Otafuku Restaurant

Overview

Otafuku Restaurant is a hidden gem in Gardena, CA, offering some of the best tempura and soba noodles in the South Bay area. Located at 16525 S Western Ave, this Izakaya - Noodles spot provides a range of utilities such as Takes Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Vegan Options, and more.

Customers rave about the flavorful and refreshing grated daikon and vegetables + seiro soba and the must-try eel tempura with its tender fish and crispy coating. The restaurant has a casual vibe with two main seating areas, one for smaller tables and a larger room for bigger groups.

With glowing reviews from customers like Karen C., Yan L., and Cindy Y., Otafuku Restaurant is praised for its fresh ingredients prepared in the open kitchen concept and a menu that offers something for everyone. The Kikouchi Soba with Tororo, vegetable tempura, yakitori, and custard pudding with ice cream are just a few favorites mentioned.

Although parking can be limited, the experience at Otafuku Restaurant is well worth it. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or dinner spot, Otafuku's diverse menu and friendly service make it a must-visit in the South Bay area.

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FAQ's

  • What are some of the must-try dishes at Otafuku Restaurant?

    Some of the must-try dishes at Otafuku Restaurant include the eel tempura, cold seiro soba, vegetable tempura, and custard pudding with a scoop of ice cream.

  • Do I need to make a reservation at Otafuku Restaurant?

    It is advisable to make a reservation, especially on weekend evenings, as the restaurant can get busy.

  • What sets Otafuku Restaurant apart from other Japanese restaurants?

    Otafuku Restaurant is known for its fresh, handmade soba noodles and delicious tempura dishes. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan options.

  • Is parking available at Otafuku Restaurant?

    Otafuku Restaurant offers street parking and a limited parking lot behind the building. However, parking can be tight due to limited space.

  • Can you describe the ambiance at Otafuku Restaurant?

    Otafuku Restaurant has a casual and cozy izakaya vibe, with a clean and simple layout. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and authentic Japanese atmosphere.

  • What are the different types of soba noodles offered at Otafuku Restaurant?

    Otafuku Restaurant offers three different types of soba noodles, including the Kikouchi soba, cold seiro soba, and soba with Tororo. Each type offers a unique flavor and texture.

  • Does Otafuku Restaurant offer any special promotions or happy hour deals?

    Otafuku Restaurant offers a happy hour and beer & wine options. Customers can enjoy special deals on selected items during the designated happy hour times.

