Sushi Sonagi — Restaurant in Gardena

What a delightful SoCal omakase that I think stands out really well both for being fun and delicious.

Sushi Sonagi is located in a strip mall on Artesia Blvd. before you hit the 91 freeway and by the early evening when you arrive, parking seems to be plentiful.

Coming in, I was immediately greeted and given a reserved spot at the intimate sushi bar. The sushi bar itself is really fun and full of small LA-focused delights like a bobblehead of sports stars. And the music played old school 90's and early 00's jams.

Behind the counter is Chef Daniel Son who does a wonderful job guiding the whole journey with a super friendly and laidback attitude. I loved how the ingredients are not only from his travels in Japan but also locally from the Torrance Farmers Market where I go often myself. Also love the presentation from the plates to all of the techniques he uses that you get a first hand look at.

Drink-wise, they have carafes/bottles of sake as well as some beer options. I opted for one of the sake carafes which lasted me throughout the meal. The waitress that was serving the entire seating that night was also super funny and laid back as well along with being super attentive.

As most omakase menus, this one changes every season. Here were some of my personal favorites of our 18 courses: *Flounder fin: One of the best sushi items we had that night. So buttery and delightful. Loved the explanation and conversations as well around some of the facts and challenges around serving this. *Hanasaki dolsot bap: Such a clever and delicious take on the dolsot bap. It's presented beautifully with the crab shell and then portioned out to all the patrons. If you wanted extras, the Chef is more than willing to accommodate. *Miso butter atsuyaki tamago: Loved this extra little oomph to the tamago with the miso butter. Again, just buttery smooth with a hint of sweetness. So good. *Chawanmushi: His chawanmushi was a great use of local ingredients like the summer corn and ikura. Refreshing and playful. *Scarlet shrimp: Absolutely delicious and delectable. A bright flavor.

At the end, not only do you get the full menu but a really cute handwritten card that was a really nice touch.

Cheers to Chef Son and his crew for a wonderful and...

I’ve been to Japan four times in the last five years. I have friends who live in Kyoto and they take me to their favorite sushi spots. They also tell me where to go in Tokyo, where they spend a lot of their time.

I never had sushi as good in Japan as I did last night in Gardena. I’m not kidding.

The chef is very dedicated. He considers the entire experience from start to finish. So do a lot of other chefs at great Omakase spots in LA.

What is different about Sonagi is that the chef is very into choosing his seafood based on the season. I’m not going to spend time going across each dish but you’re not going to get the typical fish here. I’m pretty sure that if the chef thinks some seafood item is seasonally better than Otoro, that’s what’s gonna get served.

I’ve never had rice like the rice served in that small bowl. Crispy and perfect. The soup and the desserts were also incredible.

They have two seatings, which I’ve seen in a few other places. Everyone at the sushi bar is served each dish at pretty much exactly the same time. This lends itself to meeting people at the bar. It’s almost like a get together at the chef’s home.

One other nice touch: Before leaving, guests are presented with a fine stationary printout of each dish and its sourcing.

Special place!

12/24 update. I was fortunate enough to go back. It’s...

Not sure how I haven’t reviewed this place sooner! This is my / our (including my wife) favorite restaurant in LA, and favorite omakase experience ever!

There is too much to praise here… Daniel and his wife create an incredible ambiance & environment for enjoying the depth & mastery of sushi tradition, somehow blended with his own person take in every course.

Chef Daniel curates every dish thoughtfully, and each bite feels somehow familiar and novel at the same time. You taste the LA, Korean-American roots; fine dining pedigree; and traditional Japanese technique throughout the meal.

Beyond the food & service, each ingredient is also carefully sourced with sustainability & seasonality in mind. I truly cannot recommend Sushi Sonagi enough, and also understand what a privilege it is to be able to pay for a meal like this. For those who can, it is well worth the price.

(Photos kept to the social media famous ones to try and keep some element of surprise in...