You've probably read all the articles online about this place and all the reviews on here, so I'm…read morejust going to confirm that this place is indeed very good as they say. Definitely go for the nabe, and if you're here with several friends and family, the family course/set meal (which is what we got for 4 adults) is perfectly enough food for everyone. We added on the tongue as an a la carte because it wasn't part of the set and wanted to try it. Very good as well. Good service and very izakaya interior.

It takes a lot for me to be blown away when it comes to food and this place was it for me. Our…read morefriends introduced us to this place and it was spectacular! The ambiance is great, not so loud and the vibes are perfect for night out with the girls or even date night. We came in a group and just ordered family style but I started off with the Beef BBQ Yakiniku salad and it was so delicious I didn't share this particular plate it was so flavorful. Their Gobo Chips are a must along with their Doteni Braised Beef Tongue and that was my favorite so simple and that bite was perfection. Their chicken and green onion skewers those were finger licking good the chicken was so tender. We finished off with the Shabu shabu hot pot and that broth was so flavorful and all the cabbage, spinach and noodles were great! Everything we had was delicious and can't wait to go back and try some other items. Their customer service was great, we were a group of 6 and everything came out quick and we were able to enjoy our tasty food and drinks.

This place is so cute and the service was amazing! Our server was very attentive and kind and was…read morevery fun to talk to. The food here was exceptional. We ordered another round of the beef tongue cause it was just. that. good. The chicken thighs with the green onions were also good. I probably wouldn't order the meatballs again, not because they were bad but the other things were just soo much better.

Torihei is a small izakaya, and that intimacy is part of its charm. The compact dining room creates…read morethe kind of warm, personable atmosphere that a good neighborhood izakaya should have. Rather than feeling cramped, it feels welcoming and authentic - a place where the focus stays on good food, good drinks, and good company. Over several visits, these have become my favorite dishes: Cabbage Salad with Spicy Sauce - 4/5. Torihei offers two versions of its cabbage salad: one with a garlic sesame dressing and another with a spicy sauce. The garlic sesame version is fine, but the spicy sauce is the clear winner. It features crunchy garlic and chili oil that add texture and depth without overwhelming heat. I would have liked a little more acidity to brighten the dish, but it's still an excellent way to start the meal. Chopped Cucumber with Sesame Oil - 4.5/5. One of my favorite appetizers at Torihei. The cucumbers are smashed rather than neatly sliced, which gives the dish a rustic character and helps the dressing cling to every surface. The addition of tomatoes is a smart touch, contributing acidity and freshness. Combined with the flavorful sesame dressing, it becomes far more interesting than its humble ingredients suggest. Soboro-don - 3/5. This small rice bowl comes topped with ground chicken, a poached egg, and pickles on the side. The rice is cooked well, and the chicken itself is clearly of good quality. However, the ground chicken is surprisingly underseasoned and could use more salt or additional seasoning. Despite that flaw, it's still a comforting dish thanks to the well-prepared rice and silky egg. Beef Tongue Curry Rice - 4/5. Despite its name, this dish eats more like a stew than a traditional Japanese curry. Fortunately, it's very tasty. The sauce is rich and meaty with just a hint of curry spice. At the same time, the beef tongue contributes a buttery texture and luxurious richness. It's hearty, comforting, and one of the more memorable rice dishes on the menu. Beef Tongue Soup - 5/5. This is a clean, balanced soup that showcases restraint. The broth has enough meatiness to be satisfying without becoming heavy, letting other umami flavors come through. The beef tongue itself is tender and rich, making this an excellent side dish to accompany the restaurant's grilled offerings. Yaki Oni - 4.5/5. The grilled rice ball is exceptionally well executed. Though triangular rather than spherical, it achieves the ideal texture contrast: a lightly crunchy exterior with a soft, substantial interior. The surface develops a beautiful golden-brown crust without crossing into burnt territory. It's a simple dish done right and a perfect accompaniment to skewers. Grilled Squid - 3.5/5. The squid is succulent and tender rather than rubbery, which is often the challenge with grilled squid. The flavor is enjoyable, though I would have welcomed a bit more char and grill marks. Pork Belly and Chicken Thigh Yakitori - 3/5. These skewers are solid but not standout. Both were slightly drier than I prefer. The pork belly could benefit from more rendered fat and richness. At the same time, the chicken thigh would be more appealing with a juicier finish. Chicken Hearts and Beef Tongue Yakitori - 4/5. These are among the stronger skewers on the menu. Heavily exercised cuts tend to offer deeper flavor, and both deliver. The chicken hearts have a satisfying richness, while the beef tongue combines robust flavor with pleasant marbling. If you're ordering yakitori, these are better choices than some of the more conventional cuts. Meatball Yakitori - 4.5/5. This is deservedly one of Torihei's signature dishes. The exterior develops an excellent browning and a slight crust, while the interior remains tender, juicy, and intensely meaty. Chicken Kara-age - 3.5/5. The kara-age is good, but it falls just short of greatness. A crispier crust and juicier chicken would elevate it significantly. Still, it's a satisfying version of a classic izakaya staple. Fried Shishito Peppers - 3.5/5. These peppers are mild rather than spicy and develop a pleasant glistening texture when fried. Their slight fibrousness gives them character, making them a simple but enjoyable side dish. Creamy Annin Tofu - 5/5. Available either plain or with green tea syrup, both versions are excellent, though the green tea syrup is the better choice. The texture is closer to a delicate pudding than tofu, and the sweetness is restrained and balanced. It's a deceptively simple dessert that provides a satisfying and elegant finish to the meal. No izakaya experience is complete without alcohol, and Torihei delivers. The sake and shochu selections are solid, offering enough variety to complement the menu. Beer options are mostly limited to familiar Japanese labels, but they pair perfectly with the food. Combined with its cozy atmosphere and solid drink selection, Torihei is the kind of neighborhood izakaya that earns regulars for good reason.

