This place is so good. And Elite…read more Lunch is a phenomenal deal! Really amazing quality, and not too expensive So, I have a new rating system......I will write what I feel honestly about an establishment. The only ratings I will give are 5 stars, which is enjoyable, or 3 stars which is "needs work."

I'm sorry to say as I walked in this place it was empty. Maybe the reason why we come to pass a…read morenice older lady came to assist me but was unclear on what I wanted. I showed her the picture of what was on the menu and she brought me back just the noodles noodles with some sauce and that was it and believe it or not that that cost $25 for a bowl or a cup of noodles maybe that's why this place is empty very unrealistic prices unable to test any other food because I was so disappointed I had to leave.

The food is decent, but the experience needs work. The room was hot and uncomfortable, almost like…read moreeating inside a humid gym. I understand yakitori is cooked over a grill and the smell is part of the experience, but sweating through dinner in a small shop is not charming. Turn up the AC or improve the ventilation. Service also felt cold. There was no warmth, no hospitality, no sense that anyone was glad people were there. The grill master mostly stared through the room, which made the whole place feel more awkward than welcoming. As for the food, some skewers were good, but others were noticeably over salted. For something as simple and focused as yakitori, the execution has to be tighter than that. There are plenty of yakitori spots around. If the food were exceptional, maybe the uncomfortable room and flat service would be easier to forgive. But right now, the flavors aren't strong enough to make the experience worth repeating.

This izakaya is located in an unassuming strip mall but its food is anything but. I had been…read morefiending for some yakitori since our last visit to Tokyo and this spot did not disappoint. If I had been able to eat crunchier / harder stuff (I had dental work done prior), I would have been more adventurous with the menu. They had so many delicious looking options! That being said, the skewers were AMAZING. Their chicken skewers, the scallop, and the veggies were cooked to perfection. I felt like I had just walked back into a legit izakaya in Tokyo. The vibes were amazing, the staff was so friendly. I will absolutely be back. 10000000/10

I have eaten here only 3 or 4 times. The most recent was a retirement lunch for a work friend. We…read morehad a group of 11 and the handled it really well. They not only had a space that big, but it also felt private. The staff was super attentive. The food is great. I ordered a rainbow roll. All the fish was super fresh. Even though we had a large group, we all got our food at around the same time. It was a great lunch for our work pal.

We chose Ise-Shima at the Miyako Hotel for an early birthday celebration with my parents, wife,…read morechildren, sister and nephews. It should have been an easy win. The room is beautiful. The chefs are visible. The staff is plentiful. The music is good. The atmosphere feels like the kind of place that understands hospitality. Unfortunately, the experience never quite came together. The first challenge was the temperature. The dining room felt more like a sauna than a restaurant. To his credit, our server Arthur worked hard to help and eventually got management to increase the air conditioning. He was easily the standout of the evening and did everything he could to salvage the experience. We ordered extensively, including the $130 Ise Course. Some of it was quite good. Some of it was surprisingly disappointing. The grilled lobster with yuzu miso and kinome was completely overcooked, dry and buried under too much sauce. One of the signature dishes of the course ended up being one of the weakest. The grilled yellowtail suffered from the same problem: dry, overcooked and lacking the care you would expect from a restaurant presenting a seasonal multi course menu at this price point. The larger issue was organization. Dishes constantly arrived with servers asking, "Who ordered this?" or "Who has the udon?" The dining room felt strangely disconnected from the kitchen. Food runners seemed unsure where dishes belonged, which created confusion throughout the meal. Then things really went sideways. Trying to be respectful, I asked that my parents be served first. Everyone eventually received their meals and continued eating. The problem was that my Ise Course never arrived in sequence. My family finished their meals. My children finished. My parents finished. My sister finished. And on my birthday, I sat there alone waiting for several missing courses while everyone else watched. A seasonal set menu is supposed to feel paced and intentional. Instead, it felt forgotten. Arthur again stepped in and spoke with management. The restaurant offered complimentary desserts, which was appreciated, although somewhat awkward because my meal was still arriving while everyone else was already moving on to dessert. What happened next genuinely surprised me. When the bill arrived, management returned and asked whether we would be willing to authorize an additional charge so gratuity could be increased from 18% to 20% because of the size of the party. After the heat, the delays, the confusion, the overcooked centerpiece dishes, the missed pacing and spending a birthday meal eating alone after everyone else had finished, it felt like the wrong conversation to be having. I don't enjoy writing reviews like this because there is clearly talent in the building and Arthur deserves recognition for how hard he worked. But hospitality is ultimately about making people feel cared for. On this visit, despite a beautiful room and some good food, that never happened.

