22 Best Restaurants in Gardena, CA
This article was written by local contributor Teagan Allen & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Welcome to Gardena, my beloved hometown!
This hidden gem in Southern California is teeming with an incredible array of diverse and delicious eateries that are sure to satisfy any palate.
I've had the pleasure of exploring the local dining scene and let me tell you, it's an experience like no other.
So, join me in this culinary adventure as we discover the best restaurants in Gardena, California, that you simply must try!
The Original Giuliano's Delicatessen in Gardena
One of my favorite spots in town is The Original Giuliano's Delicatessen in Gardena.
This quaint, family-owned deli has been around since 1952, and it's the perfect place to enjoy some authentic Italian meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Whenever I visit, I feel like I'm stepping into a little piece of Italy.
I can't get enough of their freshly baked bread and scrumptious cannolis.
They also have an impressive selection of wines, and the manager is always happy to help me choose the perfect bottle.
On my last visit, I decided to try a personal pizza, a meatball sandwich, and a corned beef sandwich – all of which were absolutely delicious.
The crust on the pizza was crispy, and the cheese and sauce were full of flavor.
The corned beef was tender and packed with taste, while the meatball sandwich was even better with extra marinara.
Aside from their mouthwatering food, Giuliano's offers a great variety of salads, ham, sausage, desserts, and wine.
Tomizo Ramen
One of my favorite spots to grab a delicious bowl of ramen has to be Tomizo Ramen.
I remember going there on a Thursday evening around 6 pm, and the place had such a great vibe.
The ramen was pretty good, and I particularly enjoyed their fresh fried appetizers like karaage and gyoza.
With decent prices and good service, it's no wonder I keep coming back.
I must say, their miso butter corn scallop ramen is truly a unique and special item on the menu.
It comes in a big red bowl with three large scallops, corn, and a hefty wedge of butter that you mix in while the miso-based broth is still hot.
As a fan of Hokkaido-style ramen, this combination really hit the spot for me.
On another visit, I tried the Tomizo ramen bowl, which was the biggest bowl of ramen I’d had in a long time.
They definitely don't skimp on the broth, meat, or noodles here.
Coop And Fire Nashville Hot Chicken
I have to say, there's nothing quite like the Nashville Hot Chicken at Coop And Fire.
I can confidently recommend this place to anyone looking for a flavorful, perfectly fried chicken sandwich.
The first time I visited, I went for the Chicken Sandwich with a mild heat level, and even that had a bit of a kick to it!
The seasoning was on point, and the toppings provided the perfect crunch.
On the recommendation of a fellow customer, I decided to drizzle some honey on top of it, which surprisingly took the sandwich to a whole new level.
I never thought I'd enjoy sweet flavors on my savory food, but it was absolutely worth the try.
On my second visit, I decided to up the ante and try the Hot Level Nashville Chicken Sandwich Combo.
I was blown away by the combination of spice and flavor – it had just the right amount of heat without sacrificing taste.
The crispy fries that came with the combo were also a winner in my book.
In addition to the fantastic chicken, the potato salad and coleslaw are also delicious at Coop And Fire.
They lean towards the sweet side, which complements the spicy chicken so well.
I can't wait to go back and try their shakes next time.
Peru Chicha Peruvian Restaurant
I recently visited Peru Chicha Peruvian Restaurant, and I must say, the experience was delightful!
The food was excellent, with big portions that justified the slightly higher prices.
The customer service was top-notch, and the menus were amusing too.
I ordered fried rice (chaufa) and green chicken rice soup (Aaguadito De Pollo), which were both fantastic.
The chicken and rice soup was even better than what I've had at other local places like Pollo Inka and Burnt Tortillas.
Do note that this isn't a fast food joint, so be prepared to spend some time there or call ahead to place your order.
Another dish that I tried was the seafood saltado, which had a fantastic sauce.
I couldn't help but ask for more rice to soak up every last bit of it.
CM Chicken - Gardena
I absolutely love going to CM Chicken in Gardena, especially when I want to catch up with friends and watch sports games.
The atmosphere is always lively, and the large TVs make it the perfect spot to enjoy a game.
