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Wagyu Butcher

4.6 (194 reviews)
Ultra High-EndJapanese, Desserts, Barbeque
Closed • 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago
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WAGYU BUTCHER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Wagyu Butcher

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Shrimp Ajillo with bone marrow cooking on the grill
Jacob L.

We came to Wagyu Butcher on a Friday night early dinner for our anniversary after a recommendation from friends and it did not disappoint. If you're gonna splurge, go all out, am I right? But seriously, they offer 3 levels of omakase and the lowest tier does not seem worth it IMO. While you do get Wagyu, it's all lesser cuts. The middle level is the minimum to make the exp worth it, but as I said above, if you're going to splurge, get the full A5 experience! You won't regret it! Stepping into the restaurant, there is a small vestibule of sorts that separate the entrance from the actual dining area creating a sense of separation. Diners all sit along a huge c-shaped counter where there are gas burners for every 2 seats. Servers lean over the counter to take orders and provide advice on how to best cook your meat. You start off with a mix of small bites equating to the appetizer course. All levels come w a Wagyu sashimi which had just the right amount of savory and a great way to foreshadow dishes to come. At the start, the chef reviews the meats for that evening's meal. He was very cheerful but TBH, I couldn't only understand every other word he said but the message was clear -- this A5 meat is from Japan and high quality. Before every course, servers would reiterate the cut and its accompanying sauce as well as give grilling instructions. While I was nervous about having to cook these small $$$$ cuts on my own, it turned out ok. I just erred on the shorter side and threw pieces back on the grill if too chewy. All the A5 cuts were buttery and delicious. Our omakase came A5 cuts of filet, chuck flap, striploin and sukiyaki. All the meats were already pre seasoned to some degree and meant to be eaten with specific sauces but I liked to sample each piece as is before trying it with the sauces. The filet and chuck flap I thought were better on their own. The striploin was my favorite though as it was a thick strip that god a good, Cheung char on its sides but middle was still rather rare and you could bite through so easily. Second was the sukiyaki which was drenched in a whipped butter and so flavorful. The non-Wagyu items were fillers. The short rib was decent and flavorful but the skirt and sirloin were so sinewy and chewy even after longer grill times. They were lowlights and why I don't think the middle or lower omakase levels are worth it. The top level also came with a shrimp ajillo and bone marrow dish which was basically giant, raw, butterflies shrimp cooked in melted marrow. The shrimp took on a beefy undertone while the marrow had a shrimpy flavor. You had a small slice of a grilled baguette to eat and I used it with w marrow. It was so decadent and rich and unexpected. Definitely a stand out dish. Finally the meal ends with a butcher curry (which was delicious, I could eat a giant bowl of that on its own). The portion that comes w the omakase is not big but it's mean to fill you up if you're not yet full. Then came "chef's dessert" which was a light and fluffy but of a strawberry cake with raspberry sauce. Though hefty on the wallet, the meal was fantastic and we had a great time. All that said, I wish the side sauces had been better communicated at the start of the meal (salt, garlic paste, pepper powder and negishio(?)) and and to call the experience interactive is kind of generous since interactions are just them explaining the foods and is not any "more interactive" than interacting with wait staff other restaurant. But that's such a minor complaint as we could have asked about the side items or engaged with the staff more. Highly recommended but come prepared to spend. Else save up so you can spend.

Sukiyaki A5 wagyu
Chuck S.

Worth it! Worth it! WORTH IT! True Kagoshima wagyu, A5-grade. If try it, and find you don't like it, then you should be honest with yourself and realize wagyu ain't for you. 24-seats, and they surely fill up during the weekends. The weeknights are more down tempo, and easier to get a seat reserved. The whole experience is the first place to really remind me of Japan, and really stab that dagger of yearning deep into your guts of wanting to go back. And eat. It's the kind of attention and hospitality you get from like, a locals spot in Kyoto. If you can handle all the rich fatty goodness, and you crave calories, the premium menu at $90 should do the job. I opted for the $10 supplement of A5 wagyu sushi... and honestly, as the last course before dessert, I was all wagyu'd out. Like my gallbladder didn't have any bile to spare to deal with the absolute rich, fatty goodness. But $10 for 2 pieces of wagyu sushi is an EXCELLENT deal, considering most other sushi spots will easily charge you $20+++ for the luxury. One of the surprises for me was how good their house curry is. I will tell you, I am not a curry person. I grew up on Thai curry. I've had Indian curry. British Indian curry. Japanese curry from all over the place, especially multiple times from Curry House will unfortunately perished during the disease lockdown of 2020. Never cared for it, simply tolerated it curry because family cooked it or a friend wanted it. But curry here is the first where I could go back for 2nds or 3rds, or even go out of my way to drive back here and get more. It's so uniquely harmonious and tantalizing in all the right ways. But every course, every cut of beef, even the USDA Prime stuff, worked for me. And the side of condiments is just... it should be the standard everywhere. Salt. Yuzu Kosho. Grated garlic. Red pepper powder. Season to your personal taste, to already lush, melt-in-your-mouth luscious beef. I'm at the place in my life where I do not need to eat "all that I can." That stage where in life where you mature, and where what you require... "your tastes are simple. Only the BEST." I've had different wagyu beef courses that easily cost $200+, in places in LA which we will not whisper about in hushed tones. Wagyu Butcher bests those places, a bitchsmacks the hot diarrhea shit out of the competition in preparation, quality, service, and value. I'd easily be a regular here, even when it's over an hour's drive across multiple freeways, far and away from me.

About to torch the wagyu sushi topped with uni
Jacqui Y.

Had an awesome lunch experience here last weekend! There were about 3 parties only inside as the place can only accommodate probably around 25 guests. Service was great. Rinka explained each course, made recommendations, chatted and got to know our group and was very personable. Food was amazing as well. Enjoyed all the different cuts of wagyu beef. What was great is that each guest can custom their own experience or go with either of the 3 omakase style menu. In our party of 6, we were not all subject to picking just one experience for all- you can select one that is preferential to you. We did have our child with us who enjoys these things and being able to choose a lighter experience for the younger guests was truly nice. You can order ala carte as well and still enjoy the experience. Some of us chose the Butcher's omakase while others chose the more premium one with sake pairings. My favorite from the cuts were the tongue and the short rib! We were definitely full after the meal! Definitely worth coming back for!

Seared uni beef
Mark D.

Let me start off by saying this spot exceeded my expectations 1000/10. I came across this place on insta such a long time ago and it's been sitting in my saved tab. Finally decided to check online and get reservations for the first seating. I honestly think I can come back every week but it's a little bit of a drive coming from OC. Luckily they had just started serving their wagyu set ($90) which was more than worth it. Incredible presentation, incredible MEAT! I mean I love eating meat and this place offers the experience of tasting different cuts/beef. The design of the restaurant seems thoughtful as well. Almost a U shape bar with being able to watch the butcher chop up and prep the meat. The day before we had omakase and were a little disappointed leaving hungry whereas here, we were starting to get full halfway through.

A5 Wagyu from Kagoshima
Jennifer H.

