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Hakone Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
1555 Sepulveda BlvdSte G
Torrance, CA 90501
Neighborhood: Harbor City
(310) 539-9602
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat 12 pm - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
76 reviews for Hakone Sushi
Review Highlights
"...is super friendly and the spicy tuna rolls are to die for."
(in 14 reviews)
"LOVE this small mom and pop joint."
(in 7 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the miso soup and hot tea."
(in 7 reviews)
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76 reviews in English
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Review from Emily O.
Torrance, CA
12/29/2011
We have been going to Hakone for over 20 years. So when the owners said they were retiring we were very sad. We went back after the ownership changed, and we were very pleasantly surprised.
David and John now man the sushi counter, and the kitchen staff remains the same. Although the owners are not Japanese, the food remains authentic.
We went on a weekday for lunch, and asked David to give us his recommendations. We stuck to nigiri sushi and were very impressed. The fish is fresh and the sushi is mostly traditional, with a few updated flavors.
Try the ankimo plated on a vinegared seaweed salad. For a mere $5 it truly is a bargain. There is a fresh scallop, with yuzu, yuzu salt, and yuzu tobiko. Fresh and clean in taste. We also tried a halibut fin, delicate in texture and delicious. All sushi is very reasonably priced.
There needs to be improvement in the wait staff. Although it was not crowded, the lone waiter seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. The tea could be hotter.
Sit at the sushi bar and let David recommend things for you to try. -
Review from Anthony C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
3.5 Stars
This was another one of those worry-some sushi places I went to - Worried because it was a Japanese restaurant located in a predominantly Korean plaza and I have not had a good experience with Korean-made-Non-Korean foods. So naturally, I was quite surprised (and relieved) when I walked in the staff was all Japanese.
As for their lunch, well it is definitely a great value if you are looking for bento boxes and lunch specials, but not so much if you are looking for sushi rolls as there are no specials. Even not on special, the place does have a menu of other rolls and bowls pasted on their wall, with everyone's favorite seeming to be the $10 Chirashi bowl. Basically for $10 you get sashimi, vegetables, and egg on top of rice - definitely worth the price here even if there was a hint that the fish used was not the freshest possible. As for their rolls, they are a little over priced for what you get as they really skimp on the fish here (at least during lunch). I felt as if the rolls were easily a lot smaller than the ones that you get at say Sushi Cal but for more money here. I didn't get to try out their bento lunch special but everyone else that ordered it seemed to have a positive reaction to it. But for the price and portions it looked like a good value.
Place is your average sushi shop with a little add bonus of a $10 Chirashi bowl if you are looking for a light bite at any time of the day.
Side Note: Sometimes parking in this plaza is a problem, particularly at night. Moreover, all the parking in front of the shop are mainly labeled 15-30 minutes parking only, unsure if it is actually enforced though. -
Review from Connie L.
Updated - 10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
4 stars for the quality of food, 1 star for the horrible, and I mean, HORRIBLE experience tonight. I've visited this place a couple times before and have always found the food and experience quite nice. Tonight however was one of those times you want to poke your eyeballs out.
Don't get me wrong, I understand parents need to get out. Children are people too and don't behave all the time. Tonight, the children were EVERYWHERE!
Imagine, a restaurant no larger than 40 capacity with 10 children under the age of 4; AND at 9pm? All screaming at different times and running around. They were oblivious that people like to eat sushi without screaming children. If your child cries, take them outside! AND dont come back until your child is somewhat quiet. I'm sorry, but there ARE some things you have to give up when your child is too young to follow directions. To subject everyone else to your misery without thought is SELFISH. There is something called takeout.
To make it worse, the table next to me knocked over my water on my lap. THANKS! I really like cold water on my lap because of your stupid ass! Do me a favor and stay at home next time buddy, OR, leave your child who is no older than 3 at home where they're comfy at 9pm?! Just sayin.
Needless to say, there are plenty of other sushi places of the same or better quality and value they would not allow such nonsense. I love kids, but there is a place and time. Be respectful of your fellow diners.
