Los Angeles There are many things to say about it. It is the entertainment capital, one of America’s favorite beach towns, as well as one of the most diverse cultural places on the planet, with over 224 different languages spoken in the area. But above all, L.A. is a food city—and one of the best in the country.
Los Angeles can refer to a number of things. Los Angeles CountyThe consists of 88 cities, and has a population greater than that of 40 U.S. state. I’ve lived in the L.A. area for eight years, and while glamorous spots like Santa Monica and West Hollywood tend to get the lion’s share of attention, I’m partial to the South Bay— specifically Gardena and Torrance.
These two cities, unlike their more famous siblings like Redondo Beach or Manhattan Beach, are almost completely landlocked. The only exception is a small section of coastline on the southern side of Torrance. It’s not the place to go for boutique shopping or strolls along palm trees. You can find a lot of things to do in the city. True This is the place to find the only Los Angeles experience.
Gardena and Torrance have the largest Japanese American population in the U.S., outside of Hawaii. Many of L.A.’s original Japanese immigrants settled in Gardena in the mid-1800s, when it was a key agricultural hub—strawberries were one of the main crops, earning it the nickname, “Berryland.” The arrival of Japanese firms like Toyota and Honda (before they relocated to Texas, in 2017) cemented the cities’ status as hubs for L.A.’s Japanese American communities.
Little Tokyo is often the focus, but Gardena’s and Torrance’s Japanese American roots are just as strong. You can find some of Southland’s best food if you drive down Highway 10. izakayas Handmade noodle places. Sure, there are flashier places to visit—but will they be as tasty?
What you should know before visiting Gardena and Torrance, two of Los Angeles’ best (and underrated) food districts.
The Best Places to Eat
Mae Hamilton/Travel + Leisure
Gaburi Chicken
Gardena and Torrance are home to many American-based Japanese brands. A tasty example of this is the Japanese brand, Yokohama. Gaburi Chicken. The chain, founded in Nagoya 2010 by a group of young people who wanted to give a modern twist to the traditional izakaya concept. Instead of beer and shochu Gaburi Chicken specializes in chicken, but you can also order a citrus highball. You can select from grapefruits, oranges or lemons and they come with fresh fruit with the Gaburi logo. Gaburi Chicken, as its name implies, specializes in karaage You can enjoy (Japanese Fried Chicken) in a meal set with rice, pickles and ramen, a burger or even a burger with ramen.
Otafuku
It’s one of South Bay’s most well-kept secrets. Otafuku It’s a nondescript shopfront on Western Avenue that you would pass by if it wasn’t there. You can enter from the parking lot at the back to find a family-owned, cozy restaurant. It’s a Gardena landmark that has been around since 1997. It’s a place for people to relax. There is even a “bottle wall” where customers can purchase bottles of spirit and enjoy each time. Seiji Akutsu, the owner and noodle expert, makes the freshest soba and Udon noodles every day. Soba noodles are made from the all-white delicate soba. seiro is a customer-favorite, but I’m a fan of the hot udon noodles—spring for the unagi udon, which comes with the largest slab of perfectly fried eel I’ve ever seen.
Sushi Inaba
It can be difficult to choose between the many excellent sushi restaurants that are available in South Bay. One can find out more about this by clicking here. place. But Sushi Inaba In 2022, it was awarded the first and only Michelin Star in South Bay. This makes it one of the top contenders for best sushi restaurant. You’ll need to make a reservation for this restaurant, as there are only a few seats. The omakase menu is the star of the show. Chef Yasuhiro uses rare cuts of fish to create the dishes. shirako, and aged Skipjack) in the creations of his. A $300 omakase meal will give you a unique dining experience, with fresh fish prepared in a creative way.
Curryfornia
Japanese curry is the ultimate comfort food. Curryfornia The craft is an art. Many restaurants simply serve boxed curry—but that’s not the case at Curryfornia, where you can enjoy curry made from scratch. The menu here is very unfussy—diners simply choose white or brown rice, their preferred spice level, three free toppings such as fried onions, sweet corn, and potato salad, as well as a protein such as classic katsu (fried pork tenderloin), shrimp fried or karaage. The only table has a few chairs. If you want to have a backup plan, eat in the park or at your home. Curryfornia is often sold out before the closing time.
Hakata Ikkousha Tonkotsu Ramen
Ramen is available in dozens across the South Bay. You really can’t go far wrong. Deeply personal). The area has many favorites, but one that is particularly popular is Hakata Ikkousha Tonkotsu RamenThe restaurant, originally from Fukuoka, serves Hakata style ramen. tonkotsu Ramen made with pork bone broth. The menu offers some interesting options, such as the “black” option (flavored with black garlic), or the “god-fire” option (doused in dried chillies), but the most popular is the classic tonkotsu. It’s thick and rich because it’s been gently boiled for nine hours.
What to Do in Best Things to See
Discover Torrance
Enjoy a moment of peace and quiet at the Pine Wind Garden.
This little-known spot The Torrance Cultural Center Campus was opened in 1991 and designed by Takeo Uesugi. A Japanese American landscape architect, Uesugi specialized in Japanese gardens. The koi pond is surrounded with elegant bonsai and two small falls. This is a great place to find some peace and quiet in the middle of Torrance.
Attend a Festival at the Gardena Buddhist Church.
Gardena Buddhist Church It was founded in Gardena by early Japanese immigrants. The temple is part of Japan’s most popular branch of Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji Ha. If you’re interested in learning more about Buddhism, or Japanese American culture generally, this is the place to go. The church features a beautiful main hall, meditation room and a Japanese garden with a Koi pond. The church hosts events and workshops throughout the year. But the Obon Festival is one of the most memorable. It honors people’s memories who have died. The temple will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute offers a variety of classes.
