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Local picks

Japanese soup spots in Gardena

A bowl of Japanese soup that prioritizes depth of flavor over the convenience of a quick broth.

Based on 641 Opinions
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01
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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.

Spicy miso soup offers incredible depth and flavor that stands out. The soup comes with specials including a lunch deal with a side and coffee.

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.

People are saying

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

"The soup here has an incredible depth and flavor."

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.

02
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Small sushi restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with friendly staff and reasonable prices. Popular local spot for takeouts and simple family meals, featuring fresh nigiri and generous portions. Limited seating and parking create an intimate, casual dining experience.

Miso soup comes on the side with meals and tastes tasty and a bit sweet. It pairs well with rice and salad.

Sushi features extremely fresh ingredients with nigiri that melts in your mouth and rolls like the Rainbow Roll made to absolute perfection. Udon noodles come rich and flavorful, all at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The miso soup was tasty and a bit sweet."

Good to know

1

Parking can be limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Seating is limited, so be prepared for a wait during peak times.

3

Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for families.

03
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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 soup stands out with rich broth and tender noodles. Options include chashu udon and a beef curry set served with udon. Miso soup also offers a solid choice.

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.

People are saying

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

"The udon soup here is amazing, some of the best I've ever had."

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.

04
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Small mom-and-pop Hawaiian restaurant with a family-run atmosphere and authentic traditional flavors. Air carries the aroma of spiced wings, and food is prepared fresh to order, leading to a long wait time. Portions are generous and prices remain very affordable.

Chinese noodles swim in a dashi soup that tastes like kitsune udon. The beef soup saimin offers a rich flavor. Nabiyaki udon soup is also on the menu to try.

Generous portions of teriyaki chicken stand out alongside classic old school Japanese and Hawaiian dishes like saimen and spam musubi. This no-frills spot serves hearty, flavorful meals with a long history of over 40 years.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the teriyaki chicken, is well made and delicious."

"I loved the Chinese noodles in a tasty dashi soup."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes during peak hours.

2

Food is prepared fresh upon ordering, which may take 20 minutes or more.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

05
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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.

Miso soup comes in a crazy large portion and includes bonito flakes for flavor. It tastes fresh and is served alongside salad in lunch bento boxes.

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.

People are saying

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

"The miso soup is delicious, made with bonito flakes."

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.

06
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Small, cozy Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi and authentic omakase with a fun, lively atmosphere where staff and customers share laughs. Clean and comfortable space includes a corner with interesting memorabilia.

Broth stands out with rich miso flavor and careful presentation. The special omakase includes soup alongside sushi and carpaccio, adding variety to the meal.

Omakase offers a superb dining experience with extremely fresh sushi and top notch miso soup. The garlic edamame adds a wonderful touch to the meal.

People are saying

"I experienced some of the best Japanese food I've ever had."

"The miso soup here has some of the best broth I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough when busy, but adjacent lots are available.

2

The price of the omakase set is very reasonable.

3

Portions are shareable, making it perfect for groups.

07
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Small Japanese restaurant inside a market offers cafeteria-style seating with a great outdoor patio. Atmosphere shifts after 5pm when all orders switch to takeout packaging, though seating remains available. Known for crispy, juicy tonkatsu paired with fresh sides and quality rice, it stands out among food court options.

Fresh miso soup comes with meals like the Loin Katsu Set and demi glazed pork tonkatsu. Soups are homemade, not instant, and often paired with rice and salad.

Tonkatsu here is crispy and tender with a lean pork cut that avoids fat. The cooking technique delivers a crunchy outside and fresh sides like miso soup and cabbage salad.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so crispy and tender."

"The katsu soup here is so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

After 5pm, all orders are automatically packaged for takeout.

2

Seating is limited, especially indoors, so arrive early.

3

Parking is plentiful at the Tokyo Central marketplace.

