Reviews & Ratings for Oba Sushi Izakaya

03/12/10

Won't be disappointed. Good place to eat !!!

by gsanders9

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

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

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

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

Citysearch Editorial Review

by Martha Burr

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 teriyaki and shrimp tempura all under $15. A daily handpicked fish selection ranges from amberjack to engawa (halibut fin), and out of 17 sumptuous rolls the Volcano--with spicy tuna, avocado and rock shrimp--is the favorite.

06/10/08

YUM! Fresh sushi, delicious food, good sake and friendly service.

by stacycats

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.

05/11/08

Best sushi and izakaya place ever!

by awabi

If you are looking for a place for fresh fish and sushi, this is the place. From their tuna, tempura, teriyaki to their california roll everything is prepared and served fresh. Their tempura is crunchy with not too much batter. Not like other places, where they have heavy and thick batter. Oba's quality and quantity is perfect! The izakaya is like a tapas appetizer portion kind of food, they have all sorts of variety and always something new and interesting to try. I have been there twice in one week. Not one disappointment yet. They also have my favorite beer, echigo, a traditional japanese beer which comes straight from japan. Try it. O my! all i can say is go try it out and you'll love it. I did and i love it. I am sure going back again and again and again!