Glad we got there early, when we finished dinner the whole restaurant was a packed house, all the…read moretables were taken. Good food, good service, good price tonight was a win win all the way around and the kicker was parking was a breeze considering that parking lot is always full.

to keep it short, they forgot they sat us down. they didn't take our order for over 30 minutes and…read moreafter they did there was a lot forgotten like my takeout order i think had gotten lost after being placed. i should've said something a lot sooner regarding having our order taken especially because i was in a time crunch but i don't like the thought of rushing workers especially when it's a smaller business with less people. my coworker i went with has been many times but said this never happens so this was a first for us. i think the language barrier also played a factor as well, however, the table sitting next to us who spoke fluent japanese also never received their check and was forgotten too. it was not busy. but the owners seemed to prioritize the other side of the restaurant instead. nonetheless, they were apologetic and we still ate and the food was very good, id recommend coming here on a day you are not busy!

The restaurant has a very old school Japanese vibe. Has a good amount of tables for two or a bigger…read moregroup. The service is okay. A small family run restaurant so things can be timed weird but the people are very friendly. The food is good. I ordered the special tonkatsu combo plate. The cold udon is delicious. The tonkatsu is crunchy and juicy. Made very well. Overall a solid 4.7

Party of two for lunch. Arrived as the restaurant opened and shown our seats promptly…read more They were out of soba for oyaku jyu combo so went with the udon. Friend order chicken katsu and was told they were out of cali rolls and subbed for gyoza. My lunch arrived much in advance, their lunch arrived incomplete. The rest of the order arrived as we were finishing up the meal and they had to take the rest to go. Staffing was sparse which could've contributed to the pacing and service. The food quality was just okay. My chicken was a bit tough and the udon noodle was a little bloated in the broth. The miso soup was a bit salty. Probably my fault as I waited to eat for our full order to arrive. Been here before and the food quality was good; providing a simple but tasty home cooked vibe. This time not so much.

YUM! I mean these…read morewere not cheap, but LOOK at the portion. if I wasn't dancing the night away at Gardena Obon this night, I would've saved half for lunch the next day. I still had some leftovers, though. sashimi were thick cut pieces, needed 2 bites per piece to eat. beef teriyaki: get it. even if you JUST get this, get it. I knew something was up when my mom AND sister both ordered some kind of combo, but my sister called dibs on my mom's as soon as she said she was going to order it. this led me to ordering my own beef teriyaki combo. oyakodon was classic and hit everything just right, the cheapest of the entrees but just as filling. love it here!! will be back soon

The wife and I checked this place out recently. I ordered the tempura and beef combination while…read moreshe got the tempura and sashimi combination. I got to try items from not only my plate, but hers as well. The food was hit and miss. The beef teriyaki, which they cooked exactly to the doneness I requested, was incredibly good. The steak was tender - the teriyaki sauce was spot on. I also liked the macaroni salad which was hiding behind the lettuce. However, the sashimi and tempura missed the mark. While the slices of sashimi (e.g., tuna, salmon, and yellow tail) were fresh, they were cut way too thick. The assortment of tempura tasted good, and was crunchy, but was battered way too heavily. It felt like the batter was the focal point of the dish instead of the vegetables and shrimp, which I could barely taste. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive even though the restaurant was packed with people. The food and drinks came out fast. They served our sodas in chilled mugs, which was a nice touch. I didn't enjoy the fact that it was uncomfortably warm in the restaurant (it was hot that day). I don't think the AC was running. However, I won't count this against the establishment since the server stopped by our table to apologize about the warm temperature in the room. Some final thoughts about this place. -We came right at opening. The place filled up pretty fast. -There was plenty of parking behind the restaurant. -If this restaurant had executed the small things more effectively, as opposed to focusing on preparing the food quickly, this could have easily been a five star write up.

This is such a small, charming restaurant that feels incredibly authentic--just like stepping into…read morea little Japanese restaurant Everyone here is so kind, welcoming, and attentive. The food is absolutely delicious, full of flavor, and the prices are really reasonable. The tofu dish is amazing, and all of the skewers are fantastic! Everything tastes fresh, authentic, and beautifully prepared. I will definitely be coming back to this place over and over again, and I highly recommend it to everyone. Such a hidden gem!

