Sushi Thai Tapas, providing insightful details for local users in California looking for their next favorite dining spot. We'll explore its convenient location, the diverse array of services and menu offerings that showcase its unique fusion concept, the standout features that make it a true gem, and any special promotions or events to enhance your visit. Despite its slightly less prominent location, Oba Sushi Thai Tapas is a destination worth seeking out for its "good quality and presentation" and its ability to deliver an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for families and groups alike.
Customers consistently express their delight with the food quality, noting that "you can taste the quality and their flavorful sauces." The sushi, in particular, receives high praise for its freshness and delightful presentation. Beyond sushi, the extensive selection of Thai and Japanese dishes ensures a diverse culinary journey, making it a versatile choice for any palate. The service is frequently highlighted as "over the top," contributing significantly to the overall positive impression and making every visit feel truly valued.
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas is conveniently located at:
181 E Glenarm St #106, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA.
This address places Oba Sushi Thai Tapas in Pasadena, situated one block east of Arroyo Parkway. While not directly on a major bustling street like Colorado Boulevard or Lake Avenue, its location offers a more relaxed setting while still maintaining good accessibility for locals. Being slightly off the main thoroughfares can contribute to a more intimate dining experience, often appreciated by those looking to avoid overly crowded areas.
A significant advantage for diners visiting Oba Sushi Thai Tapas is the availability of parking. The restaurant is located in a complex or plaza that provides "ample parking available in the shared lot in front of the restaurant for a convenient pickup experience." This ease of parking is a considerable benefit in Pasadena, where parking can sometimes be a challenge, making it a stress-free choice for diners. For those utilizing public transportation, the restaurant is accessible via local bus routes, further enhancing its reach within the Pasadena area. Its location makes it a practical and appealing choice for residents in nearby neighborhoods and those traveling from further afield in the California region.
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas offers an extensive and eclectic menu that beautifully fuses Japanese and Thai culinary traditions, providing a wide range of options to suit various tastes and dining preferences.
Sushi and Sashimi: As a core offering, Oba provides a comprehensive selection of fresh sushi and sashimi. This includes traditional nigiri (such as Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Scallop, and Uni), various sashimi options, and a wide array of "Classic Rolls" (like Shrimp Tempura Roll, Rainbow Roll, Dragon Roll, and Spicy Tuna Roll). They also feature "Oba Specialty Rolls" with unique flavor combinations, such as the Paradise Roll, Richie Rich Roll, Mango Tango Roll, and the Oba Roll. They are praised for "all sorts of different fish" and "good quality and presentation."
Sushi Omakase: For a curated and premium experience, Oba Sushi Thai Tapas offers sushi omakase. This allows the chef to prepare a special selection of the freshest and finest sushi, providing a unique culinary journey for discerning diners.
Thai Entrees: Reflecting the "Thai Tapas" aspect of their name, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional Thai entrees. These include classic noodle dishes like Pad Thai (with chicken or shrimp), various curries (Green, Red, Massaman, Panang), and stir-fries (such as Basil Chicken/Beef, Ginger Beef/Chicken, Broccoli Chicken/Beef, Sweet & Sour Chicken). Specialty Thai items like Larb and Heavenly Pork are also available.
Tapas and Appetizers: A significant part of their fusion concept is the extensive "Tapas" menu, designed for sharing and discovery. This includes Japanese-inspired items like Edamame (including Spicy Siam Edamame), Gyoza (chicken/pork), Kara-Age (Japanese fried chicken), and various Tempura options (Shrimp, Vegetable, Popcorn Shrimp). Thai-inspired tapas include Crispy Rolls, Garden Rolls, Thai Dumplings, Chicken Satay, and unique offerings like Asian Short Rib and Three Flavor Calamari (praised for crispiness).
Noodle and Rice Dishes (Japanese-style): Beyond Thai noodles, they offer Japanese noodle soups like Udon and Soba (hot or cold), and various Ramen Soups (Cha-Shu, Beef, Chicken, Vegetable, Spicy Cha-Shu). They also feature "Yaki" (pan-fried) versions of these noodles (Yaki Ramen, Yaki Soba, Yaki Udon). Rice bowls like Unagi Donburi and Poke Bowls (Seared Ahi, Hamachi) are also available.
