5 Best New Restaurants in Torrance, California that People Swear By

Torrance has quietly become a South Bay food hotspot.

Along with its legendary Japanese restaurants, you’ll now find modern izakayas, creative comfort‑food spots, and polished neighborhood hangouts.

These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy places show what Torrance is serving right now.

1. Jame Enoteca

Technically closer to the border with El Segundo, Jame Enoteca has become a destination for pasta lovers all over the South Bay.

The space is small, bright, and casual‑cool—white walls, open kitchen, and a neighborhood‑wine‑bar feel.

The menu leans Roman‑inspired, with deeply flavorful, made‑from‑scratch pastas.

Think cacio e pepe with proper bite, rich bolognese, seasonal ravioli, and bright, herb‑driven starters like salads and marinated veggies.

Portions are generous but not heavy, and the wine list is compact but smart. It’s the kind of spot where you can do a simple pasta‑and‑wine night and feel like you’ve treated yourself.

2. Torihei Yakitori & Robata

Torihei feels like stepping into a Tokyo back‑alley yakitori bar hidden in a Torrance strip mall.

It’s lively, intimate, and usually buzzing with regulars who know to put their name in early.

The focus is on skewers: chicken in all its forms (thigh, skin, heart, liver), pork, veggies, and seafood, all grilled over charcoal so they come out smoky and perfectly charred.

There’s also oden (Japanese hot pot) with simmered daikon, eggs, fish cakes, and more. Order lots of small plates, share everything, and pair it with beer, highballs, or sake.

3. Ichimi Ann Noodle House (revitalized favorite)

Ichimi Ann has been around, but its growing buzz makes it feel newly essential. This is a serious soba shop—simple, no‑frills, and deeply focused on the noodles.

Expect hand‑crafted soba made from buckwheat flour, served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce. Toppings like tempura, grated daikon, and green onions keep things classic.

There are usually a few udon and rice dishes too, but soba is the star. It’s a fantastic option when you want something comforting and lighter than the usual heavy comfort food.

4. Local Kitchen Tavern

Local Kitchen Tavern brings a modern American gastropub vibe to Torrance—dark wood, TVs at the bar, and a menu that’s more chef‑y than you’d expect from a casual neighborhood spot.

You’ll find burgers, flatbreads, wings, and salads upgraded with good ingredients and thoughtful seasoning, alongside mains like short ribs, grilled salmon, or steak.

Happy hour is a draw, with discounted bites and cocktails. It’s a versatile place for groups, game nights, or an easy dinner that still feels like “going out.”

5. Aliotta’s Via Firenze (newly buzz‑worthy classic Italian)

Aliotta’s Via Firenze feels like an old‑school Italian trattoria that’s been given a little modern polish.

White tablecloths, wine bottles lining the walls, and warm, attentive service make it feel special but not stuffy.

The menu leans classic Italian‑American: calamari, carpaccio, hearty pastas, veal and chicken dishes, and well‑sauced seafood. Portions are generous, and the wine list is tailored to pair well with rich red‑sauce dishes. It’s a go‑to for date night, celebrations, or when you’re craving a comforting pasta or steak in a cozy setting.