You have to make reservations on their website if you want to eat here and the times are limited to either lunch or dinner. Lunch is at noon, and dinner is either 5:00 PM or 7:30 PM on the weekends. You can make reservations here: https://www.exploretock.com/wagyu-butcher-torrance/ I'm not sure why there are so many options to eat during the weekday. Perhaps they don't do their Omakase then. We got the Butcher's Omakase at $70 a person with an upgrade to the A5 Wagyu Sushi for $10. They have another Omakase for $50 but it's five meats instead of 7, and we are hungry folks! We got two hot teas for I think $3 each with free refills. We also got their matcha tiramisu for $3 (I highly recommend trying this, its slightly sweet and light). I also think the rice we ordered was another $3. Our appetizer course came with assorted kimchee, season veggies (turned out to be bok choy, brown shimeji mushrooms, and zucchini). Yuzu ceviche, beef soup, and US Wagyu Beef Sashimi. The assorted kimchee was really good - refreshing, not spicy, crunchy, delightful. The beef sashimi was so flavorful and you couldn't tell it was not cooked. All of the other appetizers were just okay. Not flavorless, but not as good. Our seven meats were: US Wagyu Filet, US Wagyu Chuck Roll, US Prime Short Rib, US Prime Outside Skirt, US Wagyu Inside Skirt, US Wagyu Hanging Tender and A5 Wagyu from Fukushima. Then there's a beef bowl and dessert at the end. All of the meat was cut right in front of us and slightly marinated. We each got two pieces of meat and cooked it on our own grill. If you think it's too expensive to cook yourself, go to an AYCE KBBQ place and save yourself the let down. Each cut melted in my mouth. I don't think I've ever had cuts this good. Sauces were provided with each cut, but honestly, salt was my best friend with rice. A little salt just enhanced the richness of each meat. The butcher came to our area and cooked our A5 Wagyu for us - He lightly skimmed the meat across the grill three times before placing it in a whipped cream/butter thing. I thought it was great with the butter, but the next slice I cooked, I ate it plain and again, just melt in your mouth goodness. Seating is all open with backless chairs. I wish the chairs had backs to them so you could relax more. The butcher cuts the meat out in the open, in front of everyone to view. You will be next to strangers unless you have a huge party. The ambiance is dark, with music playing a little loudly at times (but I honestly didn't mind it and there are so many people talking that it kind of drowns out everyone else). Service is excellent and detail oriented. Great experience to do once, or a few times as their menu changes with the season. Also, great date night idea if you're a planner. Parking is plenty in front of the building. Expect to stay at least 2.50 hours for this experience.

Jessica C.

Came here for the butcher's omakase at Wagyu Butcher and honestly... this might be one of the most unique wagyu experiences I've had in LA. The whole concept is different from your typical omakase -- it's very interactive. They slice the wagyu fresh right in front of you, and you either grill it yourself or get help from the staff to cook each piece perfectly. It feels more personal and hands-on, which I really enjoyed. We went with the butcher's omakase and upgraded to the A5 wagyu, plus added the Japanese uni for the wagyu sushi. The A5 upgrade was 100% worth it -- the marbling was beautiful and the texture was incredibly rich and buttery without being overwhelming in small portions. The standout bite of the night was easily the uni + wagyu sushi. That combination was next level -- super indulgent, melts in your mouth, and just one of those bites you keep thinking about after the meal. You get a variety of cuts throughout the omakase, and it's fun tasting the differences between each one as you go. Portions aren't huge, but it's definitely more about quality and experience than quantity. Perfect spot for a date night or if you're looking to try something a little more elevated and interactive. Definitely recommend upgrading if it's your first time -- that's where the experience really shines.

Kristine O.

I treated my partner here for his birthday in February and we had a great time! I found the pricing to be pretty affordable given the meat quality and experience (and compared to the price of sushi omakases). We tried the Butcher's omakase and I would definitely recommend adding on the wagyu sushi! This was honestly so much food though, I was feeling uncomfortably stuffed by the end. If we came back we would definitely just choose items a la carte. I remember liking all of the skirt cuts and the wagyu sushi the best. It's also grill yourself fyi, but the chefs let you know how much time each piece needs. Wish they gave you scissors, because some of these meat slices were too big of a single bite for me. The interior was also beautifully decorated and it didn't get too smoky inside, which I appreciated! Service was impeccable and we had a great time. Reservations come out about a month before on tock, and they seem to have around 2 dinner sessions. You can arrive a little early but you'll have to wait outside, and it doesn't really matter since they assign seats with the reservation. Overall, such a fun and unique experience! It feels very high end for something that was around ~$100 per person.

