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South Pasadena locals mix it up with Japanese small plates, fresh fish specials and imaginative rolls at this congenial sushi spot.
(626) 389-8592
181 East Glenarm St
Pasadena,
CA
91105
34.1276
-118.1462
Neighborhood: South Pasadena
Hours:
Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am - 2:30pm
Dinner Mon-Sun 5:30pm - 10pm
Happy Hour Mon - Fri 5:30pm - 7pm
Last updated 6.17.10
Category:
Payment Methods:
Carte Blanche, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Carry Out, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About Oba Sushi Izakaya
The Owner
Oba Sushi Izakaya
Owner
Oba Sushi Izakaya is a restaurant where great food and exceptional service come together as one. The menu consists of traditional sushi highlighted by contemporary Japanese cuisine. The management team consists of women and men with a combined thirty years of experience in the food service industry. Our staff prides itself on making your time with us unforgettable, pleasurable, and delectable. . Our efforts will always focus on providing the highest quality seafood at the most accessible pricesThe concept is a casual yet hip family-friendly setting. Value sensitive neighbors can enjoy a drink…
Featured Review
Martha Burr
Contributor
Unlike many other fancy sushi spots that have despotic rules and codes about how to eat raw fish, this is one of the most congenial Japanese places around. (After all, it is izakaya, which by definition is an informal Japanese pub serving food and drink.) Its cool glass walls, smooth pine furniture and friendly staff hosts a relaxed atmosphere where groups of SoPas friends and families gather for lunch, dinner or casual parties. Prices here are great, with most izakaya small plates like stuffed shitake mushroom and fried calamari between $3 and $6, and entrees including sashimi combos, salmon…
Editor's Tips
- What to Drink:
- A far-ranging, reasonably priced sake selection includes Daichi No Kaze and Zuikan. There's also Japanese shochu and Japanese beer including Echigo, Yehisu and Hitachino red rice ale.
- Save Money:
- Happy Hour runs Mon-Fri from 5:30pm to 7:00pm with discounts on drinks and specialty rolls.
- Know Before You Go:
- With a super-friendly staff (many formerly from the Pasadena fave Sushi of Naples) this is one of the more kid-friendly sushi spots around; while there's no Americanized kids menu, little ones enjoy popcorn shrimp tempura, edamame, grilled chicken skewers and the unique chimpanzee roll made with fresh water eel and banana.
| drinks | 100.0% positive |
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|---|---|---|
| food quality | 100.0% positive |
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| menu variety | 100.0% positive |
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| service | 100.0% positive |
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03/12/10
Won't be disappointed. Good place to eat !!!
by gsanders9 at Citysearch
It is a bit far for me, but my sister loves the place and their good combo and eil sushi. Super cool and friendly sushi place. The guy there has the best technique I have ever seen to make sushi.
They also understand people like good sauces. So besides the traditional soy sauce, they leave the ever
so delicious ponzu sauce on the bar. They also leave jars of spicy mayo, ginger and wasabi so
you're not forced to keep asking for more. You have to try the Dynamite. SPICY or REGULAR.
You can take the whole family to a dinner too.
- Pros: Excellent, no waiting time, always fresh food
11/28/08
Best Sushi in Pasadena
by nrjope at Citysearch
This place is exceptional, second only to Sushi Nozawa. As all you sushi connoisseurs know, that is a true honor. Chef Alfonso is a true artist; I highly recommend sitting at the sushi bar and watch him work his magic. Ask Alfonso for recommendations; he will not disappoint. Unlike most sushi places that operate on a budget at the fish market, owner Kunche gives him carte blanche to pick the very best. The staff are also very friendly and inviting, and make you feel immediately at home.
- Pros: service, food
- Cons: location
10/17/08
Fantastic sushi place without going to Old town Pasadena.
by lachica74 at Citysearch
there is a 15% off coupon on the citysearch page, offer ends 11/28/08. Great incentive to try this place. You will not be disappointed!
Location is in South Pasadena. Fair Oaks Ave/Glen Arm.
The service at OBA was very friendly, waitress very knowledgeable regarding menu and recommendations, the restaurant has an area where you can watch sports and another area for a more quiet dinner. I have two small children, perfect environment to take kids. The restaurant decor is simple, clean, modern. This is no dump or "hole in the wall". Dress is casual. Great place to take friends that don't want to get dressed up. Perfect for all ages.
I love the concept of "pub" or "tapas" like style, you can try a variety of food. Portions are fair. The food is very tender, full of flavor, high quality fish and freshness.
I had an Echigo beer, never had one, but was recommended. Delicious, smooth.
Things I tried... Miso soup: super chunky tofu, large portions of green onions/seaweed. Miso glazed cod: by far my favorite, tender, tender, tender, superb! Stuffed shiitake mushroom: pops with flavor, with slight crunchiness. Asian short rib: must have! The best special roll to try is the TNT roll.
I love that I live nearby. This has been my perfect friday/saturday dinner spot.
- Pros: Tons of variety, great beer selection, casual environment, no valet parking, coupon
- Cons: Haven't had a bad experience
08/27/08
Great Sushi Super Friendly Perfectly Priced
by wifeandmommyof2 at Citysearch
Visited for the first time over the weekend. Kunche, the owner is super friendly and made us feel so welcomed. Loved the appetizers. Albacore w/ garlic and soy was my favorite! This is definetely a word of mouth place as they are in a plaza that I didn't even know existed - and I'm from the area. Although the main entrees weren't bad - I would definitely stick to the sushi & sashimi.
- Pros: friendly service
- Cons: sushi is better than the entrees
06/10/08
YUM! Fresh sushi, delicious food, good sake and friendly service.
by stacycats at Citysearch
We were very pleased when Oba opened. We'd been looking for a new sushi restaurant since the decline of our favorite place. This is now our sushi place. I agree 100% with awabi's review. The only thing omitted was mention of the warm and friendly service. Eating here has turned into a weekly habit. Give it a try. You won't be sorry.
The Details on Oba Sushi Izakaya
Place Categories:
- fresh eil sushi
- friendly service
- favorite place
- loves good combo
- favorite traditional japanese beer
- very friendly staff
- loved appetizers
- not like other places
- fresh fish
- perfect fridaysaturday dinner spot
- favorite echigo
- best izakaya
- best special roll
- best technique
- good sake
- perfect environment
- delicious ponzu sauce
- perfect quality
- perfect quantity
- not bad main entrees
- cool super
- delicious food
- super friendly owner
- good sauces
Message from Oba Sushi Izakaya
- Traditional Sushi Bar
- Teriyaki Tempura
- Happy Hour
Oba Sushi Izakaya is a restaurant where great food and exceptional service come together as one. The menu consists of traditional sushi highlighted by contemporary Japanese cuisine. The management team consists of women and men with a combined thirty years of experience in the food service industry.
Our staff prides itself on making your time with us unforgettable, pleasurable, and delectable. . Our efforts will always focus on providing the highest quality seafood at the most accessible prices
The concept is a casual yet hip family-friendly setting. Value sensitive neighbors can enjoy a drink or an authentic Japanese meal in the comfort of their own neighborhood with so much as a cab ride or a quick stroll down the street. Oba Sushi Izakaya is at the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena.
