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Japanese lunch spots in Old Torrance

A Japanese lunch spot that offers a proper midday break rather than just a rushed, pre-packaged experience.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Authentic Japanese restaurant

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.

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.

Affordable lunch sets make it a solid choice for midday meals. Closing around 4 keeps it focused on lunch, and the spot pairs well with a long stroll nearby.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot has incredible soba, it's healthy and delicious."

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
Matsui Torrance image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space with an intimate, low-key vibe and outdoor seating added recently. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed on weekdays but gets busy during lunch and dinner rushes. Known for fresh sushi and top-notch tempura, it offers great value with popular combo specials.

Tempura stands out with consistent quality and crispness. The sushi features fresh nigiri and unagi handrolls. Udon options include nabeyaki and curry with beef, paired well with miso soup.

Lunch offers a great value with a special that includes udon, tempura, and sushi. The menu features a mix of nigiri, unagi handroll, and choice of hot or cold udon or soba.

People are saying

"The Japanese food combos offer incredible value and generous portions."

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"This lunch spot's combos are incredibly filling and a great value."

Good to know

1

The $15 lunch special offers great value and is popular among patrons.

2

Expect to wait during peak lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

Special pricing is available on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

03
Ise-Shima Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Elegant dining room features intricate wooden construction and traditional Japanese vibes. Atmosphere stays calm and comfortable with a relaxed, upscale energy. Guests find attentive service and a setting suited for quality Japanese cuisine experiences.

Sushi here is incredibly fresh, perfectly prepared, and beautifully presented with excellent nigiri and sashimi. Set menus showcase refined and generous Japanese cuisine, including a notable chirashi sushi and bento style dishes.

Freshness stands out with the Tuna Lunch Special priced at USD 46. Seasonal lunches come beautifully presented and include options like soba noodles.

People are saying

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

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

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and beautifully presented."

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
Hakata Ikkousha Tonkotsu Ramen Torrance image 1

Ramen restaurant offers authentic tonkotsu ramen with options to customize noodle hardness and spice level. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, often busy with lines and wait times, especially on weekends. Small dining space fills quickly, emphasizing the rich, flavorful broth and well-prepared side dishes.

Thick, tasty broth defines the ramen here, with options like Mentai Tonkotsu and Black Devil Ramen standing out. The pork-based ramen tastes almost identical to authentic Japanese ramen and comes at a reasonable price.

Lunch specials run from 12 to 3 pm and include a ramen bowl with a small side for about $18-$19. Service is quick, making it easy to grab a late lunch or pick up food for a group.

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 thought this was one of my favorite ramen lunch spots."

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.

05
Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

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.

Lunch features really good tempura served fresh early in the day. Meals offer good value for the price.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's tempura is perfectly crispy and mouth-watering."

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.

06
Sushi Time image 1
Sushi takeaway

Small sushi takeaway with a cozy dining area featuring a relaxing fireplace and whimsical decor including Japanese-patterned curtains and plush toys. Atmosphere stays peaceful and inviting, suitable for casual meals or quick grabs. Mostly focused on fresh, affordable sushi with a family-oriented vibe.

Fresh and flavorful sushi rolls feature perfect rice-to-filling ratios and options like the Fancy Volcano and mango and salmon roll. Service is genuine and energetic, with a spotless clean interior and prices that are reasonable for quick, casual meals.

Quick, casual sushi suits lunch breaks or late dinners. Relaxing spot for grabbing a bite before or after nearby events, with options for picnics at Wilson Park.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi, is delicious and fresh."

"The owners are so kind and attentive, making it a great spot for dates."

"The sushi at this Lunch Spot is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Sushi Time is takeout only, making it convenient for quick orders.

2

Simple rolls cost only $7 to $8, offering great value.

3

All dishes are made fresh to order, ensuring quality and flavor.

07
Waraku Japanese Dine&Bar Torrance image 1

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.

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.

Lunch offers a variety of options with portions sized to avoid afternoon sleepiness. Prices stay under $20, attracting many local workers and keeping the spot busy during lunch hours.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot has really fresh and delicious sushi."

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
Sushi Nozomi Torrance image 1
Sushi restaurant

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 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.

Lunch features a sushi omakase option and serves as a solid spot for midday meals. Family-friendly atmosphere appears on Fridays.

People are saying

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

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has really fresh and tasty sushi."

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.

09
GABURI CHICKEN image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

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 food here is surprisingly delicious and tasty."

"This Lunch Spot's fried chicken is juicy and tender."

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

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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Old Torrance, Torrance

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