Tamaen Reserve - Japanese BBQ

Tried out Tamaen Japanese BBQ & Steak in Lomita for some yakiniku. We ordered the Japanese A5 Wagyu Yaki-Shabu, Truffle Salt Beef Skewer, American Wagyu Premium Short Rib Gold, Beef Tartare, Kyoto-Style Grilled Green Onion Roll, and Oxtail Soup. The beef quality was honestly top-tier, especially the A5 Yaki-Shabu — super tender and rich without being heavy. The Beef Tartare was another standout, really clean and flavorful. You grill everything right at the table, and the staff made it easy to follow along with what to cook and how long. The place itself feels relaxed and unpretentious, good for small groups or date night if you’re into Japanese BBQ. Prices are on the higher end, but the quality matches. Overall, it’s a spot I’d come back to when craving top-tier beef and a slower-paced meal.

We ordered the USDA set, and the quality of the meat was excellent. It came with six different small-portioned appetizers, along with a fresh salad and flavorful garlic rice--everything was absolutely delicious. They also offer traditional Korean oxtail soup, which was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was one of my favorite dishes of the night! The restaurant was clean, and the service was fantastic. Highly recommended!

I had the pleasure of visiting Tamaen Japanese BBQ with a friend on Thanksgiving Day, and it was hands down one of the best Japanese BBQ experiences I’ve ever had. The service was fast and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. We paired tasty BBQ meats with cold beer, which was a perfect combination. While we loved everything we ordered, the American Wagyu outside skirt (特上ハラミ), intestine (“TECCHAN” テッチャン), and tripe (“JO-MINO” 上ミノ) were the standout items. For those unfamiliar with intestine and tripe, they might sound intimidating, but here they were incredibly fresh with no unpleasant odor at all. We appreciated the option to choose between salt or miso-marinated sauces for TECCHANN & JO-MINO , and we loved them so much we ended up reordering these dishes three times. It’s a treat we can’t easily find in our area. Everything was absolutely worth the price. Highly recommend Tamaen to anyone looking for authentic and delicious Japanese BBQ!

I always make a point to come here whenever I’m in LA. They have two locations but I think I prefer this one. The meat is always fresh and high quality and the portions are generous. I definitely recommend it. After around ten visits they even give you a custom gold tong with your name on it which is super cute. If it’s your birthday you can also request their signature raw meat birthday cake. It’s a fun and unique touch.

I had an incredible experience at Tamaen Japanese BBQ in Lomita! The quality of the beef, especially their Wagyu selections, was exceptional—melt-in-your-mouth tender and bursting with flavor. The variety of cuts they offer is impressive, and everything was grilled perfectly at the table, making the whole dining experience interactive and fun. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the different options on the menu. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion. If you’re a fan of Japanese BBQ, this place is a must-try. Be sure to make a reservation, as it can get busy during peak times. I will definitely be coming back for more!

4.5 ⭐️ Delicious meat! Excellent service, and great atmosphere.

The cuts of meat are incredible, although small portions. I'd recommended starting with the cheaper cuts and working your way up to the Wagyu - after you've had the Japanese A5 Wagyu, the other cuts are ruined for you. I've heard people describe the Wagyu as being like butter, but when I first tasted it, I immediately thought that it was like delicious beef bacon.

I only have 1 word to describe this place "phenomenal". From the food to the service, everything was absolutely perfect, they have a very nice patio in the back with a heater so you don't have to worry about the cold at night. The food was delicious and I've ordered a beef tower; it was amazing 😌 the beef was soft n melted into your mouth, the soup was good also but the dessert had too much sugar in it; I can only eat 2 spoons. Anyways I can't wait to come back to this place to try more food