Cheers. I WILL not be returning and I will not recommend this to anyone who wants less than a 95 decibel meal. It's Not worth it, believe me.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/28/2011
Hakone is located in a plaza with Arby's off of Sepulveda Blvd. This is definitely a hole in the… Read more »
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Review from Howard L.
Updated - 1/16/2012 10 photos
The dear old Japanese couple retired 3 months ago! We'll all miss them, but life goes on. Hakone Sushi is now owned by Indonesian Chinese. I had their Hakone special sushi/sashimi combo for $20. Good high quality sushi is still to be found here, and I'll be back. They've added a few new rolls, and they'll have to prove themselves to a new customer base, and they'll have to do it their way. So far, so good.
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/4/2011
I had to return to Hakone Sushi for at least one meal during my LA trip. I had their Hakone special… Read more »
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Review from Addison J.
Santa Ana, CA
1/17/2012
Terrific sashimi lunch. An elegant California Roll and some of the most flavorful Iced Tea I had to date.
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Review from Bingjing L.
BEVERLEY BCH, MD
12/21/2011
The best Nabeyaki udon i ever had and it was the first time i finished all,nothing left in the bowl.all of my friends knows how picky I am with food,but I was totally conquered.instead of white meat,they use dark meat to makes the broth more flavor.u got check it out if u like noodle soup..
I only visit California for couple weeks, but came back here twice already...and will miss the food after I go back for sure -
Review from Jan C.
Torrance, CA
Updated - 12/30/2011
I'm sad that the original owners/sushi chefs retired. Gone is the sushi magic. We have been going to and picking up sushi from this place for 15 years, but will not be anymore.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/15/2011
I have been coming here for 15 years and it's always good. I used to go at lunch, then starting… Read more »
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Review from Brenda K.
Los Angeles, CA
12/11/2011
Hakone is small, but great for a casual family dinner. Great Mom and Pop place. The bar is the best place to sit here because the elderly couple sure are adorable to watch. My family has tried pretty much everything here about 10x each and I'd have to say I approve of everything we've ordered so far, especially the mackerel.
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Review from Julia G.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yes, mom and pop retired recently, but it wasn't that bad. My family and I visited after the former owners retired and it was alright. The yellowtail was absolutely delish that night and it melted like butter. We pretty much stuck with traditional sushi, so I can't comment on the rest of their food. Just one recommendation to the new owners- make sure the green tea is always piping hot, even for the refills.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2010
I've been going to Hakone since they opened their doors more than 25 years ago, and believe it's a… Read more »
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Review from Amy Y.
Torrance, CA
10/16/2011
Hakone is not Hakone anymore!!
Mom and dad retired and some -
Review from Michelle T.
Torrance, CA
10/10/2011 4 photos
$10 Chirashi (off menu special) !!!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
As much as you can expect from a $10 chirashi and $8 teriyaki/sushi combo plate, my mom and i enjoyed our lunch.
Located in the shopping plaza where arbys is, its kind of hidden. An "authentic" japo run mom and pop shop, they give u plenty of food for very reasonable prices. My mom enjoyed her chirashi- came with about a dozen different slices, but only the basic sashimi. She didnt' care for the sweet dry fish soboro on the rice.
I got the chicken teriyaki and sashimi combo. Chicken was tasty and i enjoyed my salad and potato salad side. Both dishes came with miso soup and mine came with a bowl of rice as well. Rice was not the best. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Disclaimer:!!!
Not a bad place to pop in for lunch, but DO NOT expect outstanding sushi. Come on! My lunch for two was less than $20 bucks! Sashimi is decent but i liken it to something u can get a market.
Service was decent. I just wished i hadn't come when a couple of old ladies wearing reeking old lady perfume were sitting near us. Bleh!Listed in: South bay eats
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Review from Brooke W.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 12/6/2011
This is only a review of the CALIFORNIA ROLL.
So I hadn't been here in a couple months and felt like some really good California roll! I have always loved the california roll here. I was in shock when the waiter told me the old owners had retired, but he insured me they kept the same menu and just added a few things. Unfortunately they did not keep the same recipes :( The old owners mixed the crab with a little bit of mayonaise and roe. It WAS the BEST. Now it's just plain crab like all the rest. Some of their new rolls looked good so I may give them another shot, but the Cali roll will never be the same.
