Lived in Gardena all my childhood. Moved to OC in 1979. I've never EVER been here! Luckily, I met a friend who was coming from Pasadena half way and she wanted Japanese food. We were thinking about getting a tempura plate, but consulted the waitress and she said the grilled fish breakfasts are great! So we went with that. Everything was VERY tasty and the restaurant was packed when we left at 12:30 p.m. I'd come here again in a heartbeat. Our server was extremely pleasant. On the receipt I have, it says "Lunch U" served us. We were there on 06-08-24 as soon as they opened. read more

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Great service and ambiance reminds me of being in Japan. Overall good food but small portions. read more

Fukagawa - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

It's never too crowded at Fukagawa, and we love the fact that we can drop in to get delicious and simple food here. Service is usually very friendly, although sometimes it can get a bit slow. Another reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the timing of the food being served. Last time the two of us went, my husband had almost finished his meal by the time I got mine. I picked at his food while waiting, but it was not ideal. read more

I had to think about this one, and honestly it's just the case that I left here with a pretty big hole in my pocket for the sole reason that I would've been hungry with just one of the bowls. Hoorah for happy hour! But two happy hour apps ($12) + a Katsu Jyu ($19) .. the katsu is slightly deceptive where it looks like they give only a minuscule amount until you realize they actually don't pound the pork thin to fry. So they're hefty pieces, just that it's only a handful amount. The sauce was pretty confusing where when eating with the pork and rice it tasted light & delicate, but if eaten with only the rice then it left a heavy salt aftertaste. The flavors didn't exactly marry together, and I think at the end of the night I felt like there was a tad too much salt. Service, on the other hand, great! Waitress was welcoming and checked on my table periodically. I came during an off hour, so it was dead quiet inside besides the background music they played in the back and can't comment other than it was pretty peaceful eating there. Overall, a little pricey with nothing super amazing .. which is unfortunate because I had high hopes for this place. read more

Took my Japanese Mom from WA here thinking she would have loved it but this round the udon and miso soup were cold. They don't do sukiyaki for lunch. They advertise kinpira gobo which she had not had in a long time and then they didn't have it. My Ginger Beef Plate was over cooked. read more

Fukagawa - Ginger Beef Plate - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

Everything at Fukagawa is amazing - fresh quality ingredients, beautiful plating, and delicious and satisfying food. Cold soba with natto - light, refreshing, and fresh! I've never had cold soba with natto as a topping, but it was a delicious combo. Japanese breakfast set (with grilled mackerel, natto) - comes with miso soup, radish, egg (your way), and tofu as side dishes. The meal was perfect with a deliciously grilled mackerel and option to choose how you want your egg. It was satisfying and comforting! read more

Fukagawa - Breakfast set - grilled mackerel with natto - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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Solid and very traditional place for Japanese food in the Gardena area. The menu is surprisingly extensive, and the steak is surprisingly good in quality. Soba is pretty good as well although they have some competitors who specialize in it and stand out a bit more, the sushi is quite solid. Service is old school, with regulars and staff who clearly appreciate them, a large shared parking lot, and a shady outdoor corridor/patio. It's easy to see why locals love this place. read more

A charming Japanese restaurant in Gardena that feels authentic. From the decoration to the in depth menu, it has great food and looks. Would definitely return to try out some of the many other options in the menu besides the soba and breakfast plates. read more

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. After working all day outdoors and wanting a good meal for dinner, I came here tonight, New Year's Day. Most places were closed because of the holiday and I didn't want fast food or iHop - plus I heard that this place was good. Got here around 20 to 8:00pm. Added myself to the digital waitlist and took a seat outside since the waiting area had two people on the benches: 1 guy waiting for takeout and 1 young lady who got on the waitlist 30 seconds before me. A few minutes after getting on the wait list, I get a notification I was removed. I never had any notification in between being placed on the list and being removed. I went in to ask a waiter. Here's the dialogue: Me: "Hi. I got removed off the waitlist but never had any notification that my turn was up." I then show my text messages to him Waiter: "Oh. We are full inside and you'll have to wait a while until we get another table ... you can also sign up again on the waitlist. Unless you want to sit at a table outside." Me (noticing a table inside is being wiped down): "I'm fine with a table outside." Waiter: "We're short staffed in the kitchen. It's probably going to take a long time to get your food. You're going to be waiting a long time." Me (noticing the young lady ahead of me is seated at a table indoors with menu as well as a party of four now in the waiting area): "Oh. Okay. Um, I guess I'll come back another day." I left. The waiter could have been right in everything he told me but I find it suspicious that it looked like they were readying an indoor table for a larger party who came after me and they seated the young woman who got there literally seconds before me. If there was a staffing shortage and long waits, tell me before I get on the waitlist or better yet, have a sign by the waitlist sign-in to let people know ahead of time. But no. I felt singled out. Felt like they didn't want me there so I won't be back. Once again, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. And they done fucked up. read more

Fukagawa - Waitlist notification messages from Fukagawa - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

Came by for lunch on a Sunday. It was pretty busy but didn't have to wait too long for a table. Service was pretty bad though, no menu for a good 10 minutes after being seated. The food was good though and big portions. The salmon was really good. Bad service though, you try to flag down someone and they still look away. read more

Fukagawa - Chicken Cutlet Plate - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

The southbay has so many Japanese treasures! This meal is my ideal type of dinner with bites of variety. I got the "Japanese breakfast D" which came with miso soup, pickled veggies, rice, tofu, natto, egg, and choice of fish (I got mackerel). Every component was super yummy. Ambiance is humble and quiet, super homey and perfect for conversation. Service is solid and attentive. Excited to come back! read more

Fukagawa - Breakfast D Combo with Grilled Fish (mackerel) - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

Authentic Japanese Food Japanese Fish Breakfast: Very fresh, authentic, and homey, but a little bland. Salmon: Too salty for my taste. Service: I've been here twice. The first time was on a weekday afternoon right when they opened--the service was excellent, very respectful and professional. However, my second visit was on a Saturday night, and the service was the complete opposite. The staff was much younger and inexperienced. Ambiance: Very Japanese read more

Fukagawa - Salmon udon - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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My husband and I came on a Monday night at 7:30 PM. There were only 3 other tables so were seated right away. The restaurant is quiet and cozy, with some ambient music playing. 1. Special Fish Combo - I chose the Spanish Mackerel, which was an additional $4, but it was delicious. The fish was grilled and seasoned well and not fishy. 2. Special Steak Combo - My husband ordered the large, which was 8oz. The steak felt a bit overcooked so some of the pieces were tough. We also wished there was some sort of sauce that went with it; it just seemed like something could have made it better. The Special Combos come with 4pc california roll, a half order of udon or soba, salad, miso soup, and rice. I love hot udon and so this really hit the spot. It seemed like a lot of food but it was well balanced and everything was delicious! I'll be back to try other items on the menu! read more

Fukagawa - Special Fish Combo with Spanish Mackerel - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

I do not understand these reviews We had pork cutlet curry, Spanish mackerel and tempura combos. Pork cutlet and shrimp tempura tasted solid. Not amazing but solid. The pork cutlet portion has half of what you would expect The curry sauce was not flavorful, the pork in the curry was somehow super tough. The spainish mackerel was dry and again really lacking in portion size. The soba noodles were dry and the dipping broth super salty. And worst the prices were fairly expensive especially given the portion size. Honestly the worst Japanese food I have ever had in this neighborhood and pricey. It's like mall Asian food at best Really don't understand these reviews. read more

This place hits the spot for really good Japanese brunch comfort food! We sat outside because we hand a really large party so we couldn't see how the inside looked. BUT the food was fantastic. The steak and chicken katsu were cooked to perfection and were so tasty. I love how they organize their combos and attention to detail just like in Japan. The sides were really yummy too! The sweet Japanese ladies were also really on it with service and checked in on us frequently with a smile. Will definitely come back again! read more

Fukagawa - Chicken Cutlet Plate - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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With outdoor seating and heat lamps, I was happily able to dine with my dog Haru! My sister ordered the delicious Japanese breakfast with steak, and I had the Super Fish Combo with grilled salmon and cold soba noodles. The meal was delicious and filling, but without that heavy meal feeling. It did take time for our meal, but was worth it. (I thought our server forgot about us since we were the only one outside at about 12:30pm) Another gentleman who brought our check and extra hot was nice. Probably better service sitting inside read more

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Such a great place to go and eat for comfort Japanese foods! Fukagawa has a big menu with so many items to choose from but I went with the special fish combo with salmon and cold soba. Along with the salmon and cold soba, it came with 4 pieces of Cali roll, a salad, miso soup and bowl of rice. Portion size was decent and they all tasted so good! Service was great and the servers were super nice! We also ordered the recommended mochi dessert. It was good but nothing special. I don't think we would order it again. I would love to come back and try other foods on their menu! read more

