39 Best Japanese Restaurants in Gardena

“Nice and cozy place for fresh sushi 🍣... the service was great and the food tasted fresh. The salmon carpacio was delicious as well as the nigiri combo... the miso soup was on the house.... enjoy it with a hot house Sake my dear friends...“

“Located in the food court of Tokyo Central in Gardena, this Japanese Tonkatsu restaurant is an authentic hidden gem for Tonkatsu lovers?

Tried their pork Katsudon set (you have a choice between pork or chicken also) and the pork upon first bite was juicy and meat was very tender. Outside katsu was crunchy, the pork is lean and didnt have any fat too. Miso soup and cabbage salad was fresh and not instant, I would visit this place again. 5 stars??“

“蕎麦、日本食　最高 !“

“I knew I was in for a treat when I saw a poster on the wall explaining what is binchotan. Torimatsu is one of the top, if not the best authentic yakitori joints I have eaten at in LA/OC. I enjoy making yakitori at home (with binchotan in a japanese grill, skewering and deconstructing chicken to the best of my abilities), but will definitely be returning to enjoy the skewers that were thoughtfully prepared and grilled by the yakitori master.

The restaurant has very limited seating, so would highly recommend making a reservation for parties more than 2. I came a little after opening on Saturday, and luckily was squeezed in after 15ish minutes. The place was at its max capacity after two additional (I presume reserved) parties showed up between 6-7pm.

With regards to the food, I can't stress the attention to detail given to each skewer. Every skewer was cooked in a way to highlight the innate flavor and texture, so you appreciate every part of the chicken. The tare (sauce) was light, and I was often surprised at how juicy some skewers were (given my personal experience cooking them at home). The meat was threaded on the skewer to allow optimal grilling efficiency, bones were strategically removed to allow easier eating, small pieces of fat hidden within the skewer to make it more juicy, small green onions tucked inside tofu skin to change the flavors, etc.

Highlights of the meal:
- Tsukune (meatballs): so juicy and was not sauce heavy
- Gizzard skin in soy sauce: this was a pleasant appetizer and tasted like braised tofu. Always thought this was a byproduct when making gizzard skewers.
- Gizzard: cooked perfectly
- Liver: so creamy
- Cartilage: so juicy, idk how he did it
- Heart: loved how packed and juicy it came out
- Duck: first skewer I ate, but my second clue that the chef knew his stuff. Piece of fat was wedged between the pepper and green onion so that they soak up the oils
- Chicken wrapped in tofu skin: first time seeing this anywhere. There were hidden green onions inside the tofu skin that gave the skewer a refreshing taste.
- Bell pepper stuffed with chicken: another one of those "how is this so juicy" skewers.
- Chicken tail: like a mix between the cartilage and skin skewer. Recommend getting this.

We got the Torimatsu course (10 skewers, soup, salad, ice cream) which is essentially the omakase, and added on a la carte skewers and a couple appetizers. For first timers, I think the Torimatsu course is perfect and leaves enough room to experiment with more adventurous skewers. We ended up eating 15 skewers each + splitting the raw chicken and gizzard skin apps, which left us both completely satisfied.

If you're a fan of yakitori and miss eating yakitori in Japan, definitely check this place out. Looking forward to my next visit!

Parking: Parking was plentiful at 530PM on Saturday“

“We found Aunties Cafe while waiting for a table at another restaurant. We were in a rush because my son had to get to work. Luckily there were open tables and our order was taken immediately.
The food was delicious, hot and served by a friendly face. They checked on our table and even offered to-go boxes.
Thank you for the delicious lunch surprise. The other restaurants great loss. Thank you Aunties Cafe.“

“We were just passing through and looking for something close to our hotel, and so happy we found this spot! Because it was our first time, we got complimentary chili - definitely see why it’s 7 times award winning! Very flavorful and just the right amount of spice. The staff is incredibly kind and welcoming, and very accommodating to make sure our order is to our liking. We had 2 bento boxes, Kaula pork and bbq pork. The portion sizes were perfect and the meat was very flavorful. The sides of macaroni and cucumber salad were just as good. We also had one of their many specials of the day, fish tacos, which were incredibly fresh and simple, exactly what I want for fish tacos. Next time we’re visiting LA, we’ll be sure to be back!“

