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    Waraku

    4.2 (809 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 1:45 pm, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

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    WARAKU ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Waraku

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    Beef tongue, sashimi
    Candyce P.

    Came here on a Friday around 7:45 and was seated right away. The restaurant itself has both seating in the front and the back, but there were still a few empty tables when we arrived. The fish here was super fresh since they fly it in every morning. However, the biggest caveat with that was that since we came late, they were sold out of a lot of the dishes we were looking at. We really wanted to try the chutoro but they were out. The dishes are a bit on the pricey side for the quantity you get too.

    premium ocean treasure
    Winona C.

    First time at Waraku...oh my, the sashimi was so fresh and definitely worth it--melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Even the rice was really tasty. This place left a delicious impression. Looking forward to coming back!

    Salmon skin salad
    Lou C.

    Haven't been here in a while but realized how good it was when I went back. It was my niece's first 100 day birthday and everything we ordered was delicious. This place is great cause the turf is good as the surf. If seafood is not your thing, the meats and vegetables dishes are equal in quality and taste to the seafood. The workers are professional and really good at what they do.

    Cindy T.

    Fresh, delicious, and consistently excellent! High quality sashimi, perfectly cooked steak, friendly service, and a clean, cozy atmosphere. We've been here few times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend Waraku!

    Salad (free)
    Yingshi H.

    The restaurant is located adjacent to Abalone Ave, different from the location that was shown on Apple/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!

    Eunice L.

    If you want real Japanese vibes in Torrance, you need to try Waraku Japanese Dine & Bar not your typical sushi spot-- this place feels like a cozy izakaya with home-style Japanese dishes. the sashimi is next level, so fresh it literally melts they even bring fish from Osaka, which explains the quality from kaisendon to unagi egg bowls and crispy karaage, there are so many good options every bite is worth it.

    Mini negitoro bowl
    Ana C.

    Waraku is such a fun gem if you're craving simple, thoughtful Japanese food done really well. I stopped by for their lunch special and was pleasantly surprised by how much value and quality they packed into one meal. The set came with the most decadent chawanmushi--silky, savory, and incredibly comforting. I chose the cold soba, and the dipping sauce was beautifully balanced with a deep umami flavor that wasn't overly salty. One small detail that really stood out to me was the wasabi--it tasted fresh, mild, and clean, without that harsh, chemical bite you sometimes get elsewhere. The lunch also included a light side salad with a sesame dressing and a mini negitoro bowl. The rice was perfectly seasoned, and the fish was incredibly fresh--it all felt very intentional and well executed. Service was warm and seamless, with the team working together effortlessly to take care of guests. The ambiance is clean, calm, and understated, making it a great spot to slow down and enjoy a quiet, satisfying meal.

    Lindsay G.

    This spot is definitely fine dining. The quality of the food really stands out...every bite melts in your mouth. It's light yet filling and packed with flavor. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but completely worth it for the quality you're getting. I had the salmon and yellowtail bowl, and it was incredible. I also tried my sister-in-law's bluefin bowl and my boyfriend's cooked salmon, and honestly, I can't even choose a favorite because each one had its own unique flavor and was equally delicious. From the outside, it looks small, but don't let that fool you there are several room options inside. The customer service was excellent as well. I'm already telling my boyfriend we need to go back.

    Chiraishi bowl, karaage, tuna bowl, tuna salmon bowl
    Kayla D.

    I was craving some japanese food, so me and my friends came here after we had just landed at LAX. We arrived around dinner time, and didn't have to wait much at all, practically seated instantly. I ordered the chiraishi bowl and we all got the karaage to share. The restaurant is a bit more upscale and classy, but you can still go regardless of if you're dressed up or not if you're worried about that. The karaage was crispy, hot, and delicious when it came out, and was a good sharing size. The chiraishi bowl was delicious. Every single piece of fish was so yummy and had little to no fishiness along with a good texture. It is definitely a bit on the pricier side, but if you are looking for quality fish, this is another spot that you should come to.

    Otoro Bowl
    Angela L.

    Was excited to check out this authentic Japanese restaurant, which is known to ship their fish directly from Osaka. Located in a small strip mall in Torrance, parking is free and plenty in the mall lot. Came on a Monday night and did not need to wait for a table for two. Their menu is simple and highlights what everyone is undoubtedly there for, fresh sushi and chirashi bowls, although I did see some hot food options like curry and udon for people who want something cooked. I love my tuna so settled immediately on their special of the day, the Otoro bowl, which was a fair price including complimentary miso soup. Sadly there were not too many pieces of tuna, and while creamy, could not replicate what you can find in the Japanese fish markets. Still was a good meal, just found myself hungry at the end of it.

    Chu toro bowl, toro sashimi
    Jane K.

    Came right at opening on Saturday 5:30 PM with a reservation and were seated immediately always a good start. We arrived early and grabbed chestnut soft serve next door, and even at 5:15 there was already a line forming. By opening, about 1/4 the dining room was filled. Maybe 6-7 tables? Right at opening!! By 6:30 I'm pretty sure the whole restaurant was filled and every table was Japanese or Asian families. That's when you know you're in the right place. Food I ordered: Teppanyaki wagyu was so good we ordered a second one, no hesitation. Chu toro bowl: 9/10, beautifully fatty and balanced. Omakase sashimi (7/10, 8 pieces): high quality overall, though 2 cuts didn't quite hit for me. 5 oz steak: 8/10 Toro sashimi: 9/10 Ankimo: 8/10 Pro move: saved the rice from the chu toro bowl to pair with the omakase and steak. Notes for fellow food people: ama ebi doesn't come with a fried head. Jumbo clam was solid (per my date) cuts aren't as big but they are fat square shape. Service was efficient, food came out quickly, and the pacing was smooth despite a full house. Great quality across the board. Total bill was 214? With everything we got not too bad. Yes pricey but other places would've been over 300 easily! Would absolutely return.

    Alfred Timothy C.

    If you're craving a fresh, clean sashimi bowl, this is the spot. I came here Saturday night with a friend and had some of the smoothest, freshest fish I've had in a long time. I ordered the chūtoro bowl (their special), and wow. The fish was incredibly rich and buttery, with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that almost coats your tongue. Super delicate, slightly sweet, and just indulgent in the best way. I ate it way too fast and was genuinely sad when it was gone. The bowl alone didn't quite satisfy me, so I'd definitely recommend adding an appetizer. The takowasa was great, bright, briny, and refreshing. The wasabi wasn't overpowering, which let the octopus really shine. I also really enjoyed the chicken karaage, crispy, juicy, and super comforting. Ask for mayo, they'll happily bring some out. The space itself is beautiful, modern, clean, and relaxed with a solid drink selection. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and yes, even the bathroom was spotless. I really hope this place gets busier because the food absolutely deserves it.

    Seaweed salad
    Daniel W.

    The last time I visited this place, it was still called Wadatsumi. I was impressed with their hot dishes then, and I'm still impressed with the hot dishes now. It's a lovely little store retaining the same decor and furnishings. The service is still fine as well. I got the unagi tamago bowl, yellowtail collar, seaweed salad, chawanmushi, Ankimo, and beef curry. The standout was definitely the unagi tamago bowl. Both the eel and the egg were cooked well over a bed of fluffy rice. Great flavors all around and a decent portion size. The yellowtail collar was grilled to spec, crispy skin and flaky meat. There was a hint of fishiness so maybe the fish isn't the absolute best, but still quite good for what you can get in America at this price. The chawanmushi is also good like how I remember it. Made with some dashi so extra flavorful. The seaweed salad is nice if you need some vegetables and comes with a fairly standard Japanese dressing. Ankimo was cooked very well, very soft and served with nice vegetables to pair. I do enjoy the beef curry flavor wise more than a place like coco ichibanya, but it was not the hottest. Definitely a solid place to come to if you're looking for a hot Japanese meal, but I can't speak on the sushi.

    Bara chirashi

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    Page 2 of 21

    Waraku Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Waraku

    This place is listed today as having outdoor seating. Is it still available? If it is, is it covered or heated? How many people can sit there?…

    They don't have outdoor seating anymore

    Do you need to make reservation?

    If you're having lunch during the week the answer is no. Lunch on the weekend may be crowded, so the answer is yes. If you're going for dinner, I would advise making a reservation.

    Are they open on 12/31 or 1/1?

    Do you have outdoor seating available?

    No, not anymore.

    What's a good item to order from there?

    They are known for their Japanese Wagyu steak bowls.

    Is it open today (12/25, Christmas Day)?

    Yes

    Are they open on xmas and new years eves?

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes they do!

    Do they offer lunch menu on the weekends?

    Yes

    Is the veggie tempura vegan?? Made without any animal ingredients?

    Veggie tempura is not vegan...to make tempura batter, you need eggs. Also in order to make the tempura dipping sauce, you use bonito flakes as well.