Fukagawa - Dessert 6 Pieces Warabi Mochi - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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I give Fukugawa 3.5 stars for the food and service. Here's what we ordered... Hot udon with vegetable tempura: The udon broth was too light for me Curry with steak: The curry was good, but the steak quality was not to my liking Overall, the food is okay. Nothing bad, nothing special. The service should be better. I'm a generous tipper, but I couldn't justify it here and left the minimum. read more

Fukagawa - Udon with vegetable tempura - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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Incredible Izakaya style restaurant in an interesting shopping center. We liked their katsu pork combination, and I particularly liked the cold soba noodles. Great portions and variety. The California roll paired really nicely with the soba broth. The curry sauce and Japanese mustard were both great pairings. read more

Today was a lovely Sunday to enjoy a Japanese breakfast. We both ordered combo C and it was the right order to fuel us for the rest of the day. The food was delicious as always. Although we arrived just before the lunch hour, it wasn't too busy and we were seated almost immediately. Enjoy! read more

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Visited for late lunchtime. Ordered soba with chicken and mix katsu plate. Soba is authentic ( could be a hand made?) chicken was juicy and savory( it was dark meat). Katsu was crunchy outside juicy inside. It was just a bit cold in the restaurant. Servers were very friendly and attentive. Must come back to try breakfast menu which they are known for. read more

Still our favorite place for Japanese breakfast! We mostly dine inside but sat outside today with our dogs. Love to order the combo D with mackerel! read more

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Amazing meal. The food was delicious and the service was impeccable. Will definitely be back! read more

Fukagawa - Egg and Chicken Jyu - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

I've been coming here for years and miss when they used to open at 9 or 10a and now it's open at 11 which gets close to lunch time for a lot of people during the week. This last time we visited it seemed like they had all new staff running the place unlike the years past where it's been consistently the same old ladies who ran the cashier and ran the front of the house. The dining area has an old-school vibe with all wood furniture and a tatami area, along with a little exhibit showing samples of Japanese woodworking. I'd say out of 90% of the times I've been here I've almost always gotten the same meal set which is the grilled salmon with a tiny side of grated radish, a sunny side egg to I later place on the bowl of rice, a block of tofu with green onions and some shave bonito flakes, pickled veggies, and a bowl of miso. So far this meal set hasn't really changed in flavor/consistency in the times I've been here. The only other options I think I've tried are their Udon meals (like the curry udon, which I recall enjoying), but I haven't had these in a while. If you happen to be in the area stop by for a nice filling yet healthy breakfast. read more

Fukagawa - C Set Breakfast w/ salmon & sunny side up egg. - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

Love the variety of the combo sets. Ordered the Special Chicken Cutlet Combo. The chicken was tender and crispy. The hand-cut udon noodles in the udon were delicious and perfectly cooked. The waiter was helpful offering his suggestions on the menu. Such a solid local Japanese spot! A bit hard to find the restaurant if you're not familiar with the Pacific Square Plaza. It's in the far back corner. Extra bowl of miso soup and rice is free. They also serve free hot tea. read more

Fukagawa - Outside - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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Quite simply, the best Japanese food I have had. My curry Soba was exceptional. I tried a little of what others in my party had and it was all sooo good. New manager came by, really nice fella. I wish this place was in Orange County. TAKE MY MONEY!!! read more

Fukagawa - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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Service is excellent/fast, ladies are polite, attentive, respectful, helpful, and hard working. There are inside and outside tables. Set menus are the best for price and I couldn't finish it. It has enough variety so it's not one thing to eat but filling. Tea is complimentary and VERY good especially on a cold day. Miso and udon soup (only soy broth flavor) was flavor well. Pork was flavor OK but it was a bit tough and cut a bit too large to chew. Definitely, ask for a knife/fork/soup to avoid requesting it later. Eating here is like a home cook Japanese meal. It's comfort food. I will definitely try another dish next time. read more

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The food was delicious. Service was good and every plate my husband and I tried exceeded our expectations. read more

Fukagawa - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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Love their Katsus. I've being going there since the early 90's and they keep delivering on great service and great dishes. The decor is also very traditionally Japanese which adds to the experience. They also have delicious and very traditional Japanese breakfast menu. read more

