What to REALLY order at Sushi Roku Pasadena

Sushi Roku Pasadena is probably a place you’ve been for happy hour. The indoor/outdoor lounge space offers nice daylight when you want it and dark secluded corners when you don’t. Now I like a Crispy Rice Roll as much as the next person, but this article is about what you should REALLY be ordering during a night out at Sushi Roku Pasadena

Known for their blend of Japanese cuisine with European and Latin American influences; Sushi Roku from the IDG Restaurant Group can take liberties with their menu options and really expand your sushi-scope!

Note: This meal was hosted by the restaurant but the delicious opinions belong to EatDrinkLA.

Start off with a Signature Cocktail

The Signature Cocktail menu offers a wide variety of Asian inspired $14 cocktails with ingredients like ginger, orange blossom, and yuzu. If you like something a bit smokier though the Darjeeling Express with Darjeeling Infused Knob Creek Rye, Cia Ciaro Amaro, Angostura Bitters, and Islay Mist is a dark and stormy way to hit the spot. They also have a nice Mocktail menu with my personal favorite being the Lost in Paradise because it has Serrano jalapeños ($10)! Not sure if anyone else has experienced this but generally a mocktail is just an overly sweet variation of a ginger beer. This is a drink that actually makes you feel like an adult.

Tantalize your Tastebuds with the Thinnest of Fish

There’s a large variety of Crudo and Carpaccio in the Sea section of the menu, but Sushi Roku is known for its Hamachi Serrano ($19.50) and Yellowtail with Diced Chiles ($20.50). Can you taste the Latin American influences?

Munch on Crispy Brussels Chips instead of Edamame

Unless you can’t eat a meal without a bowl of Edamame pods by your side, go with the Brussels Sprout Chips ($9.50). Drizzled with truffle oil and topped with salt, it’s a melt in your mouth dish that will make you happy to eat your vegetables.

Order Tartare instead of Sashimi

Watching your carbs? While you might be tempted to order raw fish Sashimi, wouldn’t you rather your fish be tossed tableside? Sushi preparation overall exudes a certain separateness between master chef and lowly diner, so this ceremony surrounding the Kampachi Tartare helps to connect you with the experience ($23 or $42 for Toro).

Try Beef instead of Fish

If you’re wanting to enjoy a hot dish, why not let your eyes wander over to the Farm section of the menu. The Beef Rib Eye Wrapped Asparagus is a popular item with which to carnivore out on ($18.50), or you can go full caveman with an A-5 Japanese Wagyu “Ishi-Yaki” grilled on your table over bincho charcoal ($64). While you might be a bit sticker-shocked at the price, rest assured that this is the finest cut of beef you can order.

Trust the Chef not Yourself

Instead of picking your sushi pairings based on what you’re familiar with, why not trust the Head Sushi Chef instead. The starting price is $31 for the Ume six-piece selection, however, if you’re dining with a friend the Chef’s Selection for 2 or more is $85 and feels never-ending. My personal favorites include the Seared Salmon with Roe; Alaskan King Crab with Butter Sauce; and the Hamachi which was just bursting with citrus flavors.

Finish with a Dessert everyone will enjoy

Does your child want cotton candy while you absolutely need chocolate or your health-conscious companion is asking for fruit? Well, how about a flaming version of all those things! The Carnival Cake starts off as Cotton Candy but when lit the rum burns off to reveal a Chocolate Molten Lava Cake accompanied by a fruit flambe!

How to Slow your Roll

This dinner at Sushi Roku Pasadena was one that pulled out all the stops, but if you’d like to experience it on a smaller (and more affordable) scale then go with the Izakaya Feast for $50 or $78 a person. It’s a great way to enjoy the best of Sushi Roku without having to make too many decisions on your own.

Or you can visit during Daily Happy Hour and enjoy a selection of some of the highlights from this experience plus specialty cocktails at sake shot prices.