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.

We "discovered" Akane Chaya for dinner a few months ago and came back a second time (can't believe…read morewe'd gone past this place all these years). The first time, I had the Asari (clam) kinoko (mushroom) pasta with soy-based sauce and shiso. This time, I had the Asari Tomato sauce pasta and added the recommended $1.80 shiso topping. Both pastas were excellent. I love the bright and herby taste of shiso - it complements the sauce of both dishes, and the clams in both were flavorful with no grit. The pastas come with crisp salad topped with a delicious citrus dressing, and a warm Akane roll that is a bit on the hearty side and perfect for sopping up the dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or any leftover pasta sauce. We enjoyed the jazz music in the background, settling us as we stepped out of the chaos of Redondo Beach Blvd. Lots of parking in the Pacific Square plaza. There was no (or a minimal) wait at dinner time both times. The lighting is subdued and the staff, while incredibly busy, remained calm and friendly as he circulated among the tables. You can hear the conversation at your table. Even the forks were intentional, with a scalloped edge for twirling the noodles. They have other things besides their extensive pasta menu so I look forward to trying those, too.

This spot is proudly serving the kind of hearty fusion dishes that make you feel in a good way…read more I went with Combination D, and let me tell you, this plate showed up like it had something to prove. * Pork Cutlet with Akane Japanese Sauce Crispy, golden, and wearing that tangy‑savory sauce like a designer jacket. Every bite had that perfect crunch followed by a "oh wow, that's tender" moment. * let's talk about the Asian Kinoko Cream Spaghetti, it was a full‑on mushroom party, mixed mushrooms, chopped clams, and a cream sauce so smooth it could probably talk its way out of a parking ticket. The noodles were perfectly coated, rich without being heavy, and honestly... dangerously comforting. It's the kind of pasta that whispers, "You don't need to share me." "Together, the combo felt like Japan and Italy high‑fiving over my plate." The staff here is friendly, quick, and genuinely warm. They move with that calm confidence that says, "We've been doing this a long time, relax, we got you." They checked in just enough, kept things flowing, and made the whole experience feel easy and welcoming. This place has that cozy, lived‑in charm, warm lighting, a lively buzz, and the kind of atmosphere where you immediately feel comfortable. It's casual, inviting, and perfect for when you want a hearty meal without the fuss. This spot has the Japanese‑Italian fusion lane with comfort, flavor, and personality. The food hits, the service is kind, and the vibe makes you want to linger. If you're craving crispy cutlets, creamy pasta, and a cozy spot that feels like a G-Town neighborhood favorite, this place delivers. "One bite at a time!" Miguel C.

This is one of those spots where you sit at the sushi bar and suddenly feel like you're watching a…read morelive cooking show, except the chef is inches away and absolutely committed to pretending you don't exist while crafting your food with samurai-level focus. I swear he made my Uni Soba with the intensity of someone defusing a bomb. Service was smooth, friendly, and quick. Interior is classic Torrance sushi vibes, calm, clean, and just noisy enough to feel alive. Sitting at the bar is the move. You get front-row seats to the chef slicing, rolling, and plating like he's auditioning for "Top Chef - Sushi Edition." "Today we went all in," * Uni Soba, so rich, buttery, and the kind of dish that makes you rethink your choices in a good way. * Uni Udon, same vibe but thicker noodles, like the soba's more confident older sibling. * Natto Cut Roll, funky, sticky, and delicious if you're into natto (I am). * Fresh Sea Urchin Sashimi Roll, ocean sweetness, super fresh, melts instantly. * Assorted Nigiri, clean cuts, perfect temperature, and the chef plated it like he was entering a beauty contest. * Salad , Wow...crisp, refreshing, and a nice break from all the luxurious uni. Overall, great food, great service, and a chef who made my entire order right in front of me with the seriousness of a man carving a national treasure. Loved it. Miguel C.

