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We went there for a business luncheon and were pleasantly surprised. I prefer to eat just sushi, but opted for a bento box for simplicity, getting the broiled saba, tuna sushi, and tempura: all... More
We went there for a business luncheon and were pleasantly surprised. I prefer to eat just sushi, but opted for a bento box for simplicity, getting the broiled saba, tuna sushi, and tempura: all were delicious. The size of the meal was just right and the price was reasonable for lunch. I wish I had ordered more sushi, b/c the tuna was delicious. We ordered a "saba sushi" which comes on a special vinegar rice. It was delicious as well. The tempura was very crispy and delicious. I couldn't say one bad thing about our meal.
The only cons I have is that service can a be a little on the slow side so don't go there if you're rushed. Service seemed to be slow though b/c every table in the place was taken. Be sure to call ahead of time to make reservations.
I'm going to Matsuri again tonight with some friends and would definitely recommend it to others. This place is a hidden gem in Pasadena.
Pros: Good food!
Cons: Slower service, a little pricy for dinner
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Being picky, being Japanese American, I must say this is the best in Pasadena. By far, my favorite place to go for sushi. Been eating there for a number of years and never been let down.
Being picky, being Japanese American, I must say this is the best in Pasadena. By far, my favorite place to go for sushi. Been eating there for a number of years and never been let down.
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This restaurant doesn't have "ee-sakana no I-tame", in japanese it mean good quality of fish. The fish is dry, doesn't have any juice left on nigiri, the rice doesn't taste like it suppose too... More
This restaurant doesn't have "ee-sakana no I-tame", in japanese it mean good quality of fish. The fish is dry, doesn't have any juice left on nigiri, the rice doesn't taste like it suppose too instead it is too dry. I also didn't like the sake that cost $300.00 per bottle. I would like to ask anyone who would dare enough to buy a $300.00 worth of sake and eat their sushi?
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Best quality sushi in Pasadena by far!! We have eaten at the majority of sushi establishments in Pasadena and always find ourselves going back to Matsuri. This a family owned traditional Japanese... More
Best quality sushi in Pasadena by far!! We have eaten at the majority of sushi establishments in Pasadena and always find ourselves going back to Matsuri. This a family owned traditional Japanese restaurant with the most gracious staff. Excellent parking also in the back. Highly recomended!!!
Pros: all-around great restaurant
Cons: none
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My wife is Japanese, and she's been to all the Japanese restaurants in the Pasadena area (including the really expensive ones), but this is her favorite. Understand: 1) it's not glitzy, and 2)... More
My wife is Japanese, and she's been to all the Japanese restaurants in the Pasadena area (including the really expensive ones), but this is her favorite. Understand: 1) it's not glitzy, and 2) prices are reasonable. If you are impressed by funky fusion decor, or have to pour soy sauce on your rice, go somewhere else. I didn't give it 5 stars because to me World Class means one of those money-is-no-object places where rich people go. Still, Matsuri is solid.
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On April 2007, my friends and I, 6 of us, went to Matsuri to try out their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura and their Teryaki Beef w/Tempura for dinner. We always like to go to different Japanese... More
On April 2007, my friends and I, 6 of us, went to Matsuri to try out their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura and their Teryaki Beef w/Tempura for dinner. We always like to go to different Japanese Restaurants to try out their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura, Teryaki Beef w/Tempura, and sushi/sashimi. When we walked in, one of the Matsuri staff picked up the drumsticks and started striking the Japanese Taiko drum. All the Matsuri staff greeted us and smiled at us, they were very hospitable. We ordered their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura & their Teryaki Beef w/Tempura, 3 of us also ordered some sushi/sashimi. Our orders were ready in 12 minutes. Our orders came with miso soup(our ratings: average), salad(our ratings: recommended), potato salad(our ratings: below average, it was a little bit bland), slice of honeydew melon(our ratings: average), teryaki chicken or teryaki beef(our ratings: below average, the teryaki sauce tasted fishy), rice(our ratings: average), and shrimp & vegetable tempura(our ratings: below average, tempura sauce was bland). My friends said that the sushi/sashimi were delicious. The service was great. When I accidentally dropped my chopsticks, I didn't even ask the waiter to get me new chopsticks, the waiter immediately gave me new chopsticks and bowed to me. For dinner, expect to spend about $12.50 - $18.00 per person. After we ate, paid for our dinner, stood up, and walked toward the exit, all the Matsuri staff said goodbye and smiled at us. If you are looking for great service, hospitality, delicious sushi/sashimi, and want to hear the Japanese Taiko drum, then I would highly recommend Matsuri.
