Sushi Sonagi

Tucked away in a Gardena strip mall, Sushi Sonagi delivers an omakase experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles. This intimate 10-seat counter is a true family operation—chef-owner Daniel Son works the counter while his wife and sister greet guests, and his parents assist in the back kitchen. The minimalist blonde wood interior sets a calm, focused tone, though the atmosphere remains warm and conversational throughout the two-hour experience.

The food here is nothing short of extraordinary. Every one of the 19 courses reflects an almost obsessive level of care, from specific Kyoto sesame seeds coating delicate sea trout sashimi to custom-blended sushi rice varieties optimized for texture. The fish undergoes extensive preparation—Spanish carabineros poached in kelp water, big-eye tuna dry-aged for over a week, gizzard shad preserved in salt. What truly distinguishes Sonagi is how Chef Daniel weaves his Korean-American heritage into each service, offering playful touches like mackerel-mayo sandwiches on housemade milk bread and show-stopping pots of snow crab bibimbap sizzling in perilla oil.

This is the kind of meal where you leave with a deeper understanding of sushi craftsmanship. Daniel doubles as host and educator, explaining the sourcing of each ingredient, the nuances of micro-seasonality, and even his personal history growing up in the South Bay. By the end of dinner, you’ll feel genuinely connected to the family behind the counter—and perhaps even to the strangers sitting beside you.

At $250 per person before drinks and tip, Sonagi represents a significant splurge, though it remains a relative bargain among LA’s top-tier omakase spots. The real challenge is securing a reservation—the restaurant operates only Friday through Sunday with limited seating, and spots release 30 days in advance at midnight. Solo diners often have better luck booking than couples, but whatever route gets you through the door is worth it. You’ll leave with a handwritten thank-you note and a transformed perspective on what exceptional sushi can be.