08
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Small, cozy Japanese restaurant with an izakaya-style ambiance and authentic Japanese artwork on the walls. Atmosphere feels chill and intimate, suitable for families and casual dining. Open kitchen design showcases culinary artistry while lively conversations fill the space.

Miso soups here come with mushroom varieties like Enoki and Shitake, offering a rich, flavorful broth. Seafood Miso soup also stands out with its distinct taste.

Fresh fish and excellent sushi and sashimi stand out here. Rolls like the No Rice Mango Salmon and spicy salmon roll are especially delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be very fresh and delicious."

"I loved the mushroom miso soup; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour offers buy-one-get-one 50% off sushi rolls from 4-6pm daily.

3

Expect a wait of up to 1.5 hours during peak dining hours.

09
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Small counter-seated yakitori restaurant with authentic Japanese atmosphere and classic old-school vibe. The place feels comfortable and lively, often busy enough to require reservations. Skilled chef prepares varied chicken skewers with attention to traditional flavors and textures.

Chicken soup comes with tsukune, or chicken meatballs, adding rich flavor. It appears as part of the Torimatsu course, which includes 10 skewers, soup, salad, and ice cream.

Authentic yakitori shines with carefully grilled chicken cuts and vegetables. The menu also features cha soba noodles and grilled rice balls, all prepared with skill and attention to detail.

People are saying

"The yakitori skewers were thoughtfully prepared and perfectly grilled."

"This Japanese food tastes just like Japan, with perfectly grilled skewers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required; call in advance as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

The restaurant has very limited seating, so reservations for parties over 2 are highly recommended.

3

Dinner is limited to two hours, so plan your visit accordingly.

10
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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.

Soups here feature a chicken soy sauce base that is both subtle and satisfying. The AKATSUKI Special House Hot Pot and the mentaiko motsunabe stand out for their rich and flavorful profiles.

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.

People are saying

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

"This hot pot soup is so rich and hearty with lots of meat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

2

Parking is easy even on weekends.

3

Get there early on weekends to avoid long waits.

11
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Japanese BBQ restaurant offers authentic vibe with a clean, smoke-free interior and comfortable atmosphere. Families benefit from a kids club and free snacks, creating a welcoming environment. The menu features high-quality Wagyu and unique dishes like oxtail soup and wagyu sushi.

Oxtail soup stands out with rich, balanced flavors alongside a spicy beef option. The wagyu soup also offers a hearty, savory experience paired well with other dishes like bibimbap.

Wagyu sushi comes in raw and cooked versions, both flavorful. Oxtail soup adds a rich touch, but wasabi placement next to raw meat limits its use.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the oxtail soup; it was delicious."

"The Japanese Food here features phenomenal A5 Wagyu quality meat."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour features 99-cent beer and house wine every weeknight.

2

The restaurant is family-friendly with a kids club available.

3

Parking can be challenging during peak hours, especially around 7 PM.

12
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Small, cozy eatery with Tokyo-style ramen and laid-back atmosphere. Space fills quickly, especially afternoons and weekends, with a mix of Japanese, Asian, Hispanic, and American diners. Offers family-run neighborhood Chinese restaurant vibe with bar seating and small tables.

Japanese ramen soup features dumplings and vegetable toppings that soak in the broth. The soup balances flavors with a rich, savory base.

Ramen here stands out with its unique broth and authentic flavors that match those in Japan. Gyoza comes fresh and crisp with a tasty pork and vegetable filling, complementing the large, satisfying ramen portions.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is incredibly flavorful and authentic."

"The ramen soup and dumplings were delicious."

Good to know

1

Umemura does not accept credit or debit cards, only cash.

2

Umemura is open every day except Tuesdays.

3

Expect crowds in the afternoons, especially on weekends.

13
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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.

People are saying

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

Good to know

1

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

2

Jidaiya Ramen Dining stays open all day.

3

The menu has a great variety in ramen and donburi.

14
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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.

People are saying

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

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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