Ready, hungry & excited to try this place out!
Hana O.

We drove over 90 mins in 5pm Friday primo freeway traffic to celebrate my son's graduation at Wagyu Butcher. I had seen some social media posts raving about this place & with this being located in the South Bay area, I knew it was going to be worth the drive. There are 3 different courses to choose from, Tenma Omakase $50 - appetizers of pickled vegetables, beef soup, 5 varieties of wagyu meat, curry rice, today's dessert. Butcher Omakase $75 - appetizers of pickled vegetables, beef soup, US Wagyu sashimi, 7 varieties of meat, curry rice, today's dessert. Wagyu Omakase $90 - appetizers of pickled vegetables, beef soup, US Wagyu sashimi, 7 varieties of meat, curry rice, Chef's special dessert. You have a choice of beef curry or upgrading for A5 Wagyu sushi $10 & adding uni for another $10. I got the Butcher Omakase with the A5 Wagyu sushi topped with uni. They bring the big slab of wagyu sushi & literally torch it to give it an added flavor. It was definitely good but I would actually skip the uni as the creamy flavor of uni & the fatty wagyu flavor cancel each other out. It diminishes the greatness of 2 amazing ingredients. The beef soup is a consommé made from the wagyu bones/trimmings & it has such a richness, the bold umami flavor really leaves you speechless. The pickled vegetables and kimchi were okay. I would have preferred spinach goma-ae or something like a small cucumber & wakame salad. Each course of meat was slightly different. There were 3 different cuts of tongue, all good but the cut from the underside of the tongue was a bit chewy. As each course came, the meat quality & flavor kept getting better! All of us agreed that the best & the star of the Omakase is/was the Wagyu Sukiyaki!! The sweet smell of the sukiyaki sauce drizzled over the wagyu as it sizzled on the grill was drool-worthy. Once it was quickly cooked, the wagyu is dipped into the whipped sukiyaki cream! It looked so weird but it was absolutely heavenly!! You can order small bowl of ramen or extra cuts of different wagyu but the Sukiyaki Wagyu is not available a la carte or as an extra serving. Darn it! The dessert was a Hoji-cha purin (pudding or more like flan). I've never had Hoji-cha purin & it was actually as good if not better than matcha to end the scrumptious meal. The service there was top notch, each dish was explained well and they cooked the meat quickly with attention to detail, good presentation. Our waitress even came out from behind the counter to take pictures of our extended family by the wall sign next to the front door! Wagyu Butcher has a wrap around rectangular counter seating only so it is a bit tricky to seat in a big group. We had 6 of us and it was hard to have a conversation with everyone. The only problem I saw with this seating arrangement was how they accommodate guests in wheelchairs or special mobility devices. Maybe they have a table in the back corner that I didn't see from where I sat. We all want to go back again for the next special occasion dinner! It was worth every minute of the drove down & more!!

Stefany W.

I was excited to try this place but was ultimately disappointed. We opted for the $70 omakase and for a Wagyu place, there were multiple non wagyu dishes. If I'm here for a wagyu omakase, I expect every dish to be wagyu and not US prime. I'm not even sure what meat the curry rice had but it didn't seem like it was Wagyu. I also didn't like the fact that only 1 meat was a5 wagyu and everything else was US wagyu. US Wagyu is probably the lowest quality on the Wagyu scale since it's not pure wagyu - it's crossbred with American angus. Granted the price is $70 so maybe I can't expect much but with a lot of wagyu places opening up in LA with a5 Wagyu for similar prices, I think this place needs to adapt and have better quality meat. I did really enjoy the veggies/appetizers though and the service was great. But in terms of the meat, I was disappointed.

Emily A.