The best yakitori spots in the southbay, prices are a little bit on the higher side compared to the…read moresurrounding yakitori but oh so worth the it. The inside is very sleek modern dinning vibe. They have bar and tables seats. The menu is very vast and have all the yakitori staples. I've eaten most items on their menu and each one is incredible and juicy. The smokiness is tastefully done and isnt over powering. The atmosphere is very upscale for a yakitori restaurant so a nice place for dates or a birthday. This is one of the restaurants I always recommend if someone is asking about good places to eat in the southbay!

You + me & yakitori!…read more If you're looking for a cozy February night out, Hasu Japanese Izakaya and Grill has the perfect Izakaya vibes. It has great food, friendly service and a warm atmosphere. For Valentine's Day, they had a complimentary drink for all the ladies. I enjoyed the refreshing drink that they offered. It was fruity and sweet and went well with the yakitori we ordered. Among the skewers we ordered were Chicken Thigh, Chicken Heart, Chicken Meatballs, Pork Belly, Pork Belly with Okura, Kobe Style Beef, Oyster Mushroom with Truffle Oil, Zucchini, Potato and Duck and Green Onion. We also ordered a Yaki Onichazuke as well Shochu Yuzu with Soda and Cream Soda. From the skewers, my favorite were the Chicken Thigh, Chicken Meatballs, Oyster Mushroom with Truffle and Pork Belly with Okura. The skewers were perfectly grilled and were full of smoky and savory flavor. The meat was tender and juicy. I also enjoyed the Cream Soda. I loved the sweet, fizzy and creaminess. It had the right hint of vanilla. Last but not least was the Yaki Onichazuke. This consisted of a grilled rice ball in homemade chicken soup, green onions and dried seaweed. The chicken broth was heartwarming and flavorful. It enhanced the crispy yaki onigori. It was the perfect bowl of warmth and umami. Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill offers comfort food elevated! I really enjoyed the little skewers that were perfect for sharing and over drinks and conversation.

First, the ambience is very trendy and resembles a Tokyo alleyway. You order your food via screens…read moreon each table. Service is very fast and food is typical Japanese cuisine. The sushi rolls, cucumber salad were great. The regular dinner salad was ok. Ramen and other dishes were good. They have privacy curtains in each booth which adds a nice touch. The overall experience is good but i would have like the wow factor to extend towards the cuisine.

