I think the Japanese word I learned, 'おいしい' (oishii in Japanese meaning delicious) sums up my…read moresecond visit to Kappo Irifune this Tuesday! I waited outside for it to open for dinner and managed to run into the Owner, Kobayashi-san who remembered me for my last visit and greeted me warmly! We headed inside and she treated me like I was a good friend hanging out at her house! Honestly the atmosphere in the resteraunt was just like that since this was the first time I sat at the counter, jazz music flowed and it was elegant but also comfortable. I ordered a Peach shochu which was delicious (and I feel bad for not being able to finish it when I left) and I recalled her telling me she could make a Pork Katsu my first visit and I was hesitant to ask because, well, I understood that my food allergen was an important ingredient in Japanese cuisine and I've avoided Japanese resteraunts in the past because I was worried that I would burden or bother chefs' for asking if it could be removed from certain meals I wanted to try, fearing it would make me seem entitled and annoying. But, I mustered up the courage to take her up on that offer again and she was so receptive that I was pretty shocked and ordered it right away along with a sashimi omakase (I wasn't sure what to order for the pieces so I said, 'surprise me, please!'). Since I was sitting at the counter, she regaled me in conversation as she made the sashimi and I was able to find out we liked some of the same music from Japan's Showa Era which was fun! While she was making the sashimi, I heard the knife cuts and although I'm a curious person by nature, I was surprised that I didn't mind not knowing what she what she was going to make me, there was an allure to mystery to it that kept me at the edge of my stool. I wasn't kept waiting long and was rather enthralled when she brought me the sashimi dish! It was a huge moment for me because I've never had a dish that looked like this before, it was as if it was plated for a Mogul Tycoon (I know that may sound exaggerated, but that's what I thought since I'm unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine) and I thanked her profusely, took pictures, and for a few minutes all I could do was gawk at it because I was afraid to mess with such a fine masterpiece (I know anyone reading this would probably be like, 'Girl, it's just sashimi' lol). Then she brought out my Pork Katsu with shredded cabbage at the side and a dollop of I believe was mustard in a dollop at the edge of the plate and I couldn't be happier! She explained to me the different cuts which I unfortunately forgot some and should've written down (sorry!), but from what I remember: Bluefish Tuna, Salmon with roe which she added was marinated (yum!), and Spanish mackerel which was also on a stick and she told me she'd deep-fry once I finished (yay!), and I do apologize again for forgetting the rest! I ate and the cuts were extraordinary thick and plump and with the ponzu and soy sauce felt like it melted in my mouth. And the taste of the Pork Katsu was crispy and delicious, the shredded cabbage made it easier to digest and the dollop of mustard and sauce further enhanced the taste! I also ordered two pork belly skewers and they were juicy and she offered me a yuzu-like paste to pair it with and it felt like fireworks to bite into! Afterwards I finished my sashimi cuts, she deepfried the fish for me and it was so crunchy to the point where I was annoyed with myself for finishing so quickly! Afterwards, I received the side dish which I dreamed about since my first visit: the miso soup so packed with umami that I ordered a second helping to take home with me! Overall, my second visit, I learned the word 'oishii' even though I kept saying 'umai' the whole time... then crawled under a rock and sank under the quicksands of second-hand embarrasment' when I looked up the word and read that it was considered 'informal' ^^;. Whoops, perhaps the next visit I can learn a new word and swipe some more of that green tea ice cream, until we meet again, Kobayashi-San and Kappo Irifune!

Stopped by Kappo Irifune for a weekday lunch and tried their lunch specials. It's a traditional…read moreJapanese restaurant with a nice selection of Japanese dishes. We ordered Sashimi Gozen & Chirashi Gozen. I couldn't really tell what's the difference. Sashimi tasted fresh and nicely prepared. The lunch specials also came with miso soup and salad, making it a pretty complete meal. We added a few extras, including tempura and sea urchin with ikura. The skewers were just okay for me. The meat was a little on the dry side, so they weren't my favorite of the meal. We also received a complimentary matcha dessert, which was a nice way to finish lunch. What We Ordered Sashimi Gozen Chirashi Gozen Tempura Fresh Salmon & Ikura Meatball & Pork Belly Skewers Not too busy for weekday lunch, server was attentive, ambiance was quiet. Overall, a solid option for a traditional Japanese weekday lunch, especially if you're looking for fresh sashimi and a lunch set that comes with soup and salad. The complimentary matcha dessert was a nice bonus!

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.

I've been here for both lunch and dinner and the sushi is always fresh and delicious. Cindy is…read morelovely and always treats us so nice. I highly recommend.

Awesome service! The crunchy tuna tataki roll was a stand out!…read more Everything was super fresh and the sauces were amazing!

Out of this world for quality, flavors, and price. Hidden gem tucked away next to a liquor store.read more

(+) Omakase Sushi…read moreChitose is a little hole in the wall sushi spot that does sushi very well. Chitose means 1000 years old. The parking lot has to be at most 8 spots, so the earlier the dinner time, the better parking wise. It is reservation only and they do offer omakase. My wife and I got about 11-12 dishes and for $80, it is a great deal. We added a bottle of sake as well. If you've had omakase experiences before, you know all too well that there might be things you don't like. That doesn't happen here. All of the dishes served weren't excessively exotic, but things you've had before. The waitress asked us if there were things we didn't like, which I found kind. Food: I wanted to highlight the freshness of the fish such as the chutoro, and other nigiri pieces we got in our omakase experience. I've had plenty of omakase, and the fish here is cut perfectly without tendon or any impurities. Compared to all other sushi restaurants I've been to, Sushi chitose is near the top. Service/Ambiance. Service is quick and the sushi chefs are friendly. It is an inviting atmosphere and a gentle ambiance for great food. The restaurant is only opened for dinner, but you can check their website if things change. A great experience and I will be back if I'm in the area.