PLEASE GO BACK TO THE OLD CALIFORNIA ROLL RECIPE1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/24/2011
I've been coming here since I was little and the quality has always been consistent. I will eat a… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany T.
Tustin, CA
6/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
UTTERLY DELICIOUS. Must I elaborate?
The boyfriend took me here for dinner Saturday night. It wasn't that busy, amazingly, especially since this place consistently gets good reviews, so it was a fairly quick wait for a table.
We got the Rainbow Roll, a Spicy Tuna Roll (2 pcs), miso soup and the sunomono salad. All good. I recommend them them all, especially the Rainbow Roll and the miso soup.
The servers were all really nice and helpful, though one of the waitresses is a little absentminded. I asked for a hot green tea but she completely forgot about it until we asked about it later. It wasn't like the restaurant was super busy either; there were maybe 2 other parties inside the restaurant.
Regardless, it's not a big deal and I'd definitely come back. -
Review from Justin R.
This is what I mean by authentic sushi. It's not a big restaurant but the food is great. It's definitely family owned and the quality is great. I really enjoyed the miso soup and hot tea. For sushi I ordered the spicy tuna roll and sweet shrimp. The spicy tuna roll here is good and the sweet shrimp is even better. Their California rolls are one of the best I've ever had.
Listed in: Japanese Restaurants
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Review from Melissa A.
Glendale, CA
6/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I really do like this place. I can get in and out within 20 minutes or so at lunch time, so you know service is quick!
My qualms are more with quality than anything. The sushi chef is good, IMO, just uses fuschia colored commercial style ginger *blegh* and not-so-fresh fish. Tastes Fishy!
There's also way too much mayo in the spicy scallop sushi. And wayyy too much wasabi in everything. Every time I go there I have to remind myself to peel off the fish, scrape the wasabi out, and then put the fish back on the rice. Even after all that, the wasabi is still overpowering.
They also don't have soy paper. In their defense, their seaweed is relatively good quality.
Fantastic for a quick lunch because of their prices. Most of my meals land me around $30. =D
Service is good - they don't hover, but are attentive when you need something.
I'm a regular as of now, but I don't think I'm going to be going back there any more since I'm not going to be in the area for much longer. -
Review from Norman C.
Cerritos, CA
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
THIS is my place. I've been going here since 1994 so that makes it...17 years? Haha time flies when you're having fun.
EVERYTHING is fresh and delicious. Mr. Adachi and his wife Kyo are very nice and polite too. I go here so much that every time I leave he and his wife say: "See you tomorrow Mr. Norman."
My favorites are: Spicy tuna hand and cut rolls, toro, baked scallop, unagi. albacore, yellowtail, salmon with seaweed on top, salmon skin hand roll and I end it all with some green tea ice cream.
Best sushi place ever! -
Review from daniel m.
Long Beach, CA
7/14/2011
Better than I remember from a little while back.
Food was good and came quick at lunch hour.
Service was good.
It's $8 for a typical combo type dish and $7 for a single lunch item, that comes with salad and miso. Good amount of food for the price -
Review from Anthony W.
Long Beach, CA
3/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
BEST California Rolls EVER! hands down. Love the sushi here, great tempura and teriaki beef. OMG so delicious.
Place is always humming, I love coming to this small hole in the wall place. Great service, good food. The only downside to this place, small portions for the money. But I guess for the best you have to pony up the dough. -
Review from Gina W.
Torrance, CA
Updated - 12/12/2011
Update: the elderly mom and pop have retired and sold this little place to some young guys from Indonesia. I've been twice since the change and I actually think they are improving the recipes. The typical-sounding fancy rolls are on the menu now, and they do these very well, with their own touches. I usually don't like these sushi bastardizations but I'm impressed with the ones here. I don't like sushi places that drown everything in syrupy sweet sauces, like Kai in Torrance. Everything at Hakone remains very fresh and clean-tasting. Regular sushi is handled well, and the ikura I like to eat for health is buttery and good as ever. I don't like "rock n roll" sushi bars that are loud, crowded and serve overpriced mediocre food. That's why I've always preferred this little joint. I like it now with the new recipes too, and the wait staff is very nice - they've comped us tastes of things on the menu they thought we'd like also.
