"Lots of restaurants let you grill your own meat, but only Wagyu Butcher seats you in front of a master butcher from Osaka carving hunks of well-marbled Japanese beef like a sculptor with clay. This low-key Torrance yakiniku spot has two omakase options at $50 and $70–both excellent deals–though the addition of freshly chopped beef tartare and Japanese A5 wagyu make the more expensive tier an easy yes. Each unique cut dissolves in your mouth faster than the last, which means your teeth are basically along for the ride. The minimal counter space only has about 20 seats (and 10 grills), so come with a date and take turns flipping pieces of wagyu until they’re charred to your liking. Just don’t take your eyes off the heat too long—the delicate slices cook faster than you think." - garrett snyder, sylvio martins, cathy park