Wa Izakaya - SGV

For residents of California, particularly those in the vibrant San Gabriel Valley, the quest for exceptional Japanese cuisine is a delightful journey. Among the myriad of options, Wa Izakaya - SGV has established itself as a noteworthy destination, promising a blend of fresh ingredients, skillful preparation, and a welcoming atmosphere. This family-owned Japanese restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides a culinary experience that resonates with both traditional flavors and modern palates.

Nestled in San Gabriel, Wa Izakaya - SGV has garnered positive attention for its commitment to quality, especially its sushi and tempura, which are frequently highlighted by satisfied patrons. The restaurant prides itself on delivering dishes that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, enhancing the overall dining pleasure. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Wa Izakaya - SGV, helping Californians in the region discover what makes this establishment a compelling choice for their next Japanese food craving.

Whether you're seeking a quick and satisfying lunch, a delightful sushi dinner, or a taste of perfectly fried tempura, Wa Izakaya - SGV strives to exceed expectations. Its focus on fresh ingredients and solid culinary execution makes it a reliable and enjoyable spot for locals looking for a quality Japanese dining experience in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley.

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Wa Izakaya - SGV is conveniently located at 120 N San Gabriel Blvd # I, San Gabriel, CA 91775, USA. This address places it squarely within the bustling city of San Gabriel, part of the wider San Gabriel Valley (SGV) in Los Angeles County. San Gabriel Boulevard is a major thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily identifiable and accessible for residents of San Gabriel and neighboring communities like Alhambra, Arcadia, and Pasadena.

The restaurant is situated in a plaza, often near other businesses like a CVS, which can be a double-edged sword for parking. While parking is "available right in front of the restaurant," and some reviewers note "plenty of parking available next to the restaurant" during off-peak hours (e.g., mid-afternoon), the area can experience congestion. One review specifically mentions that the drive-thru line for an adjacent In-N-Out location can sometimes "obstructing the Wa Sushi entrance" or make it "super rough trying to get out of there." For locals, this is a familiar scenario in busy Southern California plazas, and patience or planning during peak dining times is advisable. Despite this, the presence of a dedicated parking lot, even if potentially busy, is still a significant advantage compared to purely street parking options.

For those utilizing public transportation, San Gabriel Boulevard is served by various bus lines, connecting the restaurant to different parts of the city and region. Its location within a commercial hub ensures that it is easily integrated into local commutes and errands, enhancing its overall accessibility for many California residents.

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Wa Izakaya - SGV offers a comprehensive menu of Japanese cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh sushi and sashimi, along with a variety of cooked dishes and a notable lunch special. Their offerings cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a satisfying experience for a wide range of diners.