In all the times I've been here there have been no children here. That was bad luck for that other reviewer.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/22/2011
This tiny place is my first choice to go to when I want sushi. The quality and freshness of the fish… Read more »
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Review from Michael W.
Torrance, CA
Updated - 10/25/2011
Addendum to my previous review.
Owners have retired after 20+ years and sold the business... And my favorite waitress is gone. :(
The cook in the kitchen is the same, but the comfortable, homey feeling is now gone.
I'm afraid I'll have to find a new place to hang out.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/14/2009
I've been coming to this place since 1988 and it's still one of the better Japanese restaurants… Read more »
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Review from Mark R.
San Pedro, CA
Updated - 1/15/2012
We hadn't known that Adashi-san had retired, so it was a shock to walk in and find a couple of young guys behind the counter. We gave it a try, and the sushi is still pretty good. And definitely an "A" for effort in trying to win over folks who repeatedly came in because we loved Adashi-san and the way he worked behind the counter. The new kids even gave us a couple freebies to show their creativity with rolls. And I have to say it was tasty, although their sushi rice is more room temperature than Adashi's method of it being slightly warmer. The "new" Hakone is more "nouveau sushi," combining intriguing ingredients and flavors in new ways. But there are a lot of those places around. We went to Hakone for 20 years because Adashi-san was a purist. He got the best fish, period. He had the best technique this side of the Tsukigi Fish Market in Tokyo, period. This was a place were you didn't go for some wild sushi interpretation. This was where a simple piece of hirame or maguro was a transformative experience. Sadly, that appears to be gone now. Good and tasty, yes, but not the same.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2010
I have been coming to Hakone for 20 years. Adashi-san realy knows his fish, much of which gets… Read more »
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Review from Kirakit M.
Loma Linda, CA
6/23/2011
Fish was fresh and delicious - 5 stars
Service was decent - 4 starts
Location and atmosphere - 3 stars
Overall, it was worth it, would definitely stop by again if I was around the area. -
Review from Susan W.
San Pedro, CA
9/26/2011
Good food, friendly staff. Nothing special, but you know what you are getting, a good meal! Could use some bigger TV's though.
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Review from Darcy R.
11/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Howard, kudos to you for sharing this place. Without you we never would have found Hakone.
We made this a destination point out of Redondo, it's located in a nondescript strip mall. We parked and as we walked towards the restaurant a security guard outside a neighboring shop said "Man, you are going for the best sushi in LA."
We were stoked.
So we go inside and we're the only two in the place. They have short lunch hours (12-3) so I was just happy we made it in time. We sat down but then the waitress asked us to move to make it easier for the chef to serve us, so we moved over. Then we were asked to move one more stool over, it was kind of funny/weird. In my typical midwestern fashion, I tried to engage the sushi chef and who appeared to be his wife behind the counter. In the typical LA fashion, they were uninterested in whatever it was I had to say. Oh well, onto the menu.
So we ordered two simple rolls, one California, one spicy tuna. It was great to watch the chef work his magic, albeit in utter silence. Thank God the TV was on!
As we looked around we saw some specials that were listed behind the counter so we decided we were going to order some more food. I settled on teriyaki chicken with a side of gyozo dumplings.
The rolls came and they were absolutely fantastic! Fresh is not enough to describe how they tasted. They were tender, the nori was not too salty, the avocado had not one speck of oxidation on it. The spicy tuna was light with the perfect amount of mayo, not slimy, not drenched. The tuna was very tender.
Then came the dumplings, perfectly browned (they were just beautiful...) and filled with seasoned pork and vegetables. My husband said they were some of the best he's had.
