San Sai Japanese Grill

For those of us in California who appreciate delicious, fresh, and remarkably affordable Japanese cuisine, **San Sai Japanese Grill** in Pasadena is a standout destination. This gem has garnered a loyal following, particularly for its commitment to serving high-quality, flavorful dishes in a fast-casual setting. If you're looking for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank and consistently delivers on taste, San Sai Japanese Grill is a place you absolutely need to discover.

San Sai Japanese Grill operates on a philosophy of "the nature of freshness," aiming to be a leading national brand known for the best tasting, highest quality, most convenient, and freshest Japanese fast-casual cuisine. They succeed by focusing on expertly prepared dishes that highlight fresh ingredients. This dedication to quality is immediately apparent in their offerings, from their perfectly grilled meats to their vibrant, made-from-scratch salads.

One of the most praised aspects of San Sai Japanese Grill is their fantastic **teriyaki chicken**. Customers rave about the use of freshly grilled chicken thigh (not breast!) paired with an authentic blend of teriyaki sauce. This attention to detail results in a dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia for quality and value. Beyond the teriyaki, the menu is surprisingly diverse for a fast-casual spot. You'll find a wide selection of sushi and rolls made fresh to order by their sushi chefs, as well as a variety of hot entrees, bowls, and their signature gourmet salads. These salads are particularly noteworthy, often described as "amazing" and made from the freshest produce with homemade dressings free of MSG or other preservatives.

The experience at San Sai Japanese Grill is consistently positive, marked by fast service and friendly, helpful staff. This efficiency makes it an ideal spot for a quick lunch, a convenient dinner, or a healthy takeout option. Whether you're a local resident, a student from nearby Caltech, or just passing through the Pasadena area, San Sai Japanese Grill offers a reliable and incredibly satisfying Japanese dining experience that combines quality, flavor, and affordability in a way that truly sets it apart.

San Sai Japanese Grill is conveniently situated at **350 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA**. This prime location places it in the bustling and vibrant South Lake Avenue district of Pasadena, a well-known commercial hub within Los Angeles County. Its presence on South Lake Avenue ensures high visibility and easy access for residents and visitors throughout Pasadena and the wider San Gabriel Valley.

A significant advantage of this location is the **accessibility and convenience it offers for parking**. Being on South Lake Avenue, there are typically various parking options available, including shared plaza parking or nearby public parking facilities. This helps alleviate the common concern of finding parking in a busy urban area, making a visit to San Sai Japanese Grill more seamless.

San Sai Japanese Grill operates on a consistent daily schedule, making it a reliable choice for meals throughout the week. They are open from **11:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, Monday through Sunday**. This expansive operating window allows for both lunch and dinner visits, accommodating various schedules. The restaurant also offers **outdoor seating**, providing a pleasant option for al fresco dining when the weather is favorable. Additionally, for those near the Caltech area, its close proximity makes it an exceptionally convenient and popular spot.

• **Dine-In Service:** Enjoy your meal in a casual and friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options.
• **Takeout/Pickup:** Conveniently order your food for pickup, perfect for quick and fresh meals on the go.
• **Delivery Services:** Available through popular platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, bringing delicious Japanese cuisine directly to your home or office.
• **Grilled Entrees (Plates & Bowls):** Specializes in freshly grilled proteins such as Chicken Teriyaki (thigh and breast options), Steak, Salmon, and Shrimp, often served as plates with rice and signature salads, or as bowls.
• **Sushi & Rolls:** Offers a selection of fresh, made-to-order sushi and various rolls including California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philadelphia Roll, and specialty rolls like Rainbow Roll and Dragon Roll.
• **Signature Gourmet Salads:** Features a range of popular and highly praised salads with homemade dressings, including Oriental Salad, Sumi Salad, and Cucumber Seaweed Salad.
• **Appetizers:** Provides classic Japanese appetizers such as Potstickers, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Edamame, and Tempura (Shrimp & Veggie).
• **Noodle Dishes:** Includes options like Yakisoba with various protein choices (Chicken, Steak, Veggie).
• **Japanese Curry Rice:** Offers savory Japanese curry with options for chicken or steak.
• **Kids Plates:** Features kid-friendly options like grilled chicken or tempura with rice and a choice of egg rolls or potstickers.
• **Catering Services:** Available for small gatherings or large parties, offering trays of popular items like Chicken Teriyaki, Sushi Rolls, and various salads.

