Torrance diners do not need a flight to Osaka to experience the lively, shareable style of a Japanese yakitori restaurant.

Torikizoku, one of Japan’s best-known yakitori chains, selected Torrance for its first location in the United States. The company began in Osaka in 1985 and has expanded to hundreds of locations internationally.

The restaurant specializes in yakitori, or skewered chicken, along with a broader selection of kushiyaki made with ingredients such as beef, scallops, shrimp, quail eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and shishito peppers.

The menu encourages diners to order several dishes for the table. Choices include chicken thigh skewers, wings, meatballs, karaage, takoyaki, agedashi tofu, fried gyoza, okonomiyaki, yuzu-shio ramen, and soboro rice bowls. Japanese beer, sake, shochu, umeshu, Ramune, Calpico, tea, and other beverages complete the izakaya experience.

Torikizoku works particularly well for friends or couples who enjoy sharing several smaller dishes instead of committing to one entrée. Diners can begin with familiar options such as chicken thigh skewers and fried chicken, then branch into chicken heart, gizzard, octopus, or grilled vegetables.

The Torrance restaurant currently offers weekday lunch, dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and an early-evening happy hour Tuesday through Friday. Current hours and reservation availability should be confirmed before visiting.

Torikizoku is located at 21839 Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance.

Article Link: Explore Torikizoku’s menu and Torrance location