My sister had made a reservation here for one of the private rooms for a group of 9…read more We ordered lunch combinations and sushi. I forgot what my Vegan sister ordered, but I do know edamame was one of them. Dishes came out sporadically and everyone enjoyed the meals.

This area is a bit far for us to travel to, so when we had to pick up our friend from LAX, I wanted…read moreto find something super unique to this area to go to for dinner and Yelp search did NOT disappoint. I believe this is the one of the few places (I think the other is in Berkeley), where you can get raw chicken. DEFINITELY call in to get a reservation. Not only is it a good stop for "tourists" like us, but you can tell it's a local favorite too, which isn't too hard to see either. We went here on a Monday evening and the restaurant was PACKED. It's not a big dining area either, just a couple tables and the bar seating area to watch the master grill and prepare the skewers (he just uses his hands to grab and cook everything, which I think is insane). The waitresses were super attentive, polite and friendly. To the girl with the super deco nails, you are so pretty and fashionable! For our visit, each of us ordered the Torimatsu Course which comes with 10 piece yakitori, your choice of salad, soup and ice cream at the end. This is A LOT of food. I had to share some of my skewers after taking a tasting bite since I was getting so full. Probably the first time I've ever gotten full from skewers and it wasn't a Draculian field of stakes. The meal consisted of: 1) Salad: -Each of us chose the scallion since it was a bit more unique. Crispy with a tangy onion-y bite with the slight sweet taste. 2) Chicken broth soup: -This came in the middle with the rest of the skewers but was also a great change of pace when it came to texture and taste. -Delicious rich chicken flavor without tasting too "chicken-y" if that makes any sense. It comes out SCALDING hot to the point that there's warnings on the menu, so definitely be super careful and make sure you don't burn your tongue or your hands (even the cup bowl is pretty hot too). 3) Tsukune (chicken meat balls): -Can't go wrong with simple meat balls. Juicy and goes great with any of the salt, shichimi or other seasonings you can get at your table. 4) Tebasaki (chicken wing tip): -I've never seen bone on chicken on a skewer before, so this was neat. Moist chicken, slightly crispy edges and the meat fell right off the bone. 5) Shiso-maki (chicken wrapped in perilla leaves): -One of the group's favorites. Moist soft, tender juicy chicken on the inside and the slightly minty, herb taste of the leaf on the outside. Delicious. 6) Uzura (quail eggs): -It's just regular boiled quail eggs grilled, but I love quail eggs, so this was a treat. 7) Negi-Niku (chicken and green onion): -Classic combination. Slightly sweet tare glaze on the moist chicken, went great with the different slightly sweet onion taste profile. 8) Sunagimo (chicken gizzards): -The BIGGEST chicken gizzards I have seen. I usually expect tiny morsels when this is ordered at a skewer place, so this was a welcomed surprise. Nice springy chewiness to these meaty giblets. I usually don't like this cut of chicken, but pretty good. 9) Nankotsu (soft bone): -Another group favorite. CRAZY texture. I've never had chicken that had the texture of high quality scallops. It's really good and something that none of us had ever had before. A must if you're getting a la cart as well. 10) Tsumire (chicken stuffed in mushroom): -Very, very filling, but the mushroom cap is very tender and isn't chewy in the slightest (my issue with some larger mushrooms). 11) Stuffed Bell Pepper (stuffed with chicken of course): -Slight bitterness of the bell pepper on the exterior went great with the seasoned chicken. 12) Kitsune (chicken in deep fried been curd): -I love kitsune, so this was one of my favorites as well. 13) Toriwasa: -This is the rare/raw sliced chicken breast with wasabi soy sauce. There's some shredded nori on top too. -Perfect for pictures and to jump scare some people, but the presentation was aesthetically pleasing as can be for "chicken sashimi" and was prepared very delicately. -We actually got this first and ate this first since it's advised to do so once the dish is at the table. -It has a super subtle chicken taste, mostly tasting like the sauce it's in. It has the texture of salmon sashimi but with slightly more chew if that makes sense. Definitely not something I crave normally, but I can now say that I've tried this! Topped everything with a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the end. Can't go wrong with that. It's also super neat to see the huge vase of tare that is allegedly 30 years old. Keeps the flavor well and is monumental to the yakitori here for sure. We were so full and didn't have a chance to try their chicken skin yakitori (something we almost always get when going to a skewer restaurant), so we'll definitely do that and try more of their menu. The quality of chicken they have here is top tier and understandably so since there's extremely strict guidelines and regulations with serving raw chicken to customers. Can't wait for our next visit.

