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Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese, Korean
Neighborhood: AllandaleMon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
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I tried this place for lunch today with a co-worker on his suggestion. He's Korean and sold me on this place by selling me on the Korean part of the menu. As he put it, "it's the Korean restaurant with the Japanese name." In reality, the place offers both varieties of cuisine and has a sizable sushi bar.
Ever since Koreana burned down earlier this year, I've been looking for a suitable replacement. So I tried the beef bulgogi lunch special. It was served on a sizzling platter on top of sliced onions and rice. It came with Miso soup and rice. They also gave us some traditional Korean sides, but that may have been because my friend ordered the spicy tofu soup off of the regular Korean menu instead of one of the lunch specials. The food was all very good so this was a great lunch suggestion. So I approve of this place for the Korean side of their menu.
One interesting observation today. Every table with Asian customers had Korean food on their tables while all other tables had sushi or Japanese bento boxes on them. May be just a coincidence though.
I went here for my birthday dinner and it was fantastic.
Don't be fooled by the drab exterior. It's easy to miss driving down Burnet, but its worth a stop. On the way to the door there's a bridge leading you over a colorful Koi pond, and once you step inside, you're greeted by a very friendly hostess. I like that you have a choice between traditional booths and regular tables, although I do always wonder what would happen if someone stole your shoes.
We started off with veggie tempura, pepper tuna tar tar, and gyoza. Then we moved on to The Hot Attack, the Playboy, the Volcano, the Spicy Susan, along with a spider roll, and some unagi, The service was great and the food was amazing. The atmosphere was quiet and comfortable; very few people were in the restaurant, but even if it was crowded, the booths give you the feeling that you are in your own private room.
I will definitely be going back for more.
My friend and I went here for lunch the other day based on the good yelp reviews. You all were right; it was good sushi for a good price. I won't get into the ambiance, as everyone else pretty much covered it; run down outside, nice inside. After all, they are on Burnet and nothing on Burnet looks attractive on the outside. I recommend they throw some potted plants in the parking lot.
The fish tasted of good quality and they combined different ingredients well. I loved the Crunch roll, with yellow tail, mango, avocado, and cucumber. while I couldn't really taste the mango, it was refreshing and a change from the typical specialty rolls that are soaked in sauces. The dragon roll was OK, but the eel wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped, though there was a lot of it. My friend and I were surprised that there was no roe on the ones we ordered as many sushi places accent the dish with a little roe. We ordered around 5 rolls and we were totally stuffed. We left paying around $30 each. I would definitely return, and I want to try some of the Korean dishes.
Oh, and they had creamy, strangely too strawberryish, red bean ice cream. Yum! Red bean ice cream must be on the menu at any place that serves Japanese food. If it isn't, they have a strike against them. (picture scowling, Anime child's face here with furrowed, bushy eyebrows).
This is a great lunch spot.
The menu is standard Japanese and a little Korean; there are boxes, sushi plates, sashimi plates and then for the non-sushi eaters there are options like katsu and teriyaki. We had the yaki soba and the sashimi, both were good although the yaki soba was lacking on the beef.
The inside looks very traditional and if I had been with more people it would have been fun to sit in the booths with the low tables.
The prices are reasonable anywhere from 7 to 15 bucks for lunch. If you are on Burnet craving some Japanese this is a good option.
I've been coming here for over 8 years and have had nothing but great experiences. Love the Seaweed Salad and Asparagus Sushi. Lots of veggie items and great service. Sake to me!
As with other Yelpers, I'd always been skeptical of this place when I drove by for the obvious reasons. One Saturday afternoon recently, we were out looking for some furniture, needed lunch and decided to give Ichiban a shot.
We sat in the tatami area and ordered both sushi and Korean BBQ. Both were excellent. The sushi was very fresh. The BBQ could have been spicier, but was good. I added extra spicy later.
The interior wasn't too fancy and for some reason that is just what I want in a sushi restaurant! Service was outstanding and friendly. I hope to return soon!
