Gardena - japanese recs?

[Lau]

I'm going to gardena with my grandmother on monday to grab lunch, specifically we're going to eat japanese and pick up manju at sakura-ya. What are the best japanese places in gardena these days? (udon or ramen would be good, but would love to hear about anything)

[monku]

Azuma- Classic old style Japanese restaurant....kind obachan would appreciate.
Another + is its right across the street from Sakura-Ya for manju.
Opens 11:30am for lunch. Plenty of free parking in the back.

Azuma
16123 S Western Ave,
Gardena, CA 90247

[another_adam]

Kotohira is my personal favorite (for their shoyu udon)--completely charming place, and usually right on. Sanuki no sato would be the other udon place in the area. For Ramen, there's Tampopo in the same plaza with Kotohira (the Tozai plaza), or Shinsengumi Hakata Ramen nearby. Also not far away is a great place for soba: Otafuku. Mmmmm, this is making me want some noodles! :)

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Kotohira Restaurant
1747 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247

Shin Sen Gumi Hakata Ramen
2015 W Redondo Beach Blvd Ste D, Gardena, CA 90247

Sanuki No Sato
18206 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90248

Tampopo Restaurant
15462 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90249

[another_adam]

Link for Otafuku isn't working: it's at 16525 S Western Ave

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Otafuku
16525 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA

[bulavinaka]

My mom - baachan age - likes the soba for lunch at Kotohira. She (and we) usually gets one of the sets. More than enough food for most seniors, enough so to squirrel away some leftovers for dinner... We usually get their shoyu ramen as well. From what I understand, the original owner/operator sold off the business but the current owners seem to have taken over the operation without any noticeable fall in quality.

[Lau]

they all sound really good, actually one of my grandmother's friend was recommending otafuku, but im not sure i want soba

is kotohira or sanuki better for udon? i'm deciding between one of those or azuma as ive always been curious to try azuma as well (always noticed it when i went to sakura-ya)

[another_adam]

I don't think you'd go wrong with either one-- I know many adherents of both places! I personally prefer Kotohira because I find the shoyu udon addictive (that's a sort of unique dish, not widely known elsewhere, and not available at Sanuki no sato) Possibly the soups are better at Sanuki no sato, though.

[Lau]

so i ate at sanuki no sato, it was very good although im not sure it was amazing as id read reviews calling it that, but it was definitely very good

i got the mentaiko udon and my grandmother got the tempura udon. the noodles were good although i didn't notice a huge difference from any decent udon place, the broth was very good as it wasn't too salty (i hate when people over salt their broth) and overall it had a good flavor. We both thought it was good and I'd go back if im in the mood for udon. I realized that I had been here years and years ago with my mom, but i dont really remember the food i had on that trip....my grandmother has also been there once before years ago as one of her friends really likes this place, overall it was a good choice.

glad i went out there b/c its been a long time since ive eaten in gardena and there is a good amt of exploring i need to do next time im in town b/c i saw alot of places that looked good when we were driving up western to sakura-ya, which btw is one of the best places ever and the best manju ive had in socal by miles

[bulavinaka]

I just mention soba because it is on the lighter side - your grandmother might appreciate it as I know my mom eats it for that reason.

I agree with adam. I don't think you can go wrong with either - they're both good, and I know this doesn't help either but Azuma is a good choice as well - my mom often drops by there when she is with friends as well. They're all close by Sakura-ya so I guess it comes down to knowing what your grandmother enjoys.

[Lau]

yeah, well she likes all of the above although i know she's a fan of udon generally....what r the best udons at sanuki? im leaning towards that