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    Sei-Ko-En Restaurant

    4.4 (280 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Sei-Ko-En Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    SEI-KO-EN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Beef liver sashimi
    Rose L.

    I recently came for my birthday. Reservations were easily made by phone and I think it's recommended as the restaurant is kind of small. The interior definitely looks old but I like it! There were also autographs from Japanese big names. So, what made me want to try this place the most is because of the liver sashimi! I promise it is sooo good and there's VERY few Japanese restaurants that serves this dish. We tried a few different proteins and it was all very good. And you bet I ordered that liver sashimi twice. My partner and I agreed Sei-Ko-En is one of the better yakiniku spots we have been to and I can't wait to go again.

    Luke Q.

    This is a simple and cozy restaurant featuring high quality Japanese BBQ. The menu offers variety of different parts including beef tone, beef skirt and prime rib and each cut is consistent and precise. The restaurant also has a rare offering raw liver in sesame oil seasoning, which is something you would expect from an authentic Japanese restaurant. The service is also attentive, complementing an overall pleasant dining experience.

    Pork belly and beef tongue
    Ana T.

    Second time coming and even got more delicious. Make sure u call for reservation they get filled fast

    Kalbi
    Robert C.

    recently visited Sei-KO-en, a Japanese BBQ restaurant in Torrance, and had an amazing experience. The kalbi (short ribs) and harami (skirt steak) were incredibly flavorful and tender--some of the best I've had in a while. The meat quality was excellent, and everything was grilled to perfection. The staff were all very friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Service was quick, and they made sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. Lately, I've mostly been going to Korean BBQ spots, but this visit reminded me how great Japanese-style yakiniku can be. It's a completely different experience--more refined and focused on the flavor of the meat itself. I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended if you're looking for authentic Japanese BBQ

    menu
    Yuko Y.

    Sei-Ko-En Restaurant in Torrance is the most authentic and best Japanese BBQ in town! I personally love their minced raw beef (yukke) and raw beef liver -- you can't find these items at many places, and they are incredibly fresh and delicious. We also enjoyed the cold noodles, sirloin, kimchi, prime rib, and bean sprouts -- everything was excellent. The servers were nice, friendly, and attentive. Such a cozy, hidden spot with amazing food. Highly recommended!

    Jasmine Z.

    Forget fancy wagyu - this dish is the real star! The OX-tongue with green onion ($17.50) is a masterpiece that singlehandedly pulled me out of my food slump. You can grill THICK, juicy cuts to perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor and a tenderness that is truly unmatched. The pairing of fresh green onion adds a good contrast, while a squeeze of lemon ties everything together with a zesty acidic punch. It's savory, satisfying, and somehow manages to feel indulgent without being overly greasy. I stumbled upon this gem after a craving for Japanese BBQ led me here when Torachan was closed, and honestly? No regrets. We also ordered the beef tartare which deserves an honorable mention. We also tried multiple other cuts of meat, but they weren't as good as the ox-tongue imo. I would also skip the spicy beef soup with rice though. Tastes homey but not my favorite. Service was good and large parking lot outside.

    Prime Rib and sirloin, veggie sampler
    Marcela F.

    Seiko is a very small restaurant. Plenty of parking. Not too busy on a Saturday afternoon. I was expecting the little Kimchi and veggie plates. You have to order them separately. Our portions on the meat were small but very tasty. Not a lot of choices on the sauces. The place is a little old looking. Service was friendly and prompt. Very different from years ago.

    Bone in Kalbi
    Kenny L.

    It's our second time going to Sei-Ko-En as we were craving some authentic Japanese BBQ. It did not disappoint. Everything was absolutely delicious. We love the Yukke (beef tartare). It's also reasonably priced at $12 a bowl. We actually ordered 2 bowls. All the meat was fresh and super tender. The wait staff were very friendly and service was excellent. This place reminded us of our favorite local Yakiniku restaurant when we lived in Tokyo. It has an old school charm to it and brought back our memories from Japan. Most of the customers were Japanese and spoke Japanese to the wait staff. It was a fun time and we enjoyed our dinner.