This is the kind of place where you sit at the bar, watch the grill masters do their thing over…read moreJapanese charcoal, and suddenly realize you've been smiling like a hungry fool for 45 minutes straight. This place offers Chill Vibes, Great Service, and Skewers Worth Writing Home About Slide into that front bar seat, and you're basically signing up for dinner and a live cooking show. The chefs work the grill with the calm confidence of people who know they're about to make your day. The service up front is quick, friendly, and laid‑back, matching the whole casual, chill atmosphere, the kind of vibe where you can unwind, sip something cold, and watch the charcoal glow like it's performing a tiny, delicious magic trick. And the skewers? Oh man. Each one hits the grill freshly made by hand every few minutes as the orders get placed, using locally sourced, quality meats that somehow tastes like it grew up doing yoga and drinking alkaline water. "lol." The texture is firm, springy, and ridiculously juicy, a perfect testament to the chefs' skill. You can literally savor each skewer as it grills over Japanese charcoal, picking up that smoky, mouth‑watering flavor that makes you rethink every other skewer you've ever had before. By the time you get to the last bite, you're already plotting your return, or wondering if it's socially acceptable to ask the chef to adopt you. In my opinion, there's something humbling about watching your skewer get grilled to perfection while your stomach is whispering, "Sir... please... I'm right here." But you wait, because greatness takes time, and Shin‑Sen‑Gumi is absolutely serving greatness. Come check it out for yourself. I just love good quality food and service! Miguel C.

The food was great! Fresh! The service was good- they kept picking up empty plates. The wait was…read morenot long. The wagyu was okay, but tuna, salmon, and yellowtail were all great. Dessert was also good.

Clean and chill conveyer belt above Tokyo Central…read more Our favorites: Jack Mackerel*** - with ginger and scallions. It was surprisingly so good!!! With the skilled cut and flavor combination, it tastes like straight up cold butter which felt illegal. Not fishy at all. Just butter wow Salmon**- simple and delicious. We liked the fresh better than seared today. Scallops*- fresh and sweet! From Japan Seared Black cod*- so soft and buttery. Tastes special. Yum! Side note: their spicy mayo is really good. I'm getting sesame oil notes on it which really amps up the flavor! Seared Mackerel - not as buttery as the jack variety, firm and fishier Red Shrimp - fresh and tasty, but the texture was firm, maybe I'll try a different variety next time Matcha Mont Blanc - Nutty, creamy, and mild, much more chestnut taste than matcha. It's good! Service is nice, and even if there's a wait, it's nice to put your number and shop around.

We visited Otafuku Restaurant right when they opened at 11:30 am on a Saturday, and the restaurant…read morefilled up almost immediately. We ordered the Seiro Soba with Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, which came out within about 10 to 15 minutes. We ordered a large to share, and without us even asking, they split the soba into two portions for us. That small gesture really reflected the service overall. The staff was very sweet and welcoming throughout our meal. The Seiro Soba was unlike any soba we've had before. The noodles had a noticeably chewier texture than the buckwheat soba we're used to, but we really enjoyed them. The tempura was also very good, with the Perilla Leaf Tempura being my personal favorite. Parking nearby seemed limited, so we parked along 166th St. and walked over. There was plenty of street parking available when we visited. The restaurant had a very homey, neighborhood feel, and it was clear that a lot of regulars come here. I'd definitely come back to Otafuku Restaurant to try more of their noodles.

