Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

Top 10

Destinations Worldwide

Must Visit

Guide to

Eat, Stay & Do

Rio de Janeiro

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

Best Smoothie Bowls

Travel Guide

Koh Kood

Island Escape

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

South Pasadena

North America

United States

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of South Pasadena, Shiro is a culinary gem that artfully blends Japanese ethos with French culinary techniques, all while embracing the vibrant flavors of the West Coast. Since its inception in 1986, this beloved restaurant has become a staple for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates exceptional ingredients and innovative dishes. As you step inside, the inviting ambiance sets the stage for a memorable meal, where every detail—from the decor to the service—reflects a commitment to quality and warmth.

At Shiro, the menu is a testament to culinary creativity, featuring standout dishes that tantalize the senses. Begin your meal with the renowned wonton ravioli, a delicate creation filled with flavorful ingredients that burst in your mouth with each bite. The chilled scallops, served with a zesty ponzu sauce, offer a refreshing contrast that perfectly complements the richness of the ravioli. For the main course, the whole fried catfish is a must-try, expertly seasoned and served with a side of vibrant vegetables and potatoes. Diners rave about the duck breast, which is paired with a masterfully crafted sauce that elevates the dish to new heights.

Wonton Ravioli: A delicate appetizer bursting with flavor.

Whole Fried Catfish: Crispy, seasoned to perfection, and served with fresh sides.

Duck Breast: A rich dish paired with a masterful sauce.

Shiro's commitment to excellence is evident not only in its dishes but also in its atmosphere. The restaurant features a cozy yet elegant interior that invites guests to relax and savor their meals. The attentive staff is well-versed in the menu, ready to recommend pairings that enhance your dining experience. One fun fact about Shiro is its dedication to sourcing seafood directly from the bustling Los Angeles seafood market, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite.

Conveniently located at 1505 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA, Shiro is easily accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the area. After enjoying a delightful meal, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of South Pasadena, known for its charming architecture and vibrant arts scene. Nearby attractions include the historic South Pasadena Farmers Market and the stunning Arroyo Seco, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

What is Shiro known for? Shiro is celebrated for its unique fusion of Japanese and French cuisine, particularly its wonton ravioli and whole fried catfish.

Why should I visit? Shiro offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines exceptional flavors, a warm atmosphere, and impeccable service.

What’s nearby? After dining, explore the charming streets of South Pasadena, visit the Farmers Market, or enjoy the natural beauty of Arroyo Seco.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Shiro promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving more. Book your table today and immerse yourself in a culinary journey that beautifully marries flavors and traditions!

Creative French-Japanese fare, especially sizzling catfish, draws locals to this simple stalwart.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnd2FfalV3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP7qtPozEwoAR7xREsZu8aiE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnd2FfalV3EAE

Wonderful food from a restaurant that has been around for years and I sincerely hope it will be for many more

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREcjRMV1pREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP7qtPozEwoAR7xREsZu8aiE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREcjRMV1pREAE

The service here is outstanding, making for a lovely meal. The food, while very delicious, didn’t quite meet my high expectations for this restaurant. The interior, nice, but not the most refined. Overall a great meal, but just not quite worthy of highest praise.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1Z295T2RnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP7qtPozEwoAR7xREsZu8aiE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ1Z295T2RnEAE

On the last day of DineLA week, we went with our friends to dine at Shiro in South Pasadena, and it was an experience that beautifully blends Japanese ethos with French cuisine and West Coast influences. Hideo Yamashiro's eponymous establishment, which opened its doors in 1986, has set the standard that still prevails today, with a relentless focus on impeccable ingredients.

Shiro's commitment to sourcing their seafood from the bustling Los Angeles seafood market is immediately evident. We had the pleasure of visiting during DineLA week and opted for their tasting menu. To kick things off, we savored their renowned ravioli wonton and chilled scallops as appetizers, and they were nothing short of exceptional.

For our main courses, we selected the duck breast and scallop with Mexican shrimp. Both dishes were a symphony of flavors, leaving us utterly delighted. The duck sauce, in particular, stood out as a masterpiece.

Dessert brought us an apple tart and a soufflé chocolate with ice cream. While the apple tart was undeniably delightful, the soufflé chocolate was slightly underwhelming.

Service at Shiro was impeccable, as one would expect from a high-end establishment. However, there was one minor hiccup in the evening when we requested more bread and were surprised to find an additional charge for it. This came as an unexpected blemish in an otherwise flawless experience.

In summary, Shiro is a restaurant that celebrates the art of fine dining, emphasizing the importance of exceptional ingredients. The blending of French and West Coast influences with a touch of Japanese flair results in a unique and unforgettable dining experience. I would have given it a perfect rating, but the unexpected charge for additional bread compelled me to deduct one star.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIcmRPdS1nRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP7qtPozEwoAR7xREsZu8aiE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIcmRPdS1nRRAB

You must get the wonton ravioli as an appetizer and whole fried catfish as the entree. Note that the catfish comes with a small side of potatoes and veggies. Pro Tip: ask them for more cilantro and ponzu sauce - that's the key to yummymess. It was phenomenal. For dessert get the apple tart. It's made to perfection. Skip the brulee, too runny. For drinks, get the basil cucumber martini. Very refreshing.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNRdVphLTdnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP7qtPozEwoAR7xREsZu8aiE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNRdVphLTdnRRAB

Great catfish, my other 3 guests had different fish dinners. Everything was perfect, side dishes as well.
Service was excellent

Shiro Restaurant: French-Japanese Fusion in South Pasadena

Discover Shiro in South Pasadena, a culinary gem offering delectable dishes and an inviting atmosphere. Experience vibrant flavors—dine with us today!

Shiro: Cozy Dining & Bar in South Pasadena, CA

South Pasadena Municipality

Shiro

Los Angeles County

Savor the fusion of Japanese and French flavors at Shiro in South Pasadena. Book your table for an unforgettable dining experience!

Shiro: South Pasadena's 5-Star Japanese-French Cuisine

Discover essential dining tips for Shiro in South Pasadena. Explore must-try dishes and tips for a perfect evening out!

Top Dining Tips at Shiro, South Pasadena

Learn all about Shiro, a renowned dining establishment in South Pasadena, known for its exquisite blend of flavors and top-notch service.

Shiro Restaurant: French-Japanese Fusion in South Pasadena

Dining & Culinary Delights

Signature Highlights

Location & Nearby Attractions

FAQs

Join Us at Shiro!