Kagura

For Californians seeking a truly authentic Japanese dining experience that feels like a trip to Kyoto without leaving the South Bay, Kagura in El Segundo is an absolute must-visit. This beloved Japanese restaurant is renowned for its exceptional katsu – perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – along with a delightful array of other Japanese staples, from flavorful udon to well-crafted sushi. Kagura offers a genuine taste of Japan, celebrated for both its culinary quality and its distinctive, welcoming atmosphere.

Kagura prides itself on transporting its diners through its authentic ambiance and meticulously prepared dishes. Many patrons praise its commitment to traditional flavors and presentation, making it a favorite for those who appreciate true Japanese comfort food. Whether you're craving a hearty katsu meal, a warming bowl of udon, or fresh sushi, Kagura delivers a consistently high-quality experience that locals frequently return to.

Kagura is conveniently located at 403 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA. This prime spot in the heart of El Segundo makes it highly accessible for residents throughout the South Bay area, including those in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and beyond. Main Street in El Segundo is a vibrant area with a distinct charm, making the visit to Kagura part of a pleasant local outing.

Being situated in a town center, Kagura benefits from various parking options in the vicinity, including street parking and nearby public lots, which contribute to a convenient dining experience for its patrons. The restaurant's design, with its "individual booths" and "reserved tables are private and wall facing, like in many Japanese spots," enhances accessibility by offering comfortable and intimate seating arrangements, perfect for conversations and relaxed meals. Its easy-to-reach location ensures that both local residents and those from further afield can easily access this authentic Japanese culinary haven.

Kagura offers a diverse and comprehensive menu of Japanese cuisine, with a particular focus on its highly praised katsu dishes and traditional Japanese staples. Here's a detailed look at the services and culinary offerings:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in Kagura's authentic and inviting atmosphere, complete with unique "individual booths" that provide a sense of privacy and comfort, reminiscent of traditional Japanese eateries.
• Signature Katsu Dishes: Kagura is widely celebrated for its katsu, available in various forms:
  • Demi-glace Katsu Set Meal: A highlight for many, featuring deep-fried Kurobuta Pork Filet Cutlet with a rich demi-glace sauce. Praised for being "gigantic and well worth the price."
  • Katsudon Set Meal: Tender breaded pork cutlet, simmered with onions and egg, served over a bed of rice – another popular choice that is "gigantic and well worth the price."
  • Chicken Katsu: Described as "crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside," available as a set meal or paired with curry.
  • Loin Katsu & Fillet Katsu Bento: Deep-fried Kurobuta pork loin and fillet cutlets, offered as part of comprehensive bento sets.
  • Cheese Katsu Bento: Crispy breaded pork cutlet filled with melted cheese, a unique and savory option.
  • Mille Katsu Bento: Crispy fried chicken layered with cheese and vegetables, providing a flavorful and multi-textured experience.
• Bento Boxes: A wide selection of well-rounded bento box meals, perfect for a complete and varied Japanese meal. These often include a main protein, rice, salad, and sashimi/sides. Popular options include Black Cod Gindara Bento, Unagi Bento (freshwater eel), Sushi Bento, Sashimi Bento, Beef Steak Bento, Tempura Bento, and more.
• Noodle Dishes: Offering a range of udon and soba noodles:
  • Curry Udon: Noted for its "rich heat that was balanced well by the smooth udon noodles and tender chicken."
  • Nabeyaki Udon: Wheat udon noodles with shrimp and vegetables in a hot pot.
  • Sukiyaki Udon: Wheat udon noodles with beef sukiyaki soup.
  • Tempura Soba (Hot or Cold): Buckwheat soba noodles with shrimp and vegetable tempura.
  • Other options like Kinoko Soba (mushroom), Ikura Oroshi Soba (salmon roe), and Kamo Nanban Soba (duck meat).
• Sushi and Sashimi: While specializing in katsu, Kagura offers fresh sushi and sashimi options, including:
  • Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Blue Crab Roll, Rainbow Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Dragon Roll.
  • Nigiri options like Salmon, Tuna, Hamachi (Yellowtail), and Negitoro Gunkan (Fatty Tuna with Green Onion).
  • Sashimi platters (3 or 5 kinds of sashimi, individual fish options like Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Albacore, Jumbo Scallop).
  • "Happy hour hand rolls were good most notably the eel and yellowtail."
• Appetizers & Sides: Classic Japanese starters such as Takoyaki (praised as "great"), Gyoza, Edamame, and various small side dishes that typically accompany the set meals.
• Japanese Sandwiches (Katsu Sando): Including Fillet Katsu Sando and Chicken Katsu Sando, offering a unique Japanese-style sandwich experience.
• Takeout & Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Kagura offers takeout service and is available for delivery through popular third-party platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates.