    View All 15 Questions

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    Izakaya Hachi - Torrance - Saba Mackerel Pressed Sushi --

    Izakaya Hachi - Torrance

    4.2(742 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    I have written two past reviews for this place, each one glowing brigther than the sun's heat in…read moreAugust. Thus this place does not need more of my praise. It is eastablished and celebrated by eaters far more articulate and with wider reach than I. But I recently went, and enjoyed myself quite a bit. Not only because the food was incredible but because the staff made me feel like a special patron. My main server was Julian. He was young, attentive and continued the chain of grand service. But there are two other female servers that make the experience pop with above the line service, I wish I knew their name. The first passed me and my companion Conrad and asked how is your mother? All I could say was she was still alive. I took my mom to mother's day there two years ago and she remembered. That kind of service cannot be reproduce because it was held in heart and intention. I was a welcomed guest. I may not go often but when I do I am remembered. That kind attentiivesness is more than appreciated, it is remembered too! The second server when I leave the place meets my eyes, has a grand wide smile, and said something in Japanese that makes me feel seen in Kyoto. I am engaged in a jovial way by the staff here that is why it is a sincere pleasure to buy the kitchen staff a picther so we can Kanpai!. There sweet way with me is something I cannot undervalue because in doing so I would ignore the kind of hospitatlty that moves mountains closer to the sun. And the food is amazing, like so good, it cannot be ignored espeically when the menu went through changes. The reason why that face immediately hit me in the face was because I used to go for these corn tempura things that were like this amazing crunch in corn. But still what we had was wonderul. Like I would hurt back or strain my inner thigh trying to complain about the food in this place. This time around Conrad and I had their Shabu Shabu. I have had Shabu Shabu before (not here) a few times, not many but this was the first time that Conrad had it. And that face in itself is special, I think. So moving on from that, eating Shabu Shabu was engaging cause you basically create a broth that you are using to cook veggies and meat so images of witches and camping come to the mind, easily. I also took a video of Conrad grinding some sesame seeds, like he was an apothecary or doctor of old times. And I do not care who you are, you are going to enjoy working a bit, especially in a fun way, for your meal. Like who would not like to peel a few cloves of garlic for their herbed chicken? The broth came with pork shoulder and pork belly. We also had some meat and onions on stick--- I think we had pork belly and chicken. We also had a rice ball. We also had thier Gobo Chips. This is something that survived the menu transition that hit every crispy bite. It hit every crispy bite. By this point I know that the food will be fantastic, and the type of food that warms the heart and soul- comfort food. However, this, comfort food is not mine to claim by familiarity because I have not known it since childhood. But I have known it enough to know it as comfortable. I guess, I can claim it as familiar because it became such in the span of years, not decades. Like when can someone claim a carne asado taco to be familiar comfort food when they did not grow up eating it? That is the question that I am left to ponder. This place is a spot I know to be good and trust to deliver on service and quality.

    3.5/5 Went here for…read morethe first time and ordered the Signature Party Course (Minimum 4 people) for $78 per person. Came with the below. Honestly it was only ok, not worth the price. Noting stood out, no amazing flavors, and some was fishy. Gobo Chips - good Uni & US Wagyu Sashimi - only ok Five Kinds of Sashimi - very thick cut. Decent but nothing special Octopus & Radish Salad - was ok Sweet & Savory Chicken Wings - nice and crispy Thick-Cut Beef Tongue - pretty good Fried Oysters - good Ribeye Ponzu Steak - fatty Pressed Saba Mackerel, Pressed Eel Sushi, Pressed Salmon Sushi - can't even pick it up without falling apart. Some fishes were fishy. Pumpkin Zenzai - fine

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    Torihei Yakitori Robata Dinning - Negima ( Chicken Thighs and Onions)

    Torihei Yakitori Robata Dinning

    4.1(941 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    This restaurant is such a hidden gem! At first, I didn't even realize it was a restaurant from the…read moreunassuming storefront. It's a small restaurant, and it seemed like reservations are highly recommended, if not required. Luckily, they were able to squeeze us in right before another reservation. The restaurant has an authentic yakitori vibe where the tables are packed pretty tightly and you're dining elbow-to-elbow with other guests. That said, I loved the variety on the menu. They offer a huge selection of grilled, steamed, fried, and cold dishes, so there's something for everyone. The skewers were amazing, and the grilled onigiri was one of my favorites. Everything we tried was really enjoyable and I loved being able to order a little bit of everything! One thing to keep in mind: the rice pot takes about 45 minutes to cook because they start with raw rice. I wish our server had mentioned this when we ordered, because we probably would have skipped it knowing how long it would take. Overall, I'm really glad we stumbled upon this place. Definitely feels like a hidden gem, and I'd love to come back and try more of the menu!