I Lost a Game of Reflexes, but Won at Dinner Despite living…read morea 5 minute drive away from here since the dawn of time, we somehow missed this absolute gem of an Izakaya (first timers trying it). We walked in right on time for our reservation (because we're adults who respect the space-time continuum) and were ushered into a booth with "privatey" curtains. I'm not saying they'd hide you from the FBI, but they certainly provided enough cover for us to giggle and navigate stupidly through the menu. You can also order directly to a friendly human too. The atmosphere is colorful, lively, unstuffy, and private enough to enjoy good convo but not awko quiet. You order everything via an iPad, which is dangerous because when pictures of gyoza are staring you in the face, your impulse control vanishes. We ordered "a little bit of everything," which is code for "the table was structurally compromised by the weight of our dinner." * The Highlights: The pickled cucumbers (crisp enough to hear in the next county), the pork bowl, and sushi that actually tasted like it came from the ocean. The Fluids: Cold Asahi and Lemon Chu-His. Highly recommended if you enjoy being happy. The Verdict This spot is a unicorn--it works for kids, first dates, or "290th dates" where you both just want to stare at an iPad and eat kimchi in a tent. The Heartbreak They have a "10-Second Hit It" game at the front door where you can win a free meal. We were this close. We didn't win, but we're definitely going back to seek revenge.

Came here for dinner last night with my husband. Very clean and service was amazing. This is why I…read moregive them a 5 stars. Food is a 4 stars, but because of the excellent staff service, 5 stars. We ordered: Mune kizokuyaki - chicken breast all spice (tare may be a better choice, but my husband wanted to try mixed spices since it was different) Unagi (eel) Teba (chicken wings) Very flavorful Ebi (shrimp) the head and shell were left on, so won't order it again as it's too much work to remove the shell and fingers get dirty) Tsukune (chicken meatballs) Beef harami steak with mashed potatoes & cabbage- only $2 more to add side mashed & cabbage Tori Q (marinated cucumbers) Agedashi Tofu Houjicha pudding for dessert (loved it) Drinks : houijicha tea and Sapporo beer Overall, for the price and the size, it's well worth it. Again, had better yakitori's elsewhere, but serving size is much smaller, so you end up ordering more; which means more $$$$. Service was also amazing and food came out quick. Our favorite picks are: Unagi, teba, tsukune, beef harami, & Tori Q cucumbers. Will come back again for sure to try other skewers/apps. I will definitely order the chicken breast/green onions in tare sauce next time as opposed the mixed spices. In summary, I highly recommend to check this place out and experience the great ambiance and service.

We won't be returning. The food was disappointing and service was mediocre…read more I made reservations via OpenTable for two and made another one for a different day (in case it passes the taste test) to take my dad to for Father's Day. Yakitori was for the most part $8 for a set of two. The quality was not worth the $4 per skewer. For skewers, we had gotten liver, heart, wing, chicken meatball, thigh with onion, chicken breast with plum. Also got the cucumber salad, fried chicken skin, and spicy karaage. The biggest complaint was that most of the skewers that didn't come with sauce were under salted and I would say it's pretty dry as well. The cucumber salad was bad because it was bitter in every piece I ate so I ended up not finishing it. The spicy karaage was an absolute no. I took one bite and didn't finish it. My boyfriend ate a small piece and the rest of the dish went untouched. When it came to ordering the finishing dish, I had called for service. The gentleman said brb he's going to grab his tablet... Only for him to come back to grab the table next to mine's order and left lol. I had to call for service again with someone else and ordered a grilled rice ball and the ramen. Grilled rice ball was a disappointment (not even surprised anymore). It was completely soft (probably too much sauce) so it wasn't crispy on the outside at all. The boyfriend enjoyed the ramen and I did try the broth and it was actually pretty good. Um, I guess the best part was the yuzu sour drink I had ordered and the broth from the ramen. I also ended up canceling my second dinner reservation for next time when the skewers came out. Never again.

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

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.

