Little Tokyo may be more hip, but for total immersion in Japanese culture, there's no better spot than the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court in Torrance. All the Japanese foods you love — ramen, onigiri, curry rice — and even the ones you may not be as sure about — say, takoyaki, aka “octopus balls” — are here for your lunch or dinner, or anytime in between. Regular pop-ups of regional and seasonal specialties from throughout Japan, such as Hokkaido sweet pumpkin or Saga beef, make this place too legit to miss. Did we mention the tatami room right in the middle of the food court? Plus, you can shop at the Mitsuwa grocery for everyday essentials such as Kiss Me Heroine makeup and Meiji Karl. —Derek Thomas

21515 S. Western Ave., Torrance, 90501. (310) 782-0335, mitsuwa.com.

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