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Torigoya

3.9 (329 reviews)
Closed • 6:00 pm - 10:00 PM

Torigoya Photos

Business Info

TORIGOYA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Torigoya

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Reviews With Photos

May C.

This is my second time here. Their food is very consistent. Their rice is very good portion, it really surprised me by the size. Their services are very good. The only thing is the table which they gave us is too small and the seats which don't have any back supports. But overall, very good experience. Very nice and cute restaurant with great food and services. A note to the restaurant customers, they don't give out parking validation anymore. Make sure you get them at the supermarket. Still highly recommended it, if you never been here before.

David B.

Torigoya is a beautiful and elegant yakitori house that's going to be difficult to walk in during the busy hours but for amazing reasons! From what I understand they do chicken here, and it's done in what feels to be a million different ways. Skewers to gizzard to hearts to fried chicken, and meaty rice, it feels like a different meal all in one. Everything was tender, seasoned on point and was brought out in timely manners. The staff was attentive and they were very kind. It's a smaller inside- tables plus bar seating but it fills up very quick. There's a reason this place is at the top and the only way to find out is to come and try!

Agedashi tofu
Deidre M.

Legit yakitori spot! Enjoyed their meatball, wing, breast, soft thigh, and zucchini. They forgot our shiitakes and we should have spoke up sooner bc they cooked it right away upon being notified. Their agedashi tofu was also a stand out for me (chewy melty outside as if it were wrapped in mochi!!). Cucumbers with the miso paste is a nice "chaser" and helps balance all the meat. Many people got the side ginger sauce. We got the yuzu and I could have done without (not special) but was nice flavor addition. Service could improve, as it's a bit matter of fact (cultural) but it's not a deterrent. You just have to be a bit more assertive so if that's not your thing, you're warned! It was fun to sit at the counter, but would only recommend for 1-2 persons. We parked in underground parking and thankfully had to do some grocery shopping after at Marukai so was able to be validated -- this restaurant does NOT validate. All in all, def would return but will keep track of what we order / receive next time hehe

Tiff E.

I tried Torigoya's 10 course menu plus some additional skewers and the oyako bowl. It's not the best I've had, but it's not bad. I usually like going early, right when they open to avoid the crowds since they have limited staff, and everything can get a bit slow when it's busy. Keep in mind it's just Tomo-san grilling every skewer himself, so patience is definitely key. I prefer ordering everything at once so he can pace the yakitori. Reservations are a MUST here unless you don't mind waiting. Price-wise, it's pretty standard for LA. Used to be $35.50 for the 10 course 2 years ago, now it's $43. I've noticed more yakitori places opening up lately, so I'm excited to try those and see how they compare with Torigoya.

Brandon S.

I've been wanting to eat chicken skewers and this was the spot recommended to me. Reservation is mandatory unless you want to wait until 9pm to start eating. I ordered a bunch of skewers and a rice bowl which arrived slowly over the course of 2 hrs. Breast - super juicy and flavorful, small amount of wasabi gives it a slight kick, also goes really well adding the spice condiment Gizzard - chewy, springy and strong taste. One of the better gizzards that I've had. Nice smoked flavor with pinch of salt. Thigh - soft and juicy but lacking the chicken flavor compared to breast, also less juicy than breast but springier Skin with sauce - great smoked flavor, slight sweetness from the sauce, chewy and springy Meatball with salt - strong chicken flavor but kind of dry. Really good texture though with that dryness so not a negative aspect. Meatball with sauce - sauce gives it a sweetness and is less dry compared to the one with salt. I like this one over the salt one Soft thigh - juiciest skewer and strong chicken flavor, had a light springy texture but all I could taste was the chicken juices and chicken meat Neck - the second juiciest piece but with a light chicken taste compared to breast. Meat is springy but not as elastic as skin or gizzard. Eggplant - smoked eggplant and very soft, the way they cook it, the eggplant also retains all the water Zucchini - I liked this one more over the eggplant, also smoked flavor and super watery inside Soboro bowl - first time having grounded chicken meat with sauce and rice in a bowl like this. Light chicken taste with grainy texture + a sweet sauce on top of soft rice. Mixing the quail egg in gave a nice gooeyness. Overall, food is decent but service is atrocious. I get that they are busy but the servers pretty much ignore customers most of the time. Food is a little bit expensive for quantity and taste but there really is no other option for chicken skewers in the surrounding neighborhood. This is more of a you settle with what is available kind of spot.

1/4 of restaurant empty
Vanessa M.

It's pretty ridiculous when they says there fully booked when we are walk-ins and half the restaurant is empty. Pretty disappointing and I honestly really love this place. Fees like a members only type of place. Really sad. Honestly disappointed

Seth R.