“We went as a family! We have a small child, so the kids’ club was really appreciated! Soft drinks, toys, and snacks were free all the time, which was fantastic. The BBQ was delicious, and the atmosphere of the restaurant was great. The staff were all very friendly. Next time, I want to bring my parents along too. It was an absolutely wonderful place!“

“A friend who frequents this establishment brought me for lunch today with another friend. Being a vegetarian I was impressed by the selections I would love to try. I ended up ordering the salmon, scallop, spinach cream pasta with capers. It was delicious! My friends ordered the pork katsu and hamburger combo and it looked awesome. The portions are so generous and it comes with soup and salad for the combo and mine came with a small salad and homemade bread. And the family run restaurant is very service oriented, friendly and a very clean and comfortable place. Highly recommended“

“It was our first time here and I must say it was totally worth it. the service was on point and always attentive. The food was amazing. The appetizers and the main dishes were honestly some of the best udon soup I've ever had. The prices are more than reasonable for what you get. We will definitely be coming back here from now on.“

“Ramen is so good I cried.“

“I really enjoy this place every time I visit. Japanese cuisine is one of my favorites and would definitely recommend this place. I lived in Japan and the food and flavor is very authentic.
Place is too small but that’s how actually is in Japan.“

“This is a favorite of mine! Service is very friendly and accommodating. The food is plentiful and delicious! I highly recommend!!“

“I first came here around 1992/3. I believe it’s the same owner?!?! Ramen is excellent…and huge portion. Their chahan (fried rice) is also to die for. And their gyoza is also excellent. These are the 3 main things I order every time. We moved to the east coast but every time I visit Southern California, I MUST stop here. I’m so happy that after all these years, they still are around.

It is a very small restaurant…but I like it and the food is what I come for, I could care less how small it is.“

“Friendly service, everything is yummy!“

“Fresh Tofu. Best in LA/So Cal!“

“Great Spot! Love the 'grab and go' feel....but we sit down and eat most of the timeLove the Pork Buns....super tasty...loads of flavor....awesome texturesSweet Potato and Red Bean Buns are also fantasticSimple but multilayered flavors nicely executed into 'fit in your hand' food vehicles!“

“I’m a single mom of 2 and since we discovered this place back in Nov 2023 we can’t stop going, it has become our sushi place. Very Fresh, Clean, Happy and Delicious environment I would never go back to high end sushi places, this place offer that and more. I almost didn’t want to write a review risking it becoming popular and full but it’s that good. 100%“

“One of the delicious Japanese restaurants that has been around for a long time. This is a restaurant run by the owner and his wife.
The general doesn't talk much, so he looks scary at first glance, but when you talk to him, he's really nice. The wife serves it cutely on the floor.

Of course we guarantee the taste.
There are also authentic Japanese items on the menu, so you can go back to Japan after eating them.

Please use it once.

Parking: There is a Japanese cake shop, a Korean izakaya, and a barber shop in a small mall.
Depending on the time of day, you may not be able to park in front of the store.
but it's okay. There's more space.
Don't worry.“

“Takoyaki with Gindako's unique crispy fried skin. The contents are substantial and delicious.Although it doesn't have the juicy and soft feel of Kansai-style takoyaki, I'm grateful that specialty takoyaki shops are open and I always enjoy it.I pray every day that the number of stores will increase.“

“Go to place in Gardena for the lunch and the dinner.“

“FURAIBO GARDENA: I discovered just before to move to Cabo. I went everyday ( memorial WE) after this first visit. Food is divine, chicken wings are not to compare with the usual chicken wings, it is a delicacy. The first day we had an unbelievable friendly and attentive waitress, she knew all our nephews and nieces for 25 years. An exceptional person with rare qualities. I recommend this restaurant and as soon I have to be in LA I will. of course go every day I am in LA. Bravo for the chef, the people, the ambiance. I miss it every day.“

“Been for years ..! Love it“

“Very satisfied great friendly service“

“Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned. The best fried chicken ever. Oishii desu!!!!!!“

“The teriyaki burgers, fries (well done!), and chicken or steak bowl or plate are all delicious! The steak could be more tender for easier chewing but the flavor is out of this world good! They have a few kids menu choices as well including corn dogs!
I've been patronizing the Pit for many years (since the 80's) and it's still my once a week go to place. It's family-owned so you know the aim to please and serve is always on a very personable level. It currently services as a "walk-up, order and go" at the window (far right), but you can also call in your order and pick it up. I haven't noticed any delivery services accommodating this business as of yet, so I doubt it is going to happen anytime soon. I can't say that I blame the owner of the Pit for not wanting to give up
30+% of each delivery order just to get the same amount of business! This joint is a staple in this community and won't be going anywhere else anytime soon.“

