Aoki, 2307 D St. (at 3rd), La Verne
Aoki has been a fixture in downtown La Verne since the ’90s, anchoring a busy corner near the university. Outside there’s a protected patio; the interior is homey, with photos of customers along one wall and a mom and pop atmosphere.
I’ve been there a few times over the years and dropped in for lunch on Wednesday.
I got a two-combination lunch ($7.95), choosing sushi and sashimi. This comes with a bowl of miso soup and, as can be seen above, rice and a small salad. The sushi and sashimi both included salmon, tuna and yellowtail. It was a satisfying lunch and a good deal for the price.
It may be another year or two before I make it back, but I suspect Aoki will be there waiting.