Torimatsu

This yakitori restaurant is affordable, delicious, and has a great atmosphere. The vibe truly feels like a classic, old-school yakitori place in Japan, making it a very comfortable and enjoyable place to spend time. I would definitely come back again.

Torimatsu in Gardena is hands down the best authentic yakitori restaurant in LA. Everything tastes just like Japan — perfectly grilled skewers, amazing flavors, and top-quality ingredients. You can really feel the craftsmanship and authenticity in every bite. If you’re looking for real Japanese yakitori, this is the place. Absolutely worth coming back again and again!

It’s a busy place that you have to make a reservation in advance. We went on a Friday night and would like to add one extra person but it was fully booked so we had to seat in a smaller table with 5 people. It was a 2 hour limit dinner but the service speed is a bit slow. When we were ready to check out, it took a long time for the bill… like 15 mins so we had to ask to expedite. There were two waitresses and the younger one had no smile from the beginning to the end and the other waitress was warm and helpful. The food is about average and it’s a good place for friends gathering.

I knew I was in for a treat when I saw a poster on the wall explaining what is binchotan. Torimatsu is one of the top, if not the best authentic yakitori joints I have eaten at in LA/OC. I enjoy making yakitori at home (with binchotan in a japanese grill, skewering and deconstructing chicken to the best of my abilities), but will definitely be returning to enjoy the skewers that were thoughtfully prepared and grilled by the yakitori master. The restaurant has very limited seating, so would highly recommend making a reservation for parties more than 2. I came a little after opening on Saturday, and luckily was squeezed in after 15ish minutes. The place was at its max capacity after two additional (I presume reserved) parties showed up between 6-7pm. With regards to the food, I can't stress the attention to detail given to each skewer. Every skewer was cooked in a way to highlight the innate flavor and texture, so you appreciate every part of the chicken. The tare (sauce) was light, and I was often surprised at how juicy some skewers were (given my personal experience cooking them at home). The meat was threaded on the skewer to allow optimal grilling efficiency, bones were strategically removed to allow easier eating, small pieces of fat hidden within the skewer to make it more juicy, small green onions tucked inside tofu skin to change the flavors, etc. Highlights of the meal: - Tsukune (meatballs): so juicy and was not sauce heavy - Gizzard skin in soy sauce: this was a pleasant appetizer and tasted like braised tofu. Always thought this was a byproduct when making gizzard skewers. - Gizzard: cooked perfectly - Liver: so creamy - Cartilage: so juicy, idk how he did it - Heart: loved how packed and juicy it came out - Duck: first skewer I ate, but my second clue that the chef knew his stuff. Piece of fat was wedged between the pepper and green onion so that they soak up the oils - Chicken wrapped in tofu skin: first time seeing this anywhere. There were hidden green onions inside the tofu skin that gave the skewer a refreshing taste. - Bell pepper stuffed with chicken: another one of those "how is this so juicy" skewers. - Chicken tail: like a mix between the cartilage and skin skewer. Recommend getting this. We got the Torimatsu course (10 skewers, soup, salad, ice cream) which is essentially the omakase, and added on a la carte skewers and a couple appetizers. For first timers, I think the Torimatsu course is perfect and leaves enough room to experiment with more adventurous skewers. We ended up eating 15 skewers each + splitting the raw chicken and gizzard skin apps, which left us both completely satisfied. If you're a fan of yakitori and miss eating yakitori in Japan, definitely check this place out. Looking forward to my next visit!

After so many years, I still can’t find any other Yakitori places better than this place. That is it. The restaurant is small. I suggest making a reservation. Walk-in can be difficult.

This place was a low key delight Mu Junmai Daijinjo Sake - 4/5 was good cold and was a great drink to start out with Sasami Ponzu (Rare Chicken Breast with Ponzu Sauce) - 6/5 this was sooooo freaking good. Never would I have thought that I would be able to eat rare chicken in the US. It was so good, can't really describe other than a better and thinner sashimi, but I will get his again every time Torimatsu Course - 3.75/5 don't rember all the items I got, but for the 10 yakitori course, everything was balanced and went well with beer. I got chicken liver, which I'm not a fan of, but that just personal preference. Scallion Salad - 5/5 it's literally just thinly sliced scallions and ponzu sauce, but got some reason it's sooo good. The scallion tasted great, oniony and with the sauce so good. Chicken Hatsu Yakitori - 5/5 chicken heart is my personal favorite. I have yet to find one not good so take this one with a grain of salt. It was chewy, salty, and meaty. Okra - 3.5/5 I'm a fan of okra, could have used some more charr in my option but the piece of okra was big. Potato - 4.25/5 holy crud this was good. Look I'm not a huge fan of just a potato, but it came with butter and was perfectly cooked. Not a 5 for me just because I'm not looking for a great potato when I come to yakitori. I just come for chicken.

Amazing yakitori restaurant hidden in a strip mall. I used to work in the area and have visited this strip mall many times to eat and not once did I try Torimatsu to my eternal shame. On the recommendation of a friend we finally visited and am glad that we did. The Torimatsu course is well recommended for first time visitors and is a great value. Highlights for me are the chicken soup and tsukune (chicken meat balls). Reservation is required and I recommend calling in advance as the small restaurant fills up quick.

This was our first truly authentic yakitori experience. We sat at the bar and had the omakase menu. One of my companions ordered the 10 course and two of us ordered the 7 course. We shared items that differed from one menu to the other, so we had the opportunity to try almost everything on the yakitori part of the menu. Some favorites were the chicken stuffed mushrooms and the chicken tail (!). The soup was also excellent. The meal concluded with ice cream and green tea.

I'm surprised to see so many poor reviews for service when I thought the service was as good as the delicious food! Place is small and fills up quickly but we were able to make a reservation that day. Definitely excited to go back!

Excellent yakitori spot! I heard great things, and my experience confirmed the high reviews. This place is a legit yakitori joint that does chicken right--exactly what you'd expect with a focused menu centered around chicken. Their chicken thighs are some of the best I've had, and while the chicken skin isn't the absolute best, it's still among the top in Southern California--where, frankly, great yakitori is hard to find outside of Japan. The downside is the limited menu, but what they do serve is excellent. Also, they no longer take reservations, so it can be hit or miss for seating, especially with large parties. That said, I've always managed to get in without issues. If you're craving quality Japanese skewers, you've got to try this place!

yakitori omakase they also have rare chicken breast and various exotic cuts. highly recommend! make a reservation or call early, this place books out fast!

A superb dining experience! We all had the 10 skewer torimatsu course which included skewers such as chicken gizzards, liver and other delicacies. The chicken meat ball was one of my personal favorites of the bunch, and was snappy and delicious. Service was quick and friendly, and the ambiance is lively and abounding with character. I do wish they provided some carbohydrates with the meal given the pre-fixed meal (needed to pay), plus there was some confusion with my order, but otherwise it was a great experience.

Torimatsu is magical. The entire staff is incredibly excellent, but especially our server. He was so nice and attentive, but not overbearing, just perfect service level. We did not have a reservation (I *highly* recommend making one) and when we called the day prior, they said we could try to stop in at opening for a table. We got very lucky because they were able to give us a table for 75 minutes - perfect! The aesthetic is simplistic chic with what I would envision a yakitori place in Japan looks like. I'll confirm for you next year after I go, lol. ;) But it was perfect! We ordered some special grilled onigiri that takes 35 minutes to prepare so all our food came out accordingly. I would imagine without this though, things would come out pretty quickly. If you belly up at the food bar, you can see the chef at work like a maniac preparing everything. Dinner and a show. You must make reservations for these seats. :P The quality of everything is incredible. We had everything from chicken wing tips, to chicken hearts, boiled chicken skin...basically all the variations of chicken can be had here. It's all so plump and tasty! I especially loved the chicken wrapped in perilla leaves, incredibly juicy and delicious. My friends and I also did have those grilled onigiris I mentioned, as well. Salmon and roe - all was so tasty. I'd definitely get those again, as well. Overall, my favorite yakitori thus far in the greater Los Angeles area. LOVED IT! Plus they have plenty of parking.

