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Guide to Gardena

Soup lunch spots

A lunch spot where you can get a proper bowl of soup without having to rush through your break.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kotohira Restaurant image 1
Kotohira Restaurant image 2
Kotohira Restaurant image 3
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Japanese restaurant

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.

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."

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

"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.

02
Tomizo Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

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.

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

"This ramen's broth is so rich and flavorful."

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

"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.

03
NAM Kitchen image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Spacious Asian fusion restaurant with modern clean interior and artistic cultural decor creates a relaxing vibe. Music and food videos add to the atmosphere, which is family friendly despite some noise from open seating. Free noodle refills and well-spaced tables support a comfortable dining experience.

Soup features a perfectly balanced base with a slight sweetness. It contains no MSG, offering a clean taste, and comes with extra free noodles in each bowl.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has the most flavorful broth I've ever had."

"The pho soup's broth is rich and comforting."

"The pho at this Lunch Spot has a hearty broth and good protein."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot just for the area.

2

Expect the restaurant to get packed by 6 PM; arrive early to avoid the dinner rush.

3

The food is served quickly, even during busy hours.

04
Baek am Korean Restaurant (백암순대) image 1

Korean restaurant with authentic Korean ambiance and cozy, welcoming vibe feels like dining at an old-school, family-run spot. Bright, clean space plays K-pop music videos in the background. Known for homemade soondae and dishes made from scratch, it prioritizes taste and quality above all else.

Soups here are clean and rich with no strong smell. The beef rib soup and galbitang stand out for their depth and flavor, often paired with barbecued meats for a satisfying meal.

Lunch combos come with generous portions and a traditional stone pot that keeps food hot. The cold noodles and pork bulgogi combo stands out as a solid choice.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Korean food here."

"This lunch spot has delicious, flavorful food with generous portions."

"The seafood pancake was loaded with squid."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch combo special from 11 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday.

2

The restaurant has its own parking lot in the plaza with plenty of parking spots.

3

It's advisable to bring your own containers if you expect leftovers to avoid the $1 fee per takeout box.

05
Otop Thai Restaurant image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space with beautiful decoration and a relaxed vibe. Music and a TV playing sports create a lively atmosphere that can get a bit loud. Limited seating and a family-run feel add to the unassuming charm.

Soups here come very filling and delicious. The spicy seafood soup and Wonton soup stand out with rich flavors.

Lunch offers good prices and large portions. Specials make it a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"I loved the yellow curry and the pad thai here."

"Their soups were really filling and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot is amazing."

Good to know

1

The prices at Otop Thai Restaurant are wallet-friendly.

2

Lunch specials offer good prices and large portions.

3

Takeout is popular, and orders come in recyclable containers.

06
ATTO image 1
Restaurant

Cozy interior with intimate lighting and clean, trendy decor creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for chatting. The space offers ample seating and a welcoming vibe. It stands out for serving authentic mala dishes alongside Korean favorites, blending flavors with care.

Mala soup delivers a strong, spicy kick while the chicken soup offers a rich, soothing balance. The Mara Xiangguo pairs well with chicken soup to tame its heat and enhance flavor.

Malatang stands out as a lunch option here, with portions large enough to have leftovers for the next day. The spot suits both casual meals and lunch meetings.

People are saying

"This Korean food, especially the malatang, is so addictive and tasty."

"The soup here is rich and balanced."

"This Lunch Spot's fried chicken is super tasty and not spicy."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is spacious and attached to the restaurant.

2

ATTO offers generous portion sizes, enough for two people.

3

Prices are fair, with malatang costing $33 for 2 to 3 people.

07
Azuma Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

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

"I found the sashimi here to be a delicious hidden gem."

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

"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.

08
Tofu Gardena image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with old 70s and 80s music playing softly. Meals come with plentiful fresh banchan that are constantly refilled, creating a generous dining experience. Regulars include Korean senior citizens, highlighting its authentic and traditional vibe.

Beef broth soup stands out with its fresh and sweet flavor, never overly seasoned. Tofu soup arrives made to order, featuring phenomenal freshness and delicious banchan and vegetables.

