Japon Bistro

Sea Urchin – Uni, and Halibut – Hirame

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.

What to Order: Black Cod
What not to Order:

Rating
0 pigs, $$

Japon Bistro
927 E Colorado Blvd, #102
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 744-1751
www.japonbistro-pasadena.com

One of their specialty rolls.

Their Pasadena Roll. Large amount of roe.

Broiled Chilean Sea Bass

Black Cod.

Seafood Noodles. A bit of the Chinese influence

Tempura. You can’t really go wrong with Tempura

Seafood Salad

The huge chilled Sake we had.

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