This little-known institution It was founded in 1912, originally as a Japanese Language School, but has since expanded. The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, a cornerstone of the South Bay Japanese American Community, is still a place where you can take Japanese language classes. However, it also offers meals to seniors, hosts events and festivals and holds fun workshops. Some upcoming classes and events Include a mochi demonstration, a Japanese new year foods workshop, and a art show.
Shops to Visit
Tokyo Central
It’s not necessary to fly to Japan for Japanese food, kitchenware, skincare and household essentials. There are actually two Tokyo Central The Gardena store (as also one in Torrance) is huge, and boasts 45,000 sq. ft. of space. Tokyo Central is owned and operated by Japan’s Don Quijote – the multi-sensory overload discount store that you can find all over the country. There’s also a food court that includes curry, karaage and takoyaki restaurants, as well as hot deli. In the skincare section, I’ve found brands I only thought I would be able to find in Japan. Hada Lobo is one of them. And the best (The best is yet to comeHead upstairs for a conveyor belt sushi experience. Waka SakuraThe restaurant specializes in nigiri and rolls as well as hot dishes like udon, fried squid, and fried fish.
Boogie Maru
The city of pop is the perfect destination for fans. Boogie MaruA small but powerful record store, located in the strip mall next to Curryfornia. Although there is a wide variety of genres, such as jazz, classical rock, international folk and pop, the best part of this store is the city-pop albums. The records are all in excellent condition and I have spent many hours here browsing through the collection.
Chikara Mochi
The prettiest Watashi The most beautiful creations you have ever seen, visit Chikara MochiThe shop is located on Western Avenue. You can find a wide range of classics. daifuku There are many mochi (mochi filled with red beans), but the ones that are themed on flowers, seasons, or small animals are truly stunning. Even though the creations are around the size of a child’s palm, they’re decorated with vivid, colorful scenes like koi swimming in a pond, bunnies enjoying the smell of flowers, and some are even shaped to resemble peaches, oranges, and apples—they’re truly works of art. Also, you’ll find seasonal favorites including delicate sakuramochi In the spring, you can find a rice cake wrapped in a pickled leaf of cherry blossoms, dyed pastel pink and filled with red beans. The business only accepts cash and often sells out before the usual closing time of 4 p.m., especially at weekends.
Meiji Tofu
I am sorry to be the one who is like that, but tofu actually tastes good. You will be amazed at how many people are interested in this. East Asia is different, and I wouldn’t like it either if I only ate American tofu. You can try the real deal without a plane ticket by stopping at Meiji Tofu, which makes fresh, Japanese-style tofu every day—it’s the only shop of its kind in the L.A. area. You can choose from a wide variety of tofu, from soft tofu, to the “supreme”, which is made with twice as much soybeans. The soymilk that is sold in half-gallon or pint sizes is my personal favorite. If you’re unable to visit Meiji’s store, their products are available at Tokyo Central Market or Nijiya Market.
Hitachiya USA
The shop sells Japanese kitchenware and knives. Hitachiya Originally established in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market in 1956, opened its American outpost 2011 The shop offers a variety of high-end cooking utensils, as well as knife sharpening and lesson services.
Nightlife
Courage Piano Lounge + Nobusas Coffee
A Japanese jazz bar in Gardena is an essential stop for Tokyo tourists. Courage Piano Lounge has exactly zero reviews on both Google and Yelp, and the signage can be easy to miss in the bustling Tozai Plaza strip mall—it’s one of those places that you simply have to know is there by word of mouth. This piano lounge offers a variety of piano music, including highballs. It also hosts one of the city’s most popular coffee pop ups. One Instagram commenter described it as “harder than getting into a Taylor Swift show.” Nobusas Coffee Nobu Nobukazu Sasaki is the owner of this coffee shop. He roasts and grinds his own beans. He is a Nel Drip expert, producing a milder, smoother and sweeter coffee. I would recommend the classic Vienna Coffee and the coffee jelly if you are able to get a seat. He posts his reservation time slots on Instagram several times per month.
Where to Stay in the Best Hotels
Miyako Hybrid Hotels
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Miyako Hybrid Hotel This is one of only a few Japanese-style hotels in Los Angeles. The hotel has 208 rooms, including 12 suites. Guests can enjoy luxurious linens, Japanese-style bathtubs, and lots of natural light from the floor-to ceiling windows. Locals who are in the know head to the on site Ise-ShimaThe company specializes in teishoku As well as sushi, the restaurant offers (set meals). There are also American and Japanese breakfasts at the restaurant. I recommend renting an automobile when you visit the South Bay. But, if you don’t have one, it is possible to walk in five minutes to Hakata Ikkousha Tonkotsu.
Terranea Resort
The hotel is located in Ranchos Palos Verdes. However, with such beautiful views, the drive was well worth it. Terranea Resort It is one of the rarest True Resort-style accommodations are available in Los Angeles. This Mediterranean-styled property offers 582 guest rooms, from standard rooms to casitas that have multiple bedrooms. It’s only a 30-minute drive to Gardena or Torrance. But there’s no better way to wake up than with the sound and sight of the Pacific Ocean.
Bluestem Hotel
The aforementioned is a boutique-style stay Consider booking a stay at the Bluestem Hotel. Only 58 rooms have been designed with a fun Californian coastal aesthetic. Staying here comes with perks such as complimentary parking, coffee and access to the fitness center, which is stocked with everything you need. The courtyard has several fire pits, making it a great place to relax. It also hosts regular outdoor yoga classes.