WOW, I'm amazed by Wagyu Butcher!! We made a reservation for a Sunday night and got the Butcher's Omakase. I love this unique concept of wagyu omakase! Everything from the appetizer, meat, to dessert was delicious. We also ordered a beer to pair with the meal. For the appetizer, I really enjoyed the assorted kimchi. The yuzu flavored shrimp ceviche was so refreshing. The US wagyu beef sashimi had a strong sesame oil flavor and I couldn't tell I was eating raw meat at all. The meats were all freshly cut in front of you and each meat was paired with a different sauce. The 3 Beef Tongues (Thin, Thick, & Tongue Kalbi) was my favorite meat out of all the meats. The A5 Wagyu with sukiyaki cream was very unique, as I never had anything like this before. The omakase course ended with a dessert of the night, which was their hojicha pudding paired with their tea. I highly recommend Wagyu Butcher for celebrating a special occasion and I will definitely be coming back!

Suzy S.

What a great experience this was! There are a few meal options to choose from or you can order ala cart. We chose the 7 piece meal with sake pairing for an added $30. I should have gone with the 5 piece in retrospect as it was a little too much for me. After the appetizers they bring out the meat one cut at a time. They provide sauces to go with and grill time suggestions and the rest is up to you. All the meats were incredible and we loved the sake pairings as well. We will definitely be back.

Ivy L.

I have been to hundreds of restaurants and consider myself a huge food person, and I can honestly say this was my favorite restaurant experience ever. From the moment we walked in, the service was phenomenal. Every single staff member was incredibly kind and attentive, and you truly feel taken care of the entire time. They check in with you, make sure everything is perfect, and create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The meat was absolutely incredible. It was so soft, silky, and tender it literally melts in your mouth. You can immediately tell the quality is top tier. Every bite was amazing. What really made the experience special was the hospitality. The owner was so kind and welcoming, and you can tell they genuinely care about their guests and the experience they provide. It felt like they were truly happy to have you there. This is one of the only restaurants where I genuinely felt cared for and appreciated as a guest, and that made the whole experience feel even more special. I also saw some Yelp reviews complaining that the staff does not cook the meat for you, but I honestly do not think that should be considered a negative at all. Part of the experience is cooking each slice yourself and enjoying it one bite at a time. That is the whole point. Since you cook each piece as you eat it, it would not really make sense for them to cook it all for you. I actually thought that part was cute and added to the experience. Also, if you are celebrating a birthday, they bring out these adorable little chicken toys that squeak when they squeeze them. It is such a funny and cute moment that makes the celebration even more memorable. Amazing food, amazing service, top quality meat, and such a warm environment. I will absolutely be coming back.

Marko C.

Two omakase menus. $50 and $70. Plus add ons. We got the $50 menu which was 3 appetizers, 5 meats (plus a $10 upgrade for Wagyu sushi), one dessert. The meats were quality and well cut. Beautiful presentation of the dishes. Service was absolutely outstanding! Everyone was friendly and dishes were cleaned off the tables immediately. It was my friends birthday and the staff all gathered around to sing happy birthday with their rubber chickens! Super fun!

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Wagyu Butcher Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Wagyu Butcher

Is it kid friendly?

Great Question. I don't see it being kid friendly for small children, no! For teens maybe, but for small kids it doesn't seem designed for that. It offers a menu for an adult palette. The three times I have had dinner there, I never witnessed any… 

How can I make reservations?

https://www.exploretock.com/wagyu-butcher-torrance

How to reserve?

https://www.exploretock.com/wagyu-butcher-torrance

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•$$

This place is cozy, clean, and so peaceful that I briefly considered applying for residency. The…read moreambience 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.

I've always wanted to come here and I'm glad I finally pulled the trigger. I can't believe it took…read moreme 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!

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Sei-Ko-En Restaurant
Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - The homemade moromi miso is addicting with the fresh lettuce and meat

The homemade moromi miso is addicting with the fresh lettuce and meat

Sei-Ko-En Restaurant - Store hrs open late!