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On April 2007, my friends and I, 6 of us, went to Matsuri to try out their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura and their Teryaki Beef w/Tempura for dinner. We always like to go to different Japanese... More
On April 2007, my friends and I, 6 of us, went to Matsuri to try out their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura and their Teryaki Beef w/Tempura for dinner. We always like to go to different Japanese Restaurants to try out their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura, Teryaki Beef w/Tempura, and sushi/sashimi. When we walked in, one of the Matsuri staff picked up the drumsticks and started striking the Japanese Taiko drum. All the Matsuri staff greeted us and smiled at us, they were very hospitable. We ordered their Teryaki Chicken w/Tempura & their Teryaki Beef w/Tempura, 3 of us also ordered some sushi/sashimi. Our orders were ready in 12 minutes. Our orders came with miso soup(our ratings: average), salad(our ratings: recommended), potato salad(our ratings: below average, it was alittle bit bland), slice of honeydew melon(our ratings: average), teryaki chicken or teryaki beef(our ratings: below average, the teryaki sauce tasted fishy), rice(our ratings: average), and shrimp & vegetable tempura(our ratings: below average, tempura sauce was bland). My friends said that the sushi/sashimi were delicious. The service was great. When I accidentally dropped my chopsticks, I didn't even ask the waiter to get me new chopsticks, the waiter immediately gave me new chopsticks and bowed to me. For dinner, expect to spend about $12.50 - $18.00 per person. After we ate, paid for our dinner, stood up, and walked toward the exit, all the Matsuri staff said goodbye and smiled at us. If you are looking for great service, hospitality, delicious sushi/sashimi, and want to hear the Japanese Taiko drum, then I would highly recommend Matsuri.
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We just moved to Pasadena and stumbled on this neighborhood Japanese restaurant. Owned by a family with the mother/father running the front of the house and the two brothers behind the sushi bar,... More
We just moved to Pasadena and stumbled on this neighborhood Japanese restaurant. Owned by a family with the mother/father running the front of the house and the two brothers behind the sushi bar, it's a great place if you go there for the food. We've only been here for 5 weeks and we've been back 5 times. It has the freshest fish and if you're out for adventure, ask the brothers to recommend something - since everything they seem to recommend is oustanding. Sit at the bar and converse amongst other regulars.
"Sometimes we want to go where everybody knows our name."
Pros: fresh fish, friendly neighborhood feel
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My family, 4 of us, visited Matsuri on an August Monday night and it was a quiet night. Since we came for the sushi, we sat at the sushi bar and enjoyed their specials. The sushi/sashimi was real... More
My family, 4 of us, visited Matsuri on an August Monday night and it was a quiet night. Since we came for the sushi, we sat at the sushi bar and enjoyed their specials. The sushi/sashimi was real fresh and they offered some that I've never even tried before (I thought I've eaten them all). The friendly chefs are brothers and conversed with us and other patrons, making us very comfortable. Their soba was great as well, the noodle was tender yet bouncy in the mouth.
Pros: great sushi shasimi, creative selection
Cons: had sports channel on TV so some patrons got noisy
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Sit at the bar or restaurant side. Parking in back. Busy at lunchtime serving delicious bento boxes. Their specials are worth trying with almond crusted tempura shrimp, Aji tuna, live shrimp, and... More
Sit at the bar or restaurant side. Parking in back. Busy at lunchtime serving delicious bento boxes. Their specials are worth trying with almond crusted tempura shrimp, Aji tuna, live shrimp, and more exotic things than the printed menu. If you want it, just ask and they probably have it. The baked VOLCANO roll is the best. even non-sushi people will love this roll with green onions, browned scallops and a delcious sauce. Octopus puffs arrive hot and are a bargain. They always bang a drum when you walk in to welcome you.
PROS: variety, quality, hospitality
CONS: not trendy but very clean
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