Sushi Island Introduce
California, a state celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene, offers an incredible array of international flavors. Among the many beloved cuisines, Japanese food, particularly sushi, holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. If you're in the South Bay area and looking for a straightforward, delicious, and convenient option for Japanese fare, look no further than Sushi Island in Gardena. This establishment has carved out a reputation as an "excellent local hole in the wall" that's perfect for "simple family eats" and a popular choice for quick, quality meals.
Sushi Island isn't about flashy decor or an extensive, upscale dining experience. Instead, it focuses on delivering fresh, homemade food with a friendly touch. Customers consistently praise the taste of the food, noting that it's prepared without MSG, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. This commitment to simple, wholesome ingredients resonates with many Californians who prioritize quality and a clean taste in their everyday dining choices.
While you can dine in, Sushi Island is particularly well-regarded as a "great little take out place." Its efficient service and convenient combos make it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families looking for a delicious and quick Japanese meal on the go. From customizable combos featuring popular items like sesame chicken and tempura to classic sushi rolls and comforting udon, Sushi Island provides a reliable and satisfying option for your Japanese food cravings in the heart of California.
Sushi Island is conveniently located at 18539 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90248, USA. This prime location in Gardena places it within the bustling South Bay region of California, making it easily accessible for residents across Gardena and surrounding cities. Western Avenue is a significant thoroughfare, ensuring the restaurant is simple to find whether you're navigating from nearby communities like Torrance, Carson, or traveling from other parts of Los Angeles County.
The restaurant is situated within a shopping plaza, which is a key advantage for accessibility in California. This means there is typically a small parking lot available for the shopping center, making it convenient for customers to park and quickly pick up their orders or dine in. Easy parking is a significant plus for busy locals who rely on their vehicles for transportation.
Gardena itself boasts a rich Japanese cultural heritage, with a vibrant Japanese-American community and numerous authentic Japanese businesses. This cultural backdrop adds to the authentic feel of dining in the area and reinforces Sushi Island's position as a truly local spot for quality Japanese food. Its convenient location and accessible parking make it a hassle-free destination for a quick and satisfying meal.
Sushi Island provides a range of services primarily focused on delivering convenient and delicious Japanese food to its local customers. Their service model caters efficiently to those looking for quick meals without compromising on taste.
Takeout Focus: Sushi Island is highly regarded as a "great little take out place." While they do have seating for dining in, the emphasis is clearly on efficient takeout service, making it ideal for grabbing a meal on the go.
Dine-In (Casual): They offer a casual dine-in option for customers who prefer to eat on-site. However, it’s noted as being "more of a take out place," indicating a more functional than formal dining atmosphere.
Various Combos: A key service highlight is their offering of "various combos that you can pick and choose." This allows customers to customize their meals with popular items, providing flexibility and value. Examples include two-item combos with options like sesame chicken and tempura.
Homemade Food: Customers appreciate that the food is "home made," suggesting a focus on fresh preparation and traditional methods, differentiating it from mass-produced options.
MSG-Free Cooking: A significant service feature is their commitment to cooking "without the msg," appealing to health-conscious diners who prefer cleaner flavors and fewer additives.
Sushi and Roll Selection: They offer popular sushi items like the "dragon roll" and "ama ebi" (sweet shrimp, with heads fried as an option), showcasing their range in sushi preparations.
Udon and Salad: Beyond sushi and main entrees, they also offer comforting udon noodles and fresh salads, providing a broader menu for different cravings.
Fast Food Preparation: Reviewers consistently mention that food is "served up pretty fast," which is ideal for busy locals looking for a quick and efficient meal solution.
Friendly Staff: The presence of "nice friendly staff" enhances the overall customer experience, making interactions pleasant and welcoming.
Sushi Island stands out in the competitive Californian culinary scene due to several unique features and highlights that contribute to its strong appeal among local residents.
"Excellent Local Hole in the Wall": This description by customers perfectly encapsulates its charm. It signifies an unpretentious, authentic local eatery that delivers consistently good food, often discovered by word-of-mouth among residents. It's the kind of place locals seek out for genuine, no-frills quality.
Simple, Homemade Flavors: A significant highlight is that the food tastes "homemade," and notably, it's prepared "without the msg." This commitment to clean, natural flavors resonates with diners who prioritize freshness and a healthier approach to their meals, allowing the true taste of the ingredients to come through.
Popular for Takeouts: While dining in is an option, Sushi Island's efficiency and menu structure make it a "very popular local spot for takeouts." This focus caters perfectly to the fast-paced Californian lifestyle, offering a convenient solution for delicious Japanese food on the go.
Variety of Customizable Combos: The ability to "pick and choose" from "various combos" (e.g., two-item combos with options like sesame chicken and tempura) is a major draw. This customization allows diners to create a meal tailored to their preferences and offers excellent value.
Fast Service: Customers consistently note that "Food was served up pretty fast," which is a crucial highlight for those seeking a quick and efficient dining experience, especially during lunch or busy weeknights.
Friendly Staff: The presence of "nice friendly staff" contributes significantly to a positive customer experience, making every visit pleasant and welcoming. Good service, even in a takeout-focused spot, makes a difference.
Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: In addition to their sushi rolls (like the "dragon roll" and "ama ebi"), they offer comforting Japanese staples such as "Udon and salad," as well as popular entrees like "sesame chicken" and "tempura." This variety ensures there's something for every craving.