very welcoming restaurant and friendly staff Had their…read moresecond set menu with 7 yakitori, salad, soup, and ice cream. Also ordered a mentaiko yaki onigiri on the side. Everything was delicious, fresh and such a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was very laid back and relaxing. It's pricey but would definitely come back again on special occasions! Be sure to make a reservation!

I visited my favorite restaurant again after quite some time, and it reminded me why I love it so…read moremuch. The owner's kindness shines through in both the food and the hospitality, creating an experience that feels like coming home to my hometown. The warm atmosphere, welcoming service, and exceptional cleanliness make this place truly special. My favorite dish is the Sashimi Gozen. The sashimi is always incredibly fresh and every bit as good as, if not better than, any other restaurant I've visited. The tempura was also outstanding--each piece was perfectly prepared, with a wonderful texture that enhanced the natural flavors of the ingredients. This restaurant genuinely feels like a piece of home to me. I hope it continues to be loved by many people for years to come. Highly recommended!

I'm very fussy about sushi. So much so that when I crave it, I rarely visit a sushi restaurant that…read moreI've never been to before. With that said, yesterday, I visited Kappo Irifune for the very first time. I think it was great. However, it didn't exactly inspire me to re-examine my life choices and start trying out new Japanese restaurant spots. Before I talk about anything else, I have to begin with the service. It was an A+ and here were the reasons why: -My wife and I showed up to the restaurant several minutes before opening. Usually, restaurants are a stickler for their hours. Our server, however, let us in early without a fuss. -Our server closed the back door to the restaurant since she was concerned that the cool air coming in may be uncomfortable for us. -The food came out quickly, but not so quickly that all our food came out at the same time. The way they spaced out the serving of the dishes was perfect. -We ordered the Chef's choice of the day sashimi set that comes with 10 slices of sashimi. They gave us 12 slices at no extra cost. -They gave us free matcha ice cream at the end of our meal. For the most part, I really enjoyed the food here. I ordered the following items: Miso soup with Asari clams, various nigiri sushi pieces (blue fin tuna, blue fin tuna toro, seared toro, salmon, salmon belly, egg, and yellowfin belly), the sashimi set (blue fin tuna, toro, horse mackerel, red snapper, bonito, and (I think) yellow fin)),and four piece shrimp tempura. I thought the salmon nigiri, blue fin tuna nigiri, red snapper sashimi, and salmon were home runs. The shrimp tempura was outstanding, and the best I've had since I was last at Inaba restaurant that specializes in tempura. As much as I liked the items noted above, I must point out a couple of dishes that fell well short of expectations. The toro nigiri, which I'm assuming was chu-toro, was not fatty at all. It tasted like ordinary tuna. Also, my wife's mackerel sashimi had two small pieces of bones in it, hurting the roof of her mouth. I also have to mention that there are a lot of promotional material beneath the clear plastic place mats on the table. They are dated from 2024 and 2025. Not sure if those promotions are still in effect, but they may want to update their materials. There are plenty of sushi restaurant options in the South Bay and beyond. Some good. Some not so good. This is one of those restaurants worth checking out.