JAPONICA
Best For: Happy Hour
Price: $$
“Fresh beer and sake” reads the sign before entering Japonica, located in a strip mall on Main St. I arrived at the perfect time, happy hour, and was greeted by an energetic employee who even let me pick my seat. I definitely chose a corner table outside, where I knew I would be comfortable taking pictures, as to not disturb the other diners. Conveniently arriving at happy hour, I ordered a popular roll, the bumblebee tuna roll which is usually priced at $15.99 but is priced at $11.99 during happy hour.
Japonica has 2 other locations in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
The bumblebee tuna roll is made up of spicy tuna topped with yellowtail, garlic ponzu and is adorned with micro cilantro. I am a lover of yellowtail and anytime I can get a roll with it, I will take it. I must say that the garlic ponzu is the true savior of this roll, I at many times took the yellowtail and dipped it in the sauce.
On the topic of sauce, Japonica is the first place I have dined at that carries and sells their own line of smoked soy sauce. This soy sauce is unlike anything else I’ve ever had and truly brings out a savory flavor in every dish. If you visit, I would push you to use this instead of regular soy sauce that they also provide.
In honor of trying these new places, I am going to push myself to try new dishes. This was my first time dining out where Tantan Ramen is served. The menu described the origins of Tantan as, “Originally from China and updated in Japan.” This ramen has minced pork but the menu offers other meat options and even a vegan one. It includes a small portion of veggies like red bell pepper, radish sprout, and bok choy. I do wish there were more veggies just to balance out the hartiness of this dish. I would describe the dish as one of the “nuttiest” ramens I have ever had.
My personal preference for ramen is a meat that is contained and not everywhere in the dish. I now know that I prefer tonkotsu ramen over tantan simply because of the minced pork. The pork seemed to overpower the dish because of its texture. While this is a personal preference, I did really enjoy the thickness of the broth and egg noodles it was served with.
Japonica is the perfect place to try something new! Beyond what I ordered they have a wide selection of sashimi, craft rolls, and their own Japonica rice lager.
There is limited parking in front of the restaurant but plenty of free street parking alongside Grand Ave. There is limited seating indoors with about six four top tables and much more room outside. I chose to sit on the corner of the building that also shares outdoor space with Jame a pasta restaurant that will soon be reviewed.
