If you're looking for a traditional Japanese izakaya, I would definitely recommend this little hole-in-the-wall spot, Shoya in Lomita. Walking in feels like stepping back into Japan in the '80s or '90s. It's small and cozy, filled with antiques--not the typical decorative kind, but little things that feel like memorable treasures from another time. With Showa-era music playing in the background, there's a genuine sense of history and tradition. They have an excellent sake selection and some unique dishes from the taisho (chef). The food is well flavored and definitely designed to go well with a drink, as a good izakaya should be. But if you don't drink, there are other options too. Just ask--you might uncover something you didn't expect. Mama runs the front, and it feels like the kind of neighborhood place where friends and regulars come in, say hello, have a drink, and shoot the breeze. Price: Low to medium and very reasonable. We all need to get away from something once in a while. This is one of those places where you can just come in, sit down, have something good, and chill for a while. Not fancy. Not trendy. Just a little taste of Japanese history and tradition tucked away in Lomita. Open every day except Tuesday, 6 PM-12 AM. read more

love love love the vibe here! all the food were great but just keep in mind they all have quite saltiness which is great to eat along drink, but could be a bit salty as alone dish. I highly recommend the roasted gingko nuts - the best i've ever had. very smoky and perfectly chewy!! read more

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Dinner here with sake & beer is a must, but do call and make a reservation since seats are limited! Order their daily specials and try a few dishes off their menu- honestly there isn't a dish I haven't enjoyed! Get the roasted ginkgo nuts to snack on with a beer before you make a final decision, because you'll end up wanting to try all they have to offer! Great service and relaxed casual atmosphere.. showing many thanks with many returns - I'll be back! read more

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This little place is a good place to experience Japanese food culture you will not find in a regular Japanese restaurant. Small serving kinda like tapas in Spain with hot sake is the best experience here. read more

Shoya Izakaya - Japanese Near Me - Lomita, California

One of my favorite off the beaten path Japanese restaurants. Stumbled upon here accidentally while looking for a different place. The small counter seating equates to attentive service. The care put into each dish preparation is outstanding. The broth is rich and each side dish cooked to perfection. Small portions with attention to detail. Parking can be dark at night. Limited seating. Get there early. read more

Shoya makes you feel like you transported to Japan. The food is very Japanese but unique and not the typical izakaya with grilled chicken wings and meatball but they have some unique dishes they feel home made and are all quite tasty. The place is located in a strip mall next to a vape shops and is very small with only bar seating for about 10 people. read more

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Very friendly service. Very local joint, I can't believe I've been living here two years and just found it. Very initimate. Just a counter with nine seats. Wait, Did I say the food is super delicious? I loved the chicken tomato stew the most. Tonight is actually my second time here. Two nights in a row, and there's still more on the menu I gotta try! read more

Shoya Izakaya - Dinner menu - Japanese Near Me - Lomita, California

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Tried to call for pick up and got a rude employee on the other end. Refused to take my order.

The minute we walked in just now, they tell us NO KIDS ALLOWED. We searched yelp and nowhere on here does it mention that it's adults only. "No kids rule" is fine...for a Michelin star restaurant or other fine dining...or even a bar....which is weird since we've taken our kids to Michelin starred restaurants with no issues. They should have a sign. read more

Best izakaya chef has great skills and mama is so cool and cute if you go there fill like your in japan

I do not know why this restaurant got all these 5 stars reviews. The waitress is mean, unwelcome and with very unhappy expression and never smile the whole time during we had dinner last week. we only order a few disks and it took 2 hours to get the food, and they are not even tasted good. Even the simple Oden tasted so salty and no flavor. We later tried another Izakaya restaurant (Hachi). We ordered 5 disked and all the food were ready in 10 to 20 minutes and they are very tasty. The service is also very good in Hachi. I will never back to Shoya again. read more

(FOOD) Garlic ginger black pork. The most flavorful pork I've ever had but at a steep price. For 10 dollars you only get 6 pieces but each piece is LOADED with garlic and umami. I didn't know there were such flavours until I tried this place. (SERVICE) Food preparation can take a while since there is only one cook. The only waitress in the front is incredibly nice. (VENUE) This place is SMALL. Like 9 seats small with a bar countertop. It definitely has a very cozy feel. It's situated in a tiny plaza next to a smoke shop. This place is good but pricey. read more

