Emma CourtlandThe Tokyo-based Global Dining, Inc. opened their fourth U.S. Gonpachi Restaurant location last Thursday in the new Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. Situated close to LAX, near the corporate headquarters of Japanese corporate giants Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Honda, and Toyota, the Torrence location caters primarily to Japanese businessmen staying at the hotel. It features a more traditional Japanese menu than the Beverly Hills location, though still influenced by Californian flavor and style, with ingredients sourced from both local markets as well as Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Market.
In Gonpachi Torrence, the Miyako hotel's emphasis on proud cultural display has been translated to cuisine. Tables are situated around an open kitchen at the center of the restaurant, where executive chef Alex Cabrera prepares menu highlights omasake sushi and hand-pounded buckwheat soba noodles, and meat is cooked over an open charcoal sumiyaki grill on the heated outdoor patio.
Outdoor heated patio seating.; Credit: E. Courtland
There's also an extensive breakfast buffet that serves Japanese and American options: tamago and scrambled egg; brown rice and oatmeal; green tea and Intelligentsia coffee.
Gonpachi at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel: 21381 S. Western Ave., Torrence; (310) 320-6700.
Iced Buddha.; Credit: E. Courtland
Gonpachi's open kitchen; Credit: E. Courtland
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.