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ZipPicks Awards
Best Luxury Dining Japanese in Pasadena
Best Instagram Worthy Sushi in Pasadena
Best Business Lunch Japanese in Pasadena
Best Date Night Sushi in Pasadena
Best Japanese in Pasadena
Best Sushi in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi
8.6
Since 2013, Chef Shigefumi Tachibe's family-owned restaurant has earned acclaim for both its premium shabu-shabu featuring Saga wagyu beef and its seasonal omakase. Jonathan Gold praised it as an 'izakaya-plus' with fish selections rivaling Japan's best.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase Sushi, Saga Beef Shabu-Shabu, Shishito Tempura Stuffed Spicy Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Creator of the original tuna tartare, per Chef Tachibe
Who should go: Groups wanting both sushi and hot pot options
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the shokado bento experience
What to order: Premium omakase, Saga beef shabu-shabu, king salmon ceviche
Insider tip: Reserve a week ahead for inside seating during peak times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Multiple structures nearby including free 90-min parking at Paseo Colorado with validation, street parking limited after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual recommended, upscale casual acceptable for shabu-shabu tables
Noise level: Moderate - comfortable for conversation, livelier near shabu-shabu tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable shabu-shabu option, multiple sushi rolls and appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable shabu-shabu can be made vegan, 3-4 sushi options
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, shabu-shabu without udon, gluten-free soy sauce available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - shabu-shabu creates interactive dining experience that breaks the ice, quieter sushi bar for intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, dinner walk-ins possible at sushi bar only (6-8 seats), shabu-shabu tables require reservation
Is it kid-friendly? Very accommodating - shabu-shabu engaging for kids 7+, children's portions available, high chairs provided
Best For
Better for: Superior wagyu quality compared to chain shabu-shabu spots, fresher fish than most Pasadena Japanese restaurants, unique combo of premium hot pot and omakase under one roof
Skip if: Want quick casual sushi rolls under $15, prefer all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu value pricing, or need large party space for 10+
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:30am - 2:15pm, 5pm - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 2:15pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 2:15pm, 5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 2:15pm, 5pm - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 2:15pm, 5pm - 9pm