Entrees (Japanese-style): A selection of cooked Japanese entrees includes Teriyaki (Chicken, Salmon, Steak), Chicken Katsu, Salmon Shioyaki, and Sesame Chicken.
Soups and Salads: Both Japanese and Thai soups are available (Miso Soup, Thom-Yum Soup, Coconut Milk Soup, Wonton Soup), along with various fresh salads (Green Salad, Seaweed Salad, Papaya Salad, Poke Salads).
Full Bar: Oba Sushi Thai Tapas features a full bar, offering a selection of cocktails, beer (including imported Japanese beer), and premium sake, adding to the dining experience.
Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a "cozy and inviting setting," described as having "two intimate dining rooms, sushi bar, and sake bar." Outdoor seating is also available. They accept reservations.
Takeout and Delivery: For customer convenience, Oba Sushi Thai Tapas offers online ordering for both pickup and delivery through their own website and third-party platforms.
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas stands out in the Pasadena culinary scene with a range of distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its strong local appeal:
Exceptional Fusion Cuisine: A primary highlight is its successful blend of Japanese sushi and vibrant Thai tapas. This unique fusion offers a diverse and exciting menu, catering to a wider range of tastes than a single-cuisine restaurant, ensuring there's always something new and delicious to try.
High-Quality Sushi and Sashimi: Customers consistently praise the "quality" and "freshness" of their sushi and sashimi. The "good quality and presentation" of "all sorts of different fish" highlight their commitment to excellent Japanese raw fish preparations. The availability of sushi omakase further underscores their dedication to premium offerings.
Flavorful Sauces and Dishes: Diners frequently note the "flavorful sauces" and rich taste of their dishes. This attention to robust and well-balanced flavors, whether in a sushi roll or a Thai curry, ensures a memorable culinary experience.
"Over the Top" Service: The service at Oba Sushi Thai Tapas receives enthusiastic praise, described as "over the top" and making it "a place that is actually worth your tips!" This dedication to customer satisfaction creates a "very welcoming establishment" and contributes significantly to the positive dining experience.
Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a "charming atmosphere" and a "cozy and inviting setting." With two intimate dining rooms, a sushi bar, and a sake bar, it provides a comfortable and pleasant environment suitable for various occasions, from family dinners to group gatherings. Outdoor seating is also available.
Extensive Tapas-Style Menu: The "tapas" concept encourages sharing and discovery, allowing diners to sample a variety of small plates from both Japanese and Thai traditions. This is ideal for groups and fosters a social dining experience.
Full Bar with Sake and Cocktails: The presence of a full bar offering cocktails, imported Japanese beer, and premium sake enhances the dining experience, providing excellent beverage pairings for both Japanese and Thai dishes.
Family and Group Friendly: Oba Sushi Thai Tapas is explicitly noted as a "great spot for families and groups," indicating its suitability for various social gatherings due to its diverse menu and accommodating atmosphere.
Convenient Parking: Ample parking in a shared lot directly in front of the restaurant is a practical highlight, making visits hassle-free for those driving.
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas frequently offers special deals and menu features that provide excellent value and unique dining experiences for its patrons in Pasadena. These promotions are designed to attract and reward customers, highlighting the restaurant's diverse offerings.
Lunch Specials: Oba Sushi Thai Tapas has dedicated "LUNCH SPECIALS" available, typically on weekdays during lunch hours (e.g., Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM). These specials often include popular Japanese and Thai entrees or sushi combinations at a more economical price point, making it an attractive option for a midday meal.
Seasonal or Holiday Prix Fixe Dinners: The restaurant periodically offers special prix fixe menus for holidays or special occasions. For example, they have featured a "Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Dinner," which includes a choice of appetizers and entrees, often paired with premium sake (for those 21+) or non-alcoholic drinks. These provide a curated, multi-course dining experience at a set price.
"Deals" Section on Online Menu: Their online ordering platform often includes a "Deals" section, indicating the presence of rotating or consistent special offers that can be accessed when ordering online for pickup or delivery. It is always recommended to check this section for current savings.
Omakase Options: While omakase itself is a premium experience, offering it (particularly for sushi) can be seen as a special feature that provides exceptional value for those seeking the chef's best selection of fresh, seasonal fish, often at a set price.
