Tempura Rice Bowls From Japanese-Trained Specialist Arrive in Torrance

With high-end Tempura Endo making its mark in Beverly Hills and and the more humble Hannosuke operating inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court in Torrance, Los Angeles is no stranger to Japanese tempura specialists. New to the scene is Tendon Tempura Carlos Junior Restaurant, which is set to open on November 1 in Torrance.

The restaurant is named for its founder Carlos A. Pinto, a Peruvian-born cook who spent over a decade behind the stoves at Hannosuke in both Tokyo and Torrance. His 40-seat South Bay restaurant will focus on Tokyo-style tempura. “Tempura has strong roots in Tokyo and its Edo-style is unique and beloved by many,” shares Pinto.

The straightforward menu features deep-fried seafood and vegetables served three different ways: a la cart, atop white rice, and alongside hot or chilled soba noodles. The restaurant’s signature edomae tendon rice bowl includes salt-water eel transported from Tokyo, shrimp, and a soft-boiled egg. Pinto’s prized tempura recipe is influenced by the time he spent cooking and living in Japan and employs plenty of eggs for its impressively crispy texture.

The restaurant, which serves alcoholic beverages including beer, sake, and shochu, operates daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting November 1.

Tendon Tempura Carlos Junior Restaurant. 1510 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance, CA 90501.