“Small Japanese restaurant who offers daily lunch specials that sound delish. I went here on a Sunday and ordered pork katsudon which comes with miso soup, Japanese pickles and pork on rice. It was delicious and I really enjoyed the lunch. I was very hungry so I dug in and didn't take any photos.“

“First time trying shabu shabu and it did not disappoint!!!“

“I eat here at least once a week and have done that for going on seven years. People say the line is slow but how impatient can you get when its a freshly made meal to order? Might as well make your own lunch or go to the mcdonalds across the street if you cant wait 5 minutes for a meal ??‍♀️“

“Great service, friendly staff and the owner, Paul, showed warm hospitality. The prices were great and the quality of the food will definitely have me going back!“

“I absolutely loveeee this place I found it a couple years ago and highly recommend to all my friends and family ! I always get the Chinese chicken salad and spam musubi. Yes, wait time is expected but there is only moms n pops working in the back ! Everything is made at time of order so it’s super fresh and extremely delicious 10/10 the best family Hawaiian restaurant in South Bay!!“

“This is a Los Angeles gem. Excellent quality, friendly staff, a creative menu with the unlikely fusion of japanese and italian flavors. It is no wonder they have been in business for decades.

Generous portions, and prices that will make you think it's the early 2000s again.

My personal favorite is the wasabi squid spaghetti! and be sure to get their famous $1 salad!“

“Gotta have their Hawaiian Royale and Egg Foo Young...da best!“

“it was pretty good i say a 8.5/10 you have to pay to add a egg which i never had that happen in other places but its okay also want to mention that the men employees need to work on being more polite, it’s also a very crowded restaurant. i got the chashu ramen btw“

“Been coming here for years. I usually get the two item combo. The amount of food you get is filling. Food always tastes fresh. Here are the items I like: teriyaki chicken, tempura, salmon avocado rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and miso soup. I've tried other items and they were all good but I keep coming back to these. The place is clean and the service is friendly. Parking can be challenging during peak hours but I've always managed to find a spot. Give this place a try“

“This is a little hidden gem in Gardena for boxed futomaki sushi that's been around since 1962!!!

Keep in mind, this is not your typical sushi with spicy tuna and nigiri. This is a certain tradition style of sushi with very well seasoned rice (vinegar) to keep it from spoiling. It's known as zoshi-sushi (pressed sushi).

The spot is run by ladies who look like they have been doing this for decades. The menu is super simple with just 6 different choices.

The rice here has plenty of vinegar so I can last and withstand the heat.

They offer mixed set boxes for a la carte create your own box sets. They also do bigger orders for parties and catering.

Everything here is absolutely delicious and reminds me of being back in Japan.

Trust me, try this traditional no frills spot for some of the best take out sushi.“

“I randomly stopped in here to grab some take out. They were only going to be open for another 20 mins. They greeted me with smiles even though they were about to close. While waiting for my take out I noticed just how vibrant the environment was. And it all centered on the two main chefs at the front that night they were very energetic and full of laughs and smiles with the other customers. I will definitely try to come here more if my work schedule lets me.“

“Love that this place has so many sizes of drinks to choose from. I love the huge OD size! It is huge and under $9. The Okinawa tea is so good. Will give you coffee vibes! ? The brown tea in it with the added flavors are worth the try. I'm hooked!

Love taking pix in the fun house mirror while I wait for my drinks! The decor is so fun! I shared the OD size pix. Enjoy!

Dietary restrictions: Dairy free options available

Kid-friendliness: Definitely kid friendly. I would ask for a drink with less sugar and no caffeine.“

“I wish I lived in Gardena so I could go to MamMoth Bakery more often. My wife and I buy three loaves of their thick-sliced bread for breakfast toast. Even after being frozen for over a week, the bread tastes fresh and delicious. Also they have very unique Japanese style PAN: one with masago and mayo, another with corn and Japanese canned tuna, and a ham and cheese one. They are delicious and under $3 each. You got to get there early to get the PAN, though. They run out sometimes.“