To quote Tommy Lee on Cribs, "Koi (points to koi pond). Koi (points to koi tattoo)." The koi pond at the entrance is pretty at first, but then you realize that they are waiting for you to give them food and it starts to get a little creepy. Seriously, walk to the other side of the bridge and they'll follow you and tell you they'll eat you if you don't feed them.
I was always skeptical of Ichiban because it looks a little rundown from the outside, but inside is nice. We sat in a cute booth at a low table. (Don't forget to take your shoes off!) Gyoza was ordered as an appetizer but it arrived with our meals. It was eh, I actually think they're better at Zen. Miso soup comes with entrees and it was tasty. The Yakisoba with shrimp was okay but not super flavorful.
If you live in the neighborhood I'd suggest Ichiban, but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to eat there. Oh, my dining companion told me that Ichiban means "number one." I'd probably rename it to "number five or so."
Koi Pond! Okay enough of the frills. Went there for lunch the other day. I ordered the sushi combination that included 6 sushi rolls, 6 sashimis, salad and miso soup. All was good except that they had to serve the salad with iceberg lettuce....yuck! But other than that it's definitely a good place to get sushi. Maybe I shouldn't be picky about the salad. I mean you don't go to a sushi place to get salad.
There's a Koi Pond outside!
I had lunch here today with my boss and coworker and it was almost as good as I remembered it when I was regular when I lived close by.
We arrived at 11:45 with less than 10 cars in the lot and were immediately seated. And were immediately asked if we were ready to order? "No"... Waiter was very attentive and checked back when he saw we were ready.
The Food:
I ordered the Smoked Salmon Sashimi - 6 large slices on a bed of radish shavings and topped with wedges of lemon - at 14.95 it seemed expensive in comparison to my dinning companions huge lunch portions. But, it was yummy!
Coworker ordered Salmon Teriyaki bento box - Huge amount of food for lunch (teriyaki, rice, huge tempura vegetables, cali roll, miso soup and salad to start)
Boss ordered sushi platter (crab hand roll? (cone shaped roll with crab cucumber and rice in nori) 4 sushi, spicy tuna roll drizzled with spicy mayo and miso soup and salad to start..
Service:
Our server was very kind and attentive; however, the service was off. First, my coworker was told that they were out of salmon for his teriyaki and suggested the pork instead. My dining companions were served their soup and salad while I waited. Then they were served their main meal while I waited...
My boss commented that "it takes a lot less time to slice some salmon and put it on a plate than it does to plate a bento box" not to our server - but yeah...
Our server was overly apologetic when he realised that my food was behind in delivery and brought me a free miso soup. Sweet, I really wanted miso soup but since my boss was paying I did not want to take advantage since my choice was twice the price of their lunch specials.
When we lived in this neighborhood my now ex and I would eat here at least once a month. The service… Read more »
So this place looks a little ghetto and strip-mall-ish from the outside... but they've actually got a cute koi pond and interior.
The food, though... the food is amazing. It's definitely the best sushi I've had so far in Austin. The specialty rolls are really great, and the prices aren't bad. I keep meaning to try the hot pot dishes but I keep getting sucked in by the delicious sushi.
I will begin by saying that I am in no way a sushi expert. My boyfriend took me out for sushi on our third date, so my experience is limited to that last two years, but damn, I quickly became a fan.
Ichiban isn't the fanciest sushi place in town, nor the best, I'm sure, but if you're looking for sorta mid-range prices (comparatively), it's pretty darn good. We've been there a couple of times now, and had a decent sampling off the menu: salmon, eel, tuna, and various Japanese names I can't remember or spell. Nonetheless, pretty much everything was delicious. I'm particularly fond of the eel. And the crunchy rolls.
The last time we went was for my birthday, and we got seated in one of the "private rooms," where you sit on the floor around one of those low tables (fortunately, the floor dips down under the table, so you can still sit Western-style if you prefer). The waitress was friendly and solicitous, the food was great, and they even brought out a little dish of sorbet for dessert once they found out it was my birthday.