Shoya Izakaya - garlic ginger black pork - Japanese Near Me - Lomita, California

Plates we have tried- listed from what I like the most to lease Grilled wild chicken Beef sukiyaki Garlic Ginger black pork Chazuke Oden-egg & daikon Overall, each plate is packed with flavor and umami. A Good date night place to come. Tip: the waiting time for each plate is a bit longer than I had anticipated. Don't come here when u are hungry - u will be hangry. read more

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I was very upset when I wrote the first review so I want to clarify. the first time my niece and I came here it was around 8:00 p.m. on a Friday. we walked in, I said there were two of us, and the lady behind the bar looked at us and looked around and said the kitchen was closed. I thought it was weird since they didn't close until 11:00 p.m. and her approach was off but I thought maybe they just didn't update their hours. I did feel very put off about the interaction and I figured it was just my imagination. the second time I called beforehand to check the hours and they are indeed open till 11:00 p.m. so we arrived again around 8:00 p.m. the restaurant was busy and I could see a seating of four had just left and the tables just needed to be busted. the same lady that was behind the bar last time asked me how many people were in my party and I told her two. she looks around the restaurant and says the kitchen's closed but I can smell food cooking. at this point I was upset but I left quietly. I told my niece "OMG I think they are racist" because that was the feeling I got last time. I was trying to think of why she would keep refusing service to us because we go to Asian restaurants at the time and we are used to being the only people of color and we have never ever been discriminated against before. I'm a business person so it wasn't the way I was dressed and my niece dresses super cute. we are both very quiet people so that had nothing to do with it. so then I decided to look at their reviews and sure enough other people of color had said the same thing. I'm so disappointed in this restaurant, this shouldn't be happening in 2022.... read more

Love this place!! If you like authentic Japanese food, you must check out this place!! They only have a small bar counter so I'd recommend you to give them a call if you're planning to go especially on a weekend. It is in a very sketchy area so don't hang out in the parking lot too long lol read more

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TERRIBLE DO NOT GO!!! Service is horrendous and staff is rude, food is subpar. The environment is not welcoming at all. read more

Great small plates. Dainty portions, great flavors. Hand-written menu that varies all the time. They're known for their oden, various items stewed in soup. We tried just the Chicken Ball, which was pretty good. Lots of items, great for cold and rainy winter nights. I loved the Abalone with garlic butter, and the Grilled Shrimp with sea salt is out-of-the-ocean fresh.  A Cod Roe Rice Ball is hearty and dense, a necessary filler between the slow stream of courses.  The Dashi Omelet and Pork Bowl are also heavier dishes, fluffy egg in sweet soup and juicy belly in sweet soy, respectively. The charm of this particular izakaya lies in its literal interpretation of "mom-and-pop". Pop makes the food and mom does everything else. That said, your food will not arrive quickly. It's a fantastic night of quiet conversation and relaxing sips of sake, but if you're looking for time-sensitive dining, this isn't the place for you. read more

every dishes hit the spot food sever a bit slow but its all worth it will definitely come again and also bring friends here too read more

Small plate eatery This is NOT a quick turnaround place. It is somewhere to slow down and enjoy life Methodical service but exquisite food. Suggest ordering several plates at a time. They taste better when mixing. Great sake selection that you can order and save for next time. read more

Best Japanese food in LA by far. Love the dashimaki, sukiyaki, chazuke, and gyusuji were all amazing. Only wish I lived closer. Love the 店員さん and the シェフ friendly people. Be sure to call in advance. read more

Shoya Izakaya - Dashimaki - Japanese Near Me - Lomita, California

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Very authentic Japanese food. The receipt is a little hard to decipher. She charges for everything including water so be wary. Great food!

