Sakae Sushi

Tucked away in the back of an unassuming office building in Gardena, Sakae Sushi has been a neighborhood institution since it opened its doors in the early 1960s. This family-run sushi shop draws a wonderfully diverse crowd—parents picking up lunch, Gen Z-ers on their way somewhere, and grandmas running errands all waiting patiently in line together. There’s something reassuring about a place that hasn’t felt the need to change much over six decades.

The menu here is refreshingly simple—just six items, a welcome break from those overwhelming menus with hundreds of options. For the full experience, order the mixed box of 12, which lets you try two of everything. The inari sushi features perfectly fried tofu pockets, while the tamago-maki comes draped in a bright yellow sweet egg blanket that’s equal parts comforting and delicious. The sabazushi deserves special attention: bite-sized pieces of pickled mackerel atop generously vinegared rice that hits that perfect balance of sour and sweet.

Each box arrives wrapped in crisp white parchment paper and tied with a green string—old-school presentation that feels like receiving a gift. This is cash-only, call-ahead takeout at its finest. Ring them up at (310) 532-4550, place your order, and swing by to pick it up. It’s the kind of low-fuss, high-quality food that makes you wonder why more places don’t operate this way.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a birthday treat, or something special to share with out-of-town guests, Sakae Sushi delivers exactly what it promises: simple, well-crafted sushi that’s been making people happy for generations.