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    Depot Restaurant

    4.0 (413 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Depot Restaurant Photos

    DEPOT RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Depot Restaurant

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chocolate bento box with hidden custard
    Carissa T.

    Finally crossed this one off the long standing list and it didn't disappoint. Others have taken accurate pics so I'll just post ones of my favorite part of the meal, dessert! Portions were generous and service was nice but not overwhelming. We'll definitely be back again to try other dishes since I have my eye on the tuna avocado stack appetizer and scallop pasta next time.

    Happy Hour Drinks.
    Mary T.

    My review is about Depot's Happy Hour which is limited to the bar area - but it's a comfortable bar area but might be difficult with more than 3 folks to easily chat. The menu for HH is quite extensive and delightful. My HH companions and I enjoyed several drinks: Old Fashioned, Spicy Dirty Martini, and an Expresso Martini. All well-done by bartender, Tara. We started off with the Fig Jam and Gorgonzola Flat Bread. Gorgonzola is one of my favorite cheeses and sadly too many places avoid it, because it can be a bit strong. But this is one of my favorite combinations and it did not disappoint! We then went onto Fish Tacos and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich (with bacon as recommended by Tara). All were delicious. The fish was fresh and plentiful and the bread used for the sandwich was perfect....and perfectly grilled. Yes, the bacon option was a good recommendation. We also ordered (but hardly needed more food) Kimchee Fried Rice which was also good! The Depot has special events and cooking classes! I've attached pictures. I have a feeling any would be fun! Although I did not dine in the restaurant section, I must say it looked inviting. Warm decor with a modern touch. There is parking adjacent to the restaurant as well as free parking in the building across the street. The restaurant seems 'dark' from the outside but it is open! Check it out!

    Bill A.

    Dropped in for a Tuesday afternoon lunch. The service was definitely 5 star, fast and nice. My overall rating is based on my food and not the rest of the party. I ordered the salmon and romaine salad. Unfortunately the salmon was overcooked and on the dry side. They went for a blackened effect, problem is it was too blackened with charred bits and charred aftertaste. The salad had the same effect. Everyone else got the burgers and raved about them. Overall with the salmon I rate this a 3 but the burger came recommend.

    Bowtie Pasta with House Smoked Chicken, Sweet Corn & Chipotle Sauce
    Luke L.

    If you are here, then chances are you are here for a business casual lunch or a company holiday gathering. The restaurant first opened in October 1991 and Chef/Owner Michael Shafer has built a strong local reputation for his charitable work by raising millions of dollars for various nonprofit organizations. [Parking]: There's a free private parking lot with plenty of space to park. [Service]: The service wasn't super efficient as our party waited over 30 minutes just to receive a cup of soup and nearly an hour for our main dishes to arrive. *** Family-Style Lunch *** Bread Bowl (including banana bread + rolls + pesto butter that looks like wasabi + giant tostito chips): Definitely one of the standout items, but please don't make the same mistake as I did because I ate too much of the delicious bread and didn't leave enough room for the entrées. Chef's Homemade Soup of the Day: Decent soup. Field Greens with Tomatoes, Two Color Beets and Citrus Oil: Took few bites and it was not too bad. Sonoran Roasted Sirloin of Beef with Garlic Mashers & Merlot Sauce: It was the best entrée of the meal with delicious & flavorful roasted beef and garlic mashed potatoes. Bowtie Pasta with House Smoked Chicken, Sweet Corn & Chipotle Sauce: Mediocre dish. Apple Cobbler: An excellent dessert with not-too-sweet apples and a crisp crust. *** Overall, the food was a solid 3.5-star but I had to take half a star due to the slow service. As long as I am not paying the bill then I wouldn't mind coming back to this restaurant again. However if you are willing to drive outside of Old Town Torrance, then I do think there are better options for semi-modern American cuisine.

    Chocolate bento box
    Genevieve G.

    This place has sort of an old school feel to it, but the food and service is solid. We enjoyed both of our entrees (fig Gorgonzola steak and three little pigs). Dessert stole the show though. I might come back just for the chocolate bento box. My only complaint really is that the menu is hard to read!

    Good food, friends and vibes!

    The food and service is top tier!!!!! A must try, we have been going for over 25+years the food is great and so flavorful. Chef Shafer is iconic and came out personally to check on us!!!! My personal favorite is salmon crusted hash brown dish is super yummy and unique!!!! Rachel our server was so sweet, professional and attentive! A great night indeed with amazing friends.

    Lemon tarte brûlée
    Crystal D.

    I had high hopes for this restaurant because of the reviews but I was somewhat disappointed. Let me start by saying the service was awesome and the restaurant itself is very elegant. I appreciate that it's tucked away in old town Torrance making it very quiet and private as well. The food however was lacking. The ribeye was very very tough to cut and chew (ordered it medium). The flavor was also a bit bland. My plate was "wet" from all the juices from maybe the steak and potatoes which made the sides soggy. The potatoes were over boiled or so wet from whatever liquids were on the plate that most of them disintegrated, which was unfortunate because the flavor was tasty. The broccoli was pretty good though. I think the sides should have been on a separate dish. And the steak was just too wet. Friends had the potato crusted salmon and bow tie pasta which they liked - thank goodness. But another friend had the scallops with pasta and it was very salty. We all liked the banana bread but the rest of the bread offerings (crispy flat and rolls) were ok. The crime brûlée was good but the lemon one had too much whipped cream and sauce on the plate (making everything soggy again). The chocolate bailey coffee was delicious though. I would not recommend the Red Truck wine. Ask for the Oregon one if they have it. As the menu is limited I probably won't return as the meat which is what makes it or breaks it for me was not good. But if you like seafood, this may be a good spot for you. And many people seem to like this place so I would say give it a go and decide for yourself.

    Cesar Salad
    Rob S.

    In my opinion, The Depot is the finest restaurant in the South Bay!! The ambience is reminiscent of a Chicago steakhouse with a bit of a modern flair. The food is absolutely amazing. The restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Shafer, who is a culinary genius! Let's start with the service. From the moment you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by incredibly friendly staff. Brett, who is the manger has a terrific sense of humor and makes you feel like you are family. During your meal, you can expect a visit from Chef Shafer himself, who is hilarious. Be prepared for a few one liners and some laughs. However, it's evidently clear that while Chef Shafer is a really funny guy, his passion for his food is no joking matter. Our server, Candise was very sweet and super attentive. We never had to ask for anything as she was on top of everything. Anytime our drinks were half empty, Candise was there to refill; there was never an empty plate on the table for more than 5 minutes before it was cleared by Candise. She was simply fantastic!! Ok let's get to the meat n' potatoes (pun intended). The food! As I mentioned in the beginning of my review, the food here is far superior to any restaurant in the South Bay and possibly anywhere in Los Angeles. Chef Shafer's creations are well thought out, flavorful, creative and SPECTACULAR!! The Depot offers a vast array of eclectic dishes that offers something for everyone. From surf to turf, Chef Shafer has created his signature dishes that would even bring Wolfgang Puck to his knees! Tonight we were celebrating my Dad's 80th Birthday. No better place to celebrate than with Chef Shafer's Thai Dyed Chicken! Imagine a healthy portion of boneless chicken breast with skin on, smothered in Shafer's sweet and savory Thai sauce. Served over creamy mashed potatoes and along side of fresh lightly sautéed string beans. Wait, there is more... the dish is flanked with two large and lightly tempura'd shrimp. I think I could eat this every day. All day. We also got The Big Cat Mix. This dish is fit for a king. This feast consists of two lamb chops, a petite filet minion, a shrimp sausage and served with spinach and potatoes. Like most of the dishes at The Depot, the portions here are very generous and absolutely delicious! My stepmom ordered the Scallops on the small plate menu, which was served with plentiful blanket of warm and freshly fried crispy onion strings. She loves scallops and asserted that these were the BEST scallops she had ever had! Lastly, we ordered for dessert the chocolate bento box for the table to share. The bento box itself is made of real chocolate and constructed in the Depot kitchen. Each of the bento compartments are filled with decadent treats, such as chocolate gnash, fudge, variety of ice creams and fresh strawberries. It is a choc-o-holics dream... Honestly, I couldn't think of a more fitting dessert to end such a superb meal. In case you couldn't tell by my review, I REALLY liked this place!

    Japanese chocolate bento box
    N N.

    Celebrated a birthday here tonight. Haven't been here in a long while. Such a lovely place! Tried 7 entrees and 3 appetizers and all of it was packed with flavor, beautiful, and delicious. Drinks, dessert, and service didn't disappoint either.

    Lambchops  with sautéed broccoli and macaroni and cheese.
    Dr. James C.

    Food is excellent. Owner and chef came out and personally made sure everything was to our liking. Can recommend this restaurant any higher. Ambiance is incredible.

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    2 months ago

    Food and service was amazing . The owner and chef came out to our table and greeted all of us . I will definitely be going back

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    7 months ago

    The chef has a reputation for being extremely rude. I would not recommend anyone patronizing this restaurant

    Business owner information

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    Michael S.

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    Went back to try again and it was fantastic. The service was excellent and we enjoyed a great dinner. So happy I went back.

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    I really emjoyed my dinner! Great flavor and well proportioned. Service was good. I will be back!

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    Business owner information

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    Michael S.

    thank you so much and happy birthday!!!!

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    Page 1 of 11

    Depot Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Depot Restaurant

    What are the Vegetarian options for Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day?

    we will have our grilled vegetable plate. also you can Oder the thanks giving sides. plus we can make a pasta or rice dish for you

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Lovely ambience at Jana Mediterranean Coastal! Located inside the Doubletree Hotel in Torrance on…read moreHawthorne Blvd. The lot is a paid parking lot. (There is also free parking at the adjacent businesses if you're a customer there. Ie. Hannam Chain) Nice, upscale vibes. The bartenders greeted us and welcomed us to sit anywhere in the dining area. It was just the hubby and I and another customer in the entire restaurant with plenty of tables and lounge chairs. There is also a view of the pool area next to the restaurant. The beet salad is plated beautifully and delicious. The only weak link is the fries and ranch which is okay. Hummus, veggies, pita chips, bread are a great start. I chose a simple club sandwich wrap and just added mayo. Hubby chose the chicken sandwich with cheese. All was tasty and the 2nd half of my wrap was still good for the next day's lunch. Hubby liked his sangria. For dessert they brought out two complimentary chocolate chip cookies with oats and walnuts. It's been a very long time since I've had their popular Doubletree cookies. They are wonderful! Great service, atmosphere, and food! 4.5 rounded down to 4.

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    Jame Enoteca - John Thomas Bar

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    Outdoor seating
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    Eat here all the time - best shrimp boil ever. Their add-ins (corn, red potatoes) and appetizers…read moreare great, too. The thing I've discovered more recently is that ordering take away is really good, too. The broth is so rich that I can eat some and save it in the broth overnight and it reheats REALLY well - just had yesterday's lunch leftovers for lunch today and it was a dream!

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