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ZipPicks Awards
Best Luxury Dining Japanese in Pasadena
Best Business Lunch Japanese in Pasadena
Best Japanese in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
Tokyo Wako
7.8
Established in 1988, this teppanyaki specialist offers tableside theater alongside a full sushi bar featuring innovative rolls and traditional nigiri. The elevated location provides views over El Paseo while skilled chefs perform the signature 'volcano' fried rice show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon Teppanyaki, Beef Sashimi with Yuzu, Pocky Ball
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Teppanyaki tables with chef performances and El Paseo views
Who should go: Large groups and celebration parties
When to visit: Weekend dinner for the full teppanyaki show
What to order: Filet mignon teppanyaki, specialty rolls, beef sashimi
Insider tip: Request the 'volcano' performance at your teppanyaki table
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage under building $8 flat rate evenings, street meters until 8pm, valet available Friday-Saturday $15
Dress code: Business casual to dressy, avoid shorts and flip-flops, many diners in date-night attire
Noise level: Lively but manageable - teppanyaki tables are energetic, sushi bar quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially for teppanyaki tables
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10 minutes, business crowd clears by 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable teppanyaki, veggie rolls, tempura options, tofu teriyaki
Vegan options: Limited - vegetable rolls without mayo, edamame, seaweed salad, specify no egg in fried rice
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - tamari available, but cross-contamination risk at teppanyaki tables
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the teppanyaki show creates fun shared experience but limits intimate conversation. Sushi bar offers more privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sushi bar usually has openings, but teppanyaki tables book solid Thursday-Saturday. Call ahead or expect significant wait for hibachi seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 5+ who enjoy the fire show. High chairs available, kids menu with teriyaki options. Earlier seating (5:30-6:30pm) more family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: More polished teppanyaki experience than Benihana with better quality beef, plus full sushi program unlike pure hibachi spots
Skip if: You want authentic omakase or quiet atmosphere - try Sushi Kimagure for serious sushi or Nobu for upscale Japanese without the show
Hours
Monday12pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 9pm
Saturday12pm - 9pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm