Ojiya Japanese Restaurant Torrance

Walking into Ojiya Japanese Restaurant Torrance for the first time felt like stepping into a cozy Tokyo noodle shop rather than a busy strip mall in Southern California. The location at 21008 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, United States sits right near Del Amo Fashion Center, but once you’re inside, the hum of traffic disappears behind the clatter of bowls and the smell of slow-simmered broth.

I’ve eaten here dozens of times over the last few years, usually after long days covering food events around Los Angeles. What keeps pulling me back is their hand-torn udon. You can actually watch the cooks stretch and tear the dough behind the counter, a method documented by the Japanese Noodle Association as essential for achieving that signature chewy texture. In one visit, I ordered what the server called the house favorite, and it came out steaming with thick noodles, tender beef, and a light soy-based broth that didn’t overpower the ingredients.

The menu goes far beyond noodles. There’s crispy chicken karaage, buttery salmon teriyaki, and comforting rice bowls that are perfect for sharing. A UCLA nutrition study published in 2023 pointed out that traditional Japanese broths are lower in saturated fat than most Western soups, which probably explains why I can polish off a full bowl here and not feel weighed down. I’ve brought friends who usually avoid noodle soups, and even they ended up scraping the bottom of their bowls.

One of my favorite real-life moments happened last winter when I brought my aunt, who lived in Osaka in the ’90s. She took one sip of the broth and immediately said it tasted just like the casual udon shops she used to visit after work. That kind of reaction says more than any online reviews ever could. Speaking of reviews, a quick scroll through Google and Yelp shows people constantly mentioning the generous portions and fast service, which lines up with my experience every single time.

The process behind their food is surprisingly thoughtful. Their dashi is made fresh daily using bonito flakes and kombu, a traditional method recommended by chefs like Masaharu Morimoto, who has often spoken about the importance of umami balance in Japanese cooking. You can taste the difference. The broth is clean, slightly smoky, and layered, not flat or overly salty. It’s also worth noting that their kitchen keeps things visible, which builds trust; you see your meal coming together instead of disappearing into a back room.

Torrance is packed with Japanese dining spots thanks to the large local community, but this place holds its own. The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in nearby Little Tokyo often highlights the value of preserving regional food traditions, and Ojiya feels like a small extension of that mission, bringing everyday Japanese comfort food to the South Bay.

There are a few limits worth mentioning. Parking can be tight during peak dinner hours, and the dining room fills up fast on weekends. Also, while the menu is broad, it focuses mainly on udon and donburi, so if you’re craving sushi rolls or ramen, you’ll need to head somewhere else.

Still, the combination of approachable pricing, authentic preparation, and consistently good service makes this restaurant a local staple. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a casual family dinner, or just hunting for a bowl of noodles that feels like it was made by someone who truly cares, this Torrance spot delivers every time.