All in all, I've been pleased with Ichiban, and plan to return whenever I need to fulfill my sushi cravings.
I like this place. It's pretty. It's authentic. The sushi is divine.
Service friendly.
I had the red dragon roll to start and I will definitely have that one again.
Then I went for the Dynamite Roll with baked scallop and mushroom with snow crab topping. It was dynamite all right...burnin, burnin, burnin.
It was great....I was trying to burn off some of my cedar fever cloggage and this roll will open you right up.
I was stuffed with that...but I will be back to cash in on the lunch specials for sure.
Extensive menu. Nice sushi photobook.
I even loved the plates they were served on...not the usual stoneware....very attractive dinnerware.
I tried to order similar rolls to what I usually get at good sushi places so I can compare size, texture and flavor. I thought the seaweed salad I ordered tasted a bit *off* and was overpriced. The other rolls were good, but a bit small compared to other sushi I've had. The prices were ok since we were there during sushi happy hour.
What is it with wait staff wearing Adidas slides for footwear? That really put me off the place, moreso than anything else did. I won't be back - and thus the quest for Amura quality sushi in Austin begins again.
I went here because I read about the super cheap (like actually cheap, not just cheap for sushi) lunch specials. Also because I've always been entranced by the exterior while I waiting on my car at the Genie next door.
Sushi for 6.95? Sushi next to the car wash? Seriously, what was I thinking? Is there an acronym for that? WWIT? I would have been better off doubling my money at a better sushi place or just buying a couple of packs of hot dogs. They surely would have a better grade of animal in them.
I went ahead and gave it two stars cause it was edible. The California roll was okay, I guess. Course any place can shit out a decent California roll. The second star is also because you get to feed the koi from the oh-so-Japanesy bridge outside. In the future I'm just gonna walk over from the car wash and do this though.
I really like this place. Tried it for the first time the other day, it's down the street from my regular sushi place and came recommended by a friend. The menu was good, the prices were fair. Staff was pretty good, maybe a little less responsive than I'd expect with a half-filled restaurant.
Coolest thing ever though, it was raining and the owner (I assume) grabbed an umbrella and walked us out to the car covering up the baby. What a sweet lady!
Ichiban was the first place I have ever tried sushi. It was delicious then and it is delicious now. I have been many time over the years. While it has little curb appeal, once you walk through the first doors and over the bridge of the Koi pond, you'll see why this place is one of my favorites.
I really like to sit in the back booths, you have to take off your shoes but there is a recessed floor under the table so your feet can hang comfortably. The music is eclectic and fun.
I recently went for what was their great Happy Hour deals, but unfortunately, they had to end the offer because, as our waiter told us, they could not alcohol so cheaply as a restaurant. Perhaps they will figure out a different Happy Hour...but for now..no deals.
They have recently added new rolls to their menu, and I HIGHLY recommend the Playboy roll. Its a spicy roll and I have had friends who don't like fish and are new to sushi who LOOOVED it. As well as some old professionals.
The food quality has been consistently good, and if you go in for the lunch special you will go back to work FUUUUULLL.
I liked this place, and you can't beat the happy hour prices. We definitely got some sushi here for a steal, and the atmosphere was great. Our server Ben was really attentive. I will probably go back here, but I can't give a place a lot of stars unless I hear good things about the Spicy Tuna Roll.
When I sat down to eat with a bunch of friends, I said that I wanted to order the Spicy Tuna Roll. Some head-shaking and face-making ensued from my friends who had previously eaten here and I was instructed not to order it because they had ordered it last time and weren't impressed. We ordered a few other rolls, including a roll with tuna and avocado inside and some baked salmon and onions on top (Yokozuna or similar name). It was quite delectable, but after two or three pieces, I felt a little bit like I was eating some concoction of rice, tuna, cooked salmon, and avocado all mixed together in a bowl. The roll lost its structure and thus, some of its appeal. The cold cinnamon tea that we were given after our meal left me with a smile, but for a meal after 7pm (happy hour ends at 7) I would stick with Korea House.
