SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Introduce
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For discerning Californians with a passion for authentic and high-quality sushi, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa in Pasadena stands as a celebrated institution. This renowned sushi establishment, stemming from the legendary Sushi Nozawa, has cultivated a devoted following by adhering to a philosophy of simplicity, exceptional freshness, and traditional preparation. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience designed to highlight the purity and nuanced flavors of expertly prepared fish.
SUGARFISH has become a benchmark for sushi excellence, offering a streamlined yet profoundly satisfying dining journey. Their commitment to serving impeccably fresh fish and perfectly prepared rice, often still warm, sets them apart. If you're looking for a sushi experience that prioritizes quality and tradition, SUGARFISH in Pasadena is a must-visit.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is conveniently located at 146 S Lake Ave #108, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA. This prime spot on South Lake Avenue places it within a vibrant and easily accessible district of Pasadena. While SUGARFISH locations typically do not take reservations, which can lead to a wait, the Pasadena location offers a distinct advantage: a nice courtyard where you can comfortably wait for your table, enhancing the overall experience. For parking, there's a paid parking garage directly behind the restaurant, accessible via Shoppers Lane, which offers validation for the first two hours. Additionally, for those willing to walk a short distance, free street parking can often be found on nearby Green Street or Cordova Street, making a visit to SUGARFISH remarkably convenient for local diners.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa focuses on providing a refined and traditional sushi experience, emphasizing the quality of ingredients and the craft of preparation. Here’s what you can expect:
- "Trust Me" Omakase Menus: The signature offering at SUGARFISH is their "Trust Me" menu, a curated omakase experience that allows diners to entrust their meal to the chef. Options include "Trust Me" ($30 lunch/$35 dinner), "The Nozawa Trust Me" ($39 lunch/$46 dinner), and "Don't Think. Just Eat." ($59), which is the most comprehensive option, typically featuring a sashimi course, seven orders of nigiri, and two hand rolls.
- Exceptional Quality Sushi and Sashimi: The restaurant prides itself on serving incredibly fresh and flavorful fish. Highlights from customer reviews include Tuna Sashimi with ponzu and chives, Albacore Sushi with ponzu and chives, Salmon Sushi with toasted sesame, and melt-in-your-mouth Toro Hand Rolls. Other praised pieces include Lobster Sushi, Eel, Japanese Yellowtail Sushi with lemon, Chutoro Sushi, New Zealand Sea Bream Sushi with citrus salt, and Hirame Sushi with yuzu ponzu.
- Signature Hand Rolls: SUGARFISH is particularly famous for its hand rolls, prepared "Nozawa-style" with warm, loose rice and crispy nori. The Blue and Dungeness Crab Hand Rolls are a consistent favorite.
- Individual Sushi Orders: While the "Trust Me" menus are highly recommended, guests can also order individual pieces of nigiri, sashimi, and cut rolls, allowing for a customized experience. Available options include Albacore, Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Scallop, and more.
- Takeout Options: SUGARFISH offers thoughtfully packaged takeout boxes, which are popular for their convenience and quality. These boxes come with a "sauce guide" to ensure the at-home experience matches the in-restaurant standard, highlighting their commitment to quality even for off-premise dining.
- Beverage Selection: To complement the sushi, they offer a selection of beer (Sapporo), sake (including Nozawa Super Dry Sake), and wine (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc).
- Dine-In Experience: The restaurant provides a clean, cute, and well-maintained environment that enhances the dining experience, with a focus on attentive and amazing service.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is celebrated for several distinctive features that make it a premier sushi destination:
- Unwavering Commitment to Freshness: The most frequently praised aspect is the exceptional freshness of their fish, which is paramount to the SUGARFISH philosophy. This dedication ensures each bite is incredibly flavorful.
- Masterful Rice Preparation: Sushi Nozawa is known for its signature warm, loosely packed rice, which is made in small batches and refreshed frequently. This attention to detail elevates the entire sushi experience.