The chicken teriyaki plate was substantial. It was a whole glossy breast, salad, and potato salad. A bowl of white rice and an extra dipping bowl of terikayi made this seem like a culinary splurge. The chicken was tender and juicy and the teriyaki glaze was well balanced between sweet and savory. I ate the whole plate, unabashedly.
That officially makes me a slob.
But as I sat there remarking to no one in particular about how full I was and how delicious this lunch was, the sushi chef/owner shyly smiled and said "thank you". I then told him someone from Chicago recommended his place and he broke out into a huge grin and then the conversation began to flow. Seems he was so intent on providing excellent sushi that he just didn't feel it was right to converse unless he truly was finished with his task. Now all of the moving to the right stool, silence while working, it all made sense...
Anyway, it was now time for them to close and we left, with smiles and waves goodbye between all of us. I'd go back without a doubt!! -
Review from Deanna A.
Torrance, CA
7/12/2011
Not a big fan. Order a few thing on the menu. Spicy tuna roll was not good. The prices are cheap but sorry when it come to sushi I feel my fish should be cold and it was not. Did not even finish my meal thought I might get sick wit eating warm sushi. Will not be going back.
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Review from Anita W.
8/12/2010
Feeling slight tinges of guilt for throwing out a 1 star....I couldn't help but wonder if I came in on an off day what with all these glowing reviews. But then my mouth puckered and my stomach churned as soon as I recalled my meal and that's all I needed to remind me this place gets a 1 star.
We ordered several items of sushi including spicy scallops, albacore, eel, etc. First thing that came out was the spicy scallops. I've never ever spit out sushi before. But then again, I've never been served something so opposite of fresh it bordered on rotten. From that moment on the dining experience was ruined for me. After that I kinda picked at the rest of the sushi (letting my more adventurous friend, who also spit out the scallops, eat the remainder - the other sushi seemed OK bordering on tasteless...which I guess is better than rotten). I also tried my fellow diner's cooked food which was pretty standard Japanese fare (chicken teriyaki, udon
Hakone, sorry to burst your streak of 4-5 stars but I gotta tell it like it is. Hopefully for your other patrons this was a one time deal but I won't be returning. -
Review from Dee G.
San Pedro, CA
7/24/2011
Wanted some sushi, something near by so decided on Hakone. Its was really good the spicy tuna and crunchy rolls were really good. Tuna and salmon sushi was really fresh. I definitely will return soon.
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Review from Stephie D.
Long Beach, CA
7/30/2010
Small place. Friendly servers. GREAT sushi.
Fried soft shell crab-very yummy but next time I would request the sauce on the side
Sushi- the Mom and Pop sushi chefs that run the place serve fresh sushi in nice and thick slices. But be warned if you don't like wasabi make a note of it when you order bc they include a small dab of it with each piece of sushi.
If you like your spicy tuna with mayo and not that spicy, come here!
Prices are about the same as other places but the quality of the food is awesome here.
Buying sushi definitely adds up if you come here really hungry so next time I think I'll just stick with a chirashi bowl. -
Review from Kevin T.
6/22/2010
This place occupies that weird middle ground between top notch EXPENSIVE sushi (that I have yet to try) and good decent sushi for a low price. I've been spoiled by the likes of Sushiya in Pasadena,CA and cheap but really good AYCE sushi at Sushi Palace in Edison, NJ...those places offer sushi that's fresh and good quality, for super low prices.
This place, however, had probably the same quality sushi, just a bit more expensive. Oddly, they put a piece of wasabi under the fish for every piece of raw fish nigiri we ordered. I've never seen that done before...dunno if it's customary or not. The fish was good, pretty fresh.
One note, this was the first place I've remembered to order anago (salt water eel) that offered it. I've never had it before, so I wanted to try it out. It tasted a little different from unagi, and was a bit drier, but was still quite tasty. -
Review from Judy H.