I have been going to Ichiban for years and even though it's now under new ownership, it's still pretty good. It's somewhat pricey at dinner; lunch time is the best time to go. I love their sushi lunch specials. They come with a few pieces of nigiri sushi, a roll of your choice and a hand roll as well for about $9. It also comes with miso soup. The sushi tastes good, especially their tuna. Their spicy squid hot pot is also good. My mom used to get the Yakisoba. I think their serving sizes are large, and they are less expensive than uchi or musashino. I like the decor as well.
I don't care for frozen sushi.
OK, I've had a decent lunch here, couldn't complain. Recently I tried it for dinner and sat at the sushi bar. I was delighted to see there was fatty tuna on the menu. So we ordered some with a few other pieces and were shocked to find that the fatty tuna was frozen. We hadn't ordered much so we decided to leave and go somewhere good. We told them the fatty tuna was frozen and they checked on it. They came back and said "it's supposed to be served that way." Uh, I haven't been to Japan or anything but I've probably had sushi at 50 restaurants all over the US and this was a first for me. I do not recommend this place for sushi based on that experience.
I once went on a date with a guy who said this was his favorite sushi place. While the date did not last, my memory of that stuck in my mind. I am a creature of habit, but I do love trying new places.
This weekend, a pal and I decided to head up that way to check it out. We like sitting at the bar area, and were able to sit right away as there was no one else sitting there.
Our chef was friendly and helpful and called over the waiters when we needed more water (damn, some of that stuff was spicy!) or sake.
Another chef (who seemed higher up in the ranks) practically begged us to make us one of his specialties. It was delicious, but a little too heavy to finish out the night. I think that was the roll that threw me over the edge.
While we sat, many patrons came in for a birthday party in the back. That seemed like a good sign! The place filled up pretty quickly.
Probably one of the cheapest sushi dinners I've had in a while. I do think there are better places, but if I happen to be north of The River, it may be a place I'd try again.
From the moment I laid eyes on it's neon temple and koi pond, I knew Ichiban and I were destined for love. I love the option for traditional Japanese seating! I have had consistently great service here, from all different employees. I love their fish, their tempura and terriyaki boxes and their specialty sushi rolls. My BF can't get enough of the yummy roll (it's deep fried so go figure)...
All in all, highly recommended for a regular sushi fix.
The winner has to be Ichiban. Everytime I eat here I get free Miso soup. On occasion I get a nice sweet warm gingery after tea.
Their food is SPICY.... yes!
At one point they had a sushi happy hour with half off sushi from 5-7.. it was freaking great while it lasted. Don't know if they still do that. But their sushi has never disappointed me and I will actually eat the raw fish here. I think I'm way too sensitive to the un-freshness of sea life you can tell this stuff is not that old.
The Disclaimer is this is also a place with the other half of their menu Japanese fare which is also very, very good.
My most frequent reason to eat here is the Pork Bulgolgi.. this stuff burns with flavor literally. ..
I end up eating their seafood pancake quite a bit as well which is pretty tasty. I also am in love with their Green Tea Ice Cream too. I've only had shoddy service here one, every other time i've had great servers.
The atmosphere is also very nice. You can request to sit in the booth and enjoy taking off your shoes and sit on the floor. although hypothetically you can change your mind( It's just like a really low fancy picnic table). You can also feed a mass of Koi outside for a buck of a big portion of vittles the kid in me loves to feed fish. This place is also a good place to lose yourself in food because you won't see any of the outside world.
Taste wins here.
I had a great experience here. The service is friendly and attentive. The sushi was really good. My friends and I shared the six different rolls and some nigiri. The fish was fresh, presentation was beautiful, and everything tasted delicious. I highly recommend the Freescale roll and the Yokohuna, they were AMAZING.
We were with some children so we had an order of chicken fried rice for those young pre-sushi ready palates and it was also very well done. My parents owned a Chinese restaurant growing up so I am pretty much a snob when it comes to fried rice and this stuff was good.
