Gaya Korean Tofu & Grill

Wow; I can't believe I haven't been to Gaya until now, but I can tell you why...they close too early! I'm joking a bit, but I truly wished they would close at least until 9:30PM or 10PM, not 8:30PM! That way, I can avoid the insane lines at Jang Su Jang.Starting off with the interior, I'm absolutely floored by how beautiful it is. It's got its traditional Korean quirks, from the wood carvings to the decorations and even the lamps. I'm a fan of that. I'm writing this as someone who genuinely drives out to Buena Park for Korean food...Gaya can wholeheartedly save you the trip. We ordered under the "Tofu Combination" section of the menu which mirrors what I would order at Kaju Soft Tofu.We ordered: #1: LA Galbi + Tofu Soup (Kimchi + Beef) ($26)#3: Pork Bulgogi + Tofu Soup (Kimchi + Beef) ($22)I can assure you if you get exactly what I ordered, you're in for a treat. The Banchan is solid; I wouldn't say it's the best but very enjoyable; especially the cucumber. I appreciate that you get the purple multigrain rice rather than white rice as standard; that's a nice touch. The LA Galbi was perfectly marinated; not too sweet, perfectly fatty and meaty, and just overall a solid item. The pork bulgogi is PERFECT. Not too sweet and not too salty, and most importantly NOT DRY! The tofu soups are just what you'd expect; do note that ordering the combo results in a smaller soup bowl, but honestly you might not notice too much. In terms of service, I can't complain. It wasn't busy for a Saturday afternoon, but granted, this is more of a dinner spot I assume. No problems on my end.For the value, it's all there. I would order this exact thing every time and I wouldn't get tired of it. All of this food was roughly $60 after tip and you'll definitely leave full. The ONLY thing that Kaju has an advantage over this combo menu is that Kaju offers a small order of Bossam with a tofu soup and THAT...is an unbeatable combo lol. If Gaya adds this as an option AND closes later, then they'll be one of the greatest to ever do it. Either way, I enjoyed my visit and will come again.

3.5 Star rating First time here with friends that are regulars. At first glance my wife and I noticed that there were not too many Koreans sitting at tables. Also, that come here or at least not anymore, we did see some. The menu was surprisingly classic Korean with many of people favorites. However, all of the dishes had MSG, and too much of it. I keep mentioning this that cooks, chefs most of them don't know how to use it. When you season food using msg, it is most important that you use soy sauce or salt first then using msg as a flavor enhancer. NOT the other way around. Anyway, the service was ok. For being a busy restaurant you would think/expect more servers, but it was the owner who was taking all of the orders. This restaurant was probably better at some point in the beginning. But now that it has become popular with non Koreans it has dropped in quality. This being, I have only been here once and this is solely my opinion only.

So I waited to leave a review after 3 visits, just to make sure I wasn't leaving a review after I had a bad day, or was irritable or discontent, but now it is time.The tofu soup is delicious, the pork and beef bulgogi is good, but the service is less than adequate, which is why I have it 3 stars.The restaurant is an open layout, good for parties of 4-10, and well lit.Each time we came though, we waited ~10 min just to get water once sat, and then our food came out 30-40 mins after we ordered, they forgot one of our guests meal so they ate late (this happened twice). The staff seemed reasonably nice, they are just understaffed with 2 bus boys on a Sat night, one man working reception and taking orders, with one female helping run orders for a 30+ table restaurant.If you want a decent meal, but are willing to handle a 2 hr start to finish experience (and we eat fast), then stop by!(This would be a 4 star if service improved).

This place is soooo good. So many things to choose from and the price is reasonable for a Korean restaurant. My favorite is the chicken Ginseng soup which warms your soul on a cold California evening. The place is spaces and has a mixture of tables and booths. Korean decor makes you feel like you're in Korea. Don't come here when you're starving because you will be waiting forever for the wait staff. The place is big but with only the owner, a bus boy and two waitstaff on a very busy night was not enough to accommodate the whole restaurant.

Such a cute restaurant, with the nicest staff and delicious foods. The interior decor is seriously so cute. Very sweet, kind staff.They bring you an assortment of Korean side dishes (ban chan). And they are all great quality. Fresh, flavorful, wonderful! The mushroom and beef tofu soup is so warm and good for the soul. Best comfort food! Kimchee pancake was crunchy and packed with flavor. Galbi was sweet and savory. Glad we found this place and will definitely be back!

The food is good and the price is fair. The tofu dumpling soup was delicious. The short rib was somewhat fatty but tasted good. We ordered the combo with soup and short rib.

This place was highly recommended of my friend. We came here today .. and she is right the Food was so so good! Very tasty and fresh! The place was clean and spacious, and the most of all the servers are all friendly, very welcoming and very helpful!. James one of the staff was very friendly and very accommodating! I would say 10 stars for this restaurant... love it and definitely come back!

The restaurant is located on the corner of a small plaza near Anza and Torrance Blvd. Parking is tight but with enough spaces.The restaurant is quite big with seating for more 80 people. Inside is clean and bright with nice high ceiling.The waiter was nice and took our order right away.I ordered the traditional tofu soup pot and seafood pancake.The tofu hot pot was served within 15 minutes and it came with free side dishes (kimchi, potato salad, bean sprouts etc). They were all pretty good and went well with the tofu pot.The seafood pancake was great. It was of pretty big size (probably 12 inches and enough for 2 to 3 people), moisture and fluffy with layers of onion, green onion, and seafood.Highly recommended and a great restaurant option if you like Korean food.

Good tofu soup. Not expensive. Good value for money. Definitely worth a second visit. I will try Ginseng chicken soup next time

5 of 5 rating!! This restaurant makes its own Kimchi and services are super friendly and quick. Foods are really delicious, and great meat quality.The restaurant has many seats and space, and it was not really loud. I do wanna come here again with my family and friends. This is a must try restaurant in Torrance!