For the most current and specific promotions, it is always recommended to visit Oba Sushi Thai Tapas' official website, check their online ordering platform, or contact them directly. These offers contribute to the restaurant's reputation for providing quality and value to its local clientele.
To indulge in the exquisite fusion of Japanese and Thai flavors at Oba Sushi Thai Tapas, here is their contact information:
Address: 181 E Glenarm St #106, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
Phone: (626) 799-8543
You can use this information to make inquiries about their menu, current operating hours, check for reservations, or place an order for takeout or delivery. Their accessible location in Pasadena makes them a convenient choice for local diners.
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas is an exceptionally suitable dining destination for locals in Pasadena and throughout the California region, offering a unique and consistently satisfying culinary experience. Its blend of Japanese and Thai cuisines, coupled with excellent service and a welcoming ambiance, makes it a compelling choice for a variety of occasions.
Firstly, its distinctive fusion menu sets it apart. For locals who appreciate both the delicate artistry of Japanese sushi and the vibrant, aromatic spices of Thai food, Oba provides the best of both worlds. This means that a family or group with diverse preferences can easily find something to delight everyone, from "the best sushi" they've "ever been to" to flavorful Thai tapas and entrees. The quality of ingredients is palpable, with customers noting they "can taste the quality" and praising the "freshness" and "presentation" of the fish in their sushi and omakase selections.
Secondly, the "over the top" service and welcoming atmosphere contribute significantly to a positive dining experience. Locals seek out establishments where they feel valued, and Oba consistently delivers with attentive and friendly staff who make every visit pleasant. The "cozy and inviting setting," with options for intimate dining rooms, a sushi bar, and even outdoor seating, creates a comfortable environment for any meal, whether it's a casual lunch or a special dinner.
Furthermore, the convenient location with ample parking is a practical advantage that locals highly appreciate. Situated just off Arroyo Parkway, Oba Sushi Thai Tapas offers easy access without the typical parking frustrations often found in more congested areas of Pasadena. This convenience makes it a stress-free option for quick weeknight dinners or more leisurely weekend outings.
In conclusion, Oba Sushi Thai Tapas offers more than just a meal; it provides a comprehensive and highly enjoyable dining experience. Its commitment to quality, diverse menu, exceptional service, and convenient location firmly establish it as a valuable and beloved local gem in Pasadena, making it a place where Californians will undoubtedly want to "come back for more."
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas Photos










Oba Sushi Thai Tapas Location
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas
181 E Glenarm St #106, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
Oba Sushi Thai Tapas Reviews
the best sushi place i have ever been to in a long time! U can taste the quality and their flavorful sauces. It is rich in flavor, while also being a very welcoming establishment. their service is over the top and is a place that is actually worth your tips! They also serve a variety of Thai/Japanese dishes that will just make you want to come back for more 10/10!
May 13, 2025 · Allison NavarroI feel like this place would be a lot more popular if it was in a better location. A really nice restaurant offering a large selection of Japanese and Thai food. I only tried the sushi omakase and it was quite good. Good quality and presentation, with all sorts of different fish. Reasonably priced too, great spot for families and groups.
Jul 04, 2024 · Shawn ShengI came here with my friend to try out their Tapas! Their lunch special was very tasty! We tried the mochi ice cream for desert and really enjoyed that as well. Price is amazing and the team was very nice and attentive. This is a very cute family owned business. I will definitely be coming back here again. There is a very diverse menu, excited to try out the other dishes next time!
Feb 28, 2025 · Rachel Niuthe salmon sashimi was not very good, odd texture (chewy, not fall apart like traditional sashimi) and flavor. Duck bao was also rather one dimensional and dry. Such great service and the noodle dishes at this joint are the star! We also got the Street Noodle and Kee-Mowl and was tasty
Aug 18, 2024 · Lillian RhinehartWe have been coming here for 4+ years, had my first date here with my partner. Very causal place but some of the best sashimi, sushi ever! You must have their ceviche, it’s absolutely delectable, the best Asian inspired ceviche I have ever had! The customer service is a big factor for my rating, the servers are customer service top tier, their service and food is always consistent! We visit here once a week, it’s that delicious, $200 for amazing cuts is a bargain. Just posting this makes my mouth water…😉
Feb 19, 2023 · Mauro Gonzalez
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