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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Old Torrance

Authentic spots

Made for those who have no patience for watered-down experiences and demand the real thing every time.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Authentic Japanese restaurant

Authentic Japanese soba shines with handmade noodles in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Mostly Japanese-speaking guests enjoy genuine flavors and ample seating across two rooms. Low-key vibe makes it perfect for a relaxing, true dining experience.

Most patrons speak Japanese, creating an authentic atmosphere. The soba and udon noodles taste fresh and true to Japanese tradition, with combo sets that feel filling and genuine.

People are saying

"I found the soba here to be amazing and incredible."

"I loved the tempura's light, crispy texture."

"I found the soba noodles here to be fresh, bouncy, and chewy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours; arrive early.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider public transport or carpooling.

3

Credit card payments incur a fee; cash is cheaper.

02
Khun 9 Thai Kitchen image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Thai flavors and large portions makes for a satisfying meal. Mostly takeout with sturdy packaging supports quick dining. Affordable prices and a welcoming vibe add to the charm.

Mom-and-pop style serves authentic Thai flavors at affordable prices. The menu offers a variety of delicious traditional dishes, including a notable red curry chicken lunch combo.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be really authentic and flavorful."

"I found the flavors here to be so authentic, just like I had in Thailand."

"Parking available is limited in the back lot."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back lot and on the street.

2

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Portions are generous, providing good value for the price.

03
Ise-Shima Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Elegant dining room shows intricate wooden construction and traditional Japanese vibes. Food offers authentic Japanese culture with amazing quality and true essence. Guests enjoy attentive service in a calm, upscale setting.

Food reflects authentic Japanese culture with amazing quality and traditional preparation. The experience feels genuine on several levels, capturing true Japanese essence.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has fresh, flavorful Japanese cuisine."

"The upscale sushi here is fresh, delicate, and flavorful."

"I found authentic Japanese cuisine with amazing quality food here."

Good to know

1

Thereโ€™s plenty of free parking available.

2

Expect a pricey meal as it's a hotel restaurant.

3

Happy hour runs from Thursday to Sunday.

04
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Torrance/Chinchikurin Torrance image 1

Okonomiyaki restaurant serves authentic Hiroshima-style dishes with some American twists. The lively, warm atmosphere buzzes at night with mostly Japanese diners. Food cooks on a large griddle visible to guests, adding to the busy, lively vibe.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki here stays close to the authentic preparation with a few Americanized flavor combinations. The dish offers a genuine taste of Hiroshima-yaki that stands out.

People are saying

"I found the okonomiyaki here to be super unique and delicious."

"You have to try the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki here for your Date Spots."

"I was surprised at how authentic the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki was here."

Good to know

1

The place gets busy at night, so consider visiting for lunch to avoid waits.

2

There is plenty of open parking available in the plaza.

3

They offer a wide variety of izakaya dishes alongside okonomiyaki.

05
Izakaya Hachi image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Cozy izakaya with traditional wood decor and lively vibe. Staff are mostly Japanese, ensuring authentic experience and genuine dishes. Bar seating suits solo diners, while handwritten blackboard specials add charm.

Offers a very authentic Japanese izakaya experience with genuine food not watered down. Most staff are Japanese, adding to the authentic and welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, especially the fresh sashimi."

"It felt like stepping straight into Japan here."

"The robata grilled ribeye steak was amazing and tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights, to secure a table.

2

The restaurant fills up quickly, often within the first 30 minutes after opening.

3

Expect to pay around $28 for a bento box, which may be pricey for some.

06
GABURI CHICKEN image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese spot offers authentic chicken dishes in a cozy setting with terrace seating. Bar stays lively, perfect for casual nights. Stylish design adds to the chill, comforting energy that suits any occasion.

Flavors stay true to traditional Japanese cooking with authentic chicken dishes and a chill vibe that feels genuine.

People are saying

"The food here is surprisingly delicious and tasty."

"You've got to try the matcha tiramisu for dessert."

"I found their Japanese chicken flavors to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Make sure you make a reservation before you go.

2

They do not accept cash; credit cards only.

3

Parking can be difficult, so plan accordingly.

07
Waraku Japanese Dine&Bar Torrance image 1

Spacious Japanese restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine with fresh sashimi and sushi. Cozy, traditional interior features private rooms and a mix of seating. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, bustling with local workers during peak hours.

Vibrant spot offers authentic Japanese cuisine with comforting flavors. Prices stay reasonable while delivering a true taste of Japan.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"The Unagi Tamago Bowl was a standout dish."

"I found authentic Japanese flavors here after trying many fusion spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Expect a wait for tables during peak dining times.