    Anne L.

    What a lovely little hole in the wall. My friend and I came here on Wednesday for an early dinner. We didn't have a reservation, but since we went right at opening we were able to get seated right away. This place fills up fast so I would recommend making a reservation especially if you have a bigger party. FOOD: 5/5 We ordered the beef tongue, the prime rib, and the sirloin for our meats and an order of mixed veggies for the grill. I'm generally not a fan of tongue, but it was pretty good here. Still not my personal first choice, but definitely better than what I've had at other all you can eat places. The sirloin was my 2nd choice. Standard quality meat. Not chewy or dry at all. But the number one for me was definitely the prime. It's marbled so nicely and it just melts in your mouth. The portions may seem like the smaller side, but because it's not meant to be super indulgent it's more enjoyable. We also ordered the beef tartare and a spicy beef soup. The tartare was fresh and yummy. I liked the addition of apples as a contrast. The soup was also very good. Packed with toppings and rice. Perfect for a cold day. SERVICE: 5/5 Very sweet server and fast efficient service. Nothing to complain about here. Overall I would recommend for people not looking to overstuffed with ayce, but still want a good experience.

    Salted Ox Tongue with Green Onion (left) and Kobe-style American Wagyu Tongue (right)
    Airi G.

    I was transported back to Japan the moment I stepped in. The run-down walls and intimate seating with a small grill were everything I didn't know I needed. The menu was similar to the yakiniku restaurant I often visit when I go back to Japan so we tried as much as our 2 stomachs could take on. We ordered the Kobe-style American wagyu tongue and the salted ox tongue with green onion. These were cut to a perfect thickness and they were so tender. I think my favorite was actually the beef skirt though because I tried it with their homemade miso as a lettuce wrap and I couldn't get enough. I also tried raw liver for the first time here and I can't say I was the biggest fan of it but I'm glad I tried it. I enjoyed the minced raw beef a lot more in terms of texture and flavor. Another standout dish was the spicy beef soup. How did they make it so good?! I should've ordered some of it to go because it was so comforting and warming without a lot of spice despite it being labeled as spicy. It also had a lot of veggies so it was healthy without being too filling. One dish I would undoubtedly buy if they sold it individually is their homemade kimchi. I took some home and savored it as much as I could. I was able to talk to the owner and he informed me that he just took over around 2 years ago after the previous owner was about to retire. He used to frequent the restaurant as a customer and fell so in love with it that he stepped up to be the new owner so that it could continue instead of being converted to a kbbq restaurant. This is a local business definitely worth supporting.

    Kenny J.

    Ordered: - Beef tongue with green onion (5/5): Our favorite cut in general and this place's tongue did not disappoint. The tongue was perfectly seasoned with the green onion. - Sirloin (4/5): We liked this one less because it was simply too lean for our tastes and packed less of a punch in terms of texture and flavor. It was still good, but compared to beef tongue and prime rib it simply couldn't compare. - Prime Rib (4.5/5): Our second favorite cut behind the tongue. The amount of marbling gave it an appealing visual and after a nice sear it came out super juicy and flavorful. - Minced Raw Beef (5/5): We always love our beef tartare and this is no different. The egg and sauce mixed with the beef gave it a bit of a smooth and slightly tangy flavor. The thin apple slices paired well with each bite. - Almond jelly (5/5): A small, light, and refreshing dessert to top off a heavy meal. Not too sweet which is my preference! Overall (3.5/5): We arrived here on a late weekend afternoon. As we walked in, we noticed that while the place was mostly empty, there was as visible cloud of smoke in the air indicating that the ventilation was less than ideal. While the food was great, we also found the portion sizes a bit too small for the amount we paid for - we didn't leave hungry, but we weren't exactly full either. There's also an Instagram promo going on that has 10% off for the month of November, but it was also a bit misleading as it only applies to existing followers of the page.

