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Best of Old Torrance

Authentic Japanese food spots

A meal that honors traditional Japanese preparation is the only thing that will do. The focus is on a genuine, authentic experience.

Based on 764 Opinions
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01
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Authentic Japanese soba restaurant offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with handmade noodles and ample seating across two rooms. The vibe is low-key and relaxing, attracting mostly Japanese-speaking patrons seeking an authentic 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.

Handmade soba noodles stand out here, offering a fresh and different experience from store-bought or frozen varieties. The Sukiyaki Udon is thick and flavorful, while the tempura is crispy and lightly sweet, adding variety to the Japanese food options.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food, especially the soba noodles, to be amazing."

"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.

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Japanese restaurant offers cozy, clean interior with a traditional vibe and quiet atmosphere. It draws a crowd quickly due to its authentic tempura, praised for its light, crisp texture and fresh taste. Staff often speak Japanese, enhancing the local, authentic 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.

Tempura bowls stand out with a perfect blend of crispiness and flavor, capturing authentic Japanese taste. The zaru soba features large prawns bursting with ocean flavor, making it a top choice for Japanese food lovers.

People are saying

"The tempura here is so crispy and delicious, it reminds me of Japan."

"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.

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Small space with elbow-to-elbow bar seating creates a lively, authentic Izakaya vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy but can be loud and crowded as more guests arrive. Yakitori skewers offer consistent, flavorful char and pair well with a variety of drinks.

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

Yakitori here matches the authentic Japanese flavors with a variety of traditional and creative options. The place offers a solid izakaya vibe with good ambience and a selection of drinks to complement the skewers.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is just like the ones I'd eat 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.

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Small Japanese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a terrace. The vibe stays lively at the bar and authentic throughout, making it suitable for any occasion. It features stylish, clean design and a chill, comforting energy.

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

Udon stands out with its amazing texture and flavor. Chicken katsu and mixed chicken plates offer solid options, while the rich chicken ramen broth adds depth. Attention to detail in sides like miso soup and shredded cabbage creates an authentic Japanese izakaya feel.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is surprisingly tender, moist, and flavorful."

"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.

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Small sushi restaurant with semi-traditional Japanese seating and private tatami rooms requiring shoe removal. Atmosphere feels intimate but lacks strong vibe. Known for fresh, high-quality sushi and an amazing sake selection, with some unique menu items and reasonable prices.

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

Sushi here features fresh sashimi and authentic omakase with standout fatty tuna and yellowtail that melt in your mouth. Unique dishes like sea urchin cream udon and a filling chirashi bowl add variety beyond typical sushi offerings.

People are saying

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

"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.

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Spacious Japanese restaurant with a cozy, traditional interior featuring private rooms and a mix of tables, bar seating, and booths. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, growing busy during peak hours with many local workers. Known for fresh sashimi and authentic sushi, it offers a vibrant dining experience reminiscent of an izakaya in Japan.

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

Japanese food here features fresh sashimi and seasoned sushi rice that pairs well with chirashi bowls. The pork katsu set offers perfectly breaded, golden fried pork with a tasty dipping sauce, while the Japanese curry stands out for its rich flavor.

People are saying

"The sashimi and kaisendon here are so fresh and delicious."

"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.

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Spacious dining area with individual hot pots at a large communal table creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Chill lo-fi beats play softly, setting a relaxed vibe. Self-serve vegetable and bubble tea stations add interactive elements to the all-you-can-eat experience.

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

All-you-can-eat Japanese shabu shabu lets you pick any ingredients to cook at your table. The sukiyaki broth stands out, especially with an egg used as a traditional dipping sauce. Side dishes like Japanese curry add variety to the meal.

People are saying

"I loved the all-you-can-eat Japanese shabu shabu with fresh, 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.

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Japanese restaurant offers private wooden booths with a traditional layout and dark wood decor creating a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Seating divides into semi-private areas suitable for families or intimate dining. Sake served in wooden boxes adds a distinctive touch to the experience.

Tonkatsu breading closely matches what you find in Japan, delivering an authentic Japanese taste. The katsu sauce also carries a genuine flavor that stands out.

Crispy, tender tonkatsu stands out with breading that matches authentic Japanese style. Meals come as a set with miso soup, simmered vegetables, and pickled cucumbers, creating a full Japanese dining experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the tonkatsu, is so tender and delicious."

"The tonkatsu here is so tender and juicy, just like in Japan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, especially for larger parties.

2

Parking is limited, with a small lot next to the building.

3

Expect to circle for parking as the lot can fill up quickly.

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Spacious Japanese restaurant with a somewhat dark, casual yet respectable atmosphere. Seating is tucked away in a side wing, creating a quiet vibe with few diners present. Known for fresh sashimi, reasonable prices, and a Tokyo-style ambiance that encourages lingering when not crowded.

Sashimi stands out with freshness and generous cuts of yellowtail, salmon, and tuna. Tempura is crispy but light, and the Chirashi bowl comes with soup, steamed egg, and salad.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food here, especially the sea urchin, is sweet and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant often allows walk-ins, making it convenient for impromptu meals.

2

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table.

3

The 14-piece omakase costs $55.

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Old Torrance, Torrance

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