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Store hrs open late!

TORACHAN JAPANESE BBQ - The original yukke

TORACHAN JAPANESE BBQ

4.6(89 reviews)
1.3 mi
•$$$

Came because they were sourcing their wagyu from Sakakiyama. Apparently the focus is on raising a…read morebalanced, flavorful beef - not just simply go for the highly marbled A5 rating. Some parts of Japan might feed their wa-gyu herd beer and rice. Sakakiyama apparently puts their cows on a steady diet of rice straw, then cashew nut meal. I can tell you, the result is pretty damn good. While there is still that lovely, oily, marbled fat, it is leveled out in harmony with the beef content. I think those of you that have bought like, some $150/oz A5 Wagyu cut from a high end steak place know just how cloyingly rich a mere 2 or 3 ounces of beef can be. We tried out every top tier cut you could grill at this fabulous yakiniku. A5 ribeye, A5 short rib, A5 chuck flap, A5 ribeye sukiyaki style (the thinly sliced beef to dip into a beaten raw egg), A5 top round, A5 topround steak cut, A5 sirloin, A5 tenderloin... and even.... A5 Chateaubriand (that lovely tenderest part of the tenderloin that includes the filet mignon). They are all lovely and enjoyable in their own way, in their own way that they begin to grill, or even the way the wagyu kind of caramelizes into its Maillard reaction of cooking that lovingly marries that amino acid meatiness to the beef's inherent sugars. Your bite into heaven is merely the cost of Sakakiyama beef. And that glorious Chateaubriand, so beefy, yet lusciously tender, as that melted marbled fat boosts its power the way hollowfication boosts Kurosaki Ichigo's bankai to untold magnitudes of dominance!!! And don't skimp on the sides. Splurge on that demure bowl of shiso rice. The seasoning and sliced shiso leaves over white rice really brightens and freshens up the palate in a way that really complements rich fatty wagyu beef. The plate of seasonal vegetables are also the way to go. Just do it. Fresh, acidity, crisp vegetables brings harmony to the whole experience. And pair it all to a glass of red wine, or tall glass of Suntory The Premium Malts. It's what Ryo Saeba, the City Hunter would do. If you're splurging this much, might as well go all the way. Ne? Nyaa?! Victory must be absolute. Personal service might be slow, but they only had like 2 people on staff on the floor, running between only... EVERY table. But if you want to get their attention, use the electric bell on the table. But they're good people. Nice people. The greatest people. Serving some of the greatest food, the greatest beef. So some reviewers might think this yakiniku joint is among the worst. But I think it's one of the greatest! [Last note: we were lucky to grab a 50% off premium cuts weekend discount, normally this meal which heartily fed a party of 4 with drinks, would cost in the neighborhood of over $600. But even they do have a more accessible menu of US Prime cuts along with A5 and non-A5 wagyu.]

The meat and vegetables are always fresh, and everything is perfect…read more They have a great selection of kids' menu items, so you can visit with peace of mind.

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TORACHAN JAPANESE BBQ - Empty room on Saturday dinner time

