Shogun Holds Its Own

So in this overly family-oriented, big mecca wannabe of a town, amid big-name giants such as Kabuki and Roy’s, Shogun holds its own fairly well, featuring a rather neat sushi bar that often has fresh king crab and regularly showcases fly-by-night items such as the White Russian Roll and the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Roll (this one has apparently been forgotten about, as some of the newer chefs have no idea what you’re talking about when you request this item that you saw three years ago on their dry-erase board). But the perennial ones listed on their sushi roll menu are just as good, items like the Spicy Lobster or Kamikaze Rolls.

I asked for an explanation as to why they had ever taken away the Tako Salad. “We had it, but we just didn’t have it in stock,” came the reply over the phone.

It must be a Pasadena thing.

In the tradition of the Benihana chain, Shogun is part sushi bar, part Teppan grill restaurant. The chefs here can be seen putting on a show with their knives and spatulas, playing with fire and food, proving restaurant truly is theater.

Shogun is located at 470 N. Halstead Street near Foothill Blvd., and can be reached at 626-351-8945.