I wish they served cocktails, but we got by on our beer and wine. I think in the area of Brentview, Allandale, Crestview, this is the best sushi I have had. I haven't tried all the places in the area but I can say from experience that Ichiban's sushi is better than Korea House, Sushi Kyu, Suzi's north, and Korea Garden. This will be my go to spot when I don't feel like driving up to Tomo, which is more expensive anyways.
One made this place earn that fifth star is the ambiance. It is well decorated and the music was eclectic in a poppy Western sense. Waitresses could be heard singing along to Spice Girls "Wannabe" and then we would move on to some Mary J. Blige. That's some good music taste to me!
I think I just found my new favorite lunch AND happy hour spot. Yum-O!
Today, I stopped by Ichiban for a very pleasurable lunch. I had been to this restaurant before and I remember liking it just fine, but today I loved it!
I was super impressed by their affordable lunch specials. If I would have picked up the exact same lunch at central market or something, it probably would have cost me near $23.00. Here, I got two rolls, soup, and salad for about $10.00. What a deal!
Also, I had a very attentive waitress. At one point she saw that I was struggling a little with my chopsticks and offered to show me how to do it properly. Some people may have found this a little intrusive, but I found it helpful.
Specials:
M-F happy hour 5-7
50% off beer
20-30% off sushi
Sounds like a good deal to me!
I wound up here last year on my mom's birthday, December 22. Just drove in from the country, a 5 hour car ride, and it was late, I was tired, but I wanted something good to eat before I passed out and spent my Christmas bonus on dumb things like food and toilet paper. Driving down Burnet with a friend, nothing was open except Ichiban, and having wanted to try it, we went inside.
The sushi ordering was a new concept for me as I am backwoods (you mark your pieces to the side) and I was trying to wrap my frazzled brain around how this worked when the waitress approached. In a diminutive voice she says, "Please excuse me, it's my first day". I misheard her. I thought she said, "Please excuse me, it's my birthday." So, even though what I thought she said made no sense and I should have kept my trap shut, I tell her, "It's my mom's birthday too!". A little confused she replies, "Oh! Where's your mom?". "At home," I say before I ask for instructions on how to order and placing my order. That girl must have thought I was the devil, leaving my mom at home on her birthday while I went out and splurged at the Ichiban.
Even though the restaurant was empty save a couple of parties, we had to wait a long long time on our meal. While we waited, we listened to the most insane mix of Christmas songs I have ever heard in my life! They played old standards like Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer and All I Want For Christmas, but also stuff I'd never heard before like I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. I must have had music ESP that night because I told my friend about this song my mom always sang at Christmas time when I was being a brat that goes,
I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas,
Mommy and daddy are mad.
I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas,
Cause I ain't been nothin' but bad.
No sooner have I finished whining the song when the speakers start playing it. What's even weirder is that they played this demented schmoozy Happy Birthday song later that was all like, "You're getting old. But you still look good." It was the oddest night of music in a restaurant I have ever experienced in my 30 years on this earth. Looking back on it, either it must have been one of the three other people in the restaurant's birthday or they must have thought that I was super excited about that day being my mom's birthday so that's why they played the song. But it was so freakin' weird. And while it was funny in a campy way, it was also pretty offensive from what I recall.
We'd gotten about 3 different waitresses in the 30 or 45 minutes since I'd scared away the first one, and I had to tell each one of them that yes, we'd already ordered and yes, we would like some miso soup before the third one brought anything to the table. When our food finally arrived, about an hour after we arrived, it was good. Not the best sushi in Austin, but not the worst either. A couple of steps up from Zen. The waitress had not brought us plates to eat on or soy sauce cups or chopsticks or napkins or really any kind of table service so we just sat there for a good 10 minutes or so until she brought it out.
I always thought it was a confusion warp or they were tired after a long day or maybe I offended the first waitress and she in turn told everyone else, but after reading other reviews, I guess service is just terrible every night. Regardless, I had a very memorable time and it was fun and the restaurant itself was pretty neato. I'll probably go back again to see if they're still keepin' Austin weird at Ichiban.
