I went to Sushi Roku in Pasadena expecting another trendy sushi spot, but the mix of fresh fish, modern flavors, and a lively yet comfortable vibe made the night stand out. Curious why the place stays busy, I spoke with a regular as well as a waiter to see why people are coming back.
Tucked in a little alley, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Old Town Pasadena, sits a quiet sushi restaurant that transports you to Japan. Once you enter their doors, you are met by a smiling hostess, welcoming wait staff, and a colorful array of seafood at the sushi bar. But one of the most notable aspects of this local hotspot is the ambiance.
Once you enter the main dining room, you are greeted with an interesting group of customers: a few couples on dates, some executives grabbing drinks after a long work week, and the obvious regulars who decided to go out for a night by themselves, chatting with the four chefs working at the sushi bar.
The soft noise of subtle conversations, met with the sound of classical music, creates a beautiful melody that heals the soul. The earthy tones, modern art, and a mix of industrial construction with shrubs and mini rock formations throughout Roku create a beautiful environment to spend an evening in.
Soon after you are seated, a member of Roku’s amazing wait staff will get your drink order and make some quick conversation with you. The waitress recommends that all new customers try either the brussel sprouts that are fried in sesame oil and cooked in panko, or the spicy edamame that has a mountain of garlic piled on top of the warm chili. According to her, the most ordered items on the concise menu are either their fresh signature rolls, especially the sockeye tuna, A5 wagyu, or “anything with truffle.”
Their seasonal menu is based on the traditional Japanese core cooking concepts with a modern “fusion” twist. But if you hope to test out this delicious cuisine (especially on a Friday or Saturday), make a reservation because wait time for a table can be well over an hour.
Annie Fung, a local pediatrician and Roku regular, said that she keeps coming back because of the consistently great quality and the calm vibe that allows her to recharge after a 12-hour shift. Fung’s “go-to” order is the baked crab roll and two toro hand rolls. She loves how attentive the staff is, without constantly hovering. The only thing that she doesn’t love is the pricing; it can be a little expensive for the size of portions.
This spot is a must-try for anyone who loves good food, a cozy atmosphere, and has a couple of extra bucks to spend. From personal experience, if you’re planning on sticking to entreés, expect to pay $130-$150, but if you want the “Roku experience,” expect a bill over $200.
Once you’ve finished your delicious meal, don’t be afraid to pair it with a sweet treat at the local Gelato shop “Bacio Di Latte” or a scoop at “Salt & Straw.”
No matter if you’re on a date, celebrating a birthday, or shopping along Colorado Boulevard, Sushi Roku is the right place for you.