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a "cozy atmosphere" that is both "intimate and classy," suitable for casual dining or special occasions. Reviews indicate attentive service.
• Lunch Specials: A highly praised feature, as noted by a customer who "came for the lunch special and it did not disappoint." While specific details vary by day or time, lunch specials typically offer popular items at a good value. Examples from their menu include:
  • Various Bento Boxes for Lunch & Dinner (e.g., Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Tempura, Chicken Katsu, Pork Katsu, Sushi Combo, Sashimi Combo, Mixed Tempura, Grill Mackerel).
  • Sushi Combo (1 piece tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, albacore, and salmon avocado roll).
  • 3 Roll Combo (Tempura California Roll, Crunch Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll).
• Sushi & Sashimi: A core strength of Wa Izakaya. Customers rave that "The sushi here is solid. You get lots of pieces and thicker pieces of fish for a good price." They emphasize "super fresh!" quality for sashimi and fish. Offerings include:
  • Nigiri & Sashimi: A wide selection including Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Albacore, Shrimp, Eel, Scallop, Octopus, Surf Clam, Sweet Shrimp, Sea Bass, Toro (with gold flakes), Uni, and Caviar. Highlighted for being "very fresh and delicious!"
  • Premium Rolls: Creative and popular rolls like the "Sunset Roll" (a customer favorite), Red Dragon Roll, Alaskan Roll, Hawaiian Roll, Spicy Rainbow Roll, and Crunchy Tempura Roll.
  • Basic Rolls: Classics such as Cali Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philly Roll, Eel Avocado Roll, and various single-fish rolls.
  • Protein-Style Rolls (No Rice): Options like Cucumber Lover Roll, Las Vegas Roll, Lettuce Wrap Roll, offering healthier or low-carb alternatives.
  • Baked Rolls: Including Baked Scallop Roll and Baked Salmon Roll.
  • Handrolls: Including Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Salmon Skin, Eel and Avocado, Blue Crab, and Tuna Avocado Hand Rolls.
• Tempura: Praised for being "very airy and delicious." They offer Vegetable Tempura, Mixed Tempura (vegetable and shrimp), Shrimp Tempura, Oyster Tempura, Whole Squid Tempura, and Mushroom Tempura.
• Kitchen Entrees: A variety of cooked Japanese dishes served with miso soup, salad, and rice:
  • Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki.
  • Katsu Cutlets (Pork or Chicken).
  • Miso Salmon, Grill Mackerel, Wa Premium Rib-Eye Steak.
• Izakaya & Hot/Cold Signature Plates: Reflecting its "Izakaya" name, the menu includes small plates and grilled items:
  • Appetizers: Edamame (regular/spicy garlic), Miso Eggplant, Gyoza, Shishito Pepper, Chicken Karaage, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Takoyaki, Softshell Crab, and more.
  • Hot Signature Plates: Amberjack Kama, Hamachi Kama, Madai Kama (grilled fish collars).
  • Cold Signature Plates: Albacore w/ Crispy Onion, Yellowtail Jalapeno, Lemon Halibut, Truffle Red Snapper, Japanese Ceviche, and various salmon and tuna sashimi creations with unique sauces and toppings.
• Noodles & Rice Dishes: Including Plain Udon Soup and various Donburi (rice bowls).
• Desserts: Tempura Ice Cream (though one review found the matcha flavor weak and exterior not crispy enough) and other sweet treats.
• Beverages: A selection of non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, iced teas, Ramune, juices) and a "full bar" available (as per their website, though not explicitly mentioned in reviews for this location).
• Takeout and Delivery: Available through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Seamless, providing convenience for home dining.

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Wa Izakaya - SGV boasts several key features and highlights that contribute to its positive reputation among locals in the San Gabriel Valley, making it a desirable Japanese dining spot.

• "Super Fresh!" Ingredients: A consistent highlight is the freshness of their ingredients, particularly for sushi and sashimi. Customers consistently note the high quality of the fish, which is paramount for raw seafood dishes.
• High-Quality Sushi & Sashimi: Patrons laud the "solid" sushi, appreciating the "lots of pieces and thicker pieces of fish for a good price." Specific mentions of "very fresh and delicious" nigiri sushi (including Salmon, Yellowtail Belly, Scallop, Uni, Toro with gold flakes) underscore their expertise in this area. The "Sunset Roll" is a customer favorite, showcasing their appealing specialty rolls.
• "Airy and Delicious" Tempura: The tempura, a staple of Japanese cuisine, receives specific praise for its light and crispy texture, indicating skillful preparation.
• Well-Presented Dishes: "Everything was so well presented," a reviewer noted, indicating that the restaurant pays attention to the visual appeal of its food, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Excellent Value, especially Lunch Specials: Customers are impressed by the "good price" for the quality and quantity of food, especially regarding the "lunch special" which "did not disappoint." This offers an accessible entry point for trying their cuisine.
• Diverse and Extensive Menu: Beyond sushi and tempura, the restaurant offers a wide array of Izakaya-style appetizers, cooked entrees (Teriyaki, Katsu), noodle dishes, and unique signature cold and hot plates, catering to a broad range of tastes and ensuring there's something for everyone.
• Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Described as a "cozy atmosphere" that is "intimate and classy," Wa Izakaya provides a comfortable and pleasant setting for diners, whether for a casual meal or a special occasion.
• Attentive Service: Reviewers mention "attentive service," suggesting that staff like Serina contribute to a "delightful and welcoming" dining experience.