- Locale Destination - It's on PCH and Walnut St in Lomita. It's in a sketchy small strip plaza - among "Happy ending" massage places and pot shop. The sign is black, so it's hard to find the spot. Ambiance: Cozy. Very small - only 9 seating, so you better call them in advance. They enjoy sake mainly, so don't expect to get the seating quickly when it's full. Menu: Izakaya - their signature items are "Oden". Clientele is very Japanese, so I'm not sure non Japanese would enjoy this. Food items and flavors are very catered to Japanese. Vegetable mainly, some meats and very little seafood. Very healthy overall. Service: Friendly but very slow. Price: A bit too expensive for what it is and $30/person minimum. Portion: Quite small for the price Parking: Small but some. - Gluttony Expedition - Green salad: Mix greens, cherry tomato, corn etc. Light dressing. Not bad. Grilled cheese potato: Nicely cooked. Melting cheese on top of the baked potato. Good. Sauteed Vegetable: All kinds of vegetables - been sprouts, cabbage, mushrooms etc. Seasoned very well. Good! Beef sukiyaki: This is more like "Oden", not "Sukiyaki" - it's not so sweet broth, beef, green beans, tofu and hanpen?! Everything but beef and tofu aren't in sukiyaki generally... It didn't even come with a raw egg. Meh. Salmon rice ball: Not the chunks of salmon used. Ok. *** Oden *** Items were well braised, but lighter in seasoning. Egg, Daikon, Hanpen: alright Special kinchaku: Put white fish, tofu and some more in the "Inari" package. Good. - Conqueror's Deduction - Well, decent, but you could get better quality food at somewhere else in Torrance. read more

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If you're looking for an authentic Japanese small izakaya then this is the place. Food's all amazing. Just have some patience as it may come slow, but definitely worth the wait. read more

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Walked in tonight excited to try this place for the first time as I am a huge lover of Japanese food & Izakaya. The woman behind the bar immediately told me & my friend (for context, we are both black) that the kitchen was closed. I was disappointed, but didn't think too deeply about it. However, it was 10:23pm & they close at midnight so it seemed a little odd to me. I called back after we left to see if the story would change (once they couldn't see a face) & the woman who answered confirmed for me several times that the kitchen closes at 11pm.. this is blatant racism & it's disgusting. I can not believe it's 2021 & this is still an actual thing, I am absolutely appalled. Will never be back. read more

This restaurant has a hidden rule that says customers can only stay for two hours. If you overstay, the woman at the bar will make it clear that you are no longer welcome with her rude facial expressions and unkind words. Also, you are required to spend at least $30 per person, and they charge $3 for every cup of water without telling you. I've been coming here for a few years despite all that, and I was shocked and deeply disappointed when the woman refused to give me a reservation because I stayed half an hour too long on my last two visits. This was when closing time was near and there were plenty of empty seats. The lack of communication and the apparent discriminatory treatment of customers left a bitter taste in my mouth. Avoid this place unless you're comfortable with receiving poor treatment despite spending your hard-earned money. read more

It was late and I wanted sticky white rice. This place was open and hooked it up. Thank you!

Love the food, ambience and pace. The true way to host customers who are there for the ambiance and neighborhood feeling. Call for a reservation as they have limited seating. The future You will be glad you read this! read more

If you are not a fan of this place, you are a turd. In the best way, this restaurant is an honest establishment dedicated to making the best food and creatiing the best experience for its customers with what it's got. The food is great. The pricing is inappropriately low. Come here if you have a party of 3 or less and you're guaranteed to have a grand ol' time. read more

A hidden gem in lomita area This place is literary a hidden gem in South Bay. Interior : this place has only a counter which has less then 10 chairs. Very small and private. Food : This place is known for oden ( Japanese style small boiled food with broth. They are especially popular in winter season) They Also have some side dishes for sake or shochu(soju). If you are looking for traditional Japanese bar with small dishes this is quite nice. You can stay and drink for a whole and enjoy a good time here. Parking : This place is located a small strip mall. Most likely you can find a spot to park. Note : This place for people who want to drink slowly and casually, but yet to have a nice izakaya food. If you want to save money or want to have a fancy dinner. This is not the place. This is a place for drinking sake / shochu in a cozy atmosphere. read more