Dessert Convenience in the Same Plaza: A unique highlight for post-meal treats is the mention of "Kansha ice cream is in the same plaza for dessert after." While not part of Sushi Island, this proximity provides an added convenience for a complete dining experience.
As a beloved "local hole in the wall" primarily focused on quality and convenience, Sushi Island's "promotions" often manifest in its inherent value and straightforward offerings rather than complex discount campaigns. Based on customer reviews and the nature of such family-friendly establishments, here’s what one might infer or experience regarding potential offers:
Value-Oriented Combos: The "various combos that you can pick and choose" are essentially a standing offer of great value. These allow customers to get multiple popular items at a bundled price, making a satisfying meal highly affordable. Examples like the "two item combo sesame chicken and tempura" highlight this cost-effective approach.
Homemade and MSG-Free Quality: While not a discount, the commitment to "homemade" food prepared "without the msg" acts as a health-conscious value proposition. For diners who prioritize clean eating and authentic flavors, this quality standard is a significant draw that encourages loyalty.
Efficient and Fast Service: The promise that "Food was served up pretty fast" is a valuable service "offer" for busy Californians. Time is precious, and getting a delicious meal quickly is a major convenience that keeps customers coming back.
Friendly Local Spot: The "nice friendly staff" and overall "local spot" vibe contribute to a positive dining experience. This warm, welcoming atmosphere, while intangible, is a form of value that builds community and encourages repeat visits.
Proximity to Dessert Option: The mention of "Kansha ice cream is in the same plaza for dessert after" offers an indirect convenience. While not a promotion by Sushi Island, it makes the entire dining outing (meal plus dessert) more seamless and appealing, acting as a collaborative benefit within the plaza.
Unannounced Daily Specials: Smaller, local eateries sometimes have unadvertised daily specials based on fresh ingredients or chef's whims. It’s always a good idea to ask the friendly staff if there are any current specials not listed on the main menu.
To discover any specific, limited-time promotions, or to inquire about daily specials, the best approach for locals would be to call Sushi Island directly or ask the staff upon arrival. However, their consistent value through customizable combos and high-quality, homemade food are their most reliable and appealing "offers."
Should you wish to contact Sushi Island for inquiries, to place a takeout order, or for any other information, here is their essential contact information:
Address: 18539 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90248, USA
Phone: (310) 327-1644
Mobile Phone: +1 310-327-1644 (This is typically the same number, provided for clarity and international dialing where applicable)
For their most up-to-date hours of operation, especially for takeout and dine-in services, it's always advisable to call ahead. This ensures you have the most current information before planning your visit to this popular local spot for Japanese cuisine.
For residents of California, particularly those in the bustling South Bay and greater Los Angeles area, Sushi Island in Gardena stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for Japanese cuisine. Its unique combination of simplicity, quality, and convenience makes it a cherished local resource.
Firstly, Sushi Island perfectly embodies the spirit of a reliable "local hole in the wall" for "simple family eats." Californians often appreciate unpretentious establishments that consistently deliver good food without unnecessary frills. The fact that their food is "homemade" and prepared "without the msg" speaks volumes about their commitment to freshness and wholesome ingredients, appealing to a health-conscious and discerning local customer base that values clean flavors.
Secondly, its strength as a "great little take out place" aligns perfectly with the fast-paced lifestyle prevalent in California. With customizable combos, fast service, and a friendly staff, Sushi Island offers a highly efficient and satisfying solution for individuals and families looking for a delicious Japanese meal on the go. Whether it's a quick lunch, a convenient dinner, or an easy option after a busy day, their takeout focus is a major advantage.
Finally, the practical accessibility with parking available in the shopping center on Western Avenue simplifies the dining experience, removing a common urban hassle. Combined with a diverse menu that includes not just sushi rolls but also comforting udon and popular chicken and tempura combos, Sushi Island truly caters to a broad range of local cravings. For Californians seeking a consistently good, convenient, and genuinely friendly spot for delicious, homemade Japanese food, Sushi Island is an ideal and highly recommended destination.
Sushi Island Photos










Sushi Island Location
Sushi Island
18539 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90248, USA
Sushi Island Reviews
Excellent local hole in the wall for simple family eats. They have various combos that you can pick and choose. Udon and salad too. It's home made so you do taste the food without the msg. Nice friendly staff and it's a very popular local spot for takeouts. Kansha ice cream is in the same plaza for dessert after.
Apr 22, 2025 · sydney wenGreat little take out place!! Clean great service had the two item combo sesame chicken and tempura. A dragon roll and ama ebi with heads fried yum. Food was served up pretty fast. We dined in but it’s more of a take out place. Check it out
Sep 09, 2019 · Allen TOrdered their Tempura Udon & Kitsune Udon. The udon noodles were good and their soup-based was tasty a bit sweet. Good service as well by staff. We will return for their udon.
Sep 19, 2023 · Allen WidjajaI had the Chicken Teriyaki Combo with California Rolls. Chicken Teriyaki was very delicious and juicy with a big scoop of rice, salad, miso soup and 8 California Rolls. Nice big portion at a reasonable price. Service is great and ladies behind the counter are really nice and helpful. Covid Compliant.
Jan 30, 2021 · G KawaGood food, good value.I only wish the portions were more or larger.
Apr 23, 2023 · Larry Wong
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