Oba Sushi Izakaya
Categories:
Details:
Bar Scene, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar, Family-Friendly Dining, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Prix Fixe Menu
Message from Oba Sushi Izakaya
Oba Sushi Izakaya is a restaurant where great food and exceptional service come together as one. The menu consists of traditional sushi highlighted by contemporary Japanese cuisine. The management team consists of women and men with a combined thirty years of experience in the food service industry. Our staff prides itself on making your time with us unforgettable, pleasurable, and delectable. . Our efforts will always focus on providing the highest quality seafood at the most accessible prices The concept is a casual yet hip family-friendly setting. Value sensitive neighbors can enjoy a drink or an authentic Japanese meal in the comfort of their own neighborhood with so much as a cab ride or a quick stroll down the street. Oba Sushi Izakaya is at the border of Pasadena and South Pasadena.
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortUnlike 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.
Key Points
- Traditional Sushi Bar
- Teriyaki Tempura
- Happy Hour
The Inside Scoop
- Know Before You Go - With a super-friendly staff (many formerly from the Pasadena fave Sushi of Naples) this is one of the more kid-friendly sushi spots around; while there's no Americanized kids menu, little ones enjoy popcorn shrimp tempura, edamame, grilled chicken skewers and the unique chimpanzee roll made with fresh water eel and banana.
- What to Drink - A far-ranging, reasonably priced sake selection includes Daichi No Kaze and Zuikan. There's also Japanese shochu and Japanese beer including Echigo, Yehisu and Hitachino red rice ale.
- Save Money - Happy Hour runs Mon-Fri from 5:30pm to 7:00pm with discounts on drinks and specialty rolls.
Insider Pages Reviews for Oba Sushi Izakaya
The sushi here is delicious. I want to say sushi is one of my favorite things, and this place is one of my favorite places to go to. I love coming here every time i go home
Posted 12/15/08 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
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
Posted 11/27/08
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
Posted 10/16/08
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
Posted 08/26/08
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.
Posted 06/09/08
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!
Posted 05/10/08