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    Izakaya Ringo

    4.9 (41 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:30 PM
    Updated a few days ago

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    IZAKAYA RINGO ATMOSPHERE

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    Lynn L.

    New restaurant. Food was excellent. We ordered a variety of dishes on their menu. All were really good quality. Will need to come back for other items on the menu. Great service .

    New sashimi
    Noba N.

    Small izakaya that took over kantaro. They serve sushi style tapas and few izakaya menu. I got the appetizer samplers. They are single serving appetizer they recommend for the day. I also got fried lotus with shrimp shinjo, the new sashimi which is sashimi with hot garlic oil on top of it. It was pretty tasty. All in all the food is very tasty One downfall of this place is the location. It has a super small parking and the area around doesn't feel the safest. I went at 6:30 on a Friday night and couldn't find parking and had to park a few blocks away. Ladies, carpool recommended.

    Salmon carpaccio with yuzu.
    Jennifer B.

    I narrowed it down to three different places, but this won out simply because of its name. (I prefer to keep the reason behind that to myself.) But boy, am I glad we came! Party of three for a birthday celebration, we got lucky finding the last open parking spot. No reservations, but no biggie: only one table was occupied, so it was cool having options where to sit. Menu is extensive! There are so many things I wanted to try, but had to pull back because I didn't want to get too full. Mom came along so she played my food buddy and let me order enough to share with her. We placed our orders in and expected some kind of wait since everything is made to order. But the wait wasn't long at all. GRILLED SALMON COLLAR: It's a good size and plenty for three. They didn't do anything fancy with this, just simple seasoning and grilled which made the flavor come through so well. Recommending. GARLIC EDAMAME: Also a good starter. Lots of flavor, edamame was fresh. A great palate cleanser. Also recommending. CHAWANMUSHI: I've had a few steamed eggs from other places and this is definitely top 2 on my list. It's so rich, but not heavy. Tasty and light. It was subtle but packed tons of flavor. A must-have and a repeat order for next time. SOFT SHELL CRABS: Batter was thin but crispy. Seasoning was light (if at all) so the flavor of the crab came through very nicely. I asked for a tempura dip, but decided after having it that it wasn't needed. Yum. BAKED CRAB ROLL: The amount of rice is commensurate with how much crab in it. They're bigger than I expected, so it's quantity plus quality. Subtle flavor but delish. It was quite refreshing. AJI: Mackerels usually come with a strong vinegary flavor, but not this one. 24-KARAT: 6 kinds of carpaccio that I won't bother going through. Just know it was bomb.com! Every dish was different, and they all had their own identity and character - flavor wise. It's enough to share with another, and then some. TEMPURA SOBA: Ordered it with warm broth. Not really a fan, but since it's a birthday celeb, noodles are a must. The mixed tempura, however, was really good. Light batter and good seasoning. Hubbers went for the $75 omakase and had the chefs take reign with it. It came with plenty of food including dessert. He loved it. FOOD: 5. SERVICE: 5. Staff were nice, friendly, engaging and available. VALUE: 5. PARKING: Private lot shared with others. It could be a challenge as there aren't many. Street parking is also available. Be mindful of parking signs. OVERALL: 5. This is truly a hidden gem. Don't let its location or overall appearance be a deterrent - let the service and food speak for it all and then judge. Amazing first run. Looking forward to coming back.

    Masterful Chef Yamashita w/ many years of high cuisine experience
    Gary I.

    I had lost contact with masterful Chef Yamashita during the Pandemic when he disappeared from Kappō Irifunè, another competent local restaurant where he worked his extraordinary culinary magic. His knife skills are legendary possessing a broad compendium of Haute Cuisine Japonaise recipes that boggles the mind. Chef Yamashita has re-emerged as the legendary phoenix in the same restaurant space as former Kantarō. Chef Nakai whom I met years ago at Tamon, Little Tōkyō, DTLA has also re-emerged and rules in the way of Sushi where he now puts an occasional French cuisine twist to Japanese tradition. Japanese & French cuisines are compatible because both are highly subtle, complex, seasonal, fine detailed, w/ codified, formal rules that run parallel to each other. Visiting this temple of ultra fine cuisine did not disappoint in a humble eatery that deceptively has all the fire power of other way more expensive Sushi palaces such as 715 Sushi, Sushi Ginza Onodera, Sushi Kaneyoshi, etc. In comparison, it's a deal here if you're into the finer points of Japanese cuisine. Ask for the special of the day menu to keep au courant with what is recommended since trusting the chefs here is de rigueur. 0) Tsukidashi/Otoshi are Amuse Gueule/complimentary small appetizers: a) Raw, flash fried okra slices w/ slices of squid braised in light, sweet Shōyu/soy sauce. b) Bright green, blanched asparagus dressed w/ meaty Umami flakes of Katsuo Bushi/bonito. Plush, summery Japanese eggplant lightly braised in mostly Katsuo Bushi & Kombu/kelp Dashi/stock. 1) Hiramè/Halibut is aged wrapped in Umami rich Kombu leaf. Meat is dry aged for a firmer feel, and the meatiness is amped. Little dab of Yuzu Koshō is a lively purée of Yuzu citrus zest and green chile pepper, salt. Garnished w/ Shiso leaf & chiffonade of Daikon radish root. 2) Botan Èbi/sweet shrimp also called Ama Èbi stateside seem to be slightly blanched & cured in Kombu leaf. Meat is firmer, bit more earthy, with a touch of sweet sea minerality. 3) Kinmè Dai: Golden Eyed Snapper is the king of the Japanese snappers. Scales are bright orange red softened by a hot water wash but still adds texture and contrast to the soft, sweet, Umami filled velvety meat. Soupçon of green Yuzu Koshō. 4) Terrine de Saumon: A baked mousse of pink salmon that is soft perhaps infused with a bit of mayonnaise. On top is an en gelée of acidic, citrus enriched Ponzu sauce, and creamy Sauce Béchamel w/ a whisper of blue cheese-like fancy moldiness. 5) Hotatè (hoh tah teh): Hokkaidō scallops are suave, sweet, sliced and dressed w/ Red Yuzu Koshō having a sweeter, more fermented, "smokey" aromatic. Accompanying sauce is a ultra purée of funky, soapy green herbal cilantro, olive oil, garlic, perhaps lemon juice that seems reminiscent to Pistou of southern France or Pesto of Italia. 6) Katsura Muki is an expert knife technique that peels the Daikon root into a pliable, thin paper sheet which is pickled in mild Japanese rice vinegar & sweet Mirin, a sweet Sakè (sah keh). Thin sheet of this Daikon is rolled around salted, raw Aji/Spanish Mackerel garnished w/ Shiso &Kaiwarè Daikon leaf. 7) Ika/squid: Pure, translucent, white meat is sculpted into a mass of intricate petals w/ an Umami inducing sea salt to emphasize the delicate squid flavour. 8) Tempura: Mélange of seafood covered in a light, crispy, fried batter: Kinmè Dai, pig ear-like flap fin of squid, Hiramè/flounder. 8) Su no Mono: Refreshing Japanese Rice Vinegar Salad of evenly sliced ultra thin slices of cucumber connected to form a snake like objet d'art. Accompanying red seaweed, Kaiwarè Daikon micro sprouts. 9) Suggested Dessert was two blocks of dulcet Japanese style egg omelet with a touch of yolky richness. 1-7a) Suijin/God of Water Sakè: Clean, sweet, smooth body. Bit of fruity melon, loquat. Touch of bitterness to clear the palate. b) Tamagawa Sakè, Tokubetsu Junmai Heart of Oak suggested by Sakè Sommelier Kerry Tamura of World Sakè Imports. Toasty, nutty, earthy. Fruity faint echoes of blackberry. Enough acidity to again cleanse the palate. Izakaya Ringo also has a pack of regulars who seem to inhabit this palace of Japanese delights. Friendly, amiable, kind, I was warmly welcomed into this amicable bubble sitting at the Sushi bar. We talked about everything & anything, but food was the major point of discussion inspired by inhaling all the great food put out by the chefs. Staff here is hospitable, warm & welcoming. Izakaya Ringo is hard to see along Carson Street. Look out for Plaza Liquors that fronts closest to the street and also a big sign on a tall pole in front of their small parking lot that says: Carson Plaza. A Must Try for anyone who loves sophisticated Sushi, Sashimi, cooked Japanese foods that always hits the mark. Definitely worth the drive as noted by a customer who hails from Pasadena weekly. 5+ stars

    Everything was so fresh and beautifully presented. Each bite of sashimi was perfect. Highly recommend!

    Toro, squid, uni
    Sergio C.

    Checked out a cozy sushi spot on a weeknight, and it definitely impressed me. The food was fresh and beautifully prepared but what stood out most was how affordable it was for the quality. I ordered a variety of nigiri and rolls, and every piece was spot-on. The vibe was relaxed and low-key, not very crowded, which made it a great place to actually enjoy the food and conversation without feeling rushed. It's the kind of spot that works both if you're in the mood for a casual dinner or just want a cool hangout with friends over good sushi and drinks.

    Mai N.

    We recently went to a newly opened restaurant with my family. They have a kids' menu, and the food was delicious -- it felt like a casual sushi place. All the staff were really nice, and we'd love to go again.

    Takowasa
    Mary P.

    Izakaya Ringo is a cozy and friendly Japanese Izakaya with excellent food and very affordable prices. My boyfriend and I came here for their grand opening, and we will definitely be coming back. We even said we'd make it a regular date night spot. We got an assortment of food across the menu and every dish was delicious. I highly recommend any of the sushi! The fish was fresh and the cuts were juicy. I specifically loved the amaebi (sweet shrimp). It's cured in kombu so it loves a lovely salty flavor while maintaining the texture and sweetness of the raw shrimp. All of their sets are such a steal and very affordable. We got the 24 karat and got 6 "carpaccio" tastings which basically was an 18 piece dressed up sashimi. If you're not sure what to get, this would be a great option. Lastly I want to call out the pork tongue! I've never had it before but it was so delicious and they torched it in front of me. It was served with cream cheese which I thought was very unique but paired really well. The service also is impeccable. Servers are constantly checking in on you without being pushy and generally all staff was so hospitable. They are so thoughtful too! The bathroom is stocked with q tips and flossers. The bar seating has a perfect footrest which I especially loved since my feet always dangle in space uncomfortably. They were intentional about taking care of their guests and I truly appreciated it.

    Ringo roll

    New Izakaya! Being Japanese, food was definitely to our tastings! Variety of menus including sushi, sashimi, fried food, chawanmushi, etc. Service was excellent and very friendly staffs. Previous Kantaro sushi location. Our new Izakaya to go in South Bay. Too excited when served, forgot to take photos.

    42 Karat
    Sandra J.

    SO GOOD! Everything was scrumptious & service was top tier. I've never had steamed egg and it was bomb! Crispy rice bomb, yellowtail nigiri bomb lol Can't wait to come back and try more things!

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    22 days ago

    Absolutely amazing meal. The staff is so kind and accommodating. We had a late lunch and really enjoyed the Omakase experience. 5 stars!

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    2 months ago

    Great choice of sushi and appetizers, friendly service. Prices are very reasonable esp. for the quality of food/service.

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    3 months ago

    Extremely nice owners and delicious food. I'll definitely be back. Their specialty rolls are my favorite. Super creative.

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    5 months ago

    Great service and quality of fish was excellent. Everything was amazing and will be coming back for sure.

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    11 months ago

    Excellent service and delicious, authentic japanese cuisine. Welcome to the south bay

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    Page 1 of 2

    Izakaya Ringo Reviews in Other Languages

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    Izakaya Hachi - Torrance

    Izakaya Hachi - Torrance

    4.2
    (734 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    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.

    Loved my time at Izakaya Hachi. Went here with a couple amazing friends and my daughter for an…read moreearly dinner. A friend and I shared a pitcher of beer and a couple hot sakes. The drinks and food as well as the setting of the restaurant gives ultra chill vibes - one of the better izakayas I've been to re drinks and food variety and quality. They have some premium wines here too, including Opus One and Kenzo. What would have made this a top notch experience would be once of those semi-private booths with the lower seating that some places have, but this felt like some places we've been to in Japan as well. The only thing I didn't love was that I spent around $400 here (LOL), but we all had a great time so that was fine. Food-wise, we tried the following - Gobo Chips - a friend recommended these to us. He said eating these when drinking will prevent hangovers, headaches, any negative effects, etc. I thought it was cap, but all that beer and sake, I felt great the rest of the evening and morning despite just a few hours of sleep. Large serving of these chips, nicely seasoned, thin sliced, great texture. Even my daughter enjoyed these. Uni & US Wagyu Beef Sashimi - how decadent! Very flavorful. A bit too much sauce for me, but otherwise good. Salmon Truffle Carpaccio - this was one of my fave small plates. Fresh sashimi with ikura. YUM!! Chicken & Green Onion Skewers - Pretty good chicken. My daughter even ate the onions without realizing. Amazing. Chicken Karaage - the daughter's favorite! Goes very well with the beer too. Assorted Tempura - nice assortment of shrimp and veggies, with the tempura dipping sauce. Ribeye Ponzu Steak - beautifully cooked and flavorful. We started with the above, and the food came at various times, but the waits weren't long so we appreciated that. We were still hungry, so we ordered some more stuff - Premium Sashimi - min of 2 orders so we did that. It was good, but I expected a lot more for premium sashimi. It looked more of a single portion, but beautifully presented. Chazuke - we got some for us all - both salmon and mentaiko. Best dish to end a meal at an izakaya. Warm dashi with the riceball in there, seaweed, topped with either the salmon or mentaiko. Subtle flavors, but really delicious. We then looked at a dessert menu and decided to go elsewhere for some sweets. Would def come back to try their pressed sushi, and if we weren't all picky eaters, we'd try their set meal as well.

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    Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill

    Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill

    4.4
    (194 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    Ichiban! Food is excellent. For weekends only! This is the…read moreplace to have lunch . They just started this bento lunch Special. We tried the steak and chicken bento. Both were Excellent . There is a side menu for yakitori if you want extras. This bentos come with with a green salad, pickled veggie and miso soup. At the end is a free dessert of vanilla, Macha , or lichee ice cream. Yum that Lichee ice cream is so refreshing with real lichee in it. A must have. Service could be better but there was only one server. The atmosphere was nice and quiet . I would definitely go back there for lunch. Dinner is another different menu. Also looks good.

    I'm genuinely confused by the 4.4/5 rating because my experience was nowhere near that level…read more The one bright star is for the lone server, who did an impressive job managing the entire floor by herself and staying helpful throughout the meal. Unfortunately, the food told a very different story. We ordered a wide variety of yakitori since the glowing reviews repeatedly highlighted it as the restaurant's specialty. Instead, what arrived was surprisingly inconsistent. Nearly every skewer had a heavily charred exterior that crossed the line from smoky to bitter. Good yakitori should showcase careful grilling that enhances the ingredients, not mask them with burnt flavors. The proteins themselves didn't taste particularly fresh, and the seasoning was all over the place. Some skewers were so lightly seasoned they tasted unfinished, while others were aggressively salty. Consistency is one of the fundamentals of good yakitori and it was noticeably lacking here. Having visited plenty of izakayas and eaten more than my fair share of yakitori, I'm not claiming Michelin-level expectations. I simply know the difference between properly grilled, well-balanced skewers and ones that miss the mark. Based on this visit, the food was below average and failed to live up to the hype. With the volume of positive reviews, I expected a memorable yakitori experience. Instead, I left wondering if I had visited the same restaurant everyone else was raving about.

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    Seating  08-12-2025
    Seating 08-12-2025
    Piece of Salmon  08-12-2025
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    Torrance Yokocho

    Torrance Yokocho

    3.7
    (198 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    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.

