ABOUT JAPONICA
JAPONICA is a Sushi/Ramen/Izakaya Japanese restaurant in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and El Segundo where you can not only enjoy authentic Japanese favorites such as sushi and sashimi, but also multi-national dishes based on Japanese culinary method in a cool, yet casual atmosphere.
So, what is an “Izakaya”?
An Izakaya is a casual Japanese tapas restaurant where you can share a variety of dishes among friends. So try not to fill up on any one dish as the joy of Izakaya lies in sharing different dishes.
Our Story
Sake sommelier and chef Takashi Sada’s journey began in Osaka, Japan. as a carefree youth Taka always remembers enjoying bargain sake with friends, but his true passion for sake flew into high gear after trying highly prized Junmai sake, plus his father’s favorite! it’s Taka’s father who taught him that sake exists for food while educating him on the fine points of pairing.
Soon after Taka began his culinary career and in 2002, with his life partner Chika, opened Japonica in Redondo Beach!
Their journey in originating authentic Japanese Izakaya-Sushi advances daily and with the addition of discovering smoked methods to enhance the umami in ingredients, the possibilities are endless.
PRESS
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Inspired by Chinese dandanmian, tantan ramen incorporates spicy ground pork and a broth boosted with sesame. Owner Taka Sada’s recipe was inspired by the bowls of tantan ramen he ate growing up in Osaka, Japan….
Best of the Beach 2022: Japanese (other), Japanese (Sushi)
A while ago we split the Japanese restaurant category into sushi and non-sushi, because some readers said that the use of seasonings to enhance raw ingredients and cooked dishes were such different categories…
Japonica is opening a second location
Takashi Sada’s restaurant Japonica has one successful location opened in Redondo Beach, where its signature Sada Smoked Soy Sauce is served alongside Sushi/Izakaya Japanese fare. Now, Japonica is looking to open a new location on 1314 Hermosa Ave in Hermosa Beach
Review: Breaking with tradition
“It was still a delight to have something so different from what I and everybody else have been cooking. Enjoy a dinner of Japanese fusion delicacies and you’ll have great memories.”
Japonica brings the smoke to Redondo Beach
Since then, this local gem has built a loyal following of both sushi lovers and folks who love the variety of the menu, including Japonica’s specialty, Kunsei, or smoked dishes.