Redondo Beach’s Japanese restaurants have quietly perfected their craft for decades, long before the California coast became a destination for sushi pilgrims. From family-run izakayas opened by immigrants in the 1970s to modern omakase temples, these spots offer more than just pristine nigiri—think miso-marinated black cod sizzling on hot stones, tempura-battered local spot prawns, and bowls of ramen so rich they could warm a Pacific fog.
Here are the tables where you’ll find chefs wielding blowtorches over aburi, shelves lined with rare sake, and diners in a state of uni-topped bliss.
Miyoda Restaurant
$$ | (310) 376-1081 | WEBSITE
We would drive across town and brave the Redondo Beach traffic for the soft shell crab at Miyoda Restaurant. These crispy morsels are light and perfectly fried, served with a lemon wedge for squeezing, and best dipped in the house ponzu sauce, which is one of those secrets that everybody knows about. Miyoda is the poster child of casual Japanese dining in Torrance, and rightfully so.
It’s a fun, friendly spot, filled with locals who have been coming here forever, and first-timers working up the courage to ask about the sashimi lunch special. And everyone’s ordering the hand rolls, which come with fresh fish and go down a little too easily for a weeknight dinner.
Unico Tokyo Pasta
$$ | (424) 766-1841 | WEBSITE
On any given evening in Redondo Beach, you’ll spot a bowl of Uni seafood pasta on almost every table here. This is Unico Tokyo Pasta, and you could probably walk into this cozy spot with a few friends and get seated without fuss, or at the very least not feel rushed for considering a spontaneous weeknight meal. You can all just order the bolognese and strawberry cheesecake pudding, which will make sharing the experience a delight.
Poke Rainbow
$ | (424) 247-7114 | WEBSITE
Although not your typical sit-down Japanese restaurant, this South Bay spot is a solid choice for a healthy meal if the usual fast-casual options around Redondo Beach aren’t what you’re craving. It’s consistently popular, filled with locals and poke enthusiasts who understand that sometimes you just need to pause the conversation and dig into a fully loaded bowl.
Go for options like the Large poke bowl with eel or the traditional rice bowl with generous portions of sushi fish, which comes with endless toppings and sauces for creative combinations.
Hoka Hoka Sushi
$$ | (310) 316-7850 | WEBSITE
If you find yourself in Redondo Beach and you want sushi, there are some other spots we’d recommend before Hoka Hoka Sushi. But if you find yourself in Redondo Beach and you want sushi at happy hour, they’ve got a solid special (a roll and four pieces of sushi for anywhere between $10 and $14). You can’t get decent sashimi these days without spending $20 or more, so we consider this a win.
And if you’ve already had a week that might necessitate a treat, a happy hour Double Double Roll might help with that.
Asaka Sushi and Grill
$$ | (310) 373-5999 | WEBSITE
Asaka Sushi and Grill in Redondo Beach has a steady stream of regulars: people who have a classic order and say things like ‘Is the rainbow roll still the best? Well, I’m here to make sure!’ Inside, the space feels modern and clean, with tables for small groups and a sushi bar where people watch the chefs work. Like many Japanese spots, the menu is extensive, but if you’re here for a quick, healthy meal, we’ll make it easy for you: get the cucumber-wrapped rolls and a spicy Salmon hand roll.
Now you’ve got your order, in case you want to reach regular status at Asaka Sushi and Grill, too.
Yanagi Kitchen – Redondo Beach
$$ | (310) 372-6500 | WEBSITE
This sushi spot—originally known for its fresh fish that melts in the mouth—surprised regulars when it became one of the top Japanese restaurants in Redondo Beach. Loyal customers kept returning for the spicy tuna fried rice. But at the restaurant’s current location, all the greatest hits remain. Come for generous portions of spicy scallop roll, and the half and half hand roll with spicy tuna and tempura shrimp.
The reliable freshness has maintained the consistently outstanding quality of the original, but the prices and specials are even better deals than before.
King Plus Shabu Shabu
$$ | (310) 374-2351 | WEBSITE
At King Plus Shabu Shabu in Redondo Beach, you might sit at a polished wooden table next to a couple quietly celebrating their anniversary with Wagyu steak and spicy miso broth, or a solo diner enjoying the peaceful atmosphere with Combo A and tonkotsu. There are soft pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, and everybody here understands the magic that is perfectly balanced broth.
This spot accepts cards, but there’s a small service fee, so once you’ve settled into the cozy space, order some of that Wagyu, or some impressively fresh seafood, then end your meal with a beautifully plated fruit dessert. Ours came with a mint leaf that seemed to whisper: Savor the quiet moments.
South Bay Rice Things
$ | (310) 214-9033 | WEBSITE
The salmon skin roll here is probably our favorite dish on this list, and maybe of all time. It comes perfectly crispy yet tender, so you might end up recommending ordering two rolls (effectively making it your entire meal here).
Despite the cozy, homey decor that feels like eating at uncle and auntie’s house, this Redondo Beach spot is good for a quick, casual meal, and you’ll see lots of regulars chatting with the friendly lady at the front counter while enjoying pork katsu at simple wooden tables. The portions are huge and you’ll likely end up with leftovers, so plan (and rejoice) accordingly.
Flyin Fin Sushi and Seafood
$$ | (310) 373-3718 | WEBSITE
Flyin Fin also has a secret sushi roll, but since it hasn’t gone viral like some of their other creations, it’s more of a real secret. You’ll have to ask for the Top Secret Roll, but you’ll be rewarded with an enthusiastic, “You know about our secret roll?” Now you do, and you also know that it’s best enjoyed with the salmon collar appetizer and a cold beer at this local favorite in Redondo Beach that’s been buzzing for years.
While sharing plates with friends at the lively bar here, we once witnessed a regular devouring the Mega Omega Roll with such delight, and we promised ourselves we’d return to experience solo sushi bliss.
Kurisaki
$$$$ | (310) 540-5555 | WEBSITE
This small spot in Redondo Beach is the latest addition to the authentic Japanese dining scene, and it might also be the best. One time we told the husband-and-wife team how much we enjoyed our meal here and they replied, “We know. We really care about the food here too.” And when an order of Omakase nigiri that’s fresher than a morning catch, or a California roll with real crab that’s creamier than a dream lands on your table, you’ll understand.
This location doesn’t have an extensive menu, so head elsewhere if you really need endless options. But if spicy tuna crispy rice and a flight of sake will suffice, you’ll be right at home here.