Empty room on Saturday dinner time

TORACHAN JAPANESE BBQ - Sushi Combo

Sushi Combo

TORACHAN JAPANESE BBQ - Asahi super dry

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Asahi super dry

Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Torrance

Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Torrance

4.4(398 reviews)
2.9 mi
•$$$

Never been to this Manpuku location before. I visited the one on Sawtelle Blvd. a few times, but…read morethat was like 4 years ago. I remember really liking the food, so I'm not sure why it took me until yesterday to finally check this place out. It was absolutely amazing. They nailed every aspect of the dining experience. Let's start with the service. It was phenomenal. The restaurant staff members were pleasant and efficient. All the dishes came out very fast. While I cooked most of the meats on the grill, there were some items that were carefully prepared table side by staff. I enjoyed the ambiance of this place. There was music softly playing in the background. The room temperature was cool - an absolute necessity when cooking food right over open flames in front of you. I ordered the Manpuku Premium set. I loved the food, like a lot. Here's a run down of almost everything I had: Manpuku Salad: It was fantastic. I'm used to eating a Japanese salad with the generic carrot ginger dressing. You know what I'm talking about. This one had a nice sesame oil flavor to it. Not sweet, more savory. A refreshing change from the norm. U.S. Kobe Filet: This was probably my least favorite cut of meat of the day as it wasn't as marbled and flavorful as the rest of them. However, it was soft as butter - exactly what you would expect from a premium piece of tenderloin steak. Seared Beef Nigiri: It came with 4 pieces, but we ordered an extra two pieces. The nigiri was delightful. Imagine eating the perfect piece of toro nigiri except it was made of highly marbled Wagyu beef. U.S. Kobe Sukiyaki: This was easily the best thing I had here, and that's saying a lot since I had a lot of great food. While I was allowed to cook the rest of the cuts of meat on my own, this one was specially prepared by a restaurant worker since the meat had to be cooked and prepared in a certain way to maximize the flavor experience. The meat, when dipped in the raw egg yolk was pure bliss. Fried Rice: It came out sizzling hot in a stone bowl. The fried rice was okay, but absolutely necessary for the meal. A lot of the meats were very fatty. The fried rice did a bang up job soaking up the oiliness of the meats when consumed together. U.S. Kobe Boneless Short-rib, US Kobe Chuck Flap, and Miso Skirt Steak: These were all home runs. They were tender, fatty, and incredibly tasty. My favorite of this trio was the short rib since it was the most marbled of the bunch. Garlic Edamame: I've had my share of edamame in my life, prepared in a variety of different ways. I used to like how a restaurant called Backhouse in the Santa Monica area used to serve their garlic edamame. It was my favorite edamame around. Sadly, that establishment no longer exists. This restaurant's edamame reminded me of the Backhouse edamame. It was perfectly warm and flavored. Simply outstanding. For dessert, they let you select from a list of options. I had macha ice cream, as that is my favorite flavor of ice cream at a Japanese restaurant. It was very creamy and not overly sweet. Best part was the ice cream bowl was chilled. Kept the ice cream cold. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic dining experience.

We've been to Manpuku 5x in the past 2+yrs & the food has always been great (still is) & the…read moreservice is always excellent, but the last 3 visits there has been a strong cheap air freshener smell coming from the bathroom that's really nauseating. I had a massive headache the last visit. Also the grill still had sauce on it from the previous customer & the "tea" was like hot water & cost us $10 for 2 TINY cups?!!! I don't remember the tea being so expensive. I wouldn't mind if it was actually good tea. Hmmm, we probably won't be returning. What we have gotten in the past & liked: namul ナムル, mushrooms キノコ, veg 野菜, jidori chicken thigh 地鶏もも肉, shrimp エビ (delicious), boneless short rib, wagyu... the salads are all good too & so was the egg soup.

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Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Torrance - Nice decoration.

Nice decoration.

Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Torrance - Prime ribeye

Prime ribeye

Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining - Torrance - Father's Day Special-Lobster Tail

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Father's Day Special-Lobster Tail

Yamaya Japanese Wagyu & Grill - A5 Miyazaki Japanese Wagyu -- BMS 10-12+  
   Reservations recommended on weekends -- our signature A5 Wagyu cuts sell out early.