Fukagawa - Rosu katsu - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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I've been coming here since I was a child and through various generations of staffing have always had a nice experience. Now, with new management, there's some new iterations of menu items! They fried oysters are some of the best without any briny odor taste and the shishito peppers are bomb! Coming here for well poured drafts and small a la carte orders is definitely a new move as the plate meals have been a nice staple. With nice background music, it sets up a great atmosphere for hanging out with friends without having to yell at each other. This place continues to rock and I'll always be coming here! read more

Came here for their lunch specials. Plenty of options for everyone. Saw a lot of tables got their breakfast combo, but I decided to try their Rosu Katsu (pork sirloin) instead. Meal came with the standard miso soup, bowl of rice, small scoop of potato salad and some pickled vegetables. I wasn't a fan of their potato salad - did not taste fresh. The katsu was cooked well. It was a good meal, but nothing stood out. The service on the other hand was amazing service from start to finish. We were promptly greeted, seated, menu delivered, served tea, took our order, waitress checked in with us at the right times, and did not take that long to get the check. May come back to try their popular breakfast combos! read more

Fukagawa - Rosu Katsu - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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Fukagawa is a wonderful local favorite Japanese restaurant with the best udon taste and texture. I also love their Special Combo sets. Great food and great service. read more

Fukagawa is a staple in our restaurant rotation and it never fails to disappoint. If you can stomach a slightly higher price than the usual fast casual, then add Fukagawa to your rotation. This time, we got the chicken katsu plate and the oyakodon (see pics) and were happily surprised at how tasty it was. read more

Fukagawa - Oyako Jyu - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

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I love their breakfast plate. It reminds me of japan so much. It's very traditional with eggs, natto, tofu, fish, rice and miso soup. You have to get the egg dashi maki style. They make the dashi maki on the sweeter side. It's simple but so comforting and filling! The fish was cooked perfectly and had just enough fat. The miso soup was a bit too salty for my taste but not a dealbreaker. read more

Fukagawa - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California

Great old school place for Japanese comfort food. Been coming here for years (decades). Best thing to get is the special combo which comes with 1/2 order of soba or udon, 4 pieces of CA roll, miso soup, rice, salad, and choice of main dish (I usually get tonkatsu). I wish they had spicy or regular tuna roll instead of CA roll, I would gladly pay extra for that. When you order a bottle of shochu (which I usually do), they give you a pitcher filled with ice so you never have to worry about running out. Very friendly staff and plenty of parking. read more

Service was slow. And with how long we were waiting to receive our orders, we thought, at least it will be fresh cooked. Food was cold, I got the garlic beef plate with hot green tea. Even the Miso soup was cold. Only people at our table that got hot food was whoever ordered the curry. My mom ordered the steak plate, her steak was way overcooked. Won't be coming back. read more

The food was delicious. I had cold soba, my husband had curry chicken. The kids had katsu bites. The staff even accommodated my kids request for extra fish cake. Everyone was happy. We will be back! read more

I used to be a fairly regular customer here about a year ago due to the recent renovations and fresh flavors that this place had, along with improved standards. It was nice taking friends here after work to chill and eat. I remember this place being kind of a dive before and was happy to see fresh life breathed into it Standards have fallen quite a bit since then and it's pretty sad to see the state of things. Clearly whoever runs this place is looking for cheap shortcuts rather than quality and it's sad to see this once hopeful establishment start declining again. There's other places in the plaza with better food read more

I just have say this was an amazing experience, food was so delicious and the atmosphere was on point. Everyone was giving us amazing service from beginning to end, definitely recommend this place to anyone in the Gardena area it's a must !!!!! Thank you so much ! Japanese cuisine on point, a must !!!! read more

I love Japanese breakfast!! This place is the closest to breakfast in Japan that I've had in the states. Everything from the food to the atmosphere, to the staff, reminds me of Japan. I ordered the special fish combo with salmon. The combo comes with California roll, soba or udon, salad, miso soup, and rice. I LOVED everything! The salmon was grilled and full of flavor, but there are some bones so be careful. The soba noodles were thicker than the typical soba noodles but still good. I enjoyed the different selections just like in Japan. My bf got the breakfast combo c and his mackerel was really tasty too. Again, there are bones so I guess they don't descale their fish. If you follow them on IG, you get 5% off! Can't wait to come back! read more

Fukagawa - C Combo with Grilled Fish and D Combo with Steak - Japanese Near Me - Gardena, California