While the tempura ice cream might not be a unanimous hit, the consistent positive feedback on their main savory dishes, especially the fresh fish and tempura, firmly establishes Wa Izakaya - SGV as a go-to spot for quality Japanese food in the area.

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Wa Izakaya - SGV offers compelling value through its "Lunch Special" program and diverse menu structure, which can be considered ongoing "promotions" for its California customers, rather than just limited-time deals.

• Lunch Specials: A prominent highlight mentioned in reviews, the "lunch special" is consistently praised for being satisfying and offering good value. While the specific daily offerings may vary, typical lunch menus for Japanese restaurants often include bento boxes, sushi combos, or entrée specials at a reduced price point compared to dinner. Wa Izakaya's menu shows various Lunch & Dinner Bento Boxes (Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Tempura, Katsu, Sushi, Sashimi combos) as well as dedicated "Combos" (e.g., 3 Roll Combo, Sushi Combo) that likely represent these value-driven options.
• "Good Price" for Quality and Quantity: Customers explicitly state they get "lots of pieces and thicker pieces of fish for a good price," especially for sushi. This inherent value proposition serves as a continuous draw for patrons seeking quality Japanese food without an exorbitant price tag.
• Variety of Combos and Platters: The extensive menu includes various combo plates for sushi, sashimi, and mixed entrees, allowing customers to enjoy a broader selection of dishes, often at a more economical rate than ordering individual items. For instance, a "Sushi Plate" with 7 pieces of chef's choice fish and a spicy tuna handroll at $32.00, or a "Sashimi Moriawase 15pcs" at $58.00, offer bundled value.

For the most current information on any specific daily specials, seasonal promotions, or happy hour offerings, it is always recommended for California residents to directly contact Wa Izakaya - SGV via phone or check their official website or social media channels. Online ordering platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash also frequently list any current deals available for delivery or pickup.

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For those interested in experiencing the fresh and delicious Japanese cuisine at Wa Izakaya - SGV, here are the essential contact details:

Address: 120 N San Gabriel Blvd # I, San Gabriel, CA 91775, USA

Phone: (626) 427-1077

Mobile Phone: +1 626-427-1077

These contact points provide direct access to the restaurant for inquiries about their menu, current operating hours (typically open for both lunch and dinner, with hours generally from 11:30 AM to late evening), making reservations, or placing an order for takeout or delivery. Calling ahead during peak dining hours is advisable, especially given the positive reviews and potential for busy periods.

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For residents of California, particularly those in the San Gabriel Valley, Wa Izakaya - SGV is an exceptionally suitable and appealing Japanese dining destination, perfectly aligning with local preferences for quality, value, and a pleasant dining experience.

Firstly, the restaurant's strongest suit is its unwavering commitment to "super fresh!" and high-quality ingredients, particularly evident in its sushi and sashimi. Locals in California's diverse culinary landscape highly value freshness, and Wa Izakaya delivers on this, offering "lots of pieces and thicker pieces of fish for a good price." This ensures that diners receive excellent value for their investment, a crucial factor in choosing a regular dining spot. The consistently positive feedback on the "solid" sushi and "airy and delicious" tempura further solidifies its reputation for culinary excellence.

Secondly, the availability and popularity of the "lunch special" make it an ideal option for everyday dining. For many busy Californians, a well-priced, high-quality lunch is a key convenience, and Wa Izakaya's offerings in this regard "did not disappoint." This, combined with their diverse menu spanning classic sushi, savory tempura, and an array of Izakaya-style dishes, means there's always something to satisfy a variety of cravings, whether it's a quick bite or a more elaborate meal with family and friends.

Finally, the "cozy atmosphere" that is both "intimate and classy," coupled with "attentive service," creates a welcoming and comfortable environment. While parking in a bustling plaza can sometimes be a minor consideration, the overall positive dining experience, marked by delicious and well-presented food and reasonable pricing, makes Wa Izakaya - SGV a highly recommended and suitable choice for locals seeking an authentic and satisfying Japanese culinary adventure in the San Gabriel Valley.

Wa Izakaya - SGV

120 N San Gabriel Blvd # I, San Gabriel, CA 91775, USA