Izakaya Hachi

Tucked into a Torrance strip mall, Izakaya Hachi is the kind of place where controlled chaos reigns supreme. The intimate dining room buzzes with energy as groups gather around mahogany tables, pouring sake for one another and dipping ramen into bubbling shabu shabu broth. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or just looking for an excuse to feast with friends, this izakaya delivers an atmosphere that’s equal parts convivial and memorable.

The food here punches well above typical izakaya fare. If your party has at least four people, the group omakase is the way to go—a parade of about thirteen crowd-pleasing dishes served family-style over nearly two hours. Standouts include the peppery Jidori chicken meatballs, impossibly tender pork toro with yuzu chili sauce, and a showstopping pork shabu shabu with Berkshire pork in excellent tonkotsu broth. For those ordering à la carte, the grilled beef tongue arrives thick-cut and buttery, while the uni and Wagyu sashimi—raw beef wrapped around fresh sea urchin, shiso, and caviar—is decadently unforgettable.

This isn’t a solo dining destination or an intimate date spot. Hachi thrives when you bring a crew ready to share plates, pour drinks, and make some noise. The private booths with wood paneling and tiny curtains offer a VIP-adjacent experience if you’re looking to seal deals or host a more exclusive gathering, but the real magic happens when the whole dining room is alive with celebration.

For anyone seeking a go-to spot for group gatherings in the South Bay, Hachi belongs in your regular rotation. The combination of genuinely excellent food, an impressive sake selection, and that infectious party atmosphere makes it perfect for commemorating life’s victories—big or small. Just bring your appetite, a few friends, and a reason to raise a glass.