Ratings of Otafuku Restaurant

Yelp

679

Google

439

Visitors' opinions on Otafuku Restaurant

/ 679
Karen C.
Karen C. 21/04/2024
stars
Some of the best tempura and soba noodles in the South Bay! My husband and I frequent Ichimian because it's a bit closer to where we live but recently started going to Otafuku and have had excellent experiences both times. I'm a big fan of their grated daikon and vegetables + seiro soba (cold). It's flavorful and refreshing. The eel tempura is a definite must try - it's tender with a crispy, thin coating. The restaurant has two main areas for seating- one for smaller tables and a bit larger room for 4 people+ tables that's a bit roomier. Overall vibe is pretty casual. They can get a bit busy on weekend evenings, so reservations may be advisable. Parking lot is a bit small and narrow behind the restaurant. Overall, worth the visit if you are in the South Bay Area!
Yan L.
Yan L. 03/04/2024
stars
I think I eat here at least once a month... And after moving back from the Bay Area (deprived of good soba), I think I've eaten here like once every 2 weeks. It's just that good. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu and everything is prepared fresh right there in their open kitchen concept. My go-to is their cold Kikouchi Soba with Tororo. Their salad, yakitori, nagaimo (mountain yam) with okra, and tempura are also solid. And you can't forget the dessert, custard pudding with a scoop of ice cream. (,: This spot has become so popular - there's almost always a line. Parking is limited in the parking lot behind the building, but thankfully there's some street parking as well.
Cindy Y.
Cindy Y. 28/03/2024
stars
Came here on a Wednesday night to catch up with a friend. Came here around 6 PM and glad that we were seated immediately. I ordered the seiro soba cold and vegetable tempura. I honestly really enjoyed the vegetable tempura, it was something about that batter that was so crispy and appetizing. Of course the kabocha and sweet potatoes were the best but even the other veggies like bell pepper and green beans were delicious! Seiro cold soba was also very good, slurpable, fresh, and savory! I really like the little hint of citrus they added. At the end of the meal, they give you sobayu (soba hot soup) to pour into the dashi soup. Ambiance was great, clean and had that izakaya feeling to it with a bunch of sake decorations on the wall. Not a cheap place, vegetable tempura was $14 and the soba was $16 and I was not completely full from that. I want to come back for the tempura!
Kalai C.
Kalai C. 03/03/2024
stars
This is a hidden gem of soba in all of Southern California. I was looking for a place to eat after grocery shopping and stumbled upon this restaurant through some searching. One of the few places that make their own soba in-house, can taste the freshness of the three different kinds of soba they have with various levels of buckwheat within it. I've tried all three types of soda, and my favorite has to be the Kikouchi soba. It's got that strong, buckwheat flavor that I'm looking for as well as a really nice chew as it's the chewiest of the three types. The restaurant has two sides, and I'm usually seated at the bar if I am there by myself or with one other person. It doesn't get that loud in the restaurant, despite having an open kitchen that faces the seating area. I think in the separate room section that has seating for bigger parties tends to get a little echoey because of the tall ceiling. I recommend going during brunch because it's not as busy. You definitely need a reservation for dinner time, otherwise you may not be able to get a table. I recommend parking on the street if possible because the limited parking area behind the restaurant is quite tight and I've seen some people scratch their cars.
Yuri J.
Yuri J. 25/12/2023
stars
Fresh and delicious soba spot in Gardena! We made a reservation for weeknight dinner, just in case, bc the restaurant is small and busy. They offer 3 diff sobas - the seiro is their most popular and I loved the texture of the soba noodles & taste of the dipping sauce! Must get the EEL TEMPURA which is fried to perfection and fish is sooo tender.
Susan S.
Susan S. 06/11/2023
stars
This place has such an authentic, hole-in-the-wall, legit Japanese restaurant vibe. The food was great. We ordered the soba, shrimp/veg tempura, eel tempura, and tamago maki (egg roll). Everything was delicious, but especially the tempura. They do tempura right! The batter was so light and crispy, ingredients were fresh and flavorful. The eel was huge! Soba was delicious, as expected. The only thing that I had a problem with is that the usual accompaniments that you get with soba, such as radish and nori, are extras that you have to order. They do give you green onion and wasabi, but seriously minuscule amount. Otherwise, everything was piping hot, freshly delivered, and service was very friendly. We definitely want to come back and try other items with some sake/beer. Looks like they have a pretty extensive sake menu. Can't wait!
Izakaya, Noodles
Closed Opens at 11:30 AMOpens at 5:30 PM

Address

16525 S Western Ave Gardena, CA 90247
Features

Features

Takes ReservationsTakes Reservations DeliveryDelivery TakeoutTakeout Vegan OptionsVegan Options Limited Vegetarian OptionsLimited Vegetarian Options Accepts Credit CardsAccepts Credit Cards Accepts Android PayAccepts Android Pay Accepts Apple PayAccepts Apple Pay CasualCasual LoudLoud Good for GroupsGood for Groups Good For KidsGood For Kids Good for Lunch, DinnerGood for Lunch, Dinner Street Parking, Private Lot ParkingStreet Parking, Private Lot Parking Waiter ServiceWaiter Service Free Wi-FiFree Wi-Fi Beer & Wine OnlyBeer & Wine Only Wheelchair AccessibleWheelchair Accessible Asian-ownedAsian-owned Outdoor SeatingOutdoor Seating Offers CateringOffers Catering Happy HourHappy Hour Dogs Not AllowedDogs Not Allowed TVTV Heated Outdoor SeatingHeated Outdoor Seating Provides reusable tablewareProvides reusable tableware Bike ParkingBike Parking

Opening hours

Monday Sun Closed
Tuesday Sun Closed
Wednesday Sun 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Thursday Sun 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday Sun 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday Sun 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Sunday Sun 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Verified by the owner

Tasty dishes in California

Update on: Mar 12, 2024

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