Lunch specials include Galbi with seafood Soon tofu and come with hot black stone rice plus multiple side dishes. Parking stays available even during the lunch rush, and meals cost less than $20.

People are saying

"This is a great spot for a date with its authentic, comforting Korean food."

"The beef broth soup here is fresh and sweet."

"This lunch spot's tofu soup and banchan were delicious and made to order."

Good to know

1

Lunch costs under $20, including multiple side dishes.

2

Parking is always available, even during lunch rush.

3

Each order comes with plenty of side dishes.

09
Wooga Sullungtang image 1
Korean restaurant

Medium-sized indoor space offers a cozy vibe with K-Pop videos playing at moderate volume. Atmosphere stays relaxing and calm even during busy times, welcoming both small groups and solo diners. Known for authentic Korean soups, it serves as a comforting spot with simple, clean decor.

Soups here offer homey comfort with generous portions. Options include beef short rib soup, ox bone soup with brisket, and Korean chicken soup, all rich and satisfying.

Lunch includes a hot assorted boiled pork platter. Service during lunch can be rude, especially from the female server. Some skip lunch due to time constraints.

People are saying

"I loved the clean, flavorful beef soup here."

"The spicy kalbi jjim is fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful."

"The Lunch Spot's spicy jjimdak had a generous amount of drumsticks."

Good to know

1

The Galbijim feeds 4-5 people for about $80.

2

There is plenty of parking available, especially on weekdays.

3

The prices are reasonable, but some dishes like seolleongtang can be pricey at $21.99.

10
Izakaya Akatsuki image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

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

People are saying

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

"The Mentai Cream Hot Pot Udon was so delicious."

"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
Tasty Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurant with typical Asian decor and lucky bamboo plants creates a pleasant, homey atmosphere. The space feels clean and simple, welcoming for casual dining. Food focuses on authentic, flavorful dishes with a strong emphasis on beef and traditional recipes.

West Lake Beef Soup stands out with rich flavor, paired well with the wonton soup and seafood soup. Adding noodles to soups costs extra.

Lunch specials run from 11am to 3pm on weekdays with reasonable prices and high-quality food. Options include chow fun with tofu and crispy chicken over garlic rice, making it a great deal for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be packed with flavor and delicious."

"The lunch specials are a great deal and pretty good."

"I loved the wor won ton soup here."

Good to know

1

Lunch special is available from 11am to 3pm on weekdays.

2

Prices are generally affordable for a meal.

3

Portions are generous, often enough for leftovers.

12
Bafang Dumpling image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Spacious Taiwanese restaurant with modern design and a relaxed atmosphere featuring late 90s/early 2000s music. Seating includes indoor tables and bar spots, with a help-yourself sauce bar and convenient ordering kiosks. Known for authentic potstickers and unique beef noodle soup, it suits lunch or takeout occasions.

Beef noodle soup stands out with rich, flavorful broth and tender meat. The hot and sour soup balances spice and tang perfectly. Wonton soup ranks among the best, clear and satisfying.

Offers cost-effective options for a quick or leisurely lunch. Suitable for grabbing food on a weekday workday or when time is tight, even with a 5-minute lunch break.

People are saying

"The pot stickers here have the right balance of crispy and tender."

"The hot and sour soup is rich with ingredients and very satisfying."

"This lunch spot is not expensive."

Good to know

1

You can order via kiosk or at the front.

2

Parking at Bafang Dumpling is challenging.

3

Bafang Dumpling gets busy during peak hours.

13
Little China Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Simple interior with dated decor and greasy environment sets a casual tone. Busy at lunch, it draws a crowd seeking authentic Chinese flavors with some Korean twists. Large portions and affordable prices make it suitable for groups and quick meals.

Hot Noodle soup and spicy seafood soup stand out as favorites. The hot and sour soup suits cold evenings well, and soups come with lunch specials including rice and a spring roll.

Lunch features a large menu with reduced pricing on traditional dishes. The sweet and sour pork lunch special includes rice, soup, and a fried spring roll, making it a quick and popular choice.

People are saying

"I thought the Chinese food here was the best I'd ever had."

"I loved their spicy seafood and noodle soups."