• **Authentic & Delicious Teriyaki:** Highly praised for their freshly grilled chicken thigh with an authentic teriyaki sauce blend, often cited as a standout dish.
• **Exceptional Freshness:** Commitment to using fresh ingredients across the menu, from grilled meats to vegetables and sushi.
• **Amazing Signature Salads:** Features gourmet salads with homemade, MSG-free dressings that are frequently lauded by customers.
• **Affordable Pricing:** Offers high-quality Japanese food at incredibly reasonable prices, providing great value for money.
• **Fast and Friendly Service:** Known for quick service and a helpful, amiable staff, making it ideal for efficient dining.
• **Diverse Menu Selection:** Provides a wide variety of choices including grilled plates, bowls, sushi, rolls, appetizers, noodles, and curry, catering to various tastes.
• **Healthy Options:** Offers numerous healthy choices, including lean grilled proteins, fresh salads, and brown rice options.
• **Convenient Location:** Situated on S Lake Ave with good accessibility and parking options.
• **Popular Among Locals & Visitors:** Attracts a loyal customer base, including those visiting nearby institutions like Caltech.

Based on the provided information and public data, San Sai Japanese Grill is particularly notable for its consistent offering of **highly affordable prices** for fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine. A recurring highlight from customers is the value, with specific mentions of the delicious grilled chicken teriyaki plate being available for around $9. This indicates that their pricing structure itself acts as a perpetual "special offer" compared to many other Japanese dining establishments.

While specific, rotating promotions aren't explicitly detailed, their various **combo plates** (e.g., California Roll & Chicken, Tempura & Chicken Plate) and **lunch/dinner bowls** offer complete, satisfying meals at competitive price points. For example, their Chicken Bowl is available for $12.99, including a side salad and rice or miso soup. The restaurant's ethos of providing "fresher, faster, more affordable" meals suggests that value is embedded in their daily operations.

For the most current information on any potential daily specials, seasonal menu additions, or specific deals, it is always recommended for locals to check their website or popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, where their full menu and current pricing are listed. Their extensive catering menu also offers value for larger group orders, allowing for cost-effective Japanese dining for events.

To enjoy the fresh and delicious offerings at San Sai Japanese Grill, you can reach them through the following contact details:

**Address:** 350 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

**Phone:** (626) 683-0900

**Mobile Phone:** +1 626-683-0900

For Californians, especially those residing in Pasadena and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, San Sai Japanese Grill is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining spot. Its core appeal lies in its remarkable ability to deliver **delicious, fresh Japanese cuisine at incredibly affordable prices**, a combination that is increasingly rare in today's culinary landscape. The consistently praised grilled chicken teriyaki and the "amazing" signature salads are just two examples of the quality and value that keep locals coming back.

The fast and friendly service, coupled with a casual and inviting atmosphere, makes San Sai an ideal choice for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal whether you're dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for delivery. Its prime location on South Lake Avenue, with convenient accessibility and parking, further enhances its appeal for busy locals. The wide variety of choices, from grilled plates and bowls to fresh sushi, rolls, and healthy salads, ensures there's something for every preference and dietary need.

San Sai Japanese Grill is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to how quality Japanese food can be made accessible and convenient without compromising on taste or freshness. For any local in California seeking a reliable, delicious, and budget-friendly Japanese meal, San Sai Japanese Grill in Pasadena is a top recommendation and a place that truly represents excellent value and culinary satisfaction.

San Sai Japanese Grill

350 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA