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    Ramen Sumiya

    3.7 (62 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM

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    RAMEN SUMIYA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Ramen Sumiya

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    Hermosa I.

    I highly recommend this place! You rarely see this kind of charcoal-grilled (sumibiyaki) ramen, even back in Japan. While the charcoal-grilled topping naturally grabs your attention, the ramen broth here is the real deal. It's so incredibly delicious that you can easily polish off multiple bowls of white rice with it--they pair perfectly! I also love that they stay open a bit later, making it my go-to spot.

    Chicken ramen.
    Christina F.

    Ive tried this place at least 2 times now. Omg I love this place. The fact that they have CHICKEN ramen. I have never seen before. I came in for the LA meets Japan special that ended yesterday 11/24 :-/ Either way you got to try this place out. I got the miso ramen, with Half order of fried rice and 3 pieces of gyoza. The broth is simply heavenly. It somehow hits the spot every time. How have I never heard of chicken ramen?! I had to get myself an extra salted e I have noticed that usually if you're just by yourself, you're seated at the bar. Which is cool. I had my meal as I was on my phone lol. Parking is not bad at all. It's in a somewhat small parking lot. If you're on your own, you'll probably get seated at the bar. I would so come here again and take advantage of their happy hour beer special.

    Japanese chicken BBQ ramen
    Jenn G.

    Lucky #8! I've always felt the number 8 is a lucky number and it sure was lucky tonight when I spotted $8.80 ramen signs at Ramen Sumiya! An $8.80 ramen price is one amazing price and that is currently the price for all the ramens at Ramen Sumiya Torrance. For the Torrance location only, they are offering all their ramens at $8.80! One can choose from Miso, Rich Chicken, Shoyu or Vegan ramen. All the ramens come with one pork chashu and one egg. There's also the option to pick the spice level. I got the Rich Chicken Shoyu at spice level 1. Spice level 1 is supposed to be normal spicy but it definitely more like a crazy spicy. I also was slightly surprised that the egg was a fried egg versus a soft boiled egg. I also found the soup broth to be slightly salty. It wasn't the best ramen but for $8.80, it was a good deal! I would definitely get it again. Aside from the ramen, they also had some good appetizer deals. Karaage was $5 for 5 pieces. The chicken pieces were large in size and so juicy! One can also add 5 pieces of gyoza to their ramen for $5. This $8.80 ramen deal is part of their new menu and the waitress mentioned they would be adding more items. I am hoping they will keep this great price for their ramen! I definitely plan on coming back!

    Japanese Bbq chicken ramen with diced pork char siu
    Ethan P.

    I've passed by the Sawtelle location multiple times but never got a chance to try it so l'm super excited a location 5 min away from my workplace opened :D Staff here were warm and friendly. wow the Japanese BBQ chicken ramen so good! The broth was so rich and creamy and the chicken was soft and chewy. The area has a lot of competition but the ramen here definitely stand out in a different way. Looking forward to visiting this place after work so I can try the other items on the menu!

    rich chicken
    Criss N.

    Wow!! I am not a huge fan of ramen, and have never opted to order chicken ramen, but this was sooooo good. I got the Rich Chicken Ramen, which was sooo creamy and full of flavor. Sumiya boasts a "chowder-style broth," and it is exactly that. It is really thick and almost fatty. I love the simple toppings of juicy chicken, bamboo shoots, and seasoned egg. I also got their Takoyaki to start, which was delicious as well! Super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

    Gyoza
    Lisa K.

    New ramen spot in Torrance! It's the second location of Ramen Sumiya. Who knew corn chowder like broth would be good?! I'll be back! -sumiya replaced ramen zabon. In a bit of sketchy area with homeless so gotta be on a lookout. +the waitress was very welcoming when I explained in here for YEE. She was very attentive and friendly throughout our meal. +I got the chicken ramen to try their signature dish and my mom got the shoyu ramen. My ramen had chicken cha siu and my mom's came with traditional pork char siu and both were great! I was surprised that chicken ramen had bit of corn chowder like taste but it works! My mom's shoyu ramen had solid chicken broth with amazing shoyu dashi and loved hers as well. 10/10 would recommend! We also ordered gyoza and fried rice. Gyoza was nothing special but good! +if you follow them on IG, you will get free takoyaki! -fried rice on the other hand needs major work. The rice was so soggy... I think they used hot fresh rice instead of day old rice maybe? I hated the texture... the flavor was on point though so if they use different rice, it'll be MUCH better entree. All in all I had a great experience and will be bringing friends and family since I'm local!

    Lucy M.

    We went around 1pm on NYE and it wasn't busy so we were seated and served pretty quickly. Good ramen, not the best but good enough. The prices were actually really reasonable. Not sure i would stop by again, but i wouldn't object either. Good place overall.

    BBQ Chicken Chowder
    George R.

    I was able to try out Sumiya Ramen and can say that it's a great addition to the area as it compliments the amazing variety Japanese food Torrance has to offer. The staff are quick and friendly to serve you and offer a lot of insight on their menu. They are most known for their chicken chowder soup, but a misnomer due to the gelatinous and thick soup that is easily mistaken for cream. This mixes with the char of the chicken creating a smoky broth for you to enjoy. I can see how this flavor however can be surprising to some, my gf was not a fan but I loved it. Next time I am going to add corn and extra egg. The Shoyu is not far off, the broth is hearty but easy going down. It's simple but it's combination with onions really highlights the depth the broth has to offer. Lastly they have a great beer special and they have a great selection sides. I only ordered edmame and it was poached to perfection, I will be back to try other appetizers.

    なんじゃこれ目玉焼きラーメン
    George N.

    Very disappointed in the new menu, quite frankly the name Ramen Sumiya doesnt match with what was on the menu. こんなふざけたメニュー見て、客として日本人としておお恥。ラーメン9ドルでトッピングが2ドル、ネダン下げすぎて逆にあやしいです。 確かにTorranceでは安いけど目玉やきChickenラーメン。。はちょっとセンス無さ。 Chicken ramen Soup - good Noodle - ‍ Service - great Menu -元通りもどしてください。

    This is what started it. Charcoal chicken ramen.
    Erick V.

    I usually hold my review for ramen joints until my 3rd visit because sometimes quality and consistency tend to be hit or miss. Tonight, this place proved true to itself. The best deal you can get for stellar ramen. At $8, I cannot argue with the craftsmanship and quality of my food. Honestly felt like I was back in Japan. In my case, for my past visits up to this point the noodles were NOT slimy. They had a good chew on them. The broth? Oh man, the chicken chowder broth is the reason why I came back 3 times. Light, flavorful, and satisfying. Those bowl comes with a fried egg, green onions, and a slice of chashu pork. I also ordered an additional gyoza and karaage both at $5. The portions for the karaage were generous. With all that, the total came to $20.73! How much is a ramen like this anywhere else? $13 at the least! I got a damn good meal for under $21. They deserve the support with the quality they provide. You've earned a regular and I hope they continue to thrive. Other things to note. My first visit, I ordered a charcoal chicken ramen at $18 that was seen on social media. My next visit did not have it. One of the staff informed me that the charcoal chicken was an experimental menu. I was devasted at first but I ordered the regular chicken ramen instead. It was still a great ramen minus the charcoal chicken. It was enough to make me return anyway. So quality was not loss here. I hope they decide to bring it back in the future. Along with the recent photos, I uploaded the ones from my previous visit.

    My Finished Pork Char Siu Ramen
    Kimberly L.

    Review #863 2025-035 Food Order: Pork Char Siu Ramen (5 pork char siu, handcrafted noodles, house-made vegetable broth infused with ginger, bamboo shoots, scallions, seasoned egg, seaweed) 5- Pc. Gyoza (pork, cabbage, onion, spices) Tip: regular or large is the same price except the large gets you more noodles. Server: Laura Last night I was here for a YEE, & here I am again the next day for lunch. Ramen Sumiya took over the defunct Zabon Ramen, & is located in the smaller Carson Western Plaza diagonally across from the more popular Eastgate Plaza. The ramen shop has been opened for 2 months & it's just down the street from home. Again, if it wasn't for Evan & his curated YEEs, it's unlikely I would discover this hidden gem in my 'hood on my own. It was way after lunch rush, about an hour before closing (they take a short break before reopening for dinner), & I was warmly greeted by Laura who I saw last night. =D I came back because I was hankering for their pork char siu ramen, & added a side of gyoza. Then she mentions the regular & large bowls are priced the same, but you get more ramen in the large. Say what!?! Dang girl... you got me at large. LMAO I would soon regret it (read on). Since I was the only patron, my order was ready in minutes. Once served, more customers started pouring in for that last bite before dinner rush. If you read Review #862 re: last night's YEE, you'll know that Ramen Sumiya differentiates itself from the S. Bay ramen shops (& there are lots) with their "flame-grilled to smoky perfection" chicken instead of the pork char-siu/chashu in a chowder-style broth (like 羹 thick Chinese soup). While that's their signature, they also offer a pork version, which I why I'm back & to compare it with yesterday's chicken. It's not an apple-to-apples comp because each is its own "star"/standout though the pork tastes more unctuous; I can't say which is better, instead it'll be if I'm craving for chicken or pork. Both proteins are perfectly seasoned & cooked/grilled, tender, & full-body flavor! Still ditto-ing: perfect al dente ramen... QQ chew. The vegetable broth would assume to be lighter than the chowder-ish broth. Nope! This, too, is rich & hearty... slurp, slurp, slurp... soooooo yummy!!! オイシデス!!! I also repeated a few dollops of yuzu kosho dressing, which adds citrusy, spicy, & salty notes, & is more pronounced in flavor because of the milder veggie broth instead of that chili-packed broth. With the added noods, I really didn't need that side of gyoza, which were tasty BTW, except it didn't have that crisp bottom skin that I'm used to. Hence the regret... I ate wayyy too much & feel like I'm going to hit a food coma while writing this. ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita)! I was sharing with Laura that I'm in conflict between the chicken & pork char siu ramens. While you can add a side of protein, that's wayyy too much, especially as a single diner. I suggested they offer a 1/2+1/2 option to get the best of both worlds! I didn't share with her that on an extreme occasion I drove ~11-mi. to combine 2 ramen shops to make a perfect bowl of ramen because I liked the toroniku at one, & the tonkotsu broth & noodles at the other. Hehehe... And not that I think they need it, but maybe offer a loyalty program to encourage repeat visits. I know several local ramen shops that use an app to track points. Although my daughter hasn't been yet, she was conflicted with joining me for lunch or going to a birthday party today since teen parties are not quite foodie adventures, & my outings usually are. ;-) The dining room is moderate & cozy (looks like the same furnishings from Zabon); there's a few semi-private booths & smaller dining area, no patio/outdoor seats. Compact menu offerings of ramen: chicken chowder & sho-yu with ramen combos, rice bowls, & appetizers at competitive prices. Service is friendly & efficient; you'll definitely feel the warmth & welcome. Winner winner, chicken dinner! Ramen Sumiya is cluckin' bombtastic, & I'll definitely be back for more! Thanks again for this gem, Evan... you're the best!

    Signature japanese bbq chicken
    Ren M.

    This place was mid at best. Appetizers carried, but the ramen itself was very average. I got the spicy Rich Chicken Ramen and the broth itself was interesting. It almost tasted like a shoyu and tonkatsu hybrid type of broth. The spicy-ness of the ramen definitely carried this dish. The chicken char siu was very interesting to see and experience. It was juicy and tender which I liked, but it lacked flavor. If anything it tasted like it was only salted. Some seasoning would go a long way with this. The appetizers we got were the signature japanese bbq chicken, takoyaki, and the karaage. The Japanese bbq chicken also lacked flavor and tasted very smokey - the chicken was nice and tender though! The takoyaki and karaage were our 2 favorite items that we ordered. Both were perfectly crispy! Service here was pretty solid, our waiter was quick and efficient and was also easy to talk to. He provided recommendations and explained their menu to us well. The place itself was pretty neat! They have booths that sat in its own mini room so you got a bit of privacy, which I liked. The place looked and felt clean. I really wanted to like this place but not sure if my girlfriend and I will come back

    Hisanobu S.

    We had high expectations for this restaurant, believing it was operated by a Japanese company from Japan. Unfortunately, the experience was absolutely awful- probably the worst ramen I have ever had. As another reviewer mentioned, the noodles were super slimy and chunky. They appeared to be severely undercooked, most likely having been cooked in water that was not properly boiled or was at the right temperature. The result was that the noodles were still floury, powdery, and chunky, like trying to chew clay. Bad, bad, bad. Furthermore, they were out of Takoyaki which we understood to be one of their specialties. This suggests lack of proper management and training, making the entire experience truly terrible.

    Combo fried rice

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    22 days ago

    Delicious chicken ramen, enjoyed the charcoal bbq chicken, nice servers, would come back again.

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    Izakaya Hachi - Torrance

    Izakaya Hachi - Torrance

    4.2
    (731 reviews)
    0.3 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.

    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.

    Photos
    Seating
    Seating
    Grilled Scallop
    Grilled Scallop
    Jidori Omelet

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    Jidori Omelet
    Torihei Yakitori Robata Dinning

    Torihei Yakitori Robata Dinning

    4.1
    (927 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    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.

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    Torihei's Meatball ( Tsukume)
    Torihei's Meatball ( Tsukume)
    Cucumber Salad
    Cucumber Salad
    Special Chicken Heart

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    Special Chicken Heart
    Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill

    Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill

    4.4
    (193 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    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!

    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.

    Photos
    Seating  08-12-2025
    Seating 08-12-2025
    Piece of Salmon  08-12-2025
    Piece of Salmon 08-12-2025
    Izakaya Shiitake Mushroom Skewer

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    Izakaya Shiitake Mushroom Skewer
    Torrance Yokocho

    Torrance Yokocho

    3.7
    (198 reviews)
    3.0 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
    Torrance Yokocho

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    Torikizoku

    Torikizoku

    3.9
    (278 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    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.

    Finally got to try this place and I honestly thought it was okay. About $8 per two skewers but the…read morechicken was mostly chewy and dry for my part. Considering it was a place for "tori" I wasn't impressed. Also ordered a beef skewer but it never came out so I couldn't try it. We got lots of appetizers like chicken skin which the flavor was underwhelming. So we asked for sauce but had to purchase it for $4, which was a bit odd for me to purchase. Sadly I am not sure if I would come back. Maybe if it's a group that really wanted to try it. Parking is a bit busy and limited. So just make sure to come early.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Harami Beef Skewers
    Harami Beef Skewers
    The smallest cup of Hot Green Tea

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    The smallest cup of Hot Green Tea
    Koshiji

    Koshiji

    4.1
    (283 reviews)
    2.6 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
    (799 reviews)
    0.2 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!
    Ojiya

    Ojiya

    4.1
    (444 reviews)
    2.7 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

    Ramen Sumiya - ramen - Updated June 2026

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