Sakae Sushi

Sakae Sushi is amazing. The sushi pieces are simple and done so well. They're futomaki sized so a bit larger than the standard sushi pieces here. I could probably eat this once a week.

I recommend calling in and ordering a combo of the mixed pieces and California roll pieces. It's perfect to bring for a picnic or to eat in your car if you're very hungry (haha). It's adorably wrapped in a paper box- you have to make sure to pace yourself.

I love that there's a lot of hidden gems in Gardena and getting to explore my surrounding areas! I came across an IG reel about this establishment and discovered they have been around since 1962, which is insanely impressive to me. They only have 6 sushi options, and you can custom order how many pcs you want of each. It is cash and phone order only. I was able to get an answer on the first try (lucky me) and the lady let me know my total and when it would be ready by.

The boxes were packaged beautifully on the outside and inside. My friend ordered extra pickled ginger and wasabi, but didn't realize it already came with ginger inside and without soy sauce. I wish the lady over the phone would let us know. I will know for future orders.

Rating the sushi from best to least favorites:

Ebi (cooked shrimp with sweet vinegar marinade): simple but sometimes that's all you need when it comes to quality sushi. I love the way it's shaped, and it has the perfect rice to shrimp ratio.

Nori-Maki (shiitake mushroom, spinach, kampyo, oboro, egg and seaweed): second best option since it's like an "elevated" sushi roll that is not a CA roll haha. It has your veggies with some little bit of egg as the filling.

California Roll (avocado, shrimp, roasted sesame seeds and seaweed): I can appreciate there's more avocado inside but my friend and I felt it was too much rice and made us felt more full than necessary. I can definitely taste the fresh quality though!

Inari (fried tofu with rice): this was simple but interesting to me. I liked the way the fried tofu with a mild sweet flavor to it and the vinegar rice enhanced it. It almost was like a dessert to me.

Tamaga (shiitake mushroom, egg, spinach, kampyo and oboro topped with sweet egg): This tasted similar to Nori-Maki except with a sweet egg layer. An interesting addition on the menu, but again there are other sweet options that I don't think I would order this next time.

Saba (pickled Atlantic Mackerel): never been a huge fan of Mackerel since it's usually the more "fishy" tasting sushi in my opinion, so obviously this wouldn't be high on my list. However, to be fair I had to try it with all of the options available. Still good quality, but I probably wouldn't order this again.

This is an updated review of Sakae Sushi. They consistently make the best maki and sushi. I love how their sushi rice is perfectly seasoned - I think it is the best sushi vinegar to rice ratio. I love how I can smell their marinated mushrooms at the window when you pick up your order. I love how I can taste the depth of each ingredient in every maki and sushi. I love their simple packaging. I love that they have the old world Japanese vibe.

While they don't offer many choices on their menu, I don't mind it. I love everything that's on it!

In case you didn't know, you need to phone in your order for pickup. They don't take orders in person. The phone line gets busy so you have to keep calling back to place an order if you can't get through the first 20 times (haha). This is a cash only place.

Mom in pop shop that has been in business for as long as I can remember. Most items are rice heavy but they do a great job with the sushi rice and it complements everything to make it delicious. I'm usually not a fan of rolls with mainly vegetable but they do a great job at marinating them and making sure the rolls are super flavorful. I'd def come back again if it fits my schedule since they close pretty early on most days(a sign they probably get lots of business) currently it's take out only and it's much faster to order over the phone and pick it up than in person. However their phone does tend to get busy so I'd recommending trying to order ahead of time if possible .

It's a must visit when you're in Gardena! I love getting their mixed box, definitely call the order ahead and bring cash. It's take out only but a perfect grab to take to a small party or picnic. My family has been coming here for 3 generations. I hope they keep on going!

We got the sushi set and a California roll. California roll is a must! It has shrimp and avocado in it-- although it's so simple, the simple flavorings make it taste so good. Be warned that the sushi rice has a stronger than usual vinegar taste but it was such good quality rice that it tasted even better! I thought that the rice was the star rather than the insides.
It's not groundbreaking sushi but it is fresh and a very filling meal. There's no seating - it's just a pickup window so there's not much service but they're really nice. Make sure to order ahead!

First time.. we finally made it to Sakae to see what all of the fuss is about. We have been missing out! 6 simple menu options, the only decisions to make are how many pieces in the box, and what we wanted in our combo. Being newbies to this business that's actually older than me, we ordered a 12pc box and asked for 2pc each of the 6 different sushi pieces.

We arrived at 2:30pm on a Saturday. I was a little worried because I hadn't called my order in advance as requested in pics I've seen posted. The lady at the walk-up window was very sweet and took our order. I've always wondered how I had never stopped here in all of the years me and my family have come to Gardena and Torrance to shop. Today I realized, it's so tucked away and unassuming, you wouldn't find it if you're not looking for it. It's a small hole in the wall (literally) with no indoor customer areas at all. Orders are over the phone or at the window, and you take everything to go.

We carried our precious box to the car and dove right in. Every bite was delicious! Well, actually hubby wasn't a fan of the mackerel and I could have passed on it too, but the other 5 items were prepared and presented beautifully in the box, and the California roll was actually something to get excited over! We almost made the mistake of passing on the basic CA Roll, but I'm glad we didn't!

We have decided that the locals who live in the area are just spoiled. Great stores, markets and restaurants at every corner!

Thanks for the quick lunch, Sakae. We will be back to see you again.

My most favorite sushi in Southern Californiaso delicious and I can't say enough about this takeout place.

Good food but longer wait times as they are busy. It's a quick takeout place. Order ahead of time!

Can be slightly pricy, but the rolls are big and can fill you up. I can eat 14 at a time, but I would feel satisfied even with just 10 rolls.

Ebi (shrimp): felt a little chewy and lacking in flavor. I would skip this next time.

Nori Maki: good, filling was sufficient. I would skip this for Tamago Maki

Tamago Maki: same filling as nori maki but with sweet egg on the outside. Get this if you like eggs and something a little sweeter. I liked this better.

Saba: all the reviews raved about this. It's mackerel, so it tastes a bit fishy. The taste was good otherwise. I will only get two of these next time.

California roll: surprisingly good for a simple roll you can get at other places. Definitely get this. My favorite from the options.

Parking: there is sufficient parking in the backlot and the streets.

Service: friendly

Ambience: Takeout place. They have a window inside the courtyard.

COVID friendly: they are still wearing masks while serving the food.

Best sushi in LA County!!!! Best sushi in California, in my opinion! They make the California roll with shrimp, not "imitation " crab, whatever that is. It's not sit and eat. You order on the phone and pick it up. Fast service polite workers. Zero complaints over the past two years that I've been going. They only have about five options, which can be a pro or con, depending on your point of view. Limited options, however, they specialize in what they serve. Practice makes perfect well, nearly perfect. They served the same rolls so long that never EVER fall short! Thank you, Sakae Sushi! I'll be there tomorrow, Sunday.