Torrance, a small city south of Los Angeles is known for it's automotive and tech industries. But the small community is also a food lover's paradise. With boutique chain and local bistros there is an eclectic mix of offerings that reflect the city's diverse heritage and culture. On a recent trip with Discover Torrance I was able to sample some of the cities best kept secrets. 

ONE



FRIDA's flagship location in Beverly Hills changed the way L.A. looked at Mexican food. Influenced by authentic Mexican food with a modern, fresh upscale touch. Located in the Del Amo Fashion Center this location brings the same fresh flavors and contemporary style at pricing that might surprise you, with lunch specials starting at just $10.95. For more or to view the menu CLICK HERE.



TWO


Located just across from FRIDA at the Del Amo Fashion Center, is Great Maple, they like to describe themselves as a blend between a brasserie and a classic diner, or a "European Dinette." The European (French) influence is obvious when you look at the menu, but they have kept the portions distinctly American. Just take a look at the French Toast Logs below, for $15.95 that is a lot of French toast. For more or to view the menu CLICK HERE.


THREE



Red Car Brewery is more known for it's boutique beers, but their downtown location also offers an amazing lunch and dinner menu. With exotic bison burgers and their own flatbread club sandwich they offer a unique take on traditional "pub grub" plus they have an amazing selection of beers to wash it all down.
For more or to view the menu CLICK HERE.



FOUR


Ise-Shima the Miyako is a Japanese Fusion restaurant in located in the Japanese themed Miyako Hybrid Hotel, Torrance is home to one of the largest Japanese-American populations in the US. Mainly due to the fact that Japanese automakers, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan were or were at one time headquartered in Torrance. Ise-Shima offers a wide selection from traditional sushi dishes to the exotic $10 per ounce Wagyu Ribeye Steak. Course dinners run between $58 and $150 per person. 
For more or to view the menu CLICK HERE. 


FIVE


Gaetano's has been serving up amazing Italian food in Torrance for nearly 25 years, what started as a family deli, grew into a full service restaurant with a reputation for quality. Today the family still runs the restaurant and can often be seen interacting with the guests in the dining room. Fresh flavors and modern twists on traditional recipes keep helped them build a strong group of regulars and is attracting new fans like myself. I had the Penne Asparagi ($18) and the Nutella Bread Pudding ($8).
For more or to view the menu CLICK HERE.


BONUS 


Perry's on the Beach is a great place for breakfast lunch or dinner located right on the sand at Torrance Beach. Far from your standard beachside food stand, their selection of entrees and snacks and the amazing view of the Palos Verde Peninsula makes it a great place for a quick bite. They also rent out bicycles if you feel the need to for a quick ride down the beach to burn off that chicken quesadilla ($13). For more or to view the menu CLICK HERE.