Torigoya in Little Tokyo is a cozy yakitori haven where smoky, charcoal-grilled chicken skewers are served fresh off the grill, making for a vibrant dining experience reminiscent of Japan.
"Hidden on the second level of the Weller Court shopping center in Little Tokyo, Torigoya isn’t LA's only yakitori specialist, but it is the one that feels most like stepping through a portal to Tokyo. Through a light haze of poultry-scented smoke you’ll find chefs with bandanas tied on their heads hovering over the charcoal grill like DJs on turntables, dates clinking mugs of matcha-flavored beer at the wooden bar, and waitresses schooling first-timers of the differences between “special heart” and “special special heart.” The best meals at Torigoya involve eating more chicken parts than you knew existed, drinking good sake, then finishing with a bowl of oyakodon that will put you in a blissful stupor for the rest of the night." - brant cox, garrett snyder, jess basser sanders, nikko duren, sylvio martins
"Head to Torigoya to unwind and drink with friends after work. Specializing in charbroiled chicken skewers grilled over imported charcoal, Torigoya serves each skewer as it comes off the grill. Get the 10-skewer course and don’t forget to order the special yuzu sauce on the side to enhance every bite. Call ahead to make a reservation as walk-ins are very limited." - Kimberly Madrid, Eater Staff
"Our go-to yakitori spot in Little Tokyo. Located on Weller Court’s second floor, Torigoya is a laidback restaurant where you can order rounds of meatballs, charred gizzards, and shishito peppers until your heart says it's time to stop. There are fewer options here than what you'll find at other yakitori spots, but you can try everything the restaurant has available by ordering the 10-skewer set menu. It’s the perfect amount of food and will let you taste your way through the majority of the bird. " - nikko duren, brant cox, kat hong
"It's all about skewered chicken here, with every kind imaginable on the menu: light, dark, wing, skin, gizzard, neck, liver, heart. Each perfectly cooked over Japanese Bincho Charcoal, then paired with delicious sauces and seasonings. It's highly recommended to order "omakase" style (chef's choice) to get the authentic yakitori experience. Feeling daring? Try asking about the hidden menu for even more chicken delicacies. Come with friends, an open mind, and an empty stomach, and don't forget to order sake." - Sandwich Video
"It wouldn’t be a well-rounded Japanese neighborhood without a go-to yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) spot. For Little Tokyo, that place is Torigoya. Located on Weller Court’s second floor, Torigoya is a laid back restaurant where you can order rounds of meatballs, charred gizzards, and shishito peppers. There are fewer options here than at other yakitori-yas, but you can sample what’s available by ordering the 10-skewer set menu. It’s the perfect amount of food and will let you taste your way through more parts of the bird than you thought were possible." - Kat Hong
