WHY The signature whole sizzling catfish with ponzu sauce, but don’t stop there—it’s all delicious. For a memorable experience, ask Chef Shiro to surprise you.

WHAT Chef Hideo Yamashiro knows his seafood and the menu reflects it, with lots of fresh, interestingly sauced fish offerings. As competition has intensified in increasingly food-obsessed South Pasadena, Shiro’s, once the only game in town, is fighting back by offering an excellent $35 four-course menu on Wednesdays. We wish the modern white setting was more charming, but the food and kind service more than compensate.;