If you’re in Gardena, perhaps dropping your kid off at party at Sky Zone, head over to At Home Kitchen where you can get a freshly cooked Japanese lunch for $8 – about the same price you’d pay at a mall food court for items that have been languishing in a steam tray or a under a heat lamp.

Located in a tiny strip mall, At Home Kitchen is a counter service restaurant with a fairly extensive menu, considering its size. There’s everything from curries to ramen to sashimi. Several rice bowls are available, including the $8 Ten Don, shrimp and vegetable tempura, that comes with miso soup and a side of pickled veggies.

You can also build your own meal set, choosing a main item and then adding on the set – miso soup, rice, salad and choice of side (poke sashimi or sushi or tempura) – for an additional $3.80.

I chose the Chicken Karaage, fried chicken, which on its own was $4. As a set, the meal above was only $7.80!

Instead of getting just a plain salad, you get a small scoop of Japanese potato salad on top of mixed greens.

The poke sashimi featured three different types of fish and was quite tasty.

With just enough of a coating to give it that satisfying crunch, the fried chicken was moist and not too greasy, You know your meal is good when you can’t decide which dish you like best (though I know it wasn’t the rice nor the miso soup).

If you’re headed to the Gardena/Torrance Sky Zone, skip their inedible pizza and pay a visit to At Home Kitchen.  Jump first and eat later. Your body will thank you.

Location – 16814 S. Vermont, Gardena 90247
Website – https://www.at-home-kitchen.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes