My wife and I have traveled to Japan and enjoyed what is considered to be the most authentic sushi, from top chefs. Hana Haru is the only sushi restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley that has come close to that experience. We love sashimi and...
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My wife and I have traveled to Japan and enjoyed what is considered to be the most authentic sushi, from top chefs. Hana Haru is the only sushi restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley that has come close to that experience. We love sashimi and traditional simple sushi (fish on rice), and Hana Haru's food is fantastic, and a bargain for good sushi/sashimi. The back bar has that intimate, real, Kyoto sushi diner vibe. Reminds us of Japan.
The first time I tried Hana Haru was in the late 90s, and I was blown away by how delicious every bite of sushi was, and it remains just as good today. When my wife and I met, she had never been, and she grew up two miles from there, so we had a date there, and she fell in love too.
Don't be shy about sitting down at the sushi bar at the back of the restaurant, because that is where we always eat. Ask the chef or the manager what they suggest if you're not familiar with sashimi versus sushi. Our best foodie experiences have been when we have just gone into restaurants and asked for help trying something new, or unknown, Hana Haru is a great place to try this.
For most people, the "sushi roll" type of sushi, (dragon roll, spicy crunchy roll), is their entry point/introduction to sushi, and they serve some very satisfying versions of that as well, but if you are really into sushi, or interested in learning more about sushi, then try their sashimi. Its a real treat, and we highly recommend Hana Haru. Our usual order is some edamame, a couple of yellow tail sashimi's, couple of hand rolls, vegetable tempura, AND a spicy crunchy roll, because why not. Cheers!