For our three-year wedding anniversary, Chris took me on a month-long Secret Trip around the world through Vienna, Florence, Pisa, Milan, Zermatt, Zurich, Maldives, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seoul. In return, I surprised him with a dinner at I-naba Steak House in Torrance, California that serves A4 and A5 Waygu Kobe beef imported from Japan. The exterior was modest but the restaurant, located in a strip mall alongside a Ralphs grocery store, proved to be a hidden gem.

Chris and I ordered a couple glasses of Umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur) to accompany our dinner. We both also ordered the Chef’s Omakase Course Menu for dinner — Chris opted for the 4oz Japanese Wagyu filet mignon ($90) and I went with the 5oz Angus filet mignon ($50). The omakase course included a first course of five perfect bites, a second course of chilled pumpkin soup, third course of soba tapas, our main course selection, side of white rice, choice of dessert, and coffee or tea. The Angus filet mignon was delicious, but the melt-in-your-mouth Japanese Wagyu filet mignon was the main attraction — absolutely comparable to that from our trip to Tokyo last November.

Our server brought out a decorated plate with a slice of cake to celebrate our anniversary. To set the mood for the occasion, a wind up musical box was played at our table while we enjoyed our desserts with tea.

This was not your typical steakhouse restaurant. The atmosphere, service, and Wagyu deserve a repeat visit.