This place delivers that classic "small-but-mighty" Japanese comfort vibe, the kind of spot where…read morethe noodles do the talking and the tempura does the flexing. Interior is clean, simple, friendly service, and soba so good it could probably negotiate the challenges you probably will have finding parking. Parking? Well... let's just say alley parking builds character. Hot Seiro Soba + Tempura, The hot soba comes out steaming like it's clocked in for a full shift. The noodles have that perfect chew, not mushy, not stiff, just that "I trained in Japan for this" texture. Dip them into the broth and suddenly you're rethinking your taste buds in a good way. The tempura? Light, crisp, and not drowning in oil. It's the kind of tempura that makes you feel like you're eating responsibly... even though you're absolutely not. Cold Seiro Soba + Eel & Veggie Tempura, Cold soba is always a personality test. If you order it, you're either a purist or someone who enjoys refreshing noodles that slap. The eel adds that sweet-savory richness, and the veggie tempura brings the crunch. Together, they're basically the Japanese version of a buddy-cop duo. Chicken Skewers, Juicy, lightly charred, and simple, like the restaurant's way of saying, "We know you came for the soba, but here's a little something extra." Overall the Service was pleasant for a Sunday night, which is impressive considering half the customers were probably still recovering from weekend errands. Parking behind the building is... let's call it "intimate." You'll either fit or you won't. Western Ave is your safer backup plan. Consider it part of the Otafuku adventure, like a mini‑boss before the main quest. Miguel C.

One of my favorite Japanese/Italian pasta shops to go to in the South Bay. They have a large amount…read moreof selections for pastas. The most popular and recommended is the #34. I liked the following pastas: #34 hot garlic with seasoned mushrooms Mushroom & sea urchin/uni Japanese style clam sauce with shiitake & shimeji mushrooms Japanese cod roe with sea urchin/uni, squid & seaweed I also love their $1 salad which can't be beat in pricing. Their overall pricing for the pastas are great. The staff is very friendly and this place can get very busy during peak meal times. So when it's busy, sometimes the orders will come out a bit slower. The vibe is just casual/busy dining where if you have a seat at the bar section, you can see the chefs making the pastas or other dishes.

This restaurant is well known for its Japanese-Italian fusion pasta. They seem to be popular with…read morefamilies and the establishment is always packed no matter what time of day! The parking lot can get full, but I've never had an issue with finding a spot. The service is fast which allows the staff to seat you quickly and get customers in and out. They provide complimentary French bread with butter with your food. I like to have veggies with my meal, but I found the salad dressing to be a bit bitter. Their entrees are made using dried pasta and they have a decently sized menu. I have tried different pasta dishes, but I think the tomato and cream bases are my favorite. When I was feeling more adventurous, I tied the mentaiko pasta which I found too fishy for my personal taste.

I was craving fresh sushi and found this place that was opened. Usually places close after lunch…read moreservice and we were in the area so when we arrived, there was only a table full of patrons. As soon as we sat down and ordered, the place filled up! I was with three friends and I was not hungry until I tried the miso charred rockfish. I was quite impressed how fresh the fish is and loved the flavors meld into this one temaki. So I had to order another one. I also tried the daikon ponzu blue crab. That was amazing too. I'm looking forward to return while I'm here visiting. You have to make reservations. We were walk ins and got lucky today. It's best to come early to avoid the dinner crowd. The staff is nice and friendly. Often filling up our glasses with water while dining which is always a plus for me. Super attentive. This very well might be my new favorite restaurant in the South Bay.

What a wonderful dining experience!!! So we came in on a Friday evening and we had no reservations…read more Since we came around 4:45 they kindly accommodated seats for us but we did have to leave at a certain time. So FYI everyone make your reservations!!!! This place gets busy :) I really appreciated we got to dine in and they made the effort to squeeze us in. Thank you!!! The service and the food were amazing. On Friday and Saturday evening they have oysters. Soooooo fresh, plums and delicious. My favorite hand roll was the snow crab with spicy mayo. It was perfect. Get the double rice , we got single at first and we were like ehhh yes needs more rice! The ambience is lovely and lively. The restaurant is clean and very well maintained. The servers stay on top of it , wonderful meal and wonderful service. We will be back.

Food: Absolutely amazing! Everything from the salad and bread to the pastas is served fresh and…read morewith amazing flavor! My favorite is the Asari Kinoko Soy Based Cream Sauce! The Spicy Shirmp Tomato Sauce is another favorite of mine! The bread is always served hot and fresh, one of my favorites! Their salad is also very tasty with a refreshing orange dressing. Service: The service here is always amazing, whenever I come in I am always greeted with warm welcoming smiles. The service is one of the other main reasons I come back all the time. The service here is always on par no matter how busy they get. Ambiance: The atmosphere is always cozy and welcoming. They can get pretty busy and there might be a small wait, but it is always worth the wait. This is a great spot for all sorts of groups!

