Late-Night Izakaya – Juicy & Crispy Yakitori That Hits Different! 🍢

🏮 Wondering where to find the best yakitori in LA? Just follow the Japanese crowd! This popular spot fills up as soon as it opens, packed with locals straight from work. The master griller has been perfecting his craft for over 30 years, using traditional binchōtan charcoal to bring out the most authentic, flavorful skewers. 🔥 🍡 Torimatsu has been in Gardena since 1990, with techniques passed down from the original shop in Tokyo’s Shinbashi. They stick to binchōtan charcoal grilling—perfect heat control, balanced seasoning, turning simple chicken skewers into something magical. ✨ 🌟 The menu is diverse and fairly priced—order individually or go for the omakase course (around $30+, including salad and dessert). My friend and I opted for à la carte. You can customize seasoning with salt, chili, or Sichuan pepper—all delicious! 🍡 Chicken Meatball: So tender it bursts with juice! Minced chicken with scallion and egg, grilled slowly—crispy outside, juicy inside. 🐔 Grilled Chicken Liver: A must-order! No gaminess, just tender and savory. 🦴 Chicken Cartilage: Crunchy and satisfying. 🐔 Chicken Skin: Crispy, oily, and irresistible. 🥚 Quail Egg: I never skip any bird eggs! 🥹 🫛 Grilled Ginkgo Nuts: Soft, slightly bitter but sweet aftertaste—my go-to izakaya snack. 🍄 Shiitake Mushrooms: Only fresh shiitake can handle this simple grilling—juicy and full of flavor. 🍙 Grilled Salmon Onigiri: Takes 30 minutes to prepare—worth every second! The outside is crispy like rice crust, inside stays chewy, with fillings like salmon, pickled plum, or bonito flakes. Looks and tastes amazing! 🐔 Karaage: Good but not the star—for killer fried chicken, try Tenkatori instead. 🥒 Chilled Tofu: Smooth and lightly sweet—sauce doesn’t overpower. 🍮 Afterward, we dashed nearby for soybean sweet corn shaved ice—also yummy! 🌟 Verdict: LA’s izakaya king! Sip sake, share skewers, and lose yourself in the smoky, heartfelt vibe. My friend and I laughed and cried over stories—maybe it was the food, maybe the drinks, but it was unforgettable. 💫 🔍 Torimatsu 📌 1425 Artesia Blvd UNIT 17, Gardena, CA 90248 Have you tried Torimatsu? What’s your favorite late-night spot in LA? Share your izakaya picks below! 👇🍶 #LosAngeles #LAFood #LAExploration #LAJapanese #Yakitori #LateNightEats #DinnerIdeas #Izakaya #LALife #SkewerDiaries #GrillMaster #Binchotan #CozyVibes #FoodMemories