    Menu
    Ayden P.

    My prime rib was cooked to perfection, it was a rare pleasure. 4.5/5 | Cow Tongue, Prime Rib, Kimchi, Raw Beef Rice Bowl | $21, $17.50, $19 Food: The quality of the meat here is fantastic. I usually don't get the cow tongue, but the ones here were delicious. Chewy with just the right amount of flavor. The prime rib had savory marinade that enhanced the quality of each bite. A lemon sauce and soy sauce marinade is available for you as you sit, and these pair well with the meats as well. The raw beef rice bowl was surprisingly delicious as well. I don't see a lot of restaurants with this Korean dish, so I was surprised to find it at a JBBQ restaurant. Service: The staff were kind and friendly. They replaced the grill often for us and checked our table often. Ambiance: Not too big of a restaurant, but a good number of seats. It's a good idea to make a reservation before you go since it can get packed.

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    11 years ago

    Very fresh and high quality meat! And they give you hot tea and morinaga caramel at the end of the meal.

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Best J BBQ in all of Torrance! Meat is quality and 100% worth the price. The staff is very sweet and hard working.

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    13 years ago

    Great authentic Tokyo style Korean BBQ. Get ready to smell like a BBQ and garlic. Don't wear your fancy gear.

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    12 years ago

    Great food and great service. We make sure we stop in everytime we are in Los Angeles

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    11 years ago

    My wife and I favorite once a week spot for the past 7 months. Love the staff. Always welcoming.

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    9 years ago

    a very special experience, this is he best Japanese style BBQ you can find near los Angeles.

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    Page 7 of 7

    Sei-Ko-En Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sei-Ko-En Restaurant

    Is lunch menu same as dinner menu?

    Yes, we also offer dinner menus.

    Do you still have a lunch menu?

    Yes. It's open until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

    Do they have corkage fee for bringing your own sake/shochu?

    Thank you for your message. We do not allow bringing your own alcohol to the restaurant. Thank you for your understanding.

    How do you make reservations?

    Reservations can be made by telephone.

    Anyone have pictures of most recent menu?

    Can I bring wine ?or they have a wine list?

    View All 7 Questions

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    Ginza AYCE Sushi - Torrance

    Ginza AYCE Sushi - Torrance

    4.0
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    Crispy Rice w/ Spicy Tuna.
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    Katsu Bar

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    I had such a great experience here that I already know I'll be back!…read more I ordered the chicken katsu curry plate, gangjung, a katsu sando, egg sando, and the strawberry sando, and every single item was delicious. The chicken katsu was the standout~ it was perfectly light and crispy on the outside while staying incredibly juicy on the inside. It had amazing flavor even on its own, but paired with the katsu sauce, it was absolutely next level. The rich curry sauce was also fantastic and went perfectly with the rice, making every bite satisfying. The gangjung was another winner, with a great crispy exterior coated in a sweet, garlicky sauce that kept me coming back for more. I took the katsu sando and egg sando home for later, and I had to finish with the strawberry sando, which was perfectly creamy with fresh, sweet strawberries. It was the ideal way to end the meal. Beyond the food, what really impressed me was the incredible value. The prices were very fair, the portions were generous, and the service was exceptionally warm and friendly. Everything came out quickly and piping hot, which made the experience even better. The also had catchy music playing in the background and it was peaceful in there during lunch time. Whether you're looking for a quick solo meal or a spot to bring friends, this place checks every box. I loved my visit and can't wait to come back. Next time, I'm definitely bringing everyone I know so they can experience it too!