3

Some menu items may sell out quickly, so ask before ordering.

08
Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy spot with a traditional vibe and quiet atmosphere. Shrimp tempura bowls boast huge prawns with fresh ocean flavor. Zaru soba adds an authentic touch to the meal, while staff speaking Japanese enhance the local feel.

Shrimp tempura bowls feature huge prawns bursting with ocean flavor. Zaru soba serves as a classic authentic side, making the tempura experience feel truly genuine.

People are saying

"I found the tempura to be delicious and crisp."

"I thought the tempura bowl food was fried so well with great options."

"I experienced authentic Japanese tempura, even better than in Asia."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and on the street.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a tip machine that only offers 18%, 20%, and 25% options.

09
Sushi Nozomi Torrance image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers fresh ingredients and authentic Japanese techniques. Intimate setting with private tatami rooms adds charm. Sake selection is amazing, complementing unique menu items at fair prices.

Sushi here features very fresh ingredients and stays true to authentic Japanese techniques. The cuisine offers high quality and genuine flavors throughout.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi and sashimi, is amazingly fresh."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"The sushi here is so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

The last food orders are taken at 8:45pm.

3

A private room is available with a $200 minimum for four people.

10
Hakata Ikkousha Tonkotsu Ramen Torrance image 1

Enjoy authentic tonkotsu ramen with customizable noodle hardness and spice. Cozy space fills fast, creating a lively vibe. Rich broth and tasty sides make it a reasonably priced favorite.

Ramen offers authentic flavor with a delicious and reasonably priced experience at $15. The taste stays true to traditional Japanese tonkotsu style.

People are saying

"This Japanese food, especially the tonkotsu ramen, is the best in Southern California."

"I found the tonkotsu ramen here to be delicious and refined."

"I found the ramen to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends; consider using the Yelp waitlist.

2

Lunch specials are available from 12 to 3 pm with a side dish included.

3

The ramen bowl prices range from $15 to $25 depending on toppings.

11
Toys of the Universe image 1

Small shop buzzes with vintage toys and rare collectibles. Friendly service offers authentic labubus and toys at good prices. Trade-in options and a mix of modern and retro items keep collectors engaged.

Authentic labubus and toys stand out here, all offered at good prices. Service feels friendly and genuine, making the experience straightforward and reliable.

People are saying

"I found so many cool vintage toys and figures here."

"It's so Kid Friendly with an awesome selection of toys."

"I found authentic labubus and little boo-boo's here."

Good to know

1

The shop has a wide selection of vintage toys and collectibles.

2

Prices vary, with some items available for $5 and under.

3

They offer a trade-in option for blind box items.

12
Mo-Mo-Paradise - Torrance image 1
Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu restaurant

Spacious dining with individual hot pots offers a cozy, authentic Shabu Shabu experience. Chill lo-fi beats create a relaxed vibe while self-serve vegetable and bubble tea stations add fun to the all-you-can-eat meal.

Offers a genuine Shabu Shabu experience with authentic hot pot flavors. Serves a traditional Shabu dinner that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and tasty."

"I loved the bottomless shabu shabu with high-quality meats."

"I found an authentic Shabu Shabu experience here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is usually too busy for walk-ups.

2

The dining experience has a strict 90-minute time limit per visit.

3

An 18% service charge is added to all bills, which is not fully passed to servers.

13
Torihei Yakitori Robata Dining image 1

Small space with elbow-to-elbow bar seating creates a lively, authentic izakaya vibe. Yakitori skewers deliver authentic Japanese flavors with consistent, delicious char. Warm, cozy atmosphere feels genuine and often draws local Japanese guests.

Yakitori here offers authentic Japanese flavors with consistently delicious results. The spot feels genuine, often visited by local Japanese, creating a true izakaya atmosphere.

People are saying

"The sliced beef salad here is a must-try."

"I felt like I was eating yakitori in Japan."

"I experienced authentic yakitori with delicious flavors here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended; expect a wait of up to 1.5 hours without one.

2

An automatic 18% gratuity is added for groups.

3

They charge $1 for water; no free water is provided.

14
Muy Pronto's Mexican grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean spot serves authentic Mexican dishes like pozole verde and fish tacos. Guests enjoy a quiet vibe with a carnival feel. Affordable prices and easy parking make it a simple, pleasant choice.

Food offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on traditional flavors. Some find the dishes genuinely authentic, while others see less authenticity in the meal.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I've had anywhere."

"The salsa here is amazing, with great flavor."

"I found the Mexican grill food to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Bring cash to avoid transaction fees when paying.

2

Parking is available across the street in a lot.

3

The posole verde costs $13.95 and is enough for two people.

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Old Torrance, Torrance

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