Shiro - French restaurant in South Pasadena - 1505 Mission St, USA

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.

This was such a great dining experience that I have told a few friend already and will be back! The ambiance is eclectic and tranquil. You will see both Japanese and French influences. White linen tablecloths, real silverware, nice china plates. We started with salmon tacos as appetizers along with a cucumber mojito, pomegranate martini, and a glass of merlot. Our dinner entrees were broiled salmon fillet in dill sauce, breast of duck in orange sauce, and the masterpiece signature dish, the whole fried catfish. The presentation of this item was fascinating, the preparation was truly gourmet, and the taste was amazing. Crispy on tge outside but tender and juicy inside. Not only I could eat the fish with chop sticks, but I ate the skin as well as the meat. The duck breast was so tender and tasty that melted in your mouth. The dill sauce on top of the salmon was one of the best I had ever tasted. Then we had apple pie with ice cream and coffee to finish the night. The server was very professional helpful and friendly.

I think I had high expectations, and was let down at the end. I thought the food was ok. The catfish was over hyped. It's basically fried catfish with soy sauce and huge slices of ginger; not alot of favors. One thing I do recommend is their sea bass (special of the night) it melted in my mouth. The truffle wonton was ok the favors are in the sauce and the wonton were a little bland for my taste. In addition to that my soda was flat. Although they gave me a new sprite, it was still a but flat. Overall, I felt a bit disappointed for the prices we paid.

Still one of the best restaurant around so Pasadena, but the menu seems a little bit dated and presentation need to catch up with current generation. Foods are still very good, the catfish still is the star of the menu, wish the presentation can be a little bit neater, there is no reason to have that many cilantro on top of the fish. Old fashioned restaurant stuck in its old time capsule.

The place is a hidden gem. My wife and I celebrated our 17th anniversary. The design is very fine dining. The host I think his name was Justin was fantastic. Greeted us right away, friendly, considerate. Our server Jeremy was very knowledgeable of the various dishes. Helped my wife pick her dinner. She had the shrimp which I thought were to die for, and I ate the pork chops. I preferred rare with a mint dressing but these chops were mouth watering. Both plates were served with green beans, scallop potatoes and beets. For desert we had the Chestnut mouse. You should also try the rice ale.

Beautiful experience! Professional, great service, and food were memorable experiences. Definitely will be back.

(Grade A+) Another restaurant that deserves an A+ from me. The whole catfish is out of this world. It's deep fried with Ginger pieces in between all the cuts. It's perfection. Been there twice within 8 days.

We love Shiro and on this occasion they outdid themselves. Everything -- food, service, ambiance -- was delightful. We and our friends could not have been more pleased.