    Auto order screen, cool, & the owner is attentive explaining and help through the ordering process…read more Within 10 minutes my bento to-go box was ready. Pork katsu fried in clean oil, crunchy, even when it got cold, juicy. The best part was the pickled radish - crunchy, not too sour, lightly sweet. Yum. Will be back to try other items

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    Front
    Front
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    Kagura - Torrance

    4.0
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    Banquet Room Available! Call us for details!
    Banquet Room Available! Call us for details!
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    Inside Wall Art
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    Entrance
    Pasta Stories

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    4.4
    (82 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Free WiFi

    Recently stopped by here about a year after trying it for the first time…read more I have to say, Pasta Stories really stepped up their game in terms of serving time! The first time I ate here, it took maybe 20-25 minutes for me to get my food. This time, I had my food in around 10 minutes. I was very impressed with this big decrease in wait time. This time I tried the new Hokkaido cream pasta, which tasted super fresh and made to order. The cream was warm and rich without feeling over the top like some other cream-based pasta sauces from Italian/American places. I liked the addition of spinach and mushrooms as well. The restaurant is in a food court with a few other options, and a decent amount of seating. It's also inside of a grocery store, so if you're with a picky group, everyone could theoretically order something different and eat together. I remember I was a little put off by the anime branding of the restaurant at first (it seemed a little childish to me) but Pasta Stories is really a solid wafu pasta place, and I love that they focus on different regional flavors of Japan. Prices are very affordable as well, with most pastas being around $15 and under.

    For a cost friendly meal, the expectation in quality generally tends to be low but Pasta Stories is…read morethe exception. With meals ranging from $10-$17, there is something for everyone. I personally have tried the following: Hokkaido Cream Pasta (newest addition as of late) Fukuoka Mentaiko Butter Pasta Kyoto Matcha Cream Pasta (one of my favorite dishes here - pair with salmon for a strong, umami flavor profile) Iwate Triple Mushroom Pasta Okinawa Pork Ragu Spaghetti (THE number 1 pick, however was not on the menu when I visited last) Osaka American Wagyu Meat Sauce There is a strong attention to Japanese flavors fusing with traditional Italian pasta dishes and are all made with love and care. I always recommend this place to friends and family, I can't get enough of it!

    Photos
    Tastes just as amazing for takeout!
    Tastes just as amazing for takeout!
    "Kyoto" Matcha Cream "Okinawa" Pork Ragu Sauce "Yokohama" Napolitan Spaghtti
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    Yokohama Neopolitan Spaghetti ($8.50), House Salad & Iced Latte Combo ($5.50) 03-16-2026
    Matsui

    Matsui

    4.2
    (798 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Atmosphere - Clean, lots of indoor seating. No wait on Thursday evening…read more Taste - We ordered the Manager's Special, Matsui Bowl and Hand Roll Combination. Udon and Soba sauce was flavorful and authentic tasting. Shrimp tempura was crispy. Customer Service - Excellent. Staff were attentive and friendly. Price - Average

    I was just starting to eat my meal when the sat a large group breaking them in to tables on both…read moresides of me. So people needed to squeeze by and then one guy asked if he could sit for a moment at my table. I said okay. But then I think he planned to stay at my table until finally my waiter moved him! There was a seat at one their tables the whole time. Then their waitress wedge herself with her back toward me in between the tables and I had to stop eating. Very disruptive and rude. Taking a while for the six people to order so I nudged her and I asked her to move and she seemed upset that I did that but didn't say anything no apology so it was very uncomfortable and I was rushing through my food so I burnt my tongue on the hot soup again even though I knew it was hot because I just wanted to get out of there. And then when I was done, I had to wait a while for the check and then they couldn't process the Apple Pay at the table so then I had to go to the front and wait for somebody to attend to me there overall this experience was not fun and stressful and I had got there right when they opened. I sure wish I had selected a different seat!! I wouldn't get the Nabeyaki soup again. It was really big and had a lot of end pieces of tough napa cabbage. There were two pieced of shitake mushroom and the standard thin fish cake slice. There was and egg in the soup and a three small chicken pieces. On the side were three small pieces of green bean and two tempura shrimp.

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    Inside
    Inside
    Pork BBQ Don Combo
    Pork BBQ Don Combo
    Japanese Beer Large!

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    Japanese Beer Large!

    Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - japanese - Updated August 2026

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