Exceptional in every way. Best yakitori spot - what a treasure in the South Bay!…read more Musts: momo, zoku Q, wagyu

Good food. Good area…read more Good parking. Great service. A bit pricey, but worth it. Our favorites are chicken wings, shrimps, and salad.

The restaurant is located adjacent to Abalone Ave, different from the location that was shown on…read moreApple/Google Maps. While you were at the corner, you would see its noticeable sign. It felt causal and cozy inside, simple and clean. We arrived late at around 1:30 pm on a Saturday afternoon but the waitress was patient and friendly, guiding us to seats and let us know to order before their kitchen was closed. It had a lunch special menu which showed several special items at a very affordable price. We picked the Negitoro Bowl from this special menu (at half of the regular price). The tuna had a balanced fat and was minced in a manner that I felt it melt in my mouth. It's a good match with rice. The Kaisen Bowl had a variety of seafoods and all of them tasted very fresh! The salty fish roe made the rice more flavorful. The Kaisen Bowl came with a miso soup and a salad. We also ordered a soba which was well cooked. We definitely will go back to try more dishes!

The food was delicious and the quality felt really good for what I paid. The staff were also very…read morefriendly, and overall it was a nice experience. This was always one of the restaurants I wanted to try, so I was happy I finally got to visit haha. One thing is that the prices are high and the portion felt little small. If you are really hungry, I probably would not recommend ordering only the premium dishes. It might be better to try some of the more affordable menu options too. Still, the food quality was great and I would love to come back again to try different dishes next time.

Overall impression: Everything we tried was excellent -- no complaints at all…read more Food highlights: We ordered the octopus sunomono, crispy gyoza, seared marinated mackerel, hard shell clam, fried chicken, and mentai cream hotpot. · The fried chicken is among the best we've had in LA. · The gyoza and mentai cream hotpot are absolute must-tries. Service: Attentive and genuinely doing their best -- very solid. Ambiance / decor: A bit dated, but practical and comfortable.

Lots of lunch specials to choose from and good portion sizes!…read more We came here for the udon and were not disappointed with the menu! I decided to go for a full sized udon with a side of tempura. The udon was heavy on the noodles, I wish there was a little more broth but the noodles were tasty and a great texture. Tempura was good, one of the tempura pieces a mushroom, was not fully cooked and had some raw batter on the inside but the rest was great. My partner for the salon bowl which was very fresh and a small side of udon which was still a great size. We both didn't finish our lunches and brought stuff home! Service was great but the restrooms could use a little work. The rest of the restaurant was clean and Japanese themed, appropriately so.

This place is well-known and highly respected among Torrance's Japanese community for serving up…read morequality sashimi bowls. Their udon carbonara also gets a lot of praise and it's a consistent star item on the regular menu. I recently tried their vegetable croquette; the texture is absolutely perfect. A crispy, crunchy, camera-perfect exterior with a pillowy soft filling on the inside. An unsung hero of their menu is the seared salmon belly nigiri. I can see myself getting more than one order of this item next time I'm around. A few other items I saw and hope to try in the future are: - Oyster OR Scallop/Clam Croquette - Beef Tataki - Tako Wasabi - Takoyaki - Onion or Salmon Skin Salad Service is quick and prompt for the dine-in experience. The staff checks in regularly, refills your water proactively, but they're not excessive nor overly eager which I appreciate. The restaurant itself is a small hole in the wall, but in my experience those are the kind of places with the best bites of food.

I really wanted to like Ojiya, but after my second attempt, I've decided I will not be back. I…read moreordered the bento box, and unfortunately it was nothing above average. For the price, I expected the quality and presentation to feel more special, but it was very basic. I also paid an additional $3.50 for sashimi, which did not taste or look premium enough to justify the upcharge. What bothered me most was being told there would be an additional 50-cent charge for ponzu sauce. I agreed, but what I received was barely enough to cover the bottom of my small dipping dish -- about half of a tiny thumb-sized portion. I don't mind paying extra when something feels worth it, but the small upcharges and underwhelming portions made the experience feel disappointing. This was my second attempt to like Ojiya, but unfortunately, I won't be returning.