This place has been in business like forever.
Super simple to-go only sushi place

No Uber eats, no only order. You just call or go there to pick up simple and limited sushi menus.
That's it. They still have super old cash register (you see only in movies or in the museum.

The place is very small. It might fit only three people.

Take out window is inside not on the street. Parking lot made it convenient. This is CASH ONLY so don't make my mistake. I drove down to Aldi across the street and got cash back there. This is a family owned restaurant and the people are lovely. The sushi was good and everything tasted fresh. The mackerel is salty! The California roll was my favorite. Give them a try.

First time.. we finally made it to Sakae to see what all of the fuss is about. We have been missing out!  6 simple menu options, the only decisions to make are how many pieces in the box, and what we wanted in our combo. Being newbies to this business that's actually older than me, we ordered a 12pc box and asked for 2pc each of the 6 different sushi pieces.

We arrived at 2:30pm on a Saturday. I was a little worried because I hadn't called my order in advance as requested in pics I've seen posted.  The lady at the walk-up window was very sweet and took our order. I've always wondered how I had never stopped here in all of the years me and my family have come to Gardena and Torrance to shop. Today I realized, it's so tucked away and unassuming, you wouldn't find it if you're not looking for it. It's a small hole in the wall (literally) with no indoor customer areas at all. Orders are over the phone or at the window, and you take everything to go.

We carried our precious box to the car and dove right in. Every bite was delicious!  Well, actually hubby wasn't a fan of the mackerel and I could have passed on it too, but the other 5 items were prepared and presented beautifully in the box, and the California roll was actually something to get excited over! We almost made the mistake of passing on the basic CA Roll, but I'm glad we didn't!

We have decided that the locals who live in the area are just spoiled. Great stores, markets and restaurants at every corner!  

Thanks for the quick lunch, Sakae. We will be back to see you again.

The best California roll you'll have in Los Angeles. This is the definition of a hole in the wall. Family owned place has been here since 1960 something.

This isn't a sushi restaurant, there is no place to sit, strictly a take out place, you need to call your order in before going otherwise you'll have to wait a long time. When you call they will tell you what time to pick your order up.

I've tried most of the items there but the California roll is the best, full of avocado and real shrimp. No fake crab meat. So tasty. The packaging is so cool, like a gift wrapped bento box with a chopstick. Inside the box it's basically some ginger and that's it. No soy sauce or wasabi is given those are upon request and additional cost.

You call, order then pick up at back of the store, there will be a window to pick up and pay.

REMEMBER THEY ONLY TAKE CASH!!!?

Good food but longer wait times as they are busy. It's a quick takeout place. Order ahead of time!

Can be slightly pricy, but the rolls are big and can fill you up. I can eat 14 at a time, but I would feel satisfied even with just 10 rolls.

Ebi (shrimp): felt a little chewy and lacking in flavor. I would skip this next time.

Nori Maki: good, filling was sufficient. I would skip this for Tamago Maki

Tamago Maki: same filling as nori maki but with sweet egg on the outside. Get this if you like eggs and something a little sweeter. I liked this better.

Saba: all the reviews raved about this. It's mackerel, so it tastes a bit fishy. The taste was good otherwise. I will only get two of these next time.

California roll: surprisingly good for a simple roll you can get at other places. Definitely get this. My favorite from the options.

Parking: there is sufficient parking in the backlot and the streets.

Service: friendly

Ambience: Takeout place. They have a window inside the courtyard.

COVID friendly: they are still wearing masks while serving the food.

They have very simple menu yet tasteful and very reasonable price.
Traditional, old fashioned way of making sushi.  Rice is really well prepared and tasty.
So I don't mind the big portion of rice compared to size of fish.
Very friendly and kind.
I'll go back when I'm craving lunch box type of sushi.

So delicious and huge pieces. I am not usually a fan of California rolls, but these ones were good and the avocado was fresh. I recommend calling ahead of time to place your order.

Best sushi in town! Also can customize your box so it's nice if you only need certain pieces

Family owned.  Reliable.  Consistent.  Simple and tasty.  Homemade flavor.  Like your mom or auntie made it. We've been going to Sakae for over 30 years.  When we lived in Gardena, we went practically daily.  The menu hasn't changed much,  and the sushi is consistently delicious.  The only difference now is you must call ahead to order.  Futomaki and inari are my go to.  Nigiri is always fresh.  All this time I've honestly NEVER had a bad experience or order.  My husband loves to talk to others when waiting for our order.  It's fun to hear from the loyal folks that drive hours to get their fix.