Torigoya is hands down one of the best spots in Little Tokyo if you love yakitori. The skewers are perfectly grilled with just the right amount of smokiness, and you can really taste the quality of the chicken. Every piece came out juicy, tender, and seasoned beautifully. The atmosphere is cozy and authentic, with that intimate izakaya vibe that makes you feel like you're in Japan. The staff was super friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. I know the service can be slow but that's how busy restaurant is. Highlights for me were the tsukune (chicken meatball) and the chicken skin both were incredible. Pairing it all with a cold drink made it perfect. In the end finish with ramen was perfect ! If you're in Japan Town and craving yakitori, this is a must-visit. Five stars all the way!

Menu
Joe H.

The food was tasty with many different options to explore. Albeit the location being a bit obscure as it's on the the 2nd floor of a shopping plaza, I would still consider it accessible via stairs and an elevator. .It seems a bit crowded as they have limited business hours , so a return trip might be an order on a less busy night. The Ambiance can be casual or romantic depending upon where you are seated .The matcha beer was delicious (kirin) and i recommend getting the Habanero dipping sauce (extra $) for the assorted skewers of which there are a pretty decent variety. Solid 4 of 5 maybe improved promptness of service could change that in the future.

Chicken nanban
Alicia C.

I was in Japan not too long and was craving yakitori. I know it's tough to find a place here that is comparable to authentic Japanese food from Japan, but Torigoya is as close as it gets. We got the 10 skewers course (chicken breast, liver, gizzard, meatball, Chicken thigh/skin/heart/wing, 2 vegetables); chicken Nanban. For drinks we got a matcha beer which tasted like regular beer with a hint of matcha. Food was amazing but it was a busy night so had to wave down the server for everything. Maybe because we were seated at the very far end of the bar. Service can be improved since we felt invisible. They catered to regulars and Japanese customers more. Overall a good resturant but go at non-peak hours.

Jin L.

Food is very good. Service is friendly. I have been coming to this place every year when we visit Los Angeles. It's very tasty and has great service.

Angela P.

Authentic Japanese izakaya experience if you sit at the counter! We bought a shochu for the chef grilling all the skewers; good vibes all around. I came around 8:30pm on a Tuesday night and there was no wait and plenty of seats available at the counter. Ordered some skewers, chicken nanban, takowasa, agedashi tofu, and asahi beers. The restaurant is located in the plaza shared by kinokuniya and marukai! There is a parking structure where you can get validated parking at marukai if you purchase an item.

Marc A.

Torigoya is legit! We waited almost 45 minutes when there there only 3 parties ahead of us and once we finally got in, it was worth the wait. If you get the chance, sit on the counter. We were able to see all the action, sounds and smells that lends to their authenticity. We walked in and it brought me back to the last time we visited Japan. The restaurant was surrounded in wood. It looks like something you would find in a smaller city, like Fukuaoka. Don't be shocked by the prices as everyone's prices are going up. But you have to look at the intrinsic value of the whole experience. We ordered a lot of different items from the menu and not one disappointed. Although you may shake your head at two pieces of grilled eggplant for almost $4, I hope you didn't just order that. Their karaage is probably one of the best I've had in a long time. The chicken was marinated perfectly and the coating was lite and crunchy. They ran out of chicken skin skewers so we opted for the chicken skin appetizer with vinegar and it took us by surprise. The raw, white onions under the chicken did not have a strong flavor that overpowered the chicken. One by one the chef brought over the skewers and each of them had their own distinct flavor and texture. Chicken hearts, thighs, wings, meatballs...they were all delicious. If you are planning to bring a group, I would recommend reservations as it is small and the style of service and cooking isn't a quick dining experience. So take your time, soak it up because this is as close to eating in Japan as you can get. Cleanliness 9/10 Bathrooms 8/10 Ambiance 10/10 Service 10/10 Food 10/10 Value 9/10 Will I Return? Yes!

Peter H.

100 ways to serve chicken but it's still chicken. To be fair the items have authentic Japanese flavors. As you step into this unassuming gem, you'll find yourself transported to the bustling streets of Tokyo. Get the chicken meatballs, soft chicken thighs skip the chicken breast kinda bland. Yakitori everything: Torigoya lives up to its reputation as a premier yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) spot. The aroma of charcoal-grilled chicken fills the air, promising a delicious dinner. Service was ok hence the 3 stars.

Miso Cucumber, tako wasa, shishito peppers

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22 days ago

Pigeon eye services... lol... ass kissing staffs... food is ok. But will never wanna gonna back again. So fake...

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Ask the Community - Torigoya

How do you make a reservation here? The website link is broken and they don't answer the phone

can make reservation over the phone, call around 6pm

Does the restaurant valid parking for the underground structure?

No. Not anymore. They use to prior to the pandemic, but no longer.

View All 6 Questions

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