Sushi Karen,

633 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States

"This place is amazing. You are definitely paying for the quality and love put into the fish. You have to call ahead to make a reservation as there is limited seating. I always order only nigiri as I've found it to be the best items on the menu. The rolls and other crispy fried rice dishes aren't as good as what is prepared by the sushi chef. The tempura veggies and shishito peppers are good appetizer choices. The prices are about $5 per piece of nigiri, so just be prepared for that going into it. My top choices in order are: amber jack, scallop, seared salmon, snapper, yellowtail belly, and sweet shrimp. I would highly recommend this place. We bring friends and family whenever they visit and warn them that it ruins your sushi expectations. I will always come back here when in the area."

"What a great sushi spot for some quality fish! The restaurant itself could use a little bit of loving, but I loved all the sushi that I was served."

"Never did we expected Sushi Karen was actually an authentic mom&pop sushi restaurant. For such a tiny restaurant (max 14 seatings), ALL sashimi, sushi and tempura dishes were excellent; fresh and deliciously seasoned/ prepared. We've tried MANY sushi places over the years in SoCal, this is by far one of the better restaurant for serving very fresh raw seafood (a must for sushi/sashimi). This is a gem for sushi lovers. We're happy to have found this place and highly recommend it. Lastly, due to such limited seating, call & reserve ahead of time. Pictures included 2 different types of sea bream carpaccio, uni, Spanish mackerel, shrimp & vege tempura, scallop, unagi and spider roll. We shall return!"

"I was looking for a new sushi spot in Pasadena and saw this had a perfect score, so I went and checked it out. The booths are separated by separator stands so you’ll have a feeling of a little more privacy with your guests. I ordered the salmon skin salad, soft shell crab appetizer, blue crab roll, salmon belly sashimi and uni. The salmon skin salad was definitely one of the best versions I’ve had, solid dressing and just the right amount of salmon skin. The blue crab roll was also good, hoping it was a little warmed up but still delicious. The salmon belly was top quality and the flavor was on point. The uni was delicious and on point. Lastly the soft shell crab appetizer was definitely good. Overall it was a great meal, but the price was definitely up there. $15 for one piece of uni is pricey but at least it was that good, I think two pieces would of been more reasonable. I definitely recommend this spot but the price is a lot higher compared to other restaurants. The quality of sushi is definitely top notch. Now parking is limited to the plaza and streets which isn’t that bad."

"Absolutely fantastic. This place does sushi right. Thick cuts of fish. Quality all the way around. Not cheap but priced very well for the quality. Non-sushi menu items from the kitchen were also executed fantastically. Toro, salmon, and eel sushi were favorites of the night. Interior is small but cozy. Staff poised and friendly. This restaurant will definitely remain as a favorite to go to."