    Finally got around to trying this place and came by myself, so I ordered a bunch of different…read moreskewers to try. The negima was probably my favorite. Nicely grilled and had a good amount of flavor. The eel, wings, and liver were also really good. The pork belly was cut pretty thick and had a good balance of meat and fat. The cartilage was another favorite. It was juicy and had a nice crunchy texture. The tsukune was good and had some cartilage mixed in, which gave it a nice texture. It also came with a poached egg that was pretty tasty, although I would have preferred a pasteurized egg. The grilled squid and yaki onigiri were solid as well. A few of the skewers were a little on the salty side. The chicken breast was also a little dry, while the tongue was pretty thick and chewy. The tail was really fatty, but that's kind of expected. Unfortunately, they were out of hearts, which I was hoping to try. Overall, there were more hits than misses and I enjoyed most of what I ordered. Would definitely come back to try some of the other skewers.

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    Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill - Okura & Pork Belly, Asparagus & Pork Belly, Zucchini, Japanese Yam [Yamaimo], & Chicken Thigh  08-12-2025

    Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill

    4.4(198 reviews)
    2.8 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.

    Spent the day at del amo mall and was looking for some food nearby. Came across Hasu and izakaya…read moresounded great. The waiter at the front let us know that we weren't allowed to drink our tea (we got gong cha prior) and it could be left outside on the table which we decided to put back in the car. We were asked if we had reservations and when we said no, he gave us a bit of a look while there were plenty of empty tables inside. Once seated, one of the water cups they served us had something residual left over on the mouth area. We decided to stick it through and ordered a variety of skewers (about 16 in total). Food was okay, but the last skewer took an extra 20 minutes after we had finished all of our food. From my experience I will not return but I can see how others would fare with a different experience.

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    Hasu Japanese Izakaya & Grill - Seating  08-12-2025

    Seating 08-12-2025

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    Torikizoku - Close-Up of the Summer Shabu Salad ($11)  06-26-2025

    Torikizoku

    3.9(296 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Packed restaurant but we were seated immediately at the bar. First time going so our server was…read morehappy to help us select. The coke float was HUGE, enough for two maybe three. Sake was smoooth. Even though it was very busy, the food came out quickly. We ordered almost everything and it was delicious. The grill imparts a great char, especially on the shrimp. Flavors are well balanced and portions are decent sized. Servings are larger than I anticipated as they're larger than other yakitori places. Prices are on point so you can order quite a few things and share. It can get a bit loud with all the people but isn't that what a good yakitori is like? Nice to see a vibrant pippin' establishment.

    Every star is purely for the service. As far as service is concerned, it's great. Came at…read moredinnertime on a Friday night and they were slammed, but the staff was lovely and attentive. The one mix up in our order was quickly set right. Ambience is honestly A+. Very cute setup and everything down to the teacups is adorable. Great vibes for hanging around. Unfortunately, the food just wasn't it. Tare was surprisingly bland, which does not pair well with the fact that it was used so sparingly. Saying tare is bland anywhere, but especially for a yakitori place just feels crazy to me. The chicken skin was nice, but that adjective would have been "amazing" at any other yakitori place. The wings and beef were cooked well for tenderness, but again, the tare was bland and the beef, while good, was sauced with a dead ringer for Mr. Yoshida's. Again, Mr. Yoshida's isn't bad. It's yummy, BUT it's not a flavor I'm bothering to go out for. The sauce B set actually had nice flavors, but for $4, it should not have been plated with a micropipette. None of the sauce components are pricy, and I've seen people sneeze out something more substantial. Just don't get the sweet potato salad. Whatever you're imagining, and there a quite a few ways you could interpret "sweet potato salad," know that's not it. You know when you pop a song lyric into google translate, set it to Aramaic, then translate it back? That. That's the interpretation of sweet potato salad you will get. Just poorly constructed flavor-wise. I don't know whose idea that was but please take it away. I didn't want to be wasteful, but I regret eating it. I've never before regretted eating anything with bacon. At some point, I had to admit the only thing I still felt like ordering was the check and taco bell. Currently writing this while waiting to be seated at another yakitori place in Gardena. Lucky for me, but not Torikizoku, they are suffering in part from being located in an area swimming with great yakitori. It's just not up to par for the area at all.

