Kagura El Segundo — Restaurant in El Segundo

I don't think there is a better way to perfectly balance Japanese bento-style meals with sushi/sashimi as well as udon, etc. with perfect taste and a reasonable price. The closest in "style" of the menu I've seen is Yayoi (northern California) but this joint is perhaps 10 times better and 70% of its price.

First of all, in order to survive as a Japanese bento-style restaurant in LA is extremely difficult, let alone expand to multiple locations. So we were super excited to try this place out on our 4 hour lay-over from LAX. The El Segundo location was literally 10 minutes away.

And my, the chef truly made things magical. We practically ordered the entire menu. Let's start from the tonkatsu fillet. My god, it was soft and crispy. Never had I chewed into a pillow-like tonkatsu. The bento-box also was wonderfully curated with sashimi, soba, fillet, tempura, rice, ... and I've lost count but all for just $23... (mind blown). We need a-la-carte sushi with uni, hotate, salmon, ikura, etc. and again to perfection. Generous portions of fish, all fresh. And I topped it off with a cold soba with ikura sprinkled on top.

This place is the epitome of Japanese goodness. Make sure you reserve or go early. The line wraps...

Food 5/5:

Tonkatsu here has been spot on every time I visited. It's hard to get the crisp just right at home and Kagura just does a great job. The chicken or pork tonkastsu never disappoint. For $20-$25, you will feel full and appreciate the small sides that come with the dish. The yellowtail, salmon, and tuna sushi were really thick and generous, so they are definitely worth a try here too!

Service 5/5:

Staff is present, but not overbearing. I like how in and out they are, without the overbearing and overcompensating niceties to make you feel welcome. Discreet, direct, and fast is the type of service I like and they definitely have it here.

Atmosphere 5/5:

The layout is interesting, so if you're sitting out in the open and know how to hold a conversation, you'll be fine. If you want a private and enclosed space, a booth might be...

My neighbor recommended this place, so I went to check it out.

For a Tuesday night, they were pretty busy, which is always a good sign. Nonetheless, we were seated promptly.

I ordered the sushi gozen. It comes with miso soup, salad, veggie tempura & one shrimp, pork cutlet, noodles and tofu. At $28 it isn't cheap, but not expensive given the amount and most importantly quality of food you receive. Overall I'd say items are very appropriately priced. Other members of my party ordered the loin cutlet, fried calamari and salmon roll. Everybody was very happy with their choices. The food was fresh, freshly prepared, balanced flavors & textures and carefully plated.

It may not be an every-night-dinner place, as I need to watch $$, but it's a great splurge for a...