Kagura in El Segundo stands out for several key features that contribute to its authentic appeal and popularity among Californians:

• Authentic Japanese Ambiance: Customers frequently praise the restaurant's atmosphere, noting that "walking in transports you to a Japanese restaurant in the heart of Kyoto." The "reserved tables are private and wall facing, like in many Japanese spots," contributing to a genuine and intimate dining experience.
• Exceptional Katsu: Kagura is highly celebrated for its katsu, particularly the Demi-glace Katsu and Chicken Katsu, which are described as "crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside." The quality and generous portions of their katsu dishes are a major draw.
• Generous Portion Sizes: Many diners highlight that the set meals are "gigantic and well worth the price," ensuring a satisfying and filling experience. This commitment to value and quantity is appreciated by patrons.
• Delicious and Varied Menu: Beyond katsu, the menu offers a diverse range of well-executed Japanese staples, including curry udon with a "rich heat that was balanced well," flavorful takoyaki, and a good selection of sushi and sashimi. This variety caters to different preferences while maintaining authenticity.
• "Super Kind and Helpful" Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff, describing the service as "super kind and helpful." This positive interaction significantly enhances the dining experience.
• Suitable for Different Occasions: The combination of private booths for intimate conversations and a broader dining area makes it versatile for various occasions, from a casual meal to a more focused gathering.
• Integrated Sides and Bento Boxes: Many dishes come as complete "set meals" or "bento boxes," offering a comprehensive dining experience with various accompanying sides (like sushi, miso soup, and salads), providing excellent value and a taste of different elements.

Kagura in El Segundo aims to provide value through its high-quality, authentic dishes and generous portions. While specific, ongoing "daily deals" might not be extensively advertised, Kagura does offer some appealing promotions and value propositions:

• Happy Hour Hand Rolls: Reviewers specifically mention "Happy hour hand rolls were good most notably the eel and yellowtail" and that "Happy Hour: Available all day on Mondays, it's a great opportunity to sample a variety of rolls and other menu items at a lower price." This provides an excellent opportunity to try various sushi options at a more accessible price point. While details on specific hours (beyond Mondays) for Happy Hour aren't universally available, this is a significant highlight.
• Value-Packed Bento Boxes and Set Meals: The "gigantic" portions and inclusion of multiple components (main dish, rice, sides, sushi, etc.) in their bento boxes and set meals inherently offer great value for the price. Dishes like the Demi-glace Katsu Set Meal and Katsudon Set Meal are frequently praised for being "well worth the price."
• Online Ordering Deals: As Kagura partners with various third-party delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates), customers may occasionally find platform-specific promotions, such as discounts on first orders or reduced delivery fees, offered by these services. It's always a good idea to check these apps for any current deals when ordering for takeout or delivery.

For the most current and specific promotions, it's advisable for locals to check Kagura's official website or their listings on popular delivery apps, or inquire directly with the restaurant.

To experience the authentic Japanese cuisine and unique ambiance of Kagura in El Segundo, or for any inquiries, here is their contact information:

Address:
403 Main St,
El Segundo, CA 90245, USA

Phone:
(310) 333-0689

You can also typically find their menu and potentially place online orders through their website or popular food delivery platforms.

For Californians, especially those residing in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, Kagura in El Segundo is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese restaurant. It offers a combination of authentic cuisine, a unique atmosphere, and excellent value that caters perfectly to local preferences.

Firstly, its unrivaled authenticity is a major draw. Many locals seek out genuine culinary experiences, and Kagura delivers, with patrons noting it "transports you to a Japanese restaurant in the heart of Kyoto." The presence of "private and wall facing" booths further enhances this feeling, offering a comfortable and intimate setting rarely found in typical American Japanese restaurants. This makes it ideal for a focused meal or a quiet chat with friends.

Secondly, Kagura's specialization in exceptional katsu and other Japanese staples is a significant highlight. The consistent praise for their "gigantic," "crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside" katsu, whether the Demi-glace or Katsudon, means locals can rely on a deeply satisfying and high-quality meal. Beyond katsu, the delicious curry udon and fresh sushi options ensure a diverse menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes, providing excellent "Japanese comfort food."

Finally, the friendly and helpful service, combined with the generous portion sizes that offer "well worth the price" value, makes Kagura an economical and pleasant choice for regular dining. The availability of happy hour hand rolls and convenient takeout/delivery options further adds to its appeal. For residents of El Segundo and the surrounding South Bay, Kagura stands out as a genuine culinary gem, offering an authentic taste of Japan right in their backyard.

Kagura

403 Main St, El Segundo, CA 90245, USA