Gardena: The Valley of Good Eating

Once a fertile valley known for its strawberry farms, Gardena is now known for its proximity to LA’s major freeways, an aging Nisei generation and Hustler Casino. But with the gentrification of Little Tokyo and the over-crowded Sawtelle Blvd., Gardena may be Southern California’s best-kept Japanese food secret. And in addition to Japanese food, there are also quality Korean, Vietnamese, Italian, Hawai'ian, Mexican and Chinese eateries. It's all here. But who am I kidding? Gardena is no longer a secret to those who care enough to do an ounce of research for something authentic, so here is my restaurant list (in no particular order):

Japanese:
- Sanuki No Sato (option of Japanese-style no shoes dining rooms as well )
- Otafuku Noodle House

- Azuma (humongous plates! grilled squid should not be overlooked!)

- Shinsen gumi (yakitori and Hakata raman)

- Tampopo - (great for lunch, good value and
- Marukai Market - (2 locations. The Pacific Market one has a takoyaki stand on some weekends)

Hawai'ian:

- Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop
- Local Place Bakery and Cafe (a King's Hawaiian outpost, ahh the )

Chinese:

- Sea Empress Seafood- (dim sum yum)

Vietnamese:

- Pho So 1

- Pho Consomme (full disclosure: they don't bus tables here until the end of your meal)

Korean:

- Yellow Cow Korean BBQ -

- Lee's Tofu - (fantastic bubbling tofu soup)

Italian:

- Eatalian Cafe (super fresh everything! nice open space in the middle of an industrial area)

Mexican:

- Ramona's - (no seating, but if you want your bean & cheese reliable and in bulk...)

- California Fish Grille - (fish tacos! think Chipotle, but way better)

- Josie's Place - (take out only)