Japon Bistro Pasadena 91106 | 80 FoodDigger Rating

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thirstypig | Blogger Favorite Cuisine: Chinese,Japanese 75 Reviews

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User Restaurant Rating 71

3/7/2010 Japon Bistro, yes - with an "O", is located in the heart of Pasadena off of Colorado near Lake. Pasadena features a one of most diverse collection of Japanese restaurants around, and is up there with the South Bay, Little Tokyo, and Sawtelle. With Shaab, Hurry Curry, Shiro, Gyu-Kaku and others, Japon Bistro draws a crowd almost every night.

Yet, being popular may not equate to being great Japanese food. In the US, and especially in Los Angeles, Japanese food is turning into less of a specialty ethnic cuisine and more of a popularized fare. Yet, I know I am being a snob when I say this, but I doubt non-Japanese could make quality Japanese food, such is the case with Japon Bistro.

Owned by Chinese, I felt that with the majority Caucasian clientele, I felt that Japon Bistro had crossed over (with their menu) to cater toward this American palate. But I realized that most ethnic restaurants had to do the same with their locally sourced ingredients. But that still doesn't deter my feeling toward Japon Bistro.

I wasn't to particularly satisfied with the rolls and the sushi selection that we had. The massive specialty rolls, which is great for groups, but not my cup of tea, is just a fun event. Though I wasn't all that happy with the uni - sea urchin. It lacked sort of the taste I am used to at Sushi Gin in DTLA.

But I did like the broiled black cod and the broiled Chilean Sea Bass. Both of these fish had good taste. I usually order the black cod when I am having izakaya.

Anyways. . . I didn't pick Japon Bistro, but we needed a place for our large group. At least the Sake was good. Japaon Bistro has one of the large selection of Sake's that I have ever seen. Read more from their blog Recommended Dishes Black Cod

LAOCfoodie Favorite Cuisine: Chinese,Mediterranean 54 Reviews

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User Restaurant Rating 89

Intersection of traditional & modern 7/29/2009 A fairly classy and respectable Japanese restaurant in an unlikely spot (on Colorado slightly East of Lake, one might've mistaken this for a strip mall sushi joint until looking at the menu prices & selections.)

Having been here several times before (though not in the recent past), I came here yesterday after finding out they were doing a special with Restaurant.com and splitted several dishes with my dining companion, including:

Sushi - it runs a nice gamut from traditional nigiri, modernized versions (kampachi with a sweet & aromatic yuzu glaze, for example) and "the rolls". We share a few nigiri and had a Phil's Chow Roll (with ribeye steak, avocado, radish and cucumber) -- all were good, we were particularly impressed with the bluefin toro (though it's $15 for 2 pieces, ouch!) and the kampachi (super clean and light, love the highlight from the yuzu)

Entree - for entree we shared an "Ocean's delight" black cod and seabass filets in different miso marinades served with traditional Japanese veggies (etc. gobo, lotus roots) a tad on the sweet side but nicely cooked overall, the black cod was tender-firm while the seabass was soft and buttery. The standard sides (salad with peanut dressing, miso soup, rice) were decent as well.

For 5 nigiri orders (include 2 toros), a shared roll and entree -- our bill came to around $100, a tad pricey but worth it. And I don't even have to put up with that crazy waittime of Sushi Gen. And I totally wouldn't mind swinging by here for a weekday lunch, with their much more affordable $10 bento boxes! Recommended Dishes Tonight's Special board, bluefin toro , kampachi sushi

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Japon Bistro

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