Ojiya - Torrance

 

I drive by all the time, but I never go in. They're not one of the better known izakayas in Torrance, and I'm not sure why that is. 

They make solid staples - the Rice Ball with cod roe has a pretty presentation.

And their Baked Lobster Roll is so much decadence; all that gooey mayo baking into the crevices between the rice. 

The Horoyoi platter is a total win, an appetizer sampler for 3-6 people or a meal for 2 fat-asses if it's going to my house. There's a fresh grilled squid in its entirety, and I love the texture of the tentacles. Edamame to add a little green, fried chicken cartilage for the juicy crunch. The beef tongue is hard to see, but the big beef flavor-savor is hard to miss. They throw in some seared ray fin, which I haven't seen anywhere else, and it's like a soft, sweet jerky with a hint of fish. 

How did I drive past them for so long? Their menu goes deep, and I need to delve into it a little more. 4 stars for now, but I foresee a five.