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    Torikizoku - Inside

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    Koshiji - Chili peppers skewer - quite spicy

    Koshiji

    4.1(284 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    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.

    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

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

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    zoku - Kushiyaki (Tsukune)

    zoku

    4.5(144 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$$

    Wow! My first visit this past weekend; this place is a little hidden gem!!…read moreFirst, Mary Kate was amazing at the front. She had great suggestions and was so very nice!!! Our server, Yui K, was also fantastic!! She recommended a lovely sake (Shinryu Nishiki) and desserts for my friend and me and was so efficient and sweet! (Mary Kate had already given us a number of suggestions for the appetizers and skewers.) Zoku Q: yummy!! Spicy Karaage: Oh my goodness! Eyes rolling back delicious! Giant Ebi Mayo: shrimp (huge!) cooked perfectly and also so delicious! Elote Corn Ribs: excellent flavor, but there are only four very small pieces so not worth the price (to us). Skewers were all good: Momo Teri, Mune Ume, Wagyu Beef, Unagi, Tsukune. We would definitely order the wagyu beef, Tsukune and Momo Teri again. (The others were good but not as good as these three.) For dessert we ordered the Panna Cotta and the Custard Pudding. Completely different textures but would order either again! I will enjoy returning!

    The staff who greet you at the entrance, as well as the servers, are all wonderfully attentive! The…read moreatmosphere is great, and every staff member creates a very welcoming vibe whenever a customer walks in! Since this was my second visit, I ordered things I hadn't tried the last time. As always, every dish looked so appealing -- the plating is absolutely stunning. The overall balance, colors, and presentation... everything made me want to take photos. Compared to other yakitori restaurants, the selection might be a bit limited, and die-hard yakitori fans may find it a little lacking, but it is definitely worth visiting at least once! My personal favorite here is the Chicken with Honey Mustard! The Karaage sauce is also incredible!! And finally, the desserts -- always something to look forward to! Every single one tastes like it came straight from a fine pastry shop, and I'm always blown away. I'm already looking forward to my next visit! Next time, I'd love to come for lunch and try the Yuzu Shio Ramen.

    Photos
    zoku - I forgot to take pictures of my Beef and Shrimp skewers because I couldn't wait to enjoy it.

    I forgot to take pictures of my Beef and Shrimp skewers because I couldn't wait to enjoy it.

    zoku - Soft shell crab

    Soft shell crab

    zoku - Yakitori

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    Yakitori

    Izakaya Akatsuki

    Izakaya Akatsuki

    4.5(477 reviews)
    2.3 miHarbor Gateway
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Large group friendly

    Why Izakaya Akatsuki? - Homemade udon and soba noodles…read more- HUGE tatami rooms for private parties in the back (exceptional service) Would I come back? - Yes, majority of everything I tried has that delicious homemade feel to it 4.5/5 FOOD #1 pick = house hot pot with Akatsuki special + Yuzu & salt + finish with ramen or udon set #2 pick = kamameshi #3 pick = anything from their housemate noodle section 4/5 Service - Friendly and quick service from everyone 5/5 Parking - Always ample parking anytime I come to this plaza 4/5 Ambience - Clean tables and location, they are pretty packed when we came

    We came by here for a late lunch, which it wasn't too packed and busy at all. We were seated within…read morea few minutes. There seems to only be 2 waitresses in the dining area, and I feel bad cause they look like they're moving as fast as they can but in a calm manner. They were very kind! We ordered the Umami Maze Udon, a spicy version of the maze udon, and a kaarage to share. My maze udon came out first, then the spicy and kaarage shortly after. The udon is a generous portion size! The udon itself was very chewy, although, kinda subtle in flavor. It was overall pretty decent, but I had better udon from other places. I did like how it was less salty compared to many maze udon places though. I heard the spicy version was actually pretty spicy haha. The kaarage itself were also very huge pieces. Although, I wish they had more seasoning or at least had a dip bc it was lacking in flavor. It was just a big fried chicken. The one thing that was kinda bothersome was the lack of air ventilation in here. It was a pretty hot day, so the restaurant was just very warm and quite uncomfortable. It felt like there was no air everywhere. Also the tables were just soo sticky. The booths also feel like the cushions were definitely overused. The whole seating situation was not a pleasant experience. Food was okay, did not make up for the experience dining in though.