12/6/2009
Mmmm....yummy! we stopped in here on the way to the spa and boy, was it a good choice (thanks jenni!).
they didn't have a very good selection of lunch specials so we shared sushi. we had:
- tuna sashimi
- albacore sashimi
- spicy yellowtail roll
- crunch roll
- we also shared a side salad just to balance off all the fish
both of the sashimi choices melted in my mouth. i also really liked the spicy yellowtail roll. i had never even heard of this before, but liked it because it wasn't overly spicy like the spicy tuna roll usually is for me. and the rolls were huge!
the service here was all one gal. she was awesome though. very nice, answering all of our questions pleasantly, and even asked if we wanted the wasabi on our sushi or on the side. i don't think i've ever been asked that before. i overheard her tell some people getting a to-go order this is a family owned business (her mom & dad i think, who were behind the sushi bar).
very small hole-in-the wall. $45 after tax and tip. i'd totally come back if in the area again. -
Review from Shannon S.
Carson, CA
6/17/2010
actually 2 1/2 stars. but defiantly not 3.
We must be missing something or we came when the sushi wasn't that fresh.
Spicy Crab: Two pieces for 4 dollars. Mixed with tuna, totally weird and not a nice thing to do, imitation crab, that's crap for 4 dollars.
We sat at the counter. The ladies next to us ordered the same thing and they got a complimentary salad from the chef and we did not. The waitress was okay. Not the stellar service I read about, but not bad.
Bento Box: Tempura was good. Rice was great. Sushi wasn't good, it was warm and of poor quality. Salad was terrible, ranch dressing from a Kraft bottle and almost rotten lettuce. Potato salad was weird but not bad. Sprouts were okay, not great. -
Review from Corey T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/15/2010
I visited this place last week for lunch with my Boss and co-workers.
Its a really tiny Japanese restaurant, simliar to the typical ones you see around the area. If you are coming with a party +7ppl, expect to wait a little.
I order the Tempura sushi combo. $8.00 for 4 slices of sashimi, not so good tempura and a side of house salad. Its OK. Considering there isn't much around Harbor City area, I think it's good enough.
My co-worker ordered the miso sea-bass and udon. I tried a bit of it and I really liked the miso sea-bass. The udon is also more appealing that the combo even though it is just Udon in a metal pot :)
Come here if you want OK sushi for an OK price. -
Review from Anna L.
10/23/2009 1 Check-in Here
LOVE this small mom and pop joint! Family run restaurant, and they are Japanese. I am Korean and Chinese, and I find that a lot of sushi bars out there have non-Japanese sushi chefs. Not that the other places are not good, but there is something to be said about a place that keeps it "authentic". It is the way they prepare their rolls and fish that give it a different flavor in my opinion.
This is definitely a no frills spot with straight up traditional rolls with a few exceptions such as the catepillar roll (california roll with fish and avocado on top), and the spider roll (soft shell crab) etc. My friend (who happens to be Japanese) knows the owners and frequents this place often. The fish was great quality and I loved the spicy tuna roll (not too spicy). I enjoyed the baked scallops sushi and will definitely come back for their crab rolls (they use the real stuff, not imitation!).
I was not as big of a fan of the chicken kaarage (marinated and fried chicken thigh pieces) because the batter was too greasy and thick for my taste. Similar coating to a beer battered fish and chips type entree. Others may enjoy it though, so don't hesitate.
Prices were definitely reasonable and they did not skimp on the portions. I want to come back for more already....Listed in: To Live and YELP in LA....
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Review from Simone T.
Hermosa Beach, CA
1/14/2009
This is your quintessential hole-in-the-wall sushi shop. The menu was surprisingly varied for such a small place yet the prices were still reasonable.
I ordered the chirashi bowl which was piled high with very fresh, well-cut sashimi slices. My bf ordered the nabeyaki udon bowl which had the most amazing broth I had tasted in a long time. The tempura shrimp that topped the udon also had a very delicate, crispy crust.
Everyone was very friendly and our teacups were never empty. At first, I was a little worried since we went in about 30 minutes before the end of their lunch service but we never once felt rushed. Even after they locked the doors and turned around the sign, they respectfully waited for us to ask for the check before bringing it.
It's not the closest place to us but we'll definitely be going back when we get the chance. -
Review from Carrie N.