But of course, the main attraction is their amazing Korean Fried Chicken!
Every time I visit, I make sure to try different flavors of their fried chicken.
The original, garlic soy, and curry flavors are all fantastic, but my all-time favorite is the spring onion specialty.
The chicken is always so fresh, crispy on the outside, and incredibly juicy inside.
Azuma Japanese Restaurant
One evening, after hearing all the raves about Azuma Japanese Restaurant, I decided to give it a try.
The place is small and cozy, with a sushi bar and a few tables, perfect for an intimate dining experience.
When I first walked in, I was greeted by a warm and friendly atmosphere, and I immediately felt at ease.
It was a busy Friday night, and despite the crowd, I was seated quickly, and the service was prompt and efficient.
I decided to try the curry udon and the grilled fish, and I must say, the food here is an absolute delight!
The portions are generous, and the prices are quite reasonable.
You can taste the love and care put into each dish, making it feel like a homemade meal.
I found out later that they have daily lunch specials, and I went back the following week to try their curry and rice bowls.
I was not disappointed – the same great taste and quality I experienced on my first visit were present in these dishes as well.
Gigi's Pizza
Just last week, I decided to finally check out Gigi's Pizza after hearing rave reviews from my friends.
It's always great to discover new local spots, and Gigi's Pizza did not disappoint!
I visited their website to check the menu before heading over.
The menu had a good variety of pizza options, and I ended up getting two slices of pizza, a salad, and a drink, all for just ten dollars.
The pizza itself was fantastic - the crust was perfectly crisp, and the toppings were incredibly fresh.
I have to agree with my friend, who described it as the best pizza she had ever had!
During my visit, I noticed that the tables were clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus.
Rascal's Teriyaki Grill
I've had my fair share of dining experiences at Rascal's Teriyaki Grill.
The place itself is a casual counter-serve spot known for its Japanese teriyaki and curries.
They also offer burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, which adds to the variety of options for customers.
My go-to order is the chicken bowl, which is served on a plate and comes with a decent serving of rice.
The chicken is hands down tasty!
One thing I do appreciate about Rascal's Teriyaki Grill is their fast and efficient service.
Whenever I dine in, I also usually order some large teriyaki chicken dinners to go, which include small chicken salads.
Pitburger
I have been a resident of Gardena for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that Pitburger is a hidden gem in our community.
I have been visiting Pitburger for many years now, and I must say that their teriyaki plate has been my go-to meal for over 40 years.
Their teri burgers are amazing, and I always make sure to order their chili fries when I stop by.
One of the things I appreciate about Pitburger is they serve big portions of food.
The combo plate, a popular menu item, is big enough for two people to share.
Smokin' Jonny's BBQ
As a longtime resident, I can confidently say that Smokin' Jonny's BBQ is a local treasure.
Whenever I have friends or family in town, I make it a point to bring them to this counter-service joint.
Their wood-smoked BBQ plates, sandwiches, Southern sides, and desserts are to die for.
Check out their website for more information on their menu and location.
I usually order the Family Pack_3 Meat when I host gatherings.
It serves 4 to 6 people, and there's always enough to go around.
The Beef Brisket is incredibly juicy and tender, while the Pork Ribs have a lovely sauce that's just the right amount of tangy.
The BBQ Chicken is flavored perfectly and melts in your mouth.
The sides, like the slightly sweet Cole Slaw and the BBQ Beans with pieces of brisket, are also fantastic.
And let's not forget the Deep Fried Cornbread.
It's a must-try whenever you visit Smokin' Jonny's BBQ.
It's evident that they put a great deal of time and effort into perfecting their recipes.
Otafuku Restaurant
One evening, I decided to escape the notorious traffic and stumbled upon Otafuku Restaurant, a compact, low-key sushi spot that offers more than just sushi.
The menu at Otafuku is diverse, with options ranging from tempura and Japanese entrees to house-made noodles.
As soon as I stepped inside, I was transported to an authentic Japanese izakaya.
The atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was attentive.
I opted to dine at the outdoor patio, which was adorned with charming bistro lighting and surrounded by lush plants.
