Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya

For Californians with a discerning palate for authentic and unique Japanese flavors, Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya in Gardena is a culinary destination well worth seeking out. While its location might be a bit unassuming at first glance, nestled within the Gardena Hotel, this izakaya quickly reveals itself as a hidden gem, celebrated by locals for its exceptional food quality and genuine Japanese culinary experience. Happa offers a delightful departure from typical Japanese eateries, focusing on a diverse array of small plates designed for sharing and savoring.

Happa Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's an exploration of traditional Japanese izakaya culture, where food and drink come together in a lively, convivial atmosphere. Patrons rave about the perfectly executed dishes, from their signature Monjayaki and intriguing grilled stingray to surprising delights like popcorn shrimp and savory eggplant with minced pork. Despite its "spartan" decor, the focus remains firmly on the culinary excellence, complemented by friendly service. This article will guide you through what makes Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya a must-visit spot for authentic Japanese food in Gardena, from its location and accessibility to its diverse menu and unique highlights.

Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya is situated at 1641 W Redondo Beach Blvd # 8, Gardena, CA 90247, USA. Its location is somewhat unique, as it is "located in/part of the Hotel," specifically within The New Gardena Hotel. This can make it "a little hard to see from the street," as noted by customers, meaning it's less overtly visible than standalone restaurants. It is nestled between Western Avenue and Normandie Avenue, a well-known stretch in Gardena.

Despite being slightly tucked away, its integration with the hotel offers a significant advantage: "gated within/under the Gardena Hotel" parking. This free structured parking provides convenience and peace of mind for diners, a valuable asset in many parts of California where parking can be a challenge. While it might require a brief search to locate, the ease of parking once found contributes significantly to its accessibility, making it a viable and attractive option for locals seeking a hassle-free dining experience. Its address on a main boulevard like Redondo Beach Blvd also ensures relatively straightforward navigation.

Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya offers a diverse menu of authentic Japanese small plates and main dishes, designed to be enjoyed in a casual yet lively setting.

• Dine-In Experience: The restaurant provides indoor and patio dining options. While the decor might be described as "spartan," the focus is on the authentic food and friendly service. The atmosphere is casual, making it suitable for a relaxed meal.

• Izakaya-Style Small Plates (Tapas): Happa specializes in izakaya-style dishes, which are Japanese small plates perfect for sharing. This allows diners to sample a wide variety of flavors and textures. Popular items include:

  • Monjayaki: Described as their "signature" dish and "interesting," this is a savory pancake with various ingredients, cooked at the table, offering an interactive dining experience.
  • Popcorn Shrimp: A customer favorite, noted as a "surprise" and "delish."
  • Eggplant with Minced Pork: Highly recommended for its delicious flavor.
  • Lotus Root Salad: Described as "nice," featuring vinegar-pickled Japanese scallion and lotus root with house dressing.
  • Jellyfish Appetizer: Another unique and well-received appetizer.
  • Karaage: Japanese-style soy sauce flavored fried chicken, a classic izakaya staple.
  • Agedashi Tofu: Deep-fried tofu served in broth.
  • Shishito Peppers: Lightly fried with ponzu sauce.
  • Gyoza (Pan-Fried or Negi Gyoza): Pork dumplings with green onions, available in pan-fried or negi (green onion) variations.
  • Takoyaki: Fried octopus balls with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

• Main Dishes and Larger Plates: Beyond small plates, the menu includes more substantial options such as:

  • Sizzling Iron-Plate Steaks: Including Rib Eye Steak served on a hot iron plate with a choice of ponzu or garlic butter soy sauce.
  • Homemade Mabo Tofu: A top-selling, flavorful dish.
  • Stir-fried Garlic Sprouts: A savory vegetable dish.
  • Grilled Fish: Including Broiled Salmon Miso and Broiled Tara Miso (black cod).
  • Tonkatsu Pork Loin: Panko breaded fried pork loin.
  • Bacon Char-siu Fried Rice: A popular rice dish.
  • Karamen: Spicy ramen noodle with ground pork, garlic, and egg.
  • Happa Original Curry Rice: A simple but tasty Japanese curry.

• Beverage Selection: Happa offers a diverse selection of Japanese beverages, including sake, wine, beer, and sho-chu, complementing the izakaya experience.

• Friendly and Helpful Service: Customers consistently praise the "really friendly" staff and "okay" service, noting that even if "a bit clueless" in some instances, they are "helpful nevertheless." Promptness is also mentioned, particularly regarding beverage service.

• Takeout and Delivery: Happa Restaurant offers takeout services, which can be ordered by calling the restaurant directly. They are also available for delivery through platforms like DoorDash, providing convenience for enjoying their food at home.

Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya, despite its modest appearance, boasts several key features that make it a standout for authentic Japanese dining in Gardena:

• Exceptional Food Quality and Authenticity: This is the undisputed highlight, with customers giving it "five star purely due to the food." Dishes are consistently praised as "excellent," "delish," and "really authentic and executed perfectly." Happa excels in delivering genuine Japanese flavors, particularly with its izakaya-style small plates, offering a true taste of Japan.