We live near Ichiban and love eating here, especially when we sit at the sushi bar. Isaac and Eddy, the sushi chefs, are fun to watch and they keep up a good conversation, too. It may be because we're regulars, but we often get free miso soup and salads, and Isaac often shares samples of the evening specials with us. I always order a couple of special rolls and whatever Isaac recommends that night. We are always impressed with the creativity of the specialty sushi roll menu: our favorites are the "White Blanco," the "Spicy Susan," anything with escolar, tuna tataki, or fatty salmon. We find that the fish is freshest later in the week, and that our food tastes the best when we sit at the bar, not at a table. All in all, Ichiban is one of the best restaurants in the Crestview area, and one of the best sushi spots in town for your buck.
Ichiban was my first sushi experience ever, and those can go either way. And considering that I now love sushi, this place set me on the right path. The girls from my old office and I used to come here for the lunch specials more than a decade after my first sushi experience and they still offer tasty sushi.
I do have an aside though, more for it's bizarreness than anything. Not long after my first sushi experience back in '96, I took my best friend here. She was not keen on the thought of sushi, so she ordered chicken. Turns out, it had some sort of strange hairy stuff on it--maybe leftover feather stuff? She pointed it out to our waitress, who helpfully told us "Chickens have hair!" We tried to argue, but it was pointless. I can't think of this place without thinking of that.
This is a nice little place. I like the mini-golf-like entrance, and I really like the service and music.
The sushi is fairly average, but the maki rolls and the spicy tunas make it worth the trip.
A good classic sushi spot.
There is far better sushi fare in Austin, FAR BETTER, and it happens to be on Burnet as well... a magical little place that I'm in love with.
What to expect at Ichiban? Well, there's this darling little bridge you cross to get into the restaurant with a koi pond...then this pretty impressive aquarium you stare at while waiting for your table..and they have really great little Japanese-style rooms where you have to remove your shoes..but that's all fluff...then the REAL experience begins.
Expect to wait for the waitress a good 30 minutes between each time you will see her, whether if it's from the time you sit down, she takes your order, (expect that they will have only 1/5 of the sakes available on their menu), brings your food, refills your water, and gives you your check..actually we hunted her down for the last part. I guess it must have been because there was one Korean family in the restaurant (rest of restaurant was EMPTY). Oddly similar experience to that of Yelp reviewer, James S.
The sushi? Bears no mention. I'm just going to stop right here. Save yourself time and money, go somewhere else.
This place has an awesome sign. It also has gross sushi. The tuna tasted like bait, the salmon was chewy, and the eel was bitter.
Also, the Korean mafia was having a birthday party when I went. They were blaring the Korean music, and the waitress was kissing their ass with such gusto that she forgot about me and my date. But the toughs in the mafia looked cool with their aviator sunglasses and very tight pants.
This place has pretty good lunch specials. The sushi is usually pretty good, though i've had a few bad days. i would not recommend getting the beef bulgogi at lunch, as it was not only greasy, but dry and not at all tasty.
I do eat here as often as i can for lunch, I can get a large plate of sushi (5 pieces) and a philly roll for $8.99. It also includes the salad and miso. A really great deal for sushi lovers and lunch.
The service can be a little slow at times, as they usually only have two waitresses on staff at lunch - a very busy time. But it's all good.
====EDIT====
I took away one star because of the horrible service I received last night. While it was true they had a very large party to wait on, I waited for at least 15 minutes before walking out without them coming to my table to acknowledge me or getting drinks or anything like that. People who came in after us were getting water and their orders taken within minutes of sitting down. I even tried flagging down our nearest waiter, he said "hold on a sec" and then ran off to replenish the water and take more orders for the large party - without asking another one of the waitstaff to take care of us or just taking our drink and sushi orders, which would have taken him all of maybe a minute. He walked by our table 3 times after i flagged him down...and we just left. I hate walking out of restaurants, but we were hungry and after this, very grouchy.
