This place is cozy, clean, and so peaceful that I briefly considered applying for residency. The ambience is that perfect "I'm about to eat good and maybe overshare with my friends" vibe. It's warm, it's tidy, and it smells like happiness sizzling on a grill. The service was smooth, friendly and efficient. They check on you just enough to make you feel cared for, but not enough to make you wonder if they're trying to adopt you. Respectfully attentive, the way all service should be. Now let's talk food, because this place had me rethinking my bellies choices. The spicy beef soup pulled up like a warm hug from someone who also isn't afraid to roast you. Flavorful, comforting, and spicy enough to remind you you're alive. The beef ox tongue, wow ..listen. If you've never had tongue that melts like butter and grills up with that perfect little snap, this place will convert you. I was out here chewing like I was signing a peace treaty. The prime rib‑kalbi was so juicy and tender I almost apologized to it for eating it. Almost. The kimchi came in hot with the tangy attitude, balancing everything like the responsible friend in the group chat. And the raw beef tartare. So delicious and clean, fresh, and seasoned like it went to culinary private school. I took one bite and immediately felt like I should be wearing a fancy watch. Overall, Sei‑Ko‑En is cozy, clean, delicious, and unintentionally comedic, because every dish had me making faces I hope nobody recorded. A must‑visit for anyone who loves Japanese BBQ with Korean soul and a side of "wow, I didn't know food could do that." Exploring great food, one bite at a time! Miguel C. read more

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I've always wanted to come here and I'm glad I finally pulled the trigger. I can't believe it took me this long because I'd be a frequent customer many years ago if I had come sooner. This restaurant opened over 40 years ago in the 1980s. They have not changed their seasonings or recipes since then. A lot of their sauces and kimchee is made in house (and has not changed in over 40 years). This is probably the best Japanese BBQ experience I've ever had and I've had A LOT of BBQ experiences. My favorites are items you typically cannot get anywhere else. Their raw beef liver sashimi and their raw minced beef are amazing. It's really hard to find these creations. If you like liver, then you'll be an instant fan. If you're a little squeamish then you can always grill it a bit before you eat it lol Their cuts of meat are also a league above the rest. I loved them all! Their wagyu tongue, negi tongue, gokujo kalbi, tokujo ro-su, and pork belly are all worth writing home about. They also serve vegetables and salad to go with the BBQ. We also tried their yukkejan soup which is their spicy beef soup. It was very tasty. Savory and not too salty. Very well balanced. I'd eat this alone on a cold rainy day. The ambiance is busy with moderate noise. Lots of Japanese locals were there that night and were simply having an amazing time socializing. Overall 10/10. Definitely coming back! read more

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This place has been around forever. A solid choice if you want Japanese style bbq. You have to call and make reservations in advanced. Don't expect to get seated without reservations. Meat quality is always good. Their liver is always fresh. Nothing to complain about! read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Fresh liver - Japanese Near Me - Torrance, California

This is still, hands down, the best authentic Japanese BBQ in Los Angeles, CA--period! Having been to Japan seven times, I can confidently say that this place offers the closest experience to an authentic Japanese BBQ you'll find outside of Japan. The entire experience--from the atmosphere and ambiance to the attentive service and, most importantly, the food--is remarkably true to what you'd encounter in Japan. Every detail reflects the genuine Japanese BBQ culture, which makes dining here truly special. The only noticeable difference is the price, but hey, you have to remember--you're in America! Despite that, it's absolutely worth every penny. I highly recommend this spot to anyone craving a genuine Japanese BBQ experience without leaving Los Angeles. You won't be disappointed! read more

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Why Sei-Ko-En Restaurant? - 40 years in Torrance - 2021 a new owner (Hayato Yanagisawa) took over - Beef tongue and Yukke Would I come back? - Probably not, we felt it was a bit too pricey for us based on the quality we received. FOOD 4/5 - Liver Sashi $14.50 = pass - Yukke $14.50 = #1 PICK - Negi Tongue $45.00 = #2 PICK - Kalbi $18.00 - Harami $19.50 - Yasai Yaki $12.00 - Rice (M) $3.00 - Tokujo Kalbi $22.00 SERVICE & AMBIENCE 4/5 Super friendly server and overall staff was amazing. Ambience is clean and no issues with the overall experience. PARKING 4/5 Shared parking lot with other businesses but ample parking during the nights. read more

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Very disappointing experience. I came here with my service dog, and my dog was extremely well-behaved. He didn't move, bark, or bother anyone the entire time. He was such a good boy and stayed completely calm. The restaurant was literally empty when we arrived -- there were zero other customers in the restaurant. The staff initially told me that I needed to keep my dog on the floor, so I followed their instructions. However, the floor was extremely dirty and covered in grease, so I picked him up because I didn't feel comfortable having him lie on such a dirty floor. The staff member then told me, in a very rude and dismissive way, that I either had to put my dog back on the floor or leave and eat somewhere else. He also told me that he was allergic to dogs. Honestly, I didn't understand why his allergy was being brought up in this situation. He wasn't eating with me or having any contact with my dog. And if I put my dog underneath the table, how would that solve the issue if the problem was that he was allergic to dogs? My dog was quiet, completely under control, and did not bother anyone. I was simply not willing to put him on a greasy, dirty floor, especially when the restaurant was completely empty. The entire situation could have been handled much more respectfully and professionally. Instead, I was essentially told to either put my dog on the dirty floor or leave. Very disappointing experience. Very rude service read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Torrance, California

I recently came for my birthday. Reservations were easily made by phone and I think it's recommended as the restaurant is kind of small. The interior definitely looks old but I like it! There were also autographs from Japanese big names. So, what made me want to try this place the most is because of the liver sashimi! I promise it is sooo good and there's VERY few Japanese restaurants that serves this dish. We tried a few different proteins and it was all very good. And you bet I ordered that liver sashimi twice. My partner and I agreed Sei-Ko-En is one of the better yakiniku spots we have been to and I can't wait to go again. read more

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This is a simple and cozy restaurant featuring high quality Japanese BBQ. The menu offers variety of different parts including beef tone, beef skirt and prime rib and each cut is consistent and precise. The restaurant also has a rare offering raw liver in sesame oil seasoning, which is something you would expect from an authentic Japanese restaurant. The service is also attentive, complementing an overall pleasant dining experience. read more

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Second time coming and even got more delicious. Make sure u call for reservation they get filled fast read more

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Been eating here for last 40 years. Even though it went through different ownership, the quality of food and how delicious it is remain consistent. It's a little costly but worth it. My favorite cut of meat is the prime rib. read more

recently visited Sei-KO-en, a Japanese BBQ restaurant in Torrance, and had an amazing experience. The kalbi (short ribs) and harami (skirt steak) were incredibly flavorful and tender--some of the best I've had in a while. The meat quality was excellent, and everything was grilled to perfection. The staff were all very friendly and attentive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Service was quick, and they made sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. Lately, I've mostly been going to Korean BBQ spots, but this visit reminded me how great Japanese-style yakiniku can be. It's a completely different experience--more refined and focused on the flavor of the meat itself. I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended if you're looking for authentic Japanese BBQ read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Kalbi - Japanese Near Me - Torrance, California

This review leaves me of two minds. The food at Sei-Ko-En was genuinely good--but it's also pretty pricey and entirely à la carte. So if cost factors into your decision-making, this spot probably won't make your shortlist. That said, if you're celebrating and less concerned about the bill, the quality here is excellent. I'll admit I'm writing this a week after our visit, so some of the exact dishes are a bit fuzzy. But I remember we ordered the Wagyu prime rib, short rib, top sirloin, pork belly, beef skirt, and one other cut I can't quite recall--it came as five pieces for $35 and was absolutely delicious, cooked medium rare with a dash of wasabi. Overall, the food was solid and satisfying--our whole group left full but not stuffed. The staff was super friendly, too. If I had one gripe, it's that for a party of six, we were seated at a table with only two burners. That meant half our group had to get up multiple times so the staff could reach the second burner to turn it on or swap out the grill. It wasn't a huge deal, but the restaurant is small, and we ended up crossing into the aisle a few times. Other guests gave us some dirty looks for invading their space, which wasn't the staff's fault--but it did dampen the mood a bit to have fellow diners get grumpy over something we couldn't control (and if we did, we certainly did not want to keep getting up and sitting down either). Highly recommended for those instances where you splurge on celebrating. read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant in Torrance is the most authentic and best Japanese BBQ in town! I personally love their minced raw beef (yukke) and raw beef liver -- you can't find these items at many places, and they are incredibly fresh and delicious. We also enjoyed the cold noodles, sirloin, kimchi, prime rib, and bean sprouts -- everything was excellent. The servers were nice, friendly, and attentive. Such a cozy, hidden spot with amazing food. Highly recommended! read more

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The food is amazing great even with gas grill. The drinks are fantastic. I keep coming back here because of the meats even though i know i can make them at home. read more

I suspect the ownership changed a few years ago. They seem to have kept the same recipes, but I miss the days when the staff was mostly older women. I thought the restaurant was better back then. I'm also not a fan of the two-hour seating limit on weekends. When I'm seriously eating and drinking, two hours simply isn't enough. read more

Forget fancy wagyu - this dish is the real star! The OX-tongue with green onion ($17.50) is a masterpiece that singlehandedly pulled me out of my food slump. You can grill THICK, juicy cuts to perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor and a tenderness that is truly unmatched. The pairing of fresh green onion adds a good contrast, while a squeeze of lemon ties everything together with a zesty acidic punch. It's savory, satisfying, and somehow manages to feel indulgent without being overly greasy. I stumbled upon this gem after a craving for Japanese BBQ led me here when Torachan was closed, and honestly? No regrets. We also ordered the beef tartare which deserves an honorable mention. We also tried multiple other cuts of meat, but they weren't as good as the ox-tongue imo. I would also skip the spicy beef soup with rice though. Tastes homey but not my favorite. Service was good and large parking lot outside. read more

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Seiko is a very small restaurant. Plenty of parking. Not too busy on a Saturday afternoon. I was expecting the little Kimchi and veggie plates. You have to order them separately. Our portions on the meat were small but very tasty. Not a lot of choices on the sauces. The place is a little old looking. Service was friendly and prompt. Very different from years ago. read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Prime Rib and sirloin, veggie sampler - Japanese Near Me - Torrance, California

It's our second time going to Sei-Ko-En as we were craving some authentic Japanese BBQ. It did not disappoint. Everything was absolutely delicious. We love the Yukke (beef tartare). It's also reasonably priced at $12 a bowl. We actually ordered 2 bowls. All the meat was fresh and super tender. The wait staff were very friendly and service was excellent. This place reminded us of our favorite local Yakiniku restaurant when we lived in Tokyo. It has an old school charm to it and brought back our memories from Japan. Most of the customers were Japanese and spoke Japanese to the wait staff. It was a fun time and we enjoyed our dinner. read more

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I was transported back to Japan the moment I stepped in. The run-down walls and intimate seating with a small grill were everything I didn't know I needed. The menu was similar to the yakiniku restaurant I often visit when I go back to Japan so we tried as much as our 2 stomachs could take on. We ordered the Kobe-style American wagyu tongue and the salted ox tongue with green onion. These were cut to a perfect thickness and they were so tender. I think my favorite was actually the beef skirt though because I tried it with their homemade miso as a lettuce wrap and I couldn't get enough. I also tried raw liver for the first time here and I can't say I was the biggest fan of it but I'm glad I tried it. I enjoyed the minced raw beef a lot more in terms of texture and flavor. Another standout dish was the spicy beef soup. How did they make it so good?! I should've ordered some of it to go because it was so comforting and warming without a lot of spice despite it being labeled as spicy. It also had a lot of veggies so it was healthy without being too filling. One dish I would undoubtedly buy if they sold it individually is their homemade kimchi. I took some home and savored it as much as I could. I was able to talk to the owner and he informed me that he just took over around 2 years ago after the previous owner was about to retire. He used to frequent the restaurant as a customer and fell so in love with it that he stepped up to be the new owner so that it could continue instead of being converted to a kbbq restaurant. This is a local business definitely worth supporting. read more

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What a lovely little hole in the wall. My friend and I came here on Wednesday for an early dinner. We didn't have a reservation, but since we went right at opening we were able to get seated right away. This place fills up fast so I would recommend making a reservation especially if you have a bigger party. FOOD: 5/5 We ordered the beef tongue, the prime rib, and the sirloin for our meats and an order of mixed veggies for the grill. I'm generally not a fan of tongue, but it was pretty good here. Still not my personal first choice, but definitely better than what I've had at other all you can eat places. The sirloin was my 2nd choice. Standard quality meat. Not chewy or dry at all. But the number one for me was definitely the prime. It's marbled so nicely and it just melts in your mouth. The portions may seem like the smaller side, but because it's not meant to be super indulgent it's more enjoyable. We also ordered the beef tartare and a spicy beef soup. The tartare was fresh and yummy. I liked the addition of apples as a contrast. The soup was also very good. Packed with toppings and rice. Perfect for a cold day. SERVICE: 5/5 Very sweet server and fast efficient service. Nothing to complain about here. Overall I would recommend for people not looking to overstuffed with ayce, but still want a good experience. read more

