about

Fillet Sushi is a modern Japanese sushi restaurant located in the heart of Old Town Monrovia, California, created for guests who appreciate clarity of flavor, thoughtful execution, and balance over excess.

Rather than following rigid definitions of "authentic" or adopting American-style interpretations, Fillet Sushi is guided by a contemporary perspective — one that values intention, restraint, and precision. Every element on the menu is designed to let quality and technique speak naturally, without unnecessary complexity.

At Fillet Sushi, tradition is respected but never treated as a limitation. Our approach is shaped by years of hands-on experience in one of Beverly Hills' most influential Japanese kitchens, where modern Japanese dining is defined by uncompromising standards and a relentless focus on flavor.

In those environments, discipline, precision, and consistency are not optional — they are expected. That foundation informs everything we do at Fillet Sushi, from ingredient selection to execution on the plate.

Rather than following trends or conventions, we apply what we have learned to create food that feels intentional, refined, and grounded in flavor. Every decision begins with a single question: Does it truly taste right?

We work with seasonal fish and carefully sourced ingredients, prepared with precision and restraint. Each piece is designed to feel clean, balanced, and composed — never heavy, never excessive.

Our cooking reflects an understanding formed in demanding kitchens where execution matters and details cannot be overlooked. What we serve is not meant to imitate what already exists, but to express a clear and confident point of view — one grounded in flavor above all else.

Fillet Sushi was founded by Chef Thee Sawadwid and Lin Sawadwid, driven by a shared vision to create a sushi restaurant that reflects their own perspective on Japanese cuisine.

Their foundation was formed in high-level kitchens known for shaping modern Japanese dining — places where standards are exacting and flavor leads every decision. That experience became the framework for Fillet Sushi: a restaurant built on intention, discipline, and respect for the craft.

Rather than building a restaurant around trends or definitions, they built Fillet Sushi around clarity — creating an experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and unmistakably Fillet.

The name Fillet represents a fundamental idea in cooking: the careful act of refining an ingredient to reveal its best form.

At Fillet Sushi, this philosophy extends beyond technique. It reflects precision, selection, and purpose — focusing on what matters most while removing what does not. Every cut is intentional, allowing balance, texture, and flavor to take the lead.

Located in Old Town Monrovia, Fillet Sushi welcomes guests from Arcadia, Pasadena and across the San Gabriel Valley who are seeking a refined yet approachable Japanese dining experience.

Whether joining us for an intimate dinner, a curated omakase, or a relaxed lunch, we invite you to experience sushi as we see it — guided by flavor, shaped by intention, and defined by clarity.