You have to go. Unassuming entrance. Very humble dining room. No sushi bar seats. I've had the…read moreMichelin Omakase in Santa Barbara. Just saying I've had high quality fish. This is the best I've had in the Southbay and maybe top 3 in LA in my 15 years here. I'll admit I ordered only 3 items, but you can tell. salmon nigiri- must have been belly. Tiny bit of wasabi they added. Outstanding. Scallop cut roll- excellent rice. Warm toasted nori. Just enough flavor in the scallop and mayo. Not overpowering. A great balance of all ingredients. Spicy tuna crispy rice- a common starter, although not traditional, but when done right, it's very fun. They put a s'mores-like build your own twist on It . Great idea and great quality. Gives sushi Roku a run. I can't wait to go back and try more fish to confirm what I assume. Everything is great.

Food was delicious and fresh. The crispy rice was exceptional. Great service. Need to go on…read moreweekdays as weekends are really busy.

This is one of those spots where you sit at the sushi bar and suddenly feel like you're watching a…read morelive cooking show, except the chef is inches away and absolutely committed to pretending you don't exist while crafting your food with samurai-level focus. I swear he made my Uni Soba with the intensity of someone defusing a bomb. Service was smooth, friendly, and quick. Interior is classic Torrance sushi vibes, calm, clean, and just noisy enough to feel alive. Sitting at the bar is the move. You get front-row seats to the chef slicing, rolling, and plating like he's auditioning for "Top Chef - Sushi Edition." "Today we went all in," * Uni Soba, so rich, buttery, and the kind of dish that makes you rethink your choices in a good way. * Uni Udon, same vibe but thicker noodles, like the soba's more confident older sibling. * Natto Cut Roll, funky, sticky, and delicious if you're into natto (I am). * Fresh Sea Urchin Sashimi Roll, ocean sweetness, super fresh, melts instantly. * Assorted Nigiri, clean cuts, perfect temperature, and the chef plated it like he was entering a beauty contest. * Salad , Wow...crisp, refreshing, and a nice break from all the luxurious uni. Overall, great food, great service, and a chef who made my entire order right in front of me with the seriousness of a man carving a national treasure. Loved it. Miguel C.

My sister had made a reservation here for one of the private rooms for a group of 9…read more We ordered lunch combinations and sushi. I forgot what my Vegan sister ordered, but I do know edamame was one of them. Dishes came out sporadically and everyone enjoyed the meals.

My husband and I stopped here for lunch on the weekend, and honestly, this place will always have a…read morespecial place in my heart. We always celebrate our Church wedding anniversary here! This time, we were out and about and I was craving steak...so of course, my husband said, "Let's go to our favorite restaurant." And we did! Since it was lunchtime, they didn't have the sizzling steak plate, which I was totally expecting. ‍ I guess I should've communicated that little craving better! LOL. It was nice and COLD inside, which was perfect on a summer day, and as always, the atmosphere was intimate and relaxing. Everyone is so nice, welcoming, and attentive. We just really love this place. It's one of those restaurants that feels familiar and special every time we come back. We are looking forward to coming back in October!

We have come here once before, made it to the door, but didn't dine here. For some reason, we…read moreended up eating elsewhere. It all worked out well this time! WA Dining is located in the Country Hills Shopping Center. This place was once called Inaba, but is now Wa-Dining SUYA. I read on their website that they have a 6 seat Sushi counter called Sushi Inaba. So, according to the website, there is a connection. When we came here on Nov. 16th, we were waiting for them to open and a lady came out. We asked if we they were booked up or if they could fit us in. She informed us there was going to be a large party and asked us if we minded the noise. We told her we would be fine with anything. She seated us and shortly afterwards, that large party came rolling in. They ended up not being loud at all. Hubby wanted to take me out for a nice birthday dinner ON my birth date. We landed here. The two women servers were super attentive and courteous. Hubby ordered the Chef's Omakase: A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon Steak 4oz for me and he got himself the Luxury Hamburger Steak 8oz. We were very impressed with the service and the food. Every bite was superb! That Wagyu Filet Mignon is out of this world! Hubby tasted everything that was included in the Omakase and was also amazed. The Chef's Omakase included: 1st Course: Five Piece Amuse-Bouche - Miso Cheese, Duck, Tuna, Yellowtail, & Tomatoes with Daikon Radish 2nd Course: Creamy Potato Soup 3rd Course: Two Panko Crusted Shrimp 4th Course: A5 Wagyu Filet Mignon Steak 4oz 5th Course: Dessert & coffee or tea - I chose Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake with Earl Grey Tea & the restaurant gave me the Strawberry Mochi The Hamburger Steak was delicious! Let's be honest, it can't compare with the Wagyu!! BUT, we would definitely get the hamburger steak again as it was tasty in its own right! The staff was so kind to bring out my dessert on a very nicely decorated plate for my birthday! It was such a nice touch! I would like to try this place at lunch time. They have lunch specials which look similar to the dinner offerings with slightly reduced prices.

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