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Ordered: - Beef tongue with green onion (5/5): Our favorite cut in general and this place's tongue did not disappoint. The tongue was perfectly seasoned with the green onion. - Sirloin (4/5): We liked this one less because it was simply too lean for our tastes and packed less of a punch in terms of texture and flavor. It was still good, but compared to beef tongue and prime rib it simply couldn't compare. - Prime Rib (4.5/5): Our second favorite cut behind the tongue. The amount of marbling gave it an appealing visual and after a nice sear it came out super juicy and flavorful. - Minced Raw Beef (5/5): We always love our beef tartare and this is no different. The egg and sauce mixed with the beef gave it a bit of a smooth and slightly tangy flavor. The thin apple slices paired well with each bite. - Almond jelly (5/5): A small, light, and refreshing dessert to top off a heavy meal. Not too sweet which is my preference! Overall (3.5/5): We arrived here on a late weekend afternoon. As we walked in, we noticed that while the place was mostly empty, there was as visible cloud of smoke in the air indicating that the ventilation was less than ideal. While the food was great, we also found the portion sizes a bit too small for the amount we paid for - we didn't leave hungry, but we weren't exactly full either. There's also an Instagram promo going on that has 10% off for the month of November, but it was also a bit misleading as it only applies to existing followers of the page. read more

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My prime rib was cooked to perfection, it was a rare pleasure. 4.5/5 | Cow Tongue, Prime Rib, Kimchi, Raw Beef Rice Bowl | $21, $17.50, $19 Food: The quality of the meat here is fantastic. I usually don't get the cow tongue, but the ones here were delicious. Chewy with just the right amount of flavor. The prime rib had savory marinade that enhanced the quality of each bite. A lemon sauce and soy sauce marinade is available for you as you sit, and these pair well with the meats as well. The raw beef rice bowl was surprisingly delicious as well. I don't see a lot of restaurants with this Korean dish, so I was surprised to find it at a JBBQ restaurant. Service: The staff were kind and friendly. They replaced the grill often for us and checked our table often. Ambiance: Not too big of a restaurant, but a good number of seats. It's a good idea to make a reservation before you go since it can get packed. read more

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With this price range,the meat quality is superb. I can't have enough of the short rib and beef tongue. The cold noodle is also very refreshing. I wish they would have shiso rice, which goes so well with the meat. Would visit this place again. read more

Stopped by Sei-Ko-En in Torrance after hearing about it for a while, and it's a really solid spot for Japanese yakiniku. The space is simple and comfortable, and everything feels focused and intentional. It's easy to see why this place has been around for so long. We tried the Kobe Style American Wagyu Tongue, ox tongue with green onion, Kobe Style American Wagyu Prime Rib, minced raw beef, short rib soup, and spicy pork belly. The quality of the meat was consistently high across the board. The standouts for me were the wagyu prime rib and the wagyu tongue -- both had great flavor and cooked up perfectly. That said, everything we ordered was well done and tasted fresh. Portion sizes felt right for this style of BBQ and made it easy to enjoy multiple dishes. Service was steady and attentive, and the overall experience felt relaxed and easy. Definitely a dependable spot if you're looking for quality Japanese BBQ in the Torrance area. read more

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Excellent meat quality with good service! We went there around 12 for lunch on a Sunday and there are tables left for us. They have asahi draft for happy hour and you cook your own food. Everything is great! Meat quality is good! Would come back as my new BBq spot read more

The food and meat here is so good. "Hole in the wall" and better then most all other!! The service is great and house hot sake is an awesome addition! Will always be back here. read more

The food was good. Our issue was with the amount of food you get for the price you are paying. Everything is a separate cost. Not to mention the grill is so tiny it takes forever to cook the meats. We left still hungry and went somewhere else to get more food. The place is also very small so it has poor air circulation. I would not come back here. read more

Food: Quality cuts of meat (5 ) Portions are small Everything is a la carte, no sides included Service: (5 ) Very friendly and attentive Ambiance: (2 ) Vents barely worked Furniture was old, wall coverings and ceiling panels falling off Plan to spend $60-$70pp before drinks unless you're a light eater read more

This place is sooooooo good my favorite Japanese BBQ in the area. All the meat is amazing there. My GF and I love the beef tartare. The service is also top tier there they are very nice. I recommend getting a reservation because it is pretty small and can be packed sometimes. read more

One of the better Japanese bbq I've been to. It's pretty authentic and traditional from the menu to the meat to the setup. We especially like the beef liver sashimi which it's very rare in the US. The texture is like fish sashimi while it still has a lot beef flavor. The meat for grilling is also good. We love the portion and seasoning. Compared to some popular Japanese bbq in OC this one is better in value too. read more

Outstanding, neat quality and excellent service. I really felt like I was back in Japan. Probably my favorite place in Southern California.

my coworkers recommended me this jbbq spot and it was definitely worth it the interior is super tiny and the vibes are good for large or small parties my bf and i ordered the raw beef liver sashimi, kobe prime rib, short rib, salted pork cheek, wagyu beef tongue, miso beef tongue, spicy tofu soup, yukejang tsukemen, the lettuce wraps and mixed kimchi our favorite meats were the kobe prime rib, salted pork cheek and both beef tongues the kobe prime rib was sooooooo buttery and delicious, if u like fatty meats, i would highly recommend it the salted pork cheek was so delicious! i loved that they mixed it with green onions, saur good. perfect for lettuce wraps the beef tongues were super yummy too, i love beef tongue cus the chewy texture and fattiness neither of us were fans of the raw liver sashimi, but it's because we both personally don't like liver xD but we had to try it cus my coworkers said it was good. definitely need to have an acquired taste for it, so if u like beef liver u should defo try the service was great, they checked up on us frequently and all our food came out super fast. the only downside was that they never refilled our water cups, but i was drinking a lemon sour so i didn't really mind x3 it's a bit of a drive for me, but i would definitely come back here! read more

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There are so many BBQ restaurants in LA. If you are Japanese or know Japanese YAKINIKU, this is the only place you would be happy. Not only quality foods but also the services. It really worth to drive. Again, the customer service is beyond!!! Also their bathroom is so clean which is very important to me. Highly recommend! read more

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I went there for late lunch, They are offer variety of lunch set with rice and soup for free refill. Foods were outstanding, meats quality are beyond the pricepoint. Service was nice and super quick, nice and quite environment. Overall worth it. read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Lunch #1 - Japanese Near Me - Torrance, California

Found this place open late one day and we were blown away by the quality of the meat. We loved their beef tongue and premium short ribs. Very authentic and reasonable priced. Will definitely go back there again. read more

This place is perfect for two to 4 ppl! The service is incredible and the food is even better. I don't live close to this restaurant but I make it a point to come here whenever I pick someone up from the LAX airport. It might not have the most "instagram worthy" decor but if you couldn't care less about that like me, then this place is perfect! Definitely coming back here for my birthday ‍ read more

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For more than 30 years, I have frequented Seikoen and it remains the best authentic Japanese BBQ in Socal! The tare (sauce) meat quality (harami and beef tongue are my favorites), and service always consistent perfection, which keeps me coming back. Still have to wear something that can get smokey and does need dry cleaning but that is part of its' charm. Thank you for staying true and for all the wonderful experiences! Stay strong! read more

Good but not great Yakiniku restaurant. My favourite place is Tsuruhashi in Fountain Valley. We ordered Wagyu Beef Tongue, Wagyu Prime Rib, and pork cheek. The Wagyu Prime Rib was super fatty and tender. Wagyu beef tongue and pork cheek were decent However, Prime rib that was only $3.5 cheaper had way worse quality. Kinda disappointed to read another review about them forcing customers to tip 15% when their service was shitty. I guess I will just stick with Tsuruhashi. read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Wagyu Prime Rib - Japanese Near Me - Torrance, California

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Seikoen is one of those hidden gems that catches you by surprise. It is one of the best bang for your buck Japanese bbq I've ever visited. Prime Rib was ~10.50. Tongue ~10.50. For that price, the quality of meat was incredible. Unlike Korean bbq, it does NOT come with sides, so be mindful of that when ordering. Restaurant is pretty small, so I recommend calling in for a reservation ESPECIALLY if you come in during weekends. It can also get a bit smokey as the ventilation was pretty weak. The one waitress running the show solo was super sweet. Highly recommend to anyone that just wants some solid bbq. read more

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Short ribs - Japanese Near Me - Torrance, California

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Amazing quality of meat. Great service and thoughtful staff. Always packed every time I go with a lively atmosphere.