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    Torrance Yokocho
    Torrance Yokocho
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    Torikizoku

    Torikizoku

    3.9
    (282 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    Came here for dinner on a Sunday and was surprised by how easy the experience was from start to…read morefinish. We were seated immediately with no wait during dinner time, and there's a large free parking lot, so getting in and out was hassle-free. The skewers were good overall, but one thing to note is that they don't have that smoky, charcoal-grilled flavor. If you're expecting a traditional yakitori experience, just keep that in mind. What we ordered: - Momo Kizokuyaki - 7/10 A classic choice. The chicken was juicy and cooked well, but it leaned a little under-seasoned, so it didn't leave much of a lasting impression. - Teba - 6/10 Chicken was kinda dry but seasoning was good. - Harami Beef - 7/10 The beef was tender and cooked nicely, but it also lacked a bit of seasoning. Good texture, just missing that extra punch of flavor that would've made it memorable. - Karaage - 8/10 My favorite dish of the meal. The portion size was just right, and the chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and well-seasoned throughout. - Soboro Don - 8/10 This reminded me of an elevated Yoshinoya beef bowl--in the best way. It had richer flavors, better-quality ingredients, and the fresh ginger added a bright, flavorful contrast that tied everything together. Beyond the food, the service really stood out. Every staff member we interacted with was warm, respectful, and attentive without being overbearing. The restaurant was also spotless, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable. Overall, I'd definitely come back. While a couple of the skewers could use a little more seasoning and that signature smoky flavor, the friendly service, clean atmosphere, easy parking, and solid food make this a spot that's worth checking out.

    Service is fantastic at this hole in the wall. There's a center kitchen surrounded by the bar and…read moreit's fun watching them cook your orders. The prices are very reasonable and if you're passing by Torrance, this is a great place to walk in on the weekdays. Place was pretty full house even on a Thursday night. I was super hungry and was relieved to find that there was only a 10 minute latency period between placing the order and getting my first item at the table. I'm a big fan of chicharrón and the fried chicken skin was very well done, but I'm personally more of a chicharrón person than a fried chicken skin person. The chicken okra, edamame salad was cool and refreshing. The chicken skewers were dry, but the agedashi broth was so good I just dunked them in it. The skirt steak skewers were the highlight of the night, along with the hojicha pudding which I vacuumed down without a pause. Shoutout to the wonderful staff who made the night and the awesome server who gave fantastic rec!

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    Inside
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    Koshiji

    Koshiji

    4.1
    (284 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Kushiyaki course
    Kushiyaki course
    Chicken Wings ($4.50), Chicken & Green Onions ($4.25), Pork w/ Shiso Leaf ($4.75), Okra w/ Pork ($4.50)  01-02-2026
    Chicken Wings ($4.50), Chicken & Green Onions ($4.25), Pork w/ Shiso Leaf ($4.75), Okra w/ Pork ($4.50) 01-02-2026
    Koshiji

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    Waraku

    Waraku

    4.2
    (800 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Harami Steak Don
    Harami Steak Don
    Waraku
    We have a special selection of Italian and US Wines! Please check our website to see our wine list!

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    We have a special selection of Italian and US Wines! Please check our website to see our wine list!
    Izakaya Akatsuki

    Izakaya Akatsuki

    4.5
    (471 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Large group friendly

    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.

    This restaurant came up on my FB feed, and the food looked really good, so we thought, "Why not…read moregive it a try?" I usually read through the Yelp comments and look at the photos before trying a new place, but this time I only checked the rating -- which was great -- and decided to go based on that and the FB post. Looking back, I probably should have read the reviews first. We didn't realize the bento boxes are only available during lunchtime, and we were also surprised to find out they don't have yakitori. Those were two things we were hoping to try. We came with a party and ordered several items, including the Akatsuki Special Hot Pot, which was recommended to us, along with other dishes. The tempura and karaage were definitely the highlights -- both were really good. The rest of the food was okay for our group, but unfortunately it didn't really satisfy our craving or stand out the way we were hoping. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and the staff was friendly. I think the biggest thing was that our expectations were set by what we saw on FB, and the items that caught our attention weren't available when we visited. I would recommend checking their current menu before going so you know what to expect. Maybe we'll come back another time to try their lunch menu and explore more of what they offer.

    Photos
    Parts of our selection of sake
    Parts of our selection of sake
    Izakaya Akatsuki
    12-16-2023

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    12-16-2023
    Ojiya

    Ojiya

    4.1
    (446 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Takana Fried Rice
    Takana Fried Rice
    Udon Carbonara
    Udon Carbonara
    Tonkotsu Ramen

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    Tonkotsu Ramen

    Izakaya Ringo - sushi - Updated July 2026

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