Otafuku Restaurant — Restaurant in Gardena

Ordered the Japanese Style Jidori Egg Omelet (Dashimaki Tamago), Deep Fried Jidori Chicken (Karaage), Deep Fried Shrimp Egg Rolls with Plum Paste and Shiso Leaves, Zaru Soba (hot temperature) and had Wild Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura on the side. The Egg Omelet was a sweet and plump dish, the omelet was juicy and had a firm but soft texture. The soy sauce with grated radish on the side was a pleasant salty addition to this appetizer. The Deep Fried Chicken was very hot, crispy outside and firm inside chicken meat; complemented by the lemon and sugar on the side. The Deep Fried Shrimp Egg Rolls were a good take on deep fried shrimp, decently sized shrimp and crispy exterior. The Zaru Soba was dense and delicious, soaking up some of the soba broth flavor in its nice QQ consistency. The additional wild shrimp and vegetable tempura were all nice to have on the side too, especially the tempura kabocha slice which had a nice sweetness to it as well. Service was fast and patient with our order. The place is warm and inviting, the interior is well designed with great Japanese themes, lots of woodwork and traditional decor. Parking in the rear can be a little tight but alright at dinnertime. Great spot to have...

This restaurant provides an excellent array of tasty and subtle dishes, in a building that creates an intimate dining setting with very few bells and whistles. Simply put, amazing Japanese cuisine at an affordable price. Yakitori here is a must, with rustic versions like Chicken Liver and Heart, even Gizzard (if you are brave!), also classic renditions of Chicken tenders with Ume Plu as well as Chicken tenders with Fresh Wasabi. Tempura was a hit from the start, they mix it up more so than then normal sushi spot would, includes red pepper, eggplant, Japanese pumpkin and asparagus! Cold zaru soba is a buckwheat noodle, also my go-to item for a filling noodle with a refreshing soup dip, (yes!) makes it worth every visit. Friendly Staff who remember your face and treat you like family are always a pleasure to see :) Walking here from my place is a mission (4.5 blocks) but when you eat this nice it makes every trip worth the walk (burn some calories, save some gas).I am grateful to have access to restaurants of this caliber right around the corner. Give this place a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.

P.S. Try the plum wine! It's truly the tastiest...

After getting a recommendation to try this place I was in the area and decided to try it. The building layout and seating was odd. I went up to the host and asked for a table and they denied me stating “I was a single”.and was told to sit at the counter with all the other single men (felt odd like being at a gay bar with all this men who are strangers). I ordered a tempura dinner set. I waited a while for my order but did watching them prep and cook the food as the counter was facing into the kitchen. The food was hot and fresh, BUT as for the tempura dinner it was meh. I’ve had better Tempura at Fukugawa, Tempura Tendon Carlos Jr.and Kagura Torrance location. It could be the atmosphere at Otafuku, or the odd counter seating that brings down the appeal or taste of the food. I really should have left the restaurant when they refused to seat me at a table. Well at least the prices were fair. I won’t be going back to Otafuku as there are so many authentic Japanese restaurants with better food and atmosphere. The place was crowded the night I went and was told it’s always busy. So I doubt my review will put a dent in...