- Streamlined "Trust Me" Menu: The omakase-style "Trust Me" menus simplify ordering and guide diners through a curated selection of their best offerings, providing a cohesive and satisfying meal.
- Impeccable Service: Customers consistently laud the attentive, professional, and friendly staff. Reviewers often highlight specific servers for their excellent care, contributing significantly to a positive dining experience.
- Cute and Clean Ambiance: The restaurant maintains a clean, well-kept, and aesthetically pleasing environment, including well-maintained restrooms, which adds to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the meal.
- Thoughtful Takeout Packaging: For those opting for takeout, the "cute" and functional packaging, complete with a sauce guide, ensures the quality of the SUGARFISH experience can be enjoyed at home.
- Courtyard Waiting Area: While there can be waits due to their no-reservation policy, the Pasadena location offers a pleasant courtyard for waiting, making the standby more comfortable.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa does not typically offer traditional "Happy Hour" promotions or widespread discounts like many other restaurants. Their pricing strategy is generally consistent with the premium quality of their ingredients and the experience they provide. However, they do have a notable loyalty program:
- Birthday Club: SUGARFISH offers a "Birthday Trust Me" gift to loyal customers. To be eligible, guests need to register and complete their profile, then check in at the restaurant on at least two separate occasions (at least 7 days before their birthday). The gift, a complimentary "Trust Me" menu, is valid on the actual day of the birthday for dine-in only.
It’s always best to check their official website or inquire directly for any specific limited-time offers or updates to their loyalty program.
To indulge in the exquisite sushi at SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa in Pasadena, here's how to reach them:
- Address: 146 S Lake Ave #108, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
- Phone: (626) 298-8386
For residents across California, and particularly those in the greater Pasadena area, SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa represents a premier destination for a high-quality sushi experience. Its philosophy of "Don't Think. Just Eat." simplifies the dining process, allowing patrons to fully immerse themselves in the expertly prepared, fresh, and flavorful sushi. The convenient Pasadena location on South Lake Avenue, coupled with thoughtful parking solutions, ensures accessibility for local diners.
The dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect, from the consistently praised freshness of the fish and the signature warm rice to the exceptionally attentive service. While there might be a wait, the comfortable courtyard waiting area at the Pasadena location makes it a more pleasant experience. For celebrating special occasions, enjoying a sophisticated meal, or simply treating yourself to top-tier sushi, SUGARFISH offers a reliable and deeply satisfying culinary journey that resonates with the discerning palates of California locals.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Photos










SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Location
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
146 S Lake Ave #108, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa Reviews
Sugarfish is always a solid choice. They don't take reservations so there is always a bit of a wait but the Pasadena location is great because there is a nice courtyard you can wait in! We did take out today and their take out box is so cute too! Fresh sushi and they have a little sauce guide on the box. There is a paid parking garage right behind the restaurant but you can find free street parking on green street or cordova if you're willing to walk a little
Apr 26, 2025 · Sam LeeWe 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 : 4.72Food 4.8/5Service 4.8/5Price 4.6/5Ambiance 4.6/5Cleanliness 4.8/5
Nov 06, 2024 · S HThis 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.
Jun 08, 2024 · Laurie ZabalaWent here for lunch with my sister and everything was amazing. We each got the regular "Trust Me" menu and added a couple limited items. The fish was so fresh and delicate, it melts in your mouth. The rice was the perfect texture and temperature, and delicately seasoned. I like the way they bring things out one or two at a time so that each one is super freshly made. The yellowtail was sublime, and the halibut was surprisingly good (don't think I've ever had that before). The hand rolls are smaller than I'm used to, but it worked - it was a better balance of rice, fish and crunchy seaweed than the typical cone shaped ones. The extras we got were ankimo (monkfish liver) and ikura (salmon roe), which were also both amazing.
Feb 23, 2025 · Rachel LovingerFor 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.
Jul 18, 2024 · Wes L
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