Torimatsu has some of the best yakitori in all of LA, and has blown up since being featured on LA Eater as an essential South Bay restaurant. I appreciate the authentic feel of the restaurant. As you go inside, the amount of seating is very limited, so don't even bother coming with a big group. It's just not possible. As you walk in, you'll be greeted by an elderly Japanese man that is manning the binchotan grill and working hard. It's very reminiscent of eating in Japan. I think the best value is probably going for the Torimatsu course meal that includes 10 yakitori pieces, a salad, soup and ice cream. We ordered a la carte because we came with a seasoned professional and he ordered all the high value skewers. Be patient because it takes a while for the food to arrive, but they are absolutely fantastic. Come early, and come with a small group.

If you love Yakitori like us This place is very good, sometimes it can get busy because it's a small spot so the food may come out slow at times but for us it's well worth it . Close to the 110fwy

I have mixed feelings about not living nearby this restaurant. I may come few times weekly if I lived closer and gain weight from eating too much! Probably a good thing it is far for me. This is the best yakitori restaurant I've tried in the States. It reminded me of being in Niseko Japan as the food and cooking are so authentic and delicious. I'm amazed how the chef can manage so many skewers and still cooked them just right. My favorite was the rice ball which had the perfect flavor and charred rice! I'm salivating just thinking about it. We were actually brave enough to try the sashimi CHICKEN! We chickened out in Osaka but ended up trying it for the first time here. It tasted like fish sashimi. We didn't get sick. We ordered way too much food and had to take some home. I say stick to the yakitori. The omakase was a good deal!

Best Tsukune I have had in a long time!! My partner and I raved about it on the drive home. The caramelization of the sauce, the moist meat, just rolled enough for it to not fall off the skewer. If the tsukune were a person, it'd be the neighborhood tough buddy, a reliable help when you come back from Home Depot with large trees. But they're a big softie on the inside, 100% chance of melting your heart. Couldn't reserve for two people on Friday for Saturday, so we walked in right when it opened, seated immediately in my favorite spot on the end of the counter. I recommend sitting at the counter 10/10. I had the 7 piece course (+ cartilage 軟骨命なので) and partner had the 10 skewer course (+ yaki onigiri (grilled onigiri) and tsukune). Yaki onigiri takes 20-30 min so next time we go, we'll order that first. And I'll have my beer. Clean and relaxed, would definitely drive over from Irvine again. めっちゃ美味しくて対応も親切で、楽しい時間をありがとうございます！また来ます〜

Was looking for some yakitori after coming back from Japan. Torimatsu didn't disappoint. Luckily we were able to get a spot rather quickly as a walk in. It seemed most tables were reserved and the place isnt very large similar to what you would see in Japan. Prices were reasonable and the chicken cooked over binchotan charcoal was superb. The service is quick and friendly. There is only 1 person cooking but he is able to keep up with all the tables and the food is cooked masterfully. We ordered the omakase which was $38 and you get 10 skewers. We also ordered Ala Carte. Everything we had was delicious. Only thing I would have gotten different was the salad. Probably the scallion salad instead of the house salad.

This place specializes specifically in chicken yakitori. Everything here is chicken. The downside is you're eating only one meat. But the upside is they do it amazingly. If you're coming here with the understanding their focus is on perfecting chicken you're going to have a good time. If you want something else it's your own fault. That's not to say you can't have other things, they have other smaller items like their fantastically grilled rice ball. But don't be unreasonable and ask for beef or pork. You know it's a chicken place! Definitely some of the best chicken wing yakitori I've had.

Torimatsu is by far the most authentic Japanese restaurant currently in LA area that serves delicious and variety of Yakitori. They offer exceptional dining environment and service!!! Highly recommend to go early to avoid waiting in line and sit at the yakitori bar to enjoy the next level dining experience!

Very good place to get yakitori Ordered the Torimatsu course and few extra skewers All the skewers were delicious. Favorite skewers was the duck and chicken breast. The chicken breast skewer was super simple and very juicy. The green onion salad was a tad strong but I liked the dressing. The dessert at the end was some sor of yuzu sorbet which was delicious. It does take a while to get the next skewer but it's understandable because it's only one person grilling. Overall a very good experience. Prices are similar to other yakitori place but I would come here instead because they use binchotan instead of ogatan. I would recommend make reservations in advance because we saw a few parties try to walk in and the estimated wait time was 2hrs.

