Japonica Redondo Beach

Takashi Sada, a sake sommelier from Osaka, opened this izakaya in 2002 with his partner Chika, introducing the format to the Beach Cities for the first time. The bar side runs loud with shared plates, but a heated patio out back keeps a quieter option for dinner. The kitchen pairs straight sushi and sashimi with Japanese tavern snacks, a balance that has shifted over the years without losing its consistency. It sits on Pacific Coast Highway between Avenue E and Avenue F.