Enjoy the International Tastes of Torrance
Torrance is known for its beautiful beaches, wide-open outdoor spaces and close proximity to Los Angeles. The city is also home to more than 400 restaurants and 12 craft breweries. What you may not know is Torrance has an impressive variety of international dining choices, so plan a trip soon and enjoy the sights, sounds and especially the tastes of Torrance.
JAPANESE
For authentic yakiniku (Japanese barbecue), head over to Gyu-Kaku, meaning “Horn of the Bull.” You can order a la carte, by the course or all-you-can-eat, which may be the best choice of them all. Share a variety of premium cooked meats over a flaming charcoal grill while sipping on Japanese sake, shochu, wine and cold beer.
If you’re looking for a casual place to take a date or to dine with friends, try Torihei, an excellent Japanese restaurant with an impressive selection of food and drinks. The izakaya-style establishment – a spot to grab a drink, settle in and get comfortable – offers a friendly atmosphere that’s sure to please.
Ise-Shima in the Miyako Hybrid Hotel is also a great choice for Japanese fusion cuisine. The chefs offer fresh flavors with menu items including California-based influences.
HAWAIIAN
A little bit Hawaii and a little bit California, The Loft brings island cuisine to the mainland. Taste the flavors of Hawaii with a Southern California twist. With locations in both North Torrance and South Torrance, there’s no reason not to give The Loft a try.
The full-service King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant opened in 1988 and has been delighting patrons with a unique selection of Hawaiian local food and traditional American dishes ever since. They have the recognizable King’s Hawaiian rolls, other delicious desserts and savory dishes. For those looking for a faster, more casual establishment, visit The Local Place, the King’s Hawaiian’s sister location. Together, they are the only King’s Hawaiian restaurants in the U.S.
BRAZILIAN
Enjoy dishes from various regions when you visit By Brazil, a truly authentic Brazilian steakhouse. Friendly servers will slice churrasco (barbecue) and other fire-roasted meat on skewers at your table until you say “stop.” You can also feast on feijoada (black bean stew), salads, cheese bread and a variety of desserts.
Brazilian Plate House offers authentic cuisine totally a la carte so you can enjoy the traditional and bold flavors of Brazil. Start with an appetizer like empanadas or pão de queijo (cheese bread), then follow with a Brazilian plate combo or a copacabana plate for everyone to share. Trying new items is part of the adventure!
HALAL
Enjoy quality Mediterranean dishes using some of the best halal ingredients at Calf & Chick. Breakfast (served all day), brunch or lunch, you’ll find tasty choices, such as egg sandwiches, kebabs, garlic chicken, hummus and more.
Delicious Persian cuisine fused with a variety of Mediterranean favorites is the specialty at Fanoos Grill. The options are numerous and halal meat is proudly served. With an extensive list of entrees and more to choose from, you’ll want to come back again and again.
MONGOLIAN
With a name like Happy Sheep Hot Pot, you know you’re in for a good time. Simply order your favorite meats and vegetables and servers will bring it all to your table along with authentic little pots full of broth. Simply cook your selections in the broth and enjoy!
Take a walk down the buffet line and watch chefs cook your food choices at Mongol King. Choose meat, veggies, noodles and sauces and enjoy a hearty Mongolian-style meal at this affordable and interactive eating experience.
MEDITERRANEAN
Both healthy and delicious, the food at King Mediterrano is traditional Mediterranean fare with a twist. Choose from a variety of medi tacos, burritos and quesadillas, or check out the rest of the selections which are sure to please and amaze you.
For authentic Mediterranean cuisine, head to Chicken Maison. A family owned-and-operated restaurant started by Mario Karame and his four sons in 2005, Chicken Maison serves old country favorites and out-of-this-world kebabs mixed with a little modern Mediterranean, too.
MEXICAN
LA restaurateur Michael Zislis (of Rock & Brews) brings you Chingon Kitchen, authentic Mexican cuisine based off of Lopez’s grandmother’s traditional recipes. Wood-fired carne asada, slow-cooked carnitas, citrus-marinated chicken and a wonderful collection of sides and sauces are just a small sample of the delicious fare you’ll find. You can find this restaurant in The Brews Hall should you feel like exploring other tastes.