Very good spot for Yakatori. Make a reservation ahead of time because this place does not have a lot of seating for walk ins, Seems like everyone who came had reservations. My boyfriend has dabbled in making Yakatori so he wanted to try a spot where he was not behind the grill. So glad I found this place, everything was really good! Was extremely full after we left. Would definitely make the drive to come back here again!

Pretty small space with ample seating. This place is reminiscent of the typical restaurants in Japan. There is one master griller (?) that cooks everything; you can tell he's done it for years. They use charcoal which creates that amazing aroma when you eat all the different items, and they use a sauce that's probably been around and added to for many years. I'd say the meat quality for most of the ground chicken products were pretty dry. Best was cartilage, heart (hatsu), liver, and chicken sasami ponzu. Have an open mind when eating the different types of chicken available. You won't be disappointed with the whole cuts! Course menu will get you full for sure, but I'd do the non-ground chicken a la carte.

Amazing place. Very small and intimate. The food is superb. The lotus root stuffed with chicken and the shiso leaves stuffed with chicken are worth a trip. Chicken meatballs are top notch. Chicken liver is also very good. A very nice selection of sake at reasonable prices. They have a 300ml of Kubota Manju Junmai Daijingo for only $55. Service is friendly and professional. Very reasonably priced. Food was $80 for 2 and we ate quite a bit. This is a very small and popular place where groups often linger. Reservations are a must.

We called about two weeks ahead to make a reservation for a party of 4 for a Friday evening. On the day of our reservation, two of us arrived on time however the other half of our party was stuck in traffic - they kindly sat us and we just ordered some drinks while we waited for the rest of our group. I ordered the 10 skewer omakase and I thought the skewers came out at a good pace. It's nice because they bring a 2 or 3 at a time so they're all still warm. We really liked the atmosphere and didn't feel rushed to finish our meal - well at least not by the staff. We could see how many people were trying to do a walk up so we didn't want to take up their table too long. Although the staff took their time to tell us what skewers they were giving us - I was too caught up in the moment to take photos of all of it or write it down. They did say the omakase skewer options change regularly. I do recall my favorite though - it was the chicken in perilla leaf. We also ordered the grilled onigiri - we were absolutely stuffed.

I spotted this place after a massage in the same plaza and saw several different groups of Japanese business men walking in for a after work drinks or dinner. Anyone who has traveled to Japan knows that yakitori is a very popular spot for the businessmen after work for drinking and snacking. I wasn't too hungry but I just had to try it out. The place is small but felt very authentic. There are a few tables and a bar where you can watch the yakitori master at work. If you have choice or a small party, definitely sit at the bar to watch the skewers being cooked on the grill which authentic bincho charcoal. Bincho charcoal is higher quality and what they use in Japan at the legit yakitori joints. It provides a better flavor to the meats and veggies on the grill. They have ala carte options or an omakase set with 10 chef's selected skewers of the day. I ordered just a few skewers to try plus a yaki onigiri with pickled plum. Everything was great and I definitely will be back to try the omaskase set next time. My favorite today was the shiso-maki (chicken with shiso/perilla leaf). I also tried the stuffed lotus root, negi-niku, and the kitsune (chicken in deep fried tofu skin). Everything was great....served hot directly from the chef! It's hard to find authentic yakitori comparable to Japan in the states. This spot comes close and according to the menu, there is also another location in Shinbashi Tokyo Japan. This place is legit!!!!!

I used come here for lunch frequently back in early 2000. Lunch set was delicious back then. Recently visit again and they no longer open for lunch. It is dinner only. Service is still excellent but somehow dinner set was disappointing. A few skewers tasted bland with no real flavor and probably cook with non charcoal fire. A bit disappointing. Tori-Zosui still good thou. I'll come back and sit at the bar next time, avoid the set dinner and order individual skewers and see if its still good.

First time here. You need a reservation. I got the torimatsu course along with a few more item. Everything was really good. Unfortunately one of the skewers was still bleeding, but it's all good. My experience here was amazing. The staff is great, the food is delicious,plenty of parking. I will definitely come back again!

Enjoyed a wonderful yakitori dinner here. Very authentic and good service. The fried cartilage was amazing as were all the grilled items we enjoyed.

The yakitori here is less than $4 a piece with the only meat option as chicken. I ordered a torimatsu course which includes 10 skewers, the chicken-broth soup, salad, and ice cream. For $38, I thought it'd be nice to try what the chef decides to cook. However, tables beside me seemed to prefer choosing their own skewers, so it's definitely preference! The business is small, so don't get it confused with the Japanese Omakase restaurant on the right! There's a bar seating to watch the chef grill and about 4 tables of 2, and 2 tables of 4. Be sure to call ahead of time to try to make a reservation!! Parking -- YES plenty in a plaza!! Bathroom -- CLEAN

Very authentic yakitori! They specifically focus on yakitori, so there is not much variety in appetizer, but you still can get satisfying meals. Not too loud either so it's perfect for dining in. Probably not best for a big party.

I've been here twice! Overall I think this is a pretty good restaurant - I think some of the skewers are hit or miss but maybe because we did the Omakase next time we'd order what we preferred. I'm docking down a star because there is a lady who was quite rude to us (explained below) the second time I came here. //CONTEXT// First time I came here with my Japanese speaking friend who made a reservation and we got bar seating for two. I recommend you calling and making a reservation 2 weeks out or so. They seem to turn down walk-ins. Second time I came here with my boyfriend. //SERVICE// I'll start with the service first. The first time around service was fantastic! They were nice and cordial, and originally we had a table and asked for the bar and they said if we could finish in 1.5 hours then they could seat us there. Amazing. Second time around, I originally made a reservation but I didn't realize I put it under my boyfriends name and phone number. So when I walked in and told them we had a reservation for 2 under my phone number they said they didn't have it. They said they'd put us on a waiting list. I asked them if I could see the reservation list to confirm they didn't put down my information incorrectly. The lady was rude and said "NO that is private information" and rudely brushed me off. My boyfriend and I walked back to our car to wait for our waiting table, we get a call from them on my boyfriends phone number and that's why I wanted to check the list (although our fault for forgetting). Anyways the way she handled it was extremely rude and throughout the experience left a bitter taste. //FOOD// We did the Omakase which is a chicken skewer Omakase! I think the first half was super tasty, but the tail-end I feel like it wasn't extremely memorable. The chicken started to become very dry! I highly recommend their chicken sashimi in ponzu! It is so tasty! I do think you should write down what you like because then you can order a la carte next time. Their rice ball plum cake was decent but maybe because I'm not a huge fan of rice balls but it's cool it was smoked on the charcoal. //OVERALL// I'd probably come back to have friends experience the raw chicken and omakase - but the service turned me off a bit.

Walked in right 10 minutes prior to opening and was able to grab bar seats. The place filled up fast within 30 minutes. Good variety and decent prices, I only wish the binchotan/chicken oil flavor was stronger.

The food is excellent. this place is authentic Japanese yakitoriya. The price is reasonable. The service was excellent.

This place is truly a gem! I would highly recommend making reservations ahead of time as the wait can be long for walk ins or they may not be able to accommodate you at all depending on how busy they are. The staff are super friendly and the restaurant itself is intimate and warm. Definitely try the chicken balls as they are absolutely juicy and delicious. I personally have not tried the chicken sashimi but they do offer it for you adventurous eaters out there. Parking: Shared parking lot in a plaza with other businesses.

ここで食べる焼き鳥がどこで食べる料理よりおいしい。ぜひ鳥松に来たら、カウンターでささみとレバーのレアを注文してください。 The yakitori here is more delicious than any other cuisine. When you come to Torimatsu, be sure to order rare chicken skewers (sasami and liver) at the counter.

I had a pleasant first time dining experience at Torimatsu. It is a Japanese Yakitori restaurant, therefore, they are specialized in grilled chicken. No beef or pork available. Minimal to no seafood (only salmon, spicy cod roe, and bonito flake Yaki/Grilled Onigiri). I love how they have course options that comes with a set number of skewers (depending on the course- 'torimatsu'/'shinbashi'), soup, salad, and ice cream. You also have the option to order off the menu, a la carte. The standout menu items I loved are the Kitsune (chicken in deep fried bean curd), Negi-Niku (chicken and green onion), Shiso-Maki (perilla with chicken), and Atsuage (fried tofu). Such simple flavors yet very satisfying! My meal was filling yet light as it is overall pretty healthy. Take advantage of the table side condiments if you need a little more spice or salt to your dishes. Service was friendly and the interior was simple yet beautiful. The only con is that there may be a bit of a wait as it is a bit popular. Otherwise, I recommend you check this spot out!

An authentic Japanese spot featuring fresh, lightly salted chicken and spice seasonings.

Torimatsu is one of those places you can enjoy a meal by yourself or with a group and time just slows down. This place is one of my favorites and I wish I lived closer to them. My favorite is the bar so that I can appreciate and admire the yakitori chef work his magic. The menu has a few varieties and you can choose the prefix menu of two courses. These set courses are chef's choice and they will ask if organs are ok. My favorites are the lotus with chicken, chicken soup, thighs, skin and shiso-maki (chicken with shiso). The tare is delicious, not overly sweet and just the right amount on the yakitori. Staff are super friendly and nice. I would recommend to make a reservation as it fills out fast. There's plenty of parking available.

Stay away from this restaurant! Waiter was rude! Waited in line over an hour while they have few open tables available for seating. Don't know how good is your food but you ain't getting business from me!

One of the most authentic Japanese Yakitori spots in the Southland and possibly even in the US! All the employees who work there are Japanese, the vibe inside feels like a classic outdated Tokyo restaurant, and the food is fantastic! There was a wait on a Friday night even after 9pm so you knew it was going to be good! The place inside is pretty small. I'd imagine you couldn't sit more than maybe 25-30 people total if you're using all chairs. Anyways, all the skewers we tried were delicious! I'd 100% return if in the area! 戻ります! ありがと!

Torimatsu is as good as Yakitori can get really not just in U.S. standards but even in Japan standards. Torimatsu is a well known restaurants for the chefs, even the most well known Nakazawa san from Sushi Sho (Mentor for many of the best Sushi chefs in Japan) have dined at this restaurant. Shoji san is just pure legendary and only term that can define his form is, shokunin ship. He is the master at this craft and he has done this yakitori craft more than most people have been born. He is some what a sort of a Jedi when it comes to Yakitori. I myself particularly do not favor a single type of cuisine nor style of cooking. I just care for one thing which is energy and how the energy is transformed and converted. I love to eat food that was prepared at the time of cooking using the best quality ingredients but simplicity that brings the most complex umami. It happens to be mostly simple Japanese cuisine such as: Sushi, Soba, Tempura, and Yakitori and such. I have dined at this restaurant for the last decade probably close to once or twice a week. I can say every time the experience was just incredible as if I'm transported to the world of Shoji's philosophy and his art of simplicity but complexity. The flavor profile is just mild blowing to see how he can transform such a simple ingredient into something so delicate and special. I would say his appetizer and other side dishes apart from the Yakitori are amazing as well. Such as dry curry, cha soba, and torizosui. I'm happy to be in such a city with such an amazing legendary chef Shoji san.

1 star for service. Can't rate the food, could not talk to anybody about a reservation. Management not in the hospitality industry. Thumbs down.

I love eating here when I can! Their yakitori is mainly chicken and they're so good. They even have chicken sashimi here which they recommended to eat with alcohol to get rid of any germs. The chicken sashimi itself was okay. It didn't really taste like anything but the sauce it was drenched it. I probably would not get it again but everything else was delicious. I recommend making a reservation as it can get pretty crowded.

Food was great. Service was a little iffy. Got salmonella from the sasami ponzu (chicken sashimi)

Authentic Yakitori! The food is great and is not expensive at all ! the vibe is great, and I like the environment ! Please don't take photos when you come here! just enjoy the food!

Good food but the customer service by the waitress is why we are giving this place one star. They also told us to call back for reservations cause they are too busy. What a shame as the food and chef are excellent.

Very authentic, but the food and service didn't quite entirely land for me. I can understand the wait, but the servers really left me feeling neglected to the point where I had to point out that I was still outside to be seated. The servers here in general are quite blunt and not quite as friendly as I would expect in terms of Japanese standards. In terms of the food, it was good, but I wouldn't really want the set course again. I'd probably prefer to order a la carte as some of the skewers weren't really a hit for me. The tare though is great here. Might come again, but make sure to have a reservation.