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*Not a review of the food as I didn't try it. I'm Japanese. When I walked in with my American gf, the lady immediately said "we have no sushi here" that's fine I found it as search for Udon (google maps) which wasn't on the menu. It's an Izakaya which is fine. Was not planning to drink but they have food anyway. Then noticed a handwritten note on the menu "minimum $30 per person". I asked the lady about the required charge just to make sure and she said something about because there are others that are paying this. If I came to drink, I'm sure I would've spent that but we felt unwelcome, uneasy and no thanks to the added requirement. read more

Just like one of the other reviewers said, "If you don't like this place, you are a turd." The fact that the other only other patrons in the restaurant when we were there were native Japanese speakers should tell you something about the authenticity and quality of this place. Everything was good. Try the oden selections. You will not be disappointed. read more

First time here and I am impressed with the quality of their food and service here. Definitely will be back again. Egg omlet is a must try read more

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hmm, well besides the menu looking like a poorly executed kindergarten art project, I hope you don't want anything that they have scribbled down on said menus and claim to serve, because they don't have it! also, don't bother asking for a suggestion or option for substitution, because that also isn't going to happen. great sake selection, though! edit: water is 3 dollars a glass, but they won't tell you that-FYI. read more

Shoya Izakaya - LOL-be careful. they charge for water. - Japanese Near Me - Lomita, California

Very authentic, very nice service, great drinks and even more delicious food. The Liver Vegetable stir fry is amazing and the Daikon Oden is amazing. I can't wait to have it again and again. Thank you to the staff for allowing me to enjoy. read more

hours listed as open til 12a... arrived at 10p door locked called the number listed and lady answered said kitchen was already closed.

Absolutely delightful. Entering the tiny restaurant, you feel like you've been transported to a shop you'd stumble upon in Japan. Each izakaya-style small dish has a delicate, wonderful flavor and goes well with their Sapporo on tap. There are eight seats total and they are all at the bar, so it's an intimate experience. I haven't had a dish here that I didn't love. This place made me miss Japan so much! It's an absolute gem. read more

The service is slow. The place is small. A glass of water costs $3. Unbelievable. Just....the way too expensive. Not worth it.

We went to Shoya primarily to try their Oden. It was a simple dish, nothing spectacular, yet it was amazingly comforting and unforgettable. We decided to try the other food on the menu and they they were all awesome to say the least. read more

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This is the place I've been looking for ever since leaving Tokyo. A REAL Izakaya specializing in Oden! It's hidden in a funky looking strip mall, and could easily be missed, but trust me, do not miss this place! Once you step inside, you are transported to an experience as authentic as the food. The place has no tables, only stools that surround a wooden bar, over which the food is served. It is ordered piece by piece.. Much like tapas. And if you don't know what to order, the very friendly propitiator will help you out. For those of you who do not know what Oden is, here is what Wikipedia has to say: "Oden (おでん?) is a Japanese winter dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon, konjac, and processed fishcakes stewed in a light, soy-flavoured dashi broth. Ingredients vary according to region and between each household. Karashi is often used as a condiment." but you really should look it up. read more

I would give zero stars if there was an option.. This place was very disappointing after driving 7 hours we walked in hungry for some food. There was only about 10 seats in the total restaurant and you sit at the sushi bar. All the seats were open with the exception of three people at the end. The waitress told us to wait until she cleaned up. The place is very tiny so we were left standing in front of our chairs just waiting for her to "clean up" Then she finally took our orders. When she came back around I asked for drinks. I requested green tea and my husband a ginger ale then we asked for water for my daughter. I was then asked how old my daughter was. At that point she made up some excuse that they can't serve us because they hold a liquor license and our daughter can't be in there since she is under 18. There was no effort to rectify the situation, she could have asked if we wanted to take the food to go they all of a sudden couldn't serve us!! She said she was sorry and should have asked my daughters age in advance of taking our order. Just a bunch of BS. They obviously didn't want to serve us from the beginning and the reason why we were made to wait until she "cleaned up". There was nothing to even clean up she wiped down the counter and moved some salt and pepper shakers around. Maybe they didn't like the fact that my Japanese husband is married to a non Japanese person. Whatever the reason they made us feel horrible. We were definitely discriminated against and we believe the husband and wife team are racist. Please don't waste your money supporting a restaurant that does not treat people of other ethnicities than Japanese equally. Shame on them and anyone that supports this type of treatment in 2023!!! read more