    Photos
    Izakaya Akatsuki - Parts of our selection of sake

    Parts of our selection of sake

    Izakaya Akatsuki
    Izakaya Akatsuki - 12-16-2023

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    12-16-2023

    Ojiya - **SPECIAL**
 Freshly caught tuna, cleaned & cut at OJIYA.  Sashimi, Temaki and Sushi $12.99.  Hurry!! Order it before it is all gone!

    Ojiya

    4.1(454 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    Located in the heart of Torrance, we must have passed by it a thousand times without noticing. It…read morefinally caught our eye today while we were checking out a new restaurant in the same plaza, so we decided to stop in. The restaurant, with its vibe of a traditional izakaya, is quite cozy with seating for 30 guests max in the front section, plus a small room in the back. Since it was before noon, we got seated without waiting, and the friendly staff brough water and menus right away. The menu was quite extensive, ranging from sushi and simple udon to monkfish liver. For this visit, we ordered the following dishes (food arrived in 10 minutes): 3 Item Combo (Salmon, Teriyaki Chicken, and Tempura): The thinly battered shrimp and veggies were fluffy and crispy. The chicken pieces with light teriyaki sauce were quite tender. The perfectly seasoned salmon piece was fresh and buttery flaky. Miso soup was umami without being too salty. The steamed rice was slightly on the firm side. Grilled Beef Tongue: Every piece was perfectly grilled and buttery soft, and the carrot threads and onions went well with the meat. The portion is on the small side, so it is advised to order it with rice and soup. Overall, it was a very enjoyable meal and we are looking forward to coming back for their other dishes. Highly recommended.

    My Japanese friend recommended this spot for authentic Japanese food! It has a warm, casual…read moreatmosphere filled with Japanese locals! The service was quick and the establishment is also run by Japanese staff, emphasizing traditional, authentic cuisine. I ordered the curry with tonkatsu and really enjoyed it! It was a hearty portion at a reasonable price. It had a home cooked meal taste and it made me feel warm inside! I imagine it's what's typically served in households in Japan with flavors that locals reminisce about. Their custard was good too! Would recommend this place for affordable, authentic Japanese food!

    Photos
    Ojiya - Takana Fried Rice

    Takana Fried Rice

    Ojiya - Udon Carbonara

    Udon Carbonara

    Ojiya - Tonkotsu Ramen

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    Tonkotsu Ramen

    Gaburi Chicken - Fried chicken combo

    Gaburi Chicken

    4.3(398 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    I have always been curious about Gaburi (it's been on my feed for the longest time), but had only…read morejust realized that this was where we were for dinner when they set down my glass of sherbet lemon sour-the mug was what jogged my memory. While I love anything fried, I gravitated toward the grilled chicken, and my gut (and stomach, haha) did not lead me astray. Honestly, though, I think you could look away from the menu, stick out your finger, and order whatever it lands on-blind-box that thing! Whatever you end up with, I'm pretty sure you'd be happy. The ambiance was conducive to conversation, and the service was stellar. This will definitely be on repeat.

    You have to be pretty confident in your chicken preparation, cooking, and serving skills if you're…read moregoing to open a restaurant all about chicken. Gaburi Chicken executes their chicken dishes well, satisfying even the biggest of chicken cravings. The chicken was crispy and juicy in all the right ways in all the right places. Definitely umami overload. While the chicken itself was seasoned well with a slight smoky flavor throughout, the pleathora of dipping sauces was definitely necessary. Mix and match, get crazy with it, there are no wrong answers. The sesame green onions were definitely a highlight. The garlic butter from the garlic rice was poured onto our chicken; what's not to like? The price is probably my biggest stumbling block. You must be bold to sell a chicken thigh for $18 knowing there are places that sell entire chickens for $5. To be honest, if I were craving chicken, I would go to Jollibee's. Maybe I just don't appreciate the craft, but I feel that the focus of this restaurant is simply the appetizer at many others. Service was great. Cutting the chicken tableside, clearing out the dishes quickly, taking our orders quickly. Some servers didn't seem too friendly or welcoming, but that's fine. This is a great place to try once with a small group of people, but in the end, I couldn't get over the fact that it was just fried chicken.

    Photos
    Gaburi Chicken - Inside restaurant

    Inside restaurant

    Gaburi Chicken - Matcha Tiramisu ;) They have my favorite Matcha Tiramisu to date!

    Matcha Tiramisu ;) They have my favorite Matcha Tiramisu to date!

    Gaburi Chicken - Bone in Chicken

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    Bone in Chicken

    Waraku - izakaya - Updated September 2026

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