Best Solo Dining Sanctuaries Japanese Restaurants in Torrance
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Ichimi Ann
Soba-centered noodle house with consistently praised handmade buckwheat noodles.
Notable Picks
#1
Ichimi Ann
8.5
Ichimi Ann is a soba-focused noodle shop in Rolling Hills Plaza, praised for springy buckwheat noodles and a focused menu of tempura, rice bowls, and comforting broths. Regulars treat it as a low-key noodle house where quality stays high whether you’re slurping cold zaru soba or warming up with hot kake udon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cold zaru soba, Tempura soba, Katsu-don
What Makes it Special: Soba-centered noodle house with consistently praised handmade buckwheat noodles.
#2
Ko-Ryu Ramen
8.1
Ko-Ryu Ramen is a long-running Crenshaw shop best known for rich, spicy broths and customizable bowls in a tight, counter-heavy space. Regulars build their own combinations of chashu, spice levels, and add-ons, making it a go-to for big-flavor ramen on the South Torrance side streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Miso Ramen, Shacho Ramen, Garlic Bomb Ramen
What Makes it Special: Customizable, spice-forward bowls in a small, ramen-first shop.
Worthy Picks
#3
Umenoya
7.7
Umenoya is a busy Crenshaw ramen house offering a long menu that ranges from classic tonkotsu to yuzu shio and tsukemen. The broths skew rich and hearty, with big bowls and late hours that make it a default option for South Bay ramen cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Miso Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Yuzu Shio Ramen
What Makes it Special: Big, late-night bowls with one of the area’s widest ramen menus.
#4
Kozo Sushi
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Kozo Sushi at Rolling Hills Plaza is a counter-service, takeout-forward sushi shop focused on affordable rolls, bowls, and party trays. Originating as a to-go concept, it’s popular with shoppers and nearby workers who want quick, reliable sushi without committing to a full restaurant meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon Lovers roll, Manager’s special spicy tuna bowl, Eel steak roll
What Makes it Special: Takeout-focused sushi shop delivering fast, inexpensive rolls and bowls.