(just realized I started this post then never posted it! I was certain I posted it)
We went for lunch there the other day. Got there around 1:15. The restaurant was packed and there was a list. Seemed a tad disorganized. There were patrons clearly trying to get the wait staffs attention. In spite of there being open seats, it took a bit to get seated. I was worried service might be slow once seated but it was fine.
Online, they had a menu that was much larger than the one in the restaurant. I got over that and we ordered some seasonal sake.
Husband got something he quite liked. We got all the sides on offer, as I had no idea what some were, in spite of the waitress’s description of ‘slimey.’
The side of roe was my fave, but I could have gotten into the natto beans if they had been on the rice instead of on the side. It was hard to eat on the side, since they leave a gossamer trail.
The sushi rice was the best I can remember ever having eaten.
It dies divide folks, natto! To me, it seems something better eaten at home, like fried chicken or bone-in rib eyes, where you can eat something without worrying how you look!
But so far, the only things I won’t try again are medium to large fried grasshoppers and fermented fish guts.
Stopped by for lunch on my way back from work on Saturday. Ordered what was titled the “roast beef” bowl on the menu. Man. This is exactly what I have been craving since I got back from Japan earlier this year: good protein, perfect rice, soup, and pickles. Different slices of the beef were cooked to varying temperatures. I kind of liked the inconsistency, having a nice rare bite after another that was more well. This was super delicious. I could do this again and again.
Also made a pit stop at 85°C Bakery around the corner and got this oddly named “Calamari Stick” which was basically a really nice squid ink bread that could have done without the odd square of Swiss cheese at the bottom. All and all, a very nice afternoon…
Yeah, I lived in Japan for a couple of years when I was younger but never ate at the Yoshinoya chain for some reason. I have had gyudon elsewhere though.
Wadatsumi Torrance has some lovely matsutake specials right now. Had a great matsutake and conger eel broth served in a little tiny teapot. Not much food for $18 but WOW! Matsutake tempura and chawanmushi also on the menu.
Had been meaning to try this place for a while. They really seem to do everything well. Great grilled fish, kushiage, probably the best sashimi I’ve had in the US in a restaurant that isn’t dedicated to sushi. The well chosen and reasonably priced sake and shochu menu don’t hurt none.
One day I’ll realize my dream of living in Torrance… but for now I just drive there at least once a week.
Glad you liked it. That Toro Bowl looks amazing! And I’m imagining that with their glorious, amazing Rice, and getting hungry now. 