"The Tangsuyuk at this Lunch Spot is surprisingly crispy and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect busy lunch hours on weekends with many customers.

2

The restaurant offers a large lunch menu with reduced pricing for traditional dishes.

3

Portions are large, so be careful not to order too much.

14
Akane Chaya image 1
Japanized western restaurant

Japanese Italian cuisine blends with classic Western dishes in a cozy, Showa-era bistro setting. Soft jazz and warm yellow lighting create a relaxing, homey atmosphere with a quiet, mellow vibe. Tables fill steadily, especially on weekends, reflecting steady popularity and a friendly, welcoming energy.

Corn potato soup stands out as a must-try dish and comes with combos or dinner options. Soups are part of filling meals that include bread, salad, or potato salad alongside curry rice.

Lunch offers a very satisfying experience with minimal wait times during weekdays, usually none or about 10-15 minutes outside peak hours. Saturdays see visits without notable delays.

People are saying

"The cream sauce pasta here is super rich and flavorful."

"Expect a wait at this lunch spot, especially on weekends."

"The hamburger steak was tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

Early diners before 12:00 PM might receive a free drink with their meal.

2

Expect a wait time of 45 minutes to an hour on Fridays and weekends.

3

During the week, there is usually a 10-15 minute wait if avoiding peak hours.

15
Kagura Gardena image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Lunch happens smoothly with no rush hour crowds. Staff stay ready and attentive even when it's quiet.

People are saying

"The food at this grocery store is excellent and the rice was really good."

"The tonkatsu here is so soft 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.

16
Waka Sakura Gardena image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi arrives on a high-speed conveyor belt after ordering via touchscreen tablets at each booth. The space feels sleek and modern with a relaxed, upscale vibe that encourages taking time to enjoy the meal. It offers a quieter, more controlled experience than typical revolving sushi spots.

Cream soup has a unique texture like white jello and includes shrimp, edamame, and mushrooms. Warm miso soup with clams offers a yummy flavor and pairs well with dishes.

Quick service delivers affordable sushi with filling portions. Dumpling samples downstairs offer a tasty alternative during lunch.

People are saying

"I considered their sushi the best I experienced in the states."

"The sushi here is so fresh and tastes excellent."

"You have to try the grilled salmon belly at this Lunch Spot; it's so good."

Good to know

1

Expect a long wait if arriving after 5pm; join the Yelp Waitlist to save time.

2

The restaurant is located on the second floor of Tokyo Central, accessible by stairs or elevator.

3

Parking is easy and available near the entrance of Tokyo Central.

17
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Gardena image 1

Small, cozy ramen joint with authentic Japanese atmosphere and Japanese-speaking staff creates a lively, casual vibe. The space feels busy and a bit noisy, filled with fans of top-tier ramen. Limited seating and no reservations mean waiting is common, but the consistent quality draws a steady crowd.

Broth lacks the usual pork bone smell and goes down very smoothly. It features a clear, easy-to-drink style typical of Japanese noodle soups.

Lunch specials offer great value and include amazing food options. These specials stand out as a must-try for midday meals.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I ever had."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth was life-changing and customizable."

"This soup isn't what it used to be."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect to wait during peak hours.

2

Free self-parking is available in the lot next to the restaurant.

3

You can queue online through Yelp to minimize wait times.

18
Boiling Point image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Hot pot restaurant offers individual boiling pots with spicy and flavorful soups served at each table. The space feels busy and lively but somewhat cramped, with strong air conditioning to balance the heat. It suits singles, couples, and small groups looking for a casual dining experience with authentic ingredients.

Hot soups come straight to the table with extensive variety and excellent flavors. Options include mildly to medium spicy beef, lamb, and miso soups that satisfy cravings and keep you warm even in a cool room.

Lunch offers a combo deal with a large iced green or black tea included, plus a free drink with the special. Arriving early before the rush helps secure a spot on the list.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's hot pots are tasty and loaded with ingredients."

"The soup here is amazing with so many great flavors."

Good to know

1

If you visit on your birthday, you get a free hotpot and a drink.

2

The lunch promotion ends at 3 pm and includes a drink.

3

Expect wait times of about 10-15 minutes during lunch hours.

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