I ordered the half portion of grilled steak and cold sero soba, which turned out to be an excellent combination.
The steak was cooked to perfection, with each bite melting in my mouth.
The cold sero soba was a refreshing contrast to the savory grilled steak.
Apart from my order, I also sampled some of the other dishes my friends ordered, including sashimi, tempura, and karaage.
The tempura was light and delicate, while the karaage was juicy and packed with flavor.
The pork cutlet in the rice bowl was another standout dish, as the rich taste permeated the entire bowl.
Sushi Sumo
Last week, I decided to try out Sushi Sumo for dinner after hearing good things about it from my friends.
It's located just a short drive away from my home, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite.
The experience was truly one of a kind.
The restaurant had a lively atmosphere, with a conveyor belt serving an array of sushi rolls.
For those who prefer a more personalized experience, they also offer made-to-order items, sake, and beer.
When I arrived around 5 pm, the place was already starting to fill up.
I was lucky to get a seat at the sushi bar without waiting too long.
As I watched the conveyor belt, I was amazed by the variety of sushi on offer.
I could see why this place was popular among the locals.
One of the highlights of my meal was the Oyster Shooter.
It was a unique and fun way to start my dinner, with a salty and slightly sweet taste that left me craving more.
I also tried the spider roll, lexus roll, and ikura, all of which were absolutely delicious.
The rice in the sushi was perfectly cooked, and the freshness of the fish was evident in every bite.
Throughout the evening, the service was impeccable.
Akane Chaya
One of my all-time favorite spots to eat is Akane Chaya.
My cousin introduced my partner and me to this place many years ago, and we've been making trips out to Gardena ever since just to get our hands on their delicious dishes.
I usually find myself ordering the Super Combo A or C, which consists of a Japanese Hamburger Steak or Pork Cutlet, Japanese Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, and a plate of Curry.
Their portions are quite generous, making it perfect for sharing.
My partner, on the other hand, is a big fan of their seafood pasta.
Aside from their mouth-watering main courses, we never leave without having dessert!
Their parfaits are simply amazing, with the Strawberry and Pudding Parfait being our top pick.
The Pudding ala Mode is another great option for those with a sweet tooth.
The food is consistently delicious, and the atmosphere is quite inviting.
Fukagawa
I am always on the lookout for authentic Japanese food, and Fukagawa truly hits the mark.
Their menu focuses on classic soba and udon noodles, and the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to Japan with their pagoda-style interior details.
It really made the whole dining experience even more memorable!
Their food is absolutely divine and reminds me of the set meals I've had while visiting Japan.
My personal favorite is the grilled salmon breakfast combo.
The fish is perfectly grilled, and the cold tofu that comes with it has a light and airy taste that reminds me of the ocean.
Blue Hole Restaurant Belizean Caribbean Cuisine
I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Blue Hole Restaurant, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience.
The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by the lovely ambiance created by the music and decor.
The food itself was nothing short of amazing.
I decided to try the sampler, which included rice and beans, stew chicken, potato salad, and plantain.
My partner opted for the jerk chicken with stew beans, white rice, and coleslaw.
The portions were generous, and the flavors were just outstanding.
The onion sauce that came with the meal was the cherry on top.
The fact that he wore so many hats yet managed to create such an incredible dining experience was truly impressive.
I also discovered that they serve breakfast, and I cannot wait to go back and try it
Spoon House Bakery and Restaurant
I recently dined at the Spoon House Bakery and Restaurant, and I must say, it truly was a delightful experience.
The menu was quite interesting, featuring Japanese-influenced pasta dishes and housemade bread.
The fusion food was absolutely delicious, with all the ingredients working really well together.
The service was excellent, and the food came with their famous bread and butter.
The charming Spoon House Bakery and Restaurant is located on a street corner, and it may not have many seats, but the cozy atmosphere makes it all the more inviting.
I found it on Google Maps and decided to give it a try.
When I first arrived, there weren't many customers, but within a short period of time, the place filled up, which was quite impressive.
I ordered the Japanese spaghetti with clams and mushrooms, topped with seaweed, and it was fantastic.
