Mitsuwa Marketplace is a Japanese supermarket that recently moved its flagship store from Western Avenue to the Del Amo Mall. I visited and reviewed the market after it opened. While I like the market-side of the business, I was more interested in the Mitsuwa Del Amo Food Court.
Since some of the announced restaurants in the Mitsuwa Del Amo Food Court haven’t opened, I will periodically update this post. As of March 10, 2020, Yamacho, Sutadonya, Santouka, and Tsukiji Gindaco are the only restaurants conducting business.
Most of the restaurants in their former location didn’t make the move to the Del Amo location, such as Mifune (udon specialty), Hannosuke (Tendon Tempura), Beni Tora (ramen), Miyabi-Tei (donburi, curry), Hamada-Ya (bakery), Sushi Shop (sushi). Modo Hawaii (donuts). I’m curious to see their final configuration.
As you enter the food court, Yamacho is the first place you see. Yamacho is renowned in Japan for its gourmet fresh seasoned seafood or dried seasoned seafood. Everything is pre-packaged except for their freshly-made zangi chicken, a version of Japanese fried chicken invented in Hokkaido. While the chicken’s exterior was crunchy and delicious, I was disappointed that they did not include the traditional dipping sauce.
Santouka is presently the only restaurant in the food court offering ramen. The menu is available on the front window of the restaurant. Bowls are available in small, medium and large with the typical large portion priced at $11.95. Combos including soy sauce flavored egg and others is an additional $1 – 4. The noodles are fresh, but the broth is what really makes their ramen special. They offer miso, spicy miso, shio, salt versions. Take Out is not an option.
Another Tokyo chain operation, Tsukiji Gindaco, offers takoyaki, a popular street food in Japan. Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of wheat flour batter. The fillings vary, but always include chopped octopus and tempura scraps, The bonito flakes topping reacts to the heat of the takoyaki and makes it look alive. It is best enjoyed immediately after it is made.
Currently, Santouka and Sutadon have lines. Sutadon’s menu is organized under set meals (items served as a set) and donburi (rice bowls). Karasutadon is thinly sliced pork that at first glance looks like Italian pappardelle. It is mixed with green onions, brown onions, and peanuts and topped with a fried egg. The flavorful garlic soy sauce is what makes this dish special.
Fans of the former tempura tendon restaurant, Hannosuke, can find the same chef preparing Tokyo-style tempura at his new restaurant, Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr.
Other restaurants that are planned to open include Toritetsu (Yakitori), Mugimaru (tempura and udon), Misasa (Bento Boxes), and J Sweets (Japanese pastries)
Mitsuwa Del Amo Food Court, 3525 W Carson St Suite 164, Torrance, CA 90503; 310.782.0335
mitsuwa.com