I don't recommend eating here unless you are interested in eating boogers as well. I literally saw the cook pick his nose and then proceed to touch the food to make sure it was ready. I thought I was imagining so I take a second look and he scratches his face, picks his nose one more time and then touches/squeezes another set of food to make sure that its cooked/ready and finally places the food on a plate for it to be served. This cook is out in the open cooking in front of everyone and still he picks his nose (yes I clearly saw his pointer finger go up his left nostril) and touches food like it's no big deal. Frankly it shouldn't matter if he is out in the open or not because a clean person with integrity will be clean in front of others and also clean when left alone, but the fact that this guy (the main cook) is out in the open and doesn't care about such disgusting behavior says a lot about the cleanliness of this place. You can be sure that tiny parts of whatever is in his nose (mucus/booger particles) ends up on some peoples food. I do have to be honest... the little bit that I did eat did taste good. So yes the food is good tasting but I will pass for the lack of cleanliness. Unfortunately I was with a group of a people and I didn't feel right making a scene or else I would have just got up and left. As you can imagine I felt uncomfortable eating and didn't finish most of my food. If the cook is this dirty and careless out in the open, you can just imagine how dirty the kitchen must be... which leads to the next point. I ordered water to drink and the glass or the water smelled like spoiled lemons or something like that. I wonder if the people that have written good reviews about this place for being delicious, if they would still be writing those good reviews and return if they saw the chef picking his nose, touching the food and then serving it right after. Such a lack of care and hygiene!!! People should care about the cleanliness of a restaurant, not just how it tastes. This place needs a food inspection.

I've been to a handful of yakitori places in the LA area and Torimatsu is one of the best. The chef really understands when each skewer is perfectly cooked.

Make a reservation. This is one of the best yakitori restaurants outside of Japan. We ordered their $38 prefix menu and also ordered extras such as the eggplant, almond nuts, chicken breast kaarage, chicken sashimi, tofu, mushroom etc. Everything was good. I highly recommend to try their chicken sashimi. My favorites were the chicken soup, eggplant, mushroom, chicken sashimi, and chicken meat balls.

Very solid place for chicken yakitori. I liked everything we got but the ones that stood out were -Chicken tail -Chicken heart -Chicken with mushroom I did not like the liver however or the ginkgo nuts which were tasteless and a little bitter. Generally I think I would have appreciated more of a char on the skewers but all that said, you can really taste the unique elements of the chicken. There's also a $2 chicken broth that I recommend getting to accompany the meal. It's very hearty bone broth. Try sitting by the counter so you can watch the grill! Overall I was very happy and full for a yakitori place. +1 for great quality ingredients + value on top of everything else.

Racist restaurant. Don't come here if you're a person of color. They clearly want to keep it "Japanese" only. They insisted on a hour wait time despite there being several open seating areas. Save yourself the trouble and go anywhere else where people of color are accepted.

Don't waste your time at Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori. Torimatsu is THE place to check out when you want some great Japanese cuisine. The simplest ingredients are so delicious here. Chicken w green onion, okra, fried cartilage, the list goes on. Recommend making reservations especially weekends. When you're in the mood for yakitori, go check it out!!

This place is great! Would definitely come back here very soon. Got the skewer combo and it's definitely worth it!

R U D E H O S T E S S / WA I T R E S S I've been wanting to try this spot after reading an article and watching videos about the owner and infamous 10 year old Tare from Japan. After barely signing in we were approached by the rudest host/waitress. She assumed we did not know anything about Japanese food and said "We don't serve sushi or noodles here". It seemed like she said that to my husband and I because we are not of Japanese decent. The word "Yakitori" is beneath the restaurant name outside. She rudely said it will be a one hour wait and shooed us out of the door. We were never treated like that the many times we went to Shin Sun Gumi down Western. To the Hostess/Waitress, there's a better approach communicating with your customers. Tori Matsu, I so wanted to try your food but your employee left a bad taste in my mouth.

Rumors says this is the best Japanese Yakitori and I'm not disappointed. We had a large party so we had to sit at a table rather than the bar, so the skewers when they came to us was a bit cooler than my liking. The wait can be long so definitely call to make a reservation ahead of time.