• Unique and Intriguing Menu Items: Happa's menu extends beyond common Japanese restaurant fare, featuring unique dishes that capture culinary curiosity. Their "signature Monjayaki," which involves table-side grilling, provides an interactive and memorable dining experience. Other intriguing items like "grilled stingray" and "jellyfish appetizer" demonstrate a commitment to offering diverse and authentic flavors not easily found elsewhere.

• Hidden Gem Appeal: Described as a "hidden gem" and "a little hard to see from the street," finding Happa adds to the satisfaction of discovering a truly great local spot. Its location within the Gardena Hotel makes it an unexpected find that rewards those who venture to seek it out.

• Free Gated Parking: A significant convenience, especially in busy areas of Los Angeles, is the "gated within/under the Gardena Hotel" parking. This free, secure parking eliminates the common stress of finding a spot, making the dining experience more relaxed from the moment of arrival.

• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Despite some observations about the decor, the "staff was really friendly," and service is described as "okay" but "helpful." This warm reception contributes to an inviting atmosphere where diners feel comfortable and well-attended, enhancing the overall experience.

• Diverse Variety and Fair Pricing: Customers note "a lot of variety and pricing is perfect," indicating that the menu offers extensive choices that are also reasonably priced. This combination ensures that diners can explore numerous dishes without feeling constrained by cost, making it an excellent value for authentic Japanese cuisine.

While specific, explicit promotional offers are not extensively detailed in the provided customer reviews, Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya does have some recurring types of promotions or value-added aspects:

• Happy Hour: Happa offers a Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, 4 PM to 7 PM. During this time, customers can enjoy "Drink Specials," including $2 Domestic Beer, $3 Imported Beer, and $4 Well Drinks. While there are no specific food specials mentioned for their happy hour, these drink deals provide a great incentive for an early evening visit.

• Daily/Weekly Specials: While not specifically detailed in the provided reviews, izakayas often feature daily or weekly specials, sometimes referred to as "Today's Specials" or "Fresh Sheet." It's advisable to inquire with the staff upon arrival about any current food or drink promotions that might be available.

• Value in Izakaya Style: The nature of izakaya dining itself often presents a form of "promotion" through its small plate format. This allows diners to try a wider variety of dishes for a cumulative cost that can be quite reasonable, especially when sharing, making the overall experience feel like a great value.

• Karaoke Nights: The restaurant offers Karaoke "Everyday at 9pm." While not a direct food or drink promotion, it's a significant entertainment feature that can enhance the dining experience, encouraging longer stays and potentially more orders, creating a fun atmosphere.

• Takeout Specials: The restaurant's online ordering platforms sometimes feature "Take out special" items or "Featured Menu Items" that are available for limited times, encouraging off-premise dining.

For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, the best approach is to call Happa Restaurant directly or inquire with the staff during your visit.

To discover the authentic Japanese flavors and unique izakaya experience at Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya, you can reach them at:

• Address: 1641 W Redondo Beach Blvd # 8, Gardena, CA 90247, USA (located within The New Gardena Hotel)

• Phone: (310) 323-8890

• Mobile Phone: +1 310-323-8890

It is recommended to call ahead for current operating hours or if you have any specific questions, particularly if you are trying to locate the restaurant for the first time within the hotel premises.

For residents across California, particularly those in Gardena and the wider South Bay area, Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya stands out as an exceptionally suitable and rewarding dining destination. It offers a unique and authentic Japanese experience that caters to a desire for high-quality, diverse, and well-executed cuisine.

Firstly, Happa's unwavering commitment to food quality and authenticity is its strongest appeal. Despite a modest exterior, the culinary offerings are consistently lauded as "excellent" and "really authentic." For locals seeking genuine Japanese flavors beyond common sushi rolls, the diverse izakaya-style small plates—including rare finds like Monjayaki and grilled stingray, alongside perfectly executed popcorn shrimp and eggplant with minced pork—provide an adventurous yet deeply satisfying culinary journey. This dedication to authentic taste ensures that every dish is a true representation of Japanese culinary artistry.

Secondly, the convenience of its location within the Gardena Hotel, coupled with free gated parking, makes it remarkably accessible. While it might be a "hidden gem," the ease of parking eliminates a common frustration in Los Angeles dining, allowing locals to enjoy their meal without the hassle. This practical advantage significantly enhances the overall dining experience, making it a stress-free choice for a spontaneous dinner or a planned outing.

Finally, the combination of diverse menu options, fair pricing, and friendly service makes Happa a place where locals can feel at home. The ability to sample "a lot of variety" at "perfect" pricing, paired with a welcoming staff, creates an atmosphere where diners can relax and explore new flavors. It's a testament to the restaurant's quality that patrons hope it "survives," showcasing the deep appreciation within the community. For Californians valuing authentic Japanese food, unique dishes, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere, Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya is a hidden culinary treasure in Gardena that truly deserves to be discovered and frequented.

Happa Restaurant of Japanese Izakaya

1641 W Redondo Beach Blvd # 8, Gardena, CA 90247, USA