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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Gardena

Japanese lunch spots

A midday break calls for a Japanese meal that feels like a proper reset.

Based on 628 Opinions
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01
Kotohira Restaurant image 1
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Small space with wooden stalls and booths creates a cozy, old-school Japanese home kitchen vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, offering a warm, inviting setting that feels authentic and calming. Regulars enjoy large portions and reasonable prices alongside a pleasant music system.

Udon dishes stand out with flavorful broth and delicious tempura sides. The menu also features addictive spam musubi and a variety of sushi options like Inari and chef’s special platters.

Set menus draw regular crowds for lunch, offering a reliable choice. The atmosphere stays calming and nice during midday, making it a solid spot for a late lunch.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh sushi."

"This Lunch Spot's udon and tempura are so delicious."

Good to know

1

The menu offers an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, and izakaya-style dishes.

2

Parking can be busy depending on the time, so arrive early or be prepared to walk.

3

The restaurant offers Japanese set menus with options to substitute udon, soba, or seimen.

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Hole-in-the-wall ramen spot with retro Japanese style and authentic flair creates a quaint, intimate atmosphere reminiscent of small-town Nippon. Soft music and comfortable interior enhance the vibe, making it feel like dining in a Ginza alley. Regulars enjoy rich, flavorful ramen at reasonable prices.

Ramen here features thick, rich tonkotsu broth and a complex, flavorful Tokyo-Yatai ramen. The spicy miso ramen offers a perfectly thick broth with a good kick and chashu adds extra depth.

Quick service handles the packed lunch crowd well. Tables are usually available, but seating fills up fast during lunch rush, so arriving early helps. The ambiance adds to a smooth lunch experience.

People are saying

"The ramen here has amazing, rich, and flavorful broth."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth is rich, creamy, and full of depth."

Good to know

1

There’s plenty of free parking in the attached lot.

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Jidaiya Ramen Dining stays open all day.

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The menu has a great variety in ramen and donburi.

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Small space with open kitchen and spacious bar seating creates an intimate, cozy vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic Japanese modern and clean, though noise levels can rise with lively groups. Seating includes sushi bar and tables, with ordering done via tablet above a conveyor belt.

Dry ramen offers a tangy-spicy kick with light, flavorful broth. Hand-rolled sushi shines with sea urchin, negitoro, and beef options. Garlic chili edamame and chicken skin wrapped gyoza add bold, savory bites.

Lunch offers very good value with an amazing menu focused on sushi. The 5-piece lunch set stands out as a solid choice for a weekday meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the hand rolls, was fresh and amazing."

"You have to try the hand rolls; they're works of art."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Lunch service ends at 2:30 PM, so plan accordingly.

3

The lunch plate offers 3 pieces for $18 or 5 pieces for $26.

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Small dining space creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a lively, noisy energy when full. Friendly, casual vibe reflects traditional Japanese style, making meals feel like home-cooked comfort food experiences. Cramped seating and close tables emphasize an authentic, old-school setting.

Offers authentic Japanese cuisine with dishes like beef teriyaki, tempura, and fresh sashimi. Bento boxes include a mix of chicken cutlet, miso soup, and omelette over fried rice with crab and shrimp.

Lunch offers affordable set meals like the special bento box with chicken cutlet, rice, salad, miso soup, and an omelette over fried rice with seafood for seventeen dollars. Service stays efficient during busy times, making it good for a quick, satisfying lunch.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the teriyaki and tempura, is perfectly made."

"This lunch spot's teriyaki ribeye was so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking options include a lot in the back and street parking.

2

Expect a line starting at 5 PM when they open.

3

Arrive early to secure a table, especially during busy hours.

05
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Small space offers a cozy, intimate vibe with Japanese music and anime playlists enhancing the atmosphere. Seating includes bar-style spots and small tables, creating a casual, welcoming environment. Limited capacity and no alcohol service distinguish the setting from typical ramen spots.

Ramen here is super huge and flavorful, with options like butter miso ramen with fresh scallops and shoyu ramen. The spot stays open late, making it a solid choice for late-night ramen cravings.

Lunch features an $18 deal with a side, coffee, and soup. The ramen lunch stands out as very delicious. The lunch set comes recommended.

People are saying

"The ramen here is delicious, with a rich and flavorful broth."

"This lunch spot has delicious ramen, especially the spicy miso."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so it's better to park at Tozai Plaza and walk over.

2

The restaurant can only accommodate up to 25 people.

3

Tomizo Ramen is only open for dinner now.

06
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Large, spacious Japanese restaurant with an old school Hawaiian style and tons of seating creates a laid back, lively atmosphere filled with happy people. Known for fast, well-organized takeout and huge portions, it draws those seeking satisfying meals like the standout Chinese chicken salad and teriyaki dishes.

Teriyaki dishes stand out with delicious sauce and solid flavor. The teriyaki chicken plate and deluxe teriyaki beef are popular choices, often paired with chicken salad or rice.

Meals come in complete portions that satisfy for lunch or dinner. Food serves well for sharing or multiple meals, making it a solid choice for a team lunch or a return visit after time away.