Yamaya Japanese Wagyu & Grill

4.2(395 reviews)
5.7 mi
•$$

Very good quality. The motsunabe broth was so delicious we ate all the cabbage even though I'm…read moreusually not into veggies lol. Meat was very soft and yummy and the takana tofu surprised me bc i never had it elsewhere. The meat is unseasoned so u will have to use the sauce and the salt. The wasabi is also not the packaged wasabi! Server was also very kind! I dont see a lot of reviews online so this place is definitely a hidden gem :)

The food here is exceptionally high quality, and the entire restaurant is clean and…read morewell-maintained. While they seemed a bit understaffed during my visit;the friendly manager was definitely keeping busy, and my server was on her very first day; it's great to see they are actively bringing on more help. I ordered the premium Wagyu and pork belly, along with a few vegetable dishes, and everything was delicious. They also feature a fantastic beverage selection, including great draft beer, wine, and shochu options. Would recommend with groups, it has some great large portion options but it was fine if a bit pricey for a solo venture.

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Yamaya Japanese Wagyu & Grill - A5 Miyazaki  Japanese Wagyu -- BMS 10-12+  
  Not all A5 is equal. Our Wagyu is sourced only from the highest marbling grades within A5.

A5 Miyazaki Japanese Wagyu -- BMS 10-12+ Not all A5 is equal. Our Wagyu is sourced only from the highest marbling grades within A5.

Yamaya Japanese Wagyu & Grill - A5 Miyazaki  Japanese Wagyu -- BMS 10-12+  
  Not all A5 is equal. Our Wagyu is sourced only from the highest marbling grades within A5.

A5 Miyazaki Japanese Wagyu -- BMS 10-12+ Not all A5 is equal. Our Wagyu is sourced only from the highest marbling grades within A5.

Yamaya Japanese Wagyu & Grill - Washugyu Premium Short Rib -- Rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
 One of our most popular Yakiniku cuts.

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Washugyu Premium Short Rib -- Rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. One of our most popular Yakiniku cuts.

Sauced BBQ & Spirits - El Segundo - Pulled Pork and Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage with Side3s

Sauced BBQ & Spirits - El Segundo

4.0(841 reviews)
4.9 mi
•$$

What a fun and cute restaurant! I remember coming here years ago when it was Salt Creek Grille…read more This restaurant is on the casual side. It has a pretty big menu where you definitely have to enjoy BBQ food. The drinks are good and the atmosphere is a lot of fun. They have axe throwing and plenty of arcade games. This is a perfect place to bring your kids and a wonderful spot to sit at the bar, watch the game, and have a few drinks. I don't particularly love BBQ food but I did like what I ordered. My bartender and server was named Elise and she was fabulous. I asked her lots of questions about the restaurant and she was happy to answer them. I also want to add how big this space is. This is not a small restaurant and there is plenty of seating everywhere. I think it's a perfect place if you want to come with a group of people.

It was my first time recently to checking out Sauced BBQ and Spirits, although I've actually been…read moreto this location before when it was Salt Creek Grille. While the two restaurants have completely different vibes and flavors, Sauced is definitely a fun addition to the space and offers a different kind of dining experience. This spot is a BBQ restaurant, sports bar and games/entertainment all in one. They have an outdoor shuffle board and they even offer axe throwing here! It definitely has a fun game vibe. Food wise, I was impressed with several of their dishes. My favorite was their Swamp Fries. These are their version of loaded fries. It is waffle fries tossed in their house rub bbq, drizzled with chipotle lime ranch and topped with poblano queso, chives smoky baked beans and chopped brisket. I loved the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. I also enjoyed their Smoked Wings tossed in bbq sauce, their Chips with Poblano Queso and their Buffalo Cauliflower. Everything was packed with flavor and so good. It was definitely an indulgent meal. Overall, Sauced is a fun spot with good food, a lovely atmosphere, and plenty to enjoy. I'd definitely love to come back to try more of their menu!

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Sauced BBQ & Spirits - El Segundo - Bar Seating

Bar Seating

Sauced BBQ & Spirits - El Segundo - Pork belly

Pork belly

Sauced BBQ & Spirits - El Segundo - 2 Meat Combo with Sliced Brisket and Brisket Burnt Ends

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2 Meat Combo with Sliced Brisket and Brisket Burnt Ends

Wagyu Butcher - japanese - Updated October 2026

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