Enjoy the sights and shops of Historic Downtown Torrance, then stop in at La Capilla for delicious Mexican food. Order a pitcher of margaritas to go with the tasty tortilla soup, burritos, enchiladas, combinations and more.
Featuring high-quality food and cocktails and the country’s largest selection of mezcal, Madre! Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria is a local favorite. Mole negro, barbacoa tacos and ceviche de pescado (halibut) are just a few of the amazing entrees available. Plus, they have an extensive collection of mezcal and the Los Angeles Times named it one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles.
KOREAN
Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Cho Dang Tofu specializes in making tofu an assortment of ways to please every palate. Korean hot pot, barbecue and rice dishes, as well as several meat entrees, are yours for the asking at this laid-back eatery.
For delicious barbecue and savory traditional Korean dishes, visit Heung Nam Myun Ok. Cook a variety of meat on your tabletop grill while enjoying great salads, rice, vegetables and soup.
ITALIAN
Originally a deli, Gaetano’s transformed into a restaurant in the mid-1990s and has been serving quality Italian food ever since. Still a family-owned-and-operated restaurant, Gaetano’s serves delicious pastas, pizzas, traditional fare and seafood for lunch or dinner, as well as tasty desserts such as tiramisu and spumoni ice cream.
The chefs at North Italia at Del Amo take pride in creating crave-worthy food for all to enjoy. Each day there is a new favorite made from scratch, like their chef’s daily pizza, handmade pasta or salad. Don’t leave before trying a mouthwatering dessert such as bombolini (Italian doughnuts) or salted caramel budino (pudding).
INDIAN
Angara – which means “red hot coal” – is the perfect name for this classic Indian restaurant, where you’ll find a lengthy menu full of delicious cuisine. In addition to excellent entrees for lunch or dinner, Angara also boasts a wide selection of beer and wine imported from India. Make sure to stop by for the lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., seven days a week.
For a truly memorable authentic Indian meal, visit Bombay Tandoori & Banquet Restaurant. Choose from an extensive list of healthy soups and salads, vindaloo (spicy curry) seafood, Tandoori dishes, chicken and lamb entrees and vegetarian classics, not to mention Indian drinks and desserts to top off the experience.
TAIWANESE
Located in Del Amo Fashion Center, Din Tai Fung has won numerous awards and high praise in many of its locations around the world. Known for its incredible xiao long bao (broth-filled dumplings) steamed in a bamboo basket, Din Tai Fung offers specialties such as shrimp and kurobuta pork pot stickers, black pepper beef tenderloin and a whole host of wonderful Taiwanese fare.
If you’re more thirsty than hungry, visit Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea for a delicious glass of tea or juice. Brewed from fragrant tea leaves from Taiwan, rather than tea powder, and using locally sourced ingredients like organic dairy and fruit, Yi Fang has become a popular stop. Make sure to try the brown sugar milk tea, a customer favorite.
BRITISH
For a truly British pub experience, visit Yorkshire Square Brewery, featuring real British beer and hand-pulled cask ale. Most of the beer that the modern British brewery serves is made on premises, but other beer, cider and wine are also available. The pub features the best of British cuisine, such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, an onion-stout burger and more, all made from scratch.
The award-winning HopSaint Brewing Company creates a variety of exceptional craft beer, although they’re prone to try new tastes when the mood hits them. Excellent flavors, natural ingredients and time-honored techniques are part of the brewery’s traditions, and if you’re hungry, HopSaint has a number of wood-fired specialties made with ingredients from local farms.
THAI
Authentic Thai dishes is what you’ll find at Sartori Thai Cuisine, a laid-back restaurant sure to please. If traditional crab fried rice, drunken noodle with tofu, mango sticky rice or duck curry sound good, you’ll love the hot dishes at Sartori.
Experience the authentic tastes of Thailand at Ubon Thai Kitchen. Choose from sour, salty, spicy and sweet dishes cooked by Thai chefs, such as pad ka prow (spicy basil), crispy pork with Chinese broccoli, crispy lemongrass chicken and more.
With so many excellent restaurants and breweries in Torrance, it really is hard to choose. The variety is pretty impressive though, so finding something new and delicious is pretty easy to do. Get ready for some great eats and even better times. Book your trip to Torrance today!