2/24/2008 1 photo
Lunched on a Saturday - I was on foot - my car was at the car doctor so I wandered this suburbia strip mall to satiate my hunger. I dont know how so many people end up at Yoshinoya (sorry, a little vomit in my mouth) when this place serves such great fresh food and low prices.
I devoured an appetizer of steamy edamame, nibbled a tempura (shrimp, green beans, sweet potato and eggplant) teishoku (including miso soup and rice). In addition to my Agedashi Tofu - sprinkled with fresh daikon and negi (green onions) - yummy yummy for my tummy I also nibbled a divine quirky surprise:
The surprise was the Caterpillar Roll (see photo) Unagi (eel) and avocado wrapped around a Kalifornia roll - it was pretty tasty and the presentation was quite whimsical. MSG in there but not too overwhelming.
In and out under $25 for lunch! What a bargain! None of the food (even the fried stuff) was too heavy - it was just right and decent servings. Going back to get my car so I'll probably stop in again.
They do serve hot and cold sake AND PLUM WINE! yay! -
Review from Jeff S.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 6/5/2010
Gotta hand it to this place, they continue to impress!
Today I took a friend to Hakone who had NEVER had sushi before. She had never held chopsticks before, and had never even really had Japanese food before. This was a night of firsts, starting with a chopsticks lesson. Within 5 minutes, she had it down. Next up was the business of sushi. Or in her case, "sushi"--she ordered the California roll. She enjoyed it, as well as the sunomuno she also ordered. Ditto with the rice.
I, on the other hand, had the Hakone Combination Sushi again, as well as an Eel hand roll, a Spicy Tuna hand roll, and an order of Uni. Miso soup was excellent, and the sushi was really good, just as before. The Spicy Tuna hand roll, however, was much better than last time, with less of an overpowering mayo component. Visually, it had a lot of mayo still, but the flavor profile was much more balanced. The uni was absolutely delicious, some of the best uni I have ever had.
One note: service was very rocky tonight. The place was pretty packed, but the two waitresses were a bit scattered. Everyone was waiting a long time for their check, and we were no exception. Our waitress, however, was awesome because she apologized for the delay, and gave us each free green tea ice cream to compensate. This is perfect, and the ice cream was really good too. I used to work in a restaurant, and I know that days happen. I know sometimes things are just off. I also know that good customer service dictates doing something to make up for it, and this was just the thing.
I'm upping my rating to 5 stars.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/12/2010
Oishi!!
This place is a great value, especially when you think about the quality of the fish.
My… Read more »
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Review from Robert H.
Los Angeles, CA
3/13/2007 7 photos
I'm not a fan of sushi, but my ex is and this is his favorite place to eat at in his neighborhood.
I've eaten here twice and ordered their teriyaki chicken and tempura plate and their soft shell crab. The teriyaki chicken is okay. The tempura batter is a little too thick for my preference. The soft shell crab has a good texture but rather dull in flavor.
I'd give this place 3 stars, but I trust my ex's taste on sushi, and if he says the place is real good for sushi, then it probably is.
There is adequate parking in the strip mall its located at. -
Review from Linda N.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2011
Barely passable for sushi. The serving size is not very big but it's not like it would help since the quality isn't that great anyways. I will not going back.
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Review from Violet M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/16/2007
I love the rolls here, they are delicious... not to mention a treat for the eyes.
I recently ventured away from homebase (rolls) and got the Matsu Bowl, a 13.99 combination of all different types of sushi. Real sushi,people. Like, raw sushi... not different variations on a little medley we call the California Roll. I love the matsu bowl, this is my new favorite thing to get here.
Service leaves something to be desired. The waitresses aren't rude by any means... more like distracted/busy. Hakone seems to be quite the happening place.
I always take more than my share of those cheap fruit candies they leave at the front. -
Review from Beth F.
Portland, OR
11/14/2005
Featured as a great place to get authentic Japanese sushi...
I've actually never tried their sushi, but I go here once in a while with my grandmother, who loves their combo plates.
The udon is delicious, but the teriyaki beef and chicken is awful. The chicken is tiny portions dark meat slices with lots of fat, and the beef is mostly gristle. Stick to the sushi as it seems to be popular.