Overall, we had a pretty good experience at Akane Chaya!…read more I ordered the mushroom and clam pasta and really enjoyed it. The sauce is on the lighter side--not the thick, heavy cream sauce you usually get with American-style pasta--which I personally prefer. The mushroom and clam combination was really good and flavorful without feeling too rich. My daughter ordered the shrimp pasta with pink sauce, but she wasn't a big fan. I think her taste is a little more Americanized, so she prefers a thicker, creamier sauce with less of a seafood/shrimpy flavor. My husband ordered the uni pasta, which was good, but I think he actually liked my mushroom and clam pasta better! We also tried the iced coffee, and it was pretty good too. Nothing overly fancy, but definitely decent. Overall, a nice Japanese-style pasta spot in Gardena. I would come back, especially for the mushroom and clam pasta.

The staff here operates with that smooth, friendly efficiency that makes you feel like they've been…read moreexpecting you all day. Water refills appear out of thin air, dishes land on the table right when your stomach starts whispering, and everyone has that calm, welcoming vibe that makes the whole experience feel easy. This place is cozy, warm, and tucked away in a strip mall. it's the kind of spot where you settle in and instantly forget where you are. Soft lighting, relaxed chatter, and that comforting izakaya energy make it feel like a neighborhood hideout. You come here to unwind, snack, sip, and smile. Depending on what part of the day you arrive. Let's talk about the important things. This is where Akatsuki really flexes. Every dish hits that "oh yeah, "this is why we came out tonight" level. * Tempura, light, crispy, and somehow still fluffy. The kind of tempura that makes you judge every other tempura you've ever had. * Sunomono Octopus, bright, refreshing, and perfectly chewy. A palate cleanser that doubles as a confidence booster. * Hard Shell Clams, briny, buttery, and served sizzling. You'll be tempted to pick up the bowl and drink the broth like soup. * Salmon Bowl, so fresh, vibrant, and generously portioned. It's the bowl that hugs your soul. * Onigiri, simple, comforting, and exactly what you want it to be. A rice triangle with main-character energy. * Karaage Fried Chicken, finder licking good, crispy, juicy, and borderline dangerous. You'll consider ordering a second plate before finishing the first. * Spicy Crispy Tofu, Shockingly addictive. Even tofu skeptics will start questioning their life choices. * Yellowtail Sashimi, so delicious, clean, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth smooth. The kind of sashimi that makes you close your eyes for a few seconds....hopefully you don't fall a sleep it's that comforting. At one point, the karaage was so good I briefly considered writing it a thank‑you card. And the clams...Wow! They had me contemplating whether I should take home the shells and make a necklace as a souvenir. "Always remember, good energy brings good energy!" Miguel C.

We came by here for a late lunch, which it wasn't too packed and busy at all. We were seated within…read morea few minutes. There seems to only be 2 waitresses in the dining area, and I feel bad cause they look like they're moving as fast as they can but in a calm manner. They were very kind! We ordered the Umami Maze Udon, a spicy version of the maze udon, and a kaarage to share. My maze udon came out first, then the spicy and kaarage shortly after. The udon is a generous portion size! The udon itself was very chewy, although, kinda subtle in flavor. It was overall pretty decent, but I had better udon from other places. I did like how it was less salty compared to many maze udon places though. I heard the spicy version was actually pretty spicy haha. The kaarage itself were also very huge pieces. Although, I wish they had more seasoning or at least had a dip bc it was lacking in flavor. It was just a big fried chicken. The one thing that was kinda bothersome was the lack of air ventilation in here. It was a pretty hot day, so the restaurant was just very warm and quite uncomfortable. It felt like there was no air everywhere. Also the tables were just soo sticky. The booths also feel like the cushions were definitely overused. The whole seating situation was not a pleasant experience. Food was okay, did not make up for the experience dining in though.