People are saying

"I thought their Chinese chicken salad was the best."

"This lunch spot has delicious, generous portions perfect for sharing."

Good to know

1

The combo plate costs $10.95 after taxes, making it a budget-friendly option.

2

Expect large portions that are filling, perfect for sharing.

3

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

07
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Roomy interior with Japanese floor seating and private rooms creates a cozy, homey vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and inviting, with curtained booths adding privacy. Busy and lively, it draws those seeking authentic udon and a traditional izakaya experience.

Thick noodles carry sauce well in the handmade udon and hand-cut soba. Dishes like spicy kimchi udon, maze udon, and curry udon katsu offer well-seasoned flavors with chewy textures.

Lunch features a yuzu soba option that stands out. The menu changes between lunch and dinner, offering different choices.

People are saying

"The Mentai Cream Hot Pot is delicious and perfect for sharing."

"The udon noodles at this Lunch Spot are amazing with thick noodles carrying sauce."

Good to know

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The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

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Parking is easy even on weekends.

3

Get there early on weekends to avoid long waits.

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Small yakitori restaurant with cramped seating and a nostalgic Japanese pub vibe. Lively atmosphere filled with Japanese greetings and charcoal aroma, creating an authentic izakaya experience. Bar seating allows watching the grill, attracting those seeking traditional yakitori and drinks.

Grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables come with minimal seasoning to highlight freshness and quality. The menu features small portions of yakitori and special items, letting you try many flavors in one meal.

Lunch offers a reasonably priced set with a menu often preferred over dinner options. Popular skewers sell out quickly, leading to occasional shortages during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is amazing, perfectly grilled and seasoned."

"This lunch spot is great for yakitori skewers cooked fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and small size.

2

Expect at least a 10-minute wait even with a reservation.

3

The restaurant often sells out of popular items during lunch hours.

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Outdoor seating defines the space with a casual, quick-stop vibe. Char-grilled chicken and tender beef teriyaki bowls offer hefty portions and great value with fresh vegetables adding crunch. Drive-thru service provides healthy options for convenience.

Teriyaki chicken and beef bowls stand out with a sweet and savory sauce. Bowls often include avocado, adding a fresh touch to the grilled meat.

People are saying

"The teriyaki beef bowl's tender, flavorful beef is amazing."

"The portions at this lunch spot are so hefty and offer great value."

Good to know

1

Golden Bowl only has an outdoor eating area.

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The portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

3

The cost is about $13 per person, which is reasonable for the quality.

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Small space with dark wood and lanterns creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Japanese decorations and a wall of foliage with neon lights add authentic charm. Music plays upbeat but can be loud, and outdoor dining welcomes dogs.

Katsu dishes stand out with authentic taste, including pork katsudon and chicken curry katsu cutlet served with rice, cabbage, miso, and curry. The menu also features classic ramen, udon, and tempura soba, plus cold soba and California rolls, all at reasonable prices.

Lunch features authentic Japanese meal sets like salmon with attentive staff and clean tables even during busy hours. Traditional Japanese breakfast is served up to lunch time.

People are saying

"The Japanese food's katsu has a crispy crust and juicy meat."

"I had a delicious and satisfying lunch here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 9 pm, with great deals.

2

Parking is easy as the restaurant shares a large lot with other businesses.

3

Cash is needed for some transactions, especially with street vendors nearby.

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Spacious buffet restaurant offers a hibachi grill and a banquet room for large groups. Lighting creates a cozy but somewhat dark atmosphere suited for families. Food variety includes seafood and sushi, with casual, comfortable seating.

Fresh sushi stands out with a good variety and quality, especially when eaten right away. The menu includes seafood like crab legs and stone crab, plus a mix of Japanese and Chinese dishes such as chicken wings, ribs, and stir fry options.

Lunch offers a variety of fresh food at a very affordable price around fifteen dollars per person. The buffet suits a quick lunch and works well for everyday meals.

People are saying

"The Lunch Spot offers a great variety of fresh food, including made-to-order stir fry."

"The Japanese food buffet is a great deal with lots of variety."

Good to know

1

The buffet costs $21.39 per person for lunch, including a drink.

2

Dinner buffet is under $25 per person, including drink and dessert.

3

Expect long queues on Saturdays, especially for special occasions.

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Small space with Japanese traditional decor featuring a latticed ceiling and lamps creates an authentic vibe. Atmosphere is dimly lit and quiet, with background music that some find distracting. Sushi and ramen stand out as high-quality dishes served quickly in a casual setting.

Sushi rolls come out fast and taste great, with the salmon sushi being especially buttery and the Crunch Spicy Tuna Roll offering a decent kick. Ramen has strong flavor, particularly the spicy ramen, and the tempura is highly praised for its quality.

Casual lunch options include takeout and dining during off-peak hours. Staff may mention chef breaks during typical lunch times, affecting service.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi and ramen, is always fresh."

"This lunch spot has a huge menu with delicious, reasonably priced options."

Good to know

1

The sushi rolls are 50% off, making it a great deal.

2

Expect a 5-15 minute wait at the Gardena location during busy hours.

3

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

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