ICHIMI AN

Hello, California food enthusiasts! If you're on the lookout for a genuinely authentic Japanese dining experience that feels like a warm embrace, then ICHIMI AN in Torrance is a must-visit destination. This charming restaurant has quickly become a local secret, cherished for its honest, well-made Japanese comfort food and a cozy atmosphere that transports you straight to the heart of Japan.

ICHIMI AN stands out for its commitment to traditional flavors and impeccable preparation. Patrons consistently rave about their exceptional tempura, with some even comparing it to the very best they've experienced in Japan. Beyond the crispy, light tempura, their udon dishes are equally celebrated, particularly the "delicious and flavorful" broths and the "perfect chewy texture" of the noodles. Whether you're craving a satisfying bowl of soup or a perfectly fried tempura bowl, ICHIMI AN delivers a culinary experience that truly satisfies.

Despite its small and intimate setting, ICHIMI AN enjoys surprisingly good business, a testament to the quality of its food and the warmth of its service. The owner often speaks Japanese, and the staff takes the time to guide you through the menu, making every visit feel "genuine and welcoming." It's the kind of place where simplicity meets culinary excellence, creating a truly memorable dining experience right here in Torrance.

ICHIMI AN is conveniently located at 2537 CA-1, Torrance, CA 90505, USA. This address places it directly on Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), a major thoroughfare in the South Bay area. Its location makes it easily accessible for residents across Torrance and surrounding communities like Lomita, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes.

Being on a main road, ICHIMI AN offers good visibility and straightforward navigation for those driving. For visitors, finding street parking is generally manageable, especially during weekday lunch hours when "plenty of street spots available." While the restaurant itself is described as "very small" and cozy, its prime location on a key route ensures that it's a convenient stop for anyone seeking authentic Japanese cuisine in the area. For those relying on public transportation, various bus routes operate along Pacific Coast Highway, providing additional accessibility to the restaurant's doorstep. This combination of a central location and relatively easy parking makes ICHIMI AN a practical choice for locals.

• Dine-In Service: Offers a cozy and intimate dining experience in a small, welcoming restaurant setting.

• Authentic Japanese Cuisine: Specializes in well-made, honest Japanese comfort food.

• Exceptional Tempura: Serves highly praised tempura, comparable to the best in Japan, with options like tempura bowls (tendon).

• Delicious Udon & Soba: Features flavorful udon and soba noodle soups, including specialty broths like the mushroom udon soup special, and cold udon options like mentai cold udon.

• Combo Sets: Provides "great value" combo sets, offering comprehensive meal options.

• Personalized Menu Guidance: Staff are known to "take time to walk you through the menu," ensuring a comfortable ordering experience, especially for those new to certain dishes.

• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Customers consistently praise the "very nice" and polite service.

• Japanese-Speaking Owner: The owner often speaks Japanese, adding to the authenticity and welcoming feel for Japanese-speaking patrons or those interested in a more immersive cultural experience.

• Tempura Comparable to Japan's Best: A significant highlight is the tempura, which customers rate as among the best they've had, even matching the quality found in Japan.

• Flavorful Udon Broth and Chewy Noodles: The mushroom udon soup special's "delicious and flavorful" broth, and the "perfect chewy texture" of the mentai cold udon noodles are strong draws.

• Authentic and Genuine Atmosphere: Described as an "authentic Japanese spot" where "everything feels genuine and welcoming," creating a truly immersive experience.

• Cozy and Intimate Setting: Despite its small size (seating around 20 people), the restaurant's cozy nature contributes to a warm and personal dining environment.

• Excellent Value Combo Sets: The combo sets are highlighted as offering "great value," making a full, satisfying meal accessible.

• Friendly and Attentive Service: The staff, including the lady who takes orders, is consistently praised for being "very nice" and patient in helping customers.

• "Honest, Well-Made Japanese Food": This phrase perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's commitment to quality and simplicity, focusing on the essence of Japanese cooking.

• Surprisingly Good Business for its Size: Despite its small footprint, it maintains strong patronage, indicating its popularity driven by word-of-mouth and consistent quality.

While explicit, regularly advertised promotions are not detailed in the provided customer reviews, ICHIMI AN's core offering serves as its most compelling "special offer": consistent value for authentic, high-quality Japanese comfort food.

Customers repeatedly highlight that the combo sets offer "great value," indicating that these pre-set meals provide a comprehensive and satisfying dining experience at an attractive price point. This inherent value proposition ensures that diners feel they are getting excellent quality for their money, a key factor in encouraging repeat business and strong local loyalty. The affordability for such high-caliber, authentic Japanese cuisine, especially when compared to experiences found directly in Japan, is a significant draw.

Furthermore, the restaurant's commitment to "honest, well-made Japanese food" means that every dish, from the highly praised tempura to the flavorful udon, is prepared with care and quality ingredients. This dedication to culinary excellence, combined with the genuinely friendly and attentive service from staff who "take time to walk you through the menu," creates an overall positive and welcoming experience that itself acts as a powerful incentive for diners. For the most current information on any daily specials or seasonal menu additions, it's always recommended to visit the restaurant directly or call ahead.

Ready to experience the authentic taste of Japan at ICHIMI AN? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 2537 CA-1, Torrance, CA 90505, USA

Phone: (310) 784-0551

Mobile Phone: +1 310-784-0551

Given its small size and surprisingly good business, it's advisable to consider coming earlier, especially if you're planning to dine in during peak hours, to secure a seat. You can call ahead to inquire about wait times or current operating hours.

For Californians, particularly those in Torrance and the wider South Bay area, ICHIMI AN is an exceptionally suitable and cherished local dining spot. It perfectly embodies the desire for authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine delivered in a warm, unpretentious setting.

What makes ICHIMI AN resonate so strongly with the local community is its ability to provide a genuine taste of Japan without the need for a long journey. The "best tempura I've had - comparable to the best I've had in Japan" is a huge draw, offering a quality that's hard to find locally. Similarly, their udon, with its "delicious and flavorful" broth and "perfect chewy texture," provides comforting and satisfying options that are perfect for any day. The "simplicity - just honest, well-made Japanese food" is exactly what many locals seek for a reliable and consistently good meal.

Despite its "very small" and cozy size, the restaurant's surprisingly good business indicates its strong local following. This intimate atmosphere, combined with the "very nice" and patient staff who "take time to walk you through the menu," creates a welcoming and personal experience that makes diners feel valued. The owner often speaking Japanese further enhances this authentic connection. For locals seeking a true taste of Japanese comfort food that feels genuine and consistently delicious, ICHIMI AN is an absolute gem in Torrance, promising a return visit.

ICHIMI AN

2537 CA-1, Torrance, CA 90505, USA