Hawthorne / Gardena Restaurants

Where the culture is rich, it can be said that the flavor usually follows. This is the case for Gardena, Los Angeles, a neighborhood that began as a small farming community tended to by Japanese immigrants . Now, Gardena is known for its strip mall dives, ginormous markets, and authentic culinary ventures rooted in the Japanese culture. Succulent sushi is just around the corner, prepped with fresh fish and perfectly cooked rice with a bowl of miso on the side. Foodies will hint that Gardena is somewhat of an "underground" scene in the culinary world, but their noodle shops (ramen, udon, or soba-- your pick) are the best in town. Depending on your mood, you can finish off your authentic meal with a sweet boba tea, or a glass of sake.