Torrance’s Hachi Is the Best Japanese Izakaya in the South Bay | Eater LA

"A classic drinking spot in Torrance’s historically Japanese neighborhood, this convivial, dimly lit izakaya draws nearby Honda corporate employees and longtime regulars to large wood tables, a counter facing the semi-open kitchen, and more cloistered back booths for grilled skewers, comforting hot pots, and mackerel sushi with ice-cold mugs of Asahi. The pressed mackerel sushi is the signature, with glistening cuts whose slightly vinegary flavor balances the almost gelatinous richness of the fish. What to order spans agedashi tofu with three well-fried cubes in a sweet, profound dashi topped with grated radish and shaved bonito; a Jidori omelette that eats like a massive, savory tamago-style loaf; mentaiko or salmon chazuke, a comforting, shareable plate of warm rice with hot dashi and a dab of wasabi; and chicken meatball skewers browned over charcoal, served as two modestly sized lumps per order. Drinks matter here: expect crisp Sapporo and Asahi on draft, mid-range sake bottles like Hakkaisan and Dassai 23, and even Japanese craft beers Kawaba snow wizen. For an insider edge, check the blackboard specials for seasonal fish that can match some of the best sushi spots in town, and ask the server for any highlights not scribbled in English." - Matthew Kang