Their French bread is mouthwatering, and you can't go wrong with their $1.00 salad!
I was able to get a seat right away, even during the lunch rush.
Cherrystones
Whenever I'm craving some delicious Hawaiian comfort food, I find myself heading over to Cherrystones.
This cozy little spot offers the perfect blend of Hawaiian, Pacific Rim, and American dishes, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting with booth seating and a bar.
With so many amazing dishes to choose from, it's always tough to decide what to order!
One of my favorite things about Cherrystones is their incredible chili.
It's not too spicy, but it's packed with flavor.
I also can't get enough of the hamburgers, cornbread, and various daily specials they offer.
Although the restaurant is a bit out of the way, I can assure you it's worth the trip.
Cherrystones also offers holiday pick-up meals throughout the year, so you can enjoy their scrumptious dishes on special occasions, too.
Kagura Gardena
One of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in town is Kagura Gardena.
I've been a fan of this place since they first opened.
I must say, their layered katsu is something to experience.
It's crispy, well-fried, and served with a delightful deep curry sauce that keeps me coming back for more.
Their Katsudon is tender and flavorful, best paired with rice.
But aside from that, Kagura Gardena remains one of the best places in L.A. to enjoy delicious Tonkatsu.
Chicken Maison
If you're looking for a delicious and casual Mediterranean dining experience, look no further than Chicken Maison.
I've been visiting this place for years, and they never disappoint.
Their rotisserie chicken, kebabs, salads, falafels, and gyros are simply mouthwatering.
My all-time favorite dish is the chicken kabob plate with tabouleh and fresh salad.
Trust me, you can't go wrong with that choice.
Recently, I decided to try something new and ordered the salmon kabob – let me tell you, it was so good that I couldn't help but drool just thinking about it!
Lomeli's Italian Restaurant
One of my favorite places to enjoy Italian cuisine in our town is Lomeli's Italian Restaurant.
As soon as you step through the wooden door, you're transported to a magical space with lovely decorations, soothing music, and top-notch service.
The warm and dimly lit environment, complete with cozy booths, instantly makes you feel at home.
The food at Lomeli's never disappoints.
I particularly love their Margherita pizza – the crust is perfectly soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and they generously top it with tomatoes and basil.
Another favorite dish of mine is the shrimp & scallop creamy Italian noodles, which are buttery and just the right amount of salty.
And don't even get me started on their garlic bread – it's heavenly!
South Bay Jinmi Restaurant
I recently visited South Bay Jinmi Restaurant and was blown away by the authentic Korean dishes they serve.
I'm a huge fan of traditional Korean food, and this place did not disappoint.
The seasoning was just right, not too overpowering, and the dishes were delicious.
One thing that sets South Bay Jinmi apart from other Korean restaurants is their specialization in pig feet dishes.
I tried one of their cold pig feet dishes, and it was absolutely delightful.
I also had the soon dae, whose sauce and glassy noodles in the stir-fried version were tasty with a hint of spice.
The spicy pork potato stew was another standout dish.
The meat was tender, and the soup was rich in flavor.
Happa Restaurant
As a longtime resident of the area, I can confidently say that Happa Restaurant has become one of my go-to spots for a scrumptious Japanese meal.
Located inside the New Gardena Hotel, it's a hidden gem offering poke bowls, sushi, tempura, and much more in a cozy, simple setting with a bar.
The moment I first tried their Happa Chicken bento box, pan-fried gyoza, and Karamen, I was hooked.
Not only was the food piping hot and mouthwatering, but the flavors were authentic and perfectly executed.
The curry and chicken dishes truly stood out as some of the best I've ever had!
As a bonus, both hotel guests and restaurant visitors can enjoy the convenience of indoor garage parking.
With its wide variety of dishes and affordable pricing, it's no wonder Happa Restaurant has become a favorite among locals like myself.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the diverse and delicious dining options in Gardena has been one of the highlights of living here.
Each restaurant offers a unique and authentic taste of their respective cuisines, making it hard to choose a favorite.
Whether I'm craving sushi, Peruvian dishes, or just a comforting bowl of ramen, I know Gardena has got me covered.
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