Shoya - Lomita

This restaurant has a hidden rule that says customers can only stay for two hours. If you overstay, the woman at the bar will make it clear that you are no longer welcome with her rude facial expressions and unkind words. Also, you are required to spend at least $30 per person, and they charge $3 for every cup of water without telling you. I've been coming here for a few years despite all that, and I was shocked and deeply disappointed when the woman refused to give me a reservation because I stayed half an hour too long on my last two visits. This was when closing time was near and there were plenty of empty seats. The lack of communication and the apparent discriminatory treatment of customers left a bitter taste in my mouth. Avoid this place unless you're comfortable with receiving poor treatment despite spending your hard-earned money.

Decoration was kinda mix of kitchen and Japanese restroom. Couldn’t inspire appetite. The lady waitress was kinda negligent or ignorant, refused to give any food recommendation. She claimed everything was good and I could not go wrong with anything. It wasn’t true. I tried like ten dishes. Half of them were too salty or over cooked. Oh don’t forget to ask about price and additional fees. She buried some price without telling you upfront. Not a pleasant visit all the way from out of town.

?? JAPAN (via Eat the World Los Angeles) A two person husband and wife team take care of absolutely everything at Shoya, a place that runs like clockwork. The closed sign flips to open precisely at 18:00, and there are only nine seats so customers are asked to make reservations to allow them to prepare adequately. Your table settings will be laid out when you arrive. Clockwork does not necessarily mean speed, as almost every dish is prepared by one chef. Come with a couple hours to spend and enjoy this leisurely pace as you will most likely order at least a dozen small dishes and they will come to you at a well timed pace. Draft beer, hot and cold sake, and plenty of shochu options make this a proper izakaya, so order your favorites and settle in for a very unique experience that you will not want to ever come to an end.

Really good. cooker tried his very best to cook every meal. all are very delicious but be mindful, it will take 3-4 hours to serve your food?

Very authentic Japanese food. The receipt is a little hard to decipher. She charges for everything including water so be wary. Great food!