Best Restaurants in Torrance (2025)
An intimate, reservation-only sushi counter hidden inside I-naba where chef Yasuhiro Hirano serves a precise, deeply seasonal omakase. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and included on Eater LA’s Michelin map, it’s the South Bay’s splurge-worthy star. ([guide.michelin.com](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/torrance/restaurant/sushi-i-naba?utm_source=openai), [la.eater.com](https://la.eater.com/maps/los-angeles-michelin-star-restaurants-map/n-naka?utm_source=openai))
A lively izakaya where groups share charcoal-grilled skewers, sashimi, hot pots, and a serious sake list. Frequently praised by local food critics and featured in The Infatuation’s Torrance guide; the restaurant confirms nightly service. ([theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/the-best-restaurants-in-torrance?utm_source=openai), [hachius.com](https://www.hachius.com/reservations?utm_source=openai))
A beloved specialist in Kyoto-style oden and binchotan-grilled yakitori, run by a team closely tied to the community since 2009. Celebrated by The Infatuation and operating with updated hours on the official site. ([theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/torihei-yakitori?utm_source=openai), [yakitori-torihei.com](https://www.yakitori-torihei.com/?utm_source=openai))
Family-run and cherished for hand-cut soba and udon, this shop channels Old Torrance’s Japanese heritage. Recommended by The Infatuation; hours and dual locations confirmed by the restaurant. ([theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/los-angeles-reviews-ichimi-ann-bamboo-garden?utm_source=openai), [ichimiann.com](https://www.ichimiann.com/?utm_source=openai))
This blink-and-miss-it Japanese spot in downtown Torrance—semi-hidden behind a pair of big white curtains—is dedicated to bowls of tempura like The Rock is committed to bicep curls. Run by a Peruvian chef who trained in Japan, Carlos Junior specializes in tendon, or sauce-seasoned tempura over rice. Bowls come mounded with hot and crunchy things like fried shrimp, vegetables, eel, and a mind-blowing tempura egg with a runny yolk. The sushi and noodles that make up the rest of the menu are unremarkable, so stick with the namesake tempura, paired with self-serve pickled ginger and celery that come on the table. The fully loaded Special Tempura Bowl is one our of favorite lunches in the South Bay.
An intimate yakiniku counter where an Osaka-trained butcher grills prized cuts in front of you; limited seats and set menus keep quality high. Highlighted by Time Out and profiled in JapanUp magazine. ([timeout.com](https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/restaurants/wagyu-butcher?utm_source=openai), [japanupmagazine.com](https://japanupmagazine.com/archives/14774?utm_source=openai))
A focused shop pouring a polished pork–chicken–fish broth with optional house garlic oil and excellent gyoza. Included on Eater LA’s best ramen list; current hours corroborated by recent listings. ([la.eater.com](https://la.eater.com/maps/best-essential-ramen-los-angeles/?utm_source=openai), [restaurantji.com](https://www.restaurantji.com/ca/torrance/josui-ramen-/?utm_source=openai))
A community anchor for island-style plates, from furikake chicken to loco moco and oxtail soup. Praised by The Infatuation and actively operating with posted hours and catering from the restaurant. ([theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/aunty-mailes-hawaiian-food?utm_source=openai), [auntymailes808.com](https://auntymailes808.com//?utm_source=openai))
Inside a Japanese-owned hotel, Ise-Shima serves refined sushi, tempura, and seasonal set menus that attract business travelers and locals alike. Open daily with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; noted by Discover Los Angeles. ([miyakohybridhotel.com](https://www.miyakohybridhotel.com/dining.htm?utm_source=openai), [discoverlosangeles.com](https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/eat-drink/ise-shima-at-the-miyako?utm_source=openai))
The South Bay is full of bargain-priced, old-school sushi spots, and Torrance's Sushi Yoshi is the pinnacle of the genre (bonus points: it's located in a strip mall, too). Try to grab one of the five seats at the Dodger bobblehead-decorated bar—the owner is a baseball nut—and order the No. 8 Special. It involves nine pieces of nigiri and two traditional rolls, and at $20, it’s the most expensive item on the menu. Add an order of their fantastic pressed makerel sushi and the salty mirugai (giant clam) nigiri if they have it.