So I dine here quite often. Most recently Friday. Here's the run down. Points for Ichiban: good food, good prices, virtually no wait ever.
Minus points for Ichibah. The fishy smell of their Koi pond. Their music (most of the time.) Wait staff can be sketchy. But at least they are friendly.
Beware patrons as others have warned. Friday we were seated opposite a man with two young girls, the Amazing Coughing Twins in Stereo, with only a semi private lattice betwixt us. Dad, please if you read this, take those girls to the Doctor! because I swear if I didn't breathe in every single piece of infected air your girls coughed out, it probably landed on my food and is creating millions of baby germs deep within my lungs right now.
Anyways, ask for a booth and breathing space. We like this place.
I'm a pretty lame sushi-eater (i.e. I only really like California rolls) but Ichiban is probably my favorite sushi restaurant in Austin.
The prices are great for what you get - tons and tons of sushi. They bring everything with what seems like one million little tiny bowls of various sauces. It kind of makes me feel like I'm at a strange foreign tea party (minus the tea, of course).
I'd recommend this place to anyone who wants authentic sushi - I mean, you have to take off your shoes and sit in a little room on the floor. How much more authentic does it get?
Pros:
1. Great Sushi, Sashimi and Rolls
2. A ton of special rolls to choose from and some of them are the best I've ever had
3. Prices are pretty good. I left feeling sick and only spent $65 (and that was for quite a bit of food for 2 people).
4. Pretty nice interior (I actually felt like I should be eating Sushi there)
Cons:
1. The service is "OK". We had to wait a while for our check and even longer to pay it...but the sushi made up for it.
2. As with most sushi places they have can's for coke/soft drinks so "free refills" only applies to water
3. Parking could suck if they are busy...but it's no worse than any of the other restaurants south of Anderson Ln.
Notice none of the con's had to do with the Sushi or what I would consider the actual "restaurant"...this place is like a great apartment with average amenities. So if care more about the stuff you put into your body than how fast it gets there then by all means...try Ichiban...you may be fortunate enough to catch me there
Ichiban is a must for the sushi lover in Austin. You have to drive a little bit if you're a southie, but they're worth it. Ichiban doesn't look like much from the run down parking lot, but as you walk up to the front, you cross a little wooden bridge built over a koi pond. Very pretty, altho I often find myself thinking that the fishy smell of the koi doesn't set quite the right mood for sushi. Nonetheless, ignore the smell and push on. Great food awaits. I've been going for at least five years, and it's never been gross.
Even when I've shown up with a party of six, we're always seated immediately. They have a regular dining room furnished with plain old tables and chairs, but there are several booths all along the walls with sit-on-the-floor dining and privacy screens. The floor space is actually "dug" out so there's even room for tall ones to stretch those legs. Little square cushions are provided too, so your arse doesn't get sore from the polished wooden floor.
There is a nice selection of Korean food if you opt out of sushi, but I never do. If I had to guess, I would say you choose from about 20+ rolls, including tempura and hand rolls. They do a great job with the standard fare -rainbow, caterpillar, spider, among others- and have their own that I've only had at Ichi- orange roll for the salmon lover and recently, tobiko rainbow for all you who fancy the tasty pop of eggses.
Edamame appetizer is generous, miso is great, tempura appetizers lightly fried and served hot. There is often some kind of free dessert brought out at the end of the meal- usually fruit or a refreshing and cool cinnominny drink.
Despite my total love of this place, I will give a word of heedance to those seeking a 'total dining experience'. If music can ruin it for you, be warned. I'm able to tune out the cheesy tunes these guys seem to prefer... but at least they don't turn it up. As for service, everyone is super friendly... the hostess, the waitstaff... even the sushi chefs greet you with a wave and a smile when you walk in. Every now and again we wait a little longer than we would like for something, but if you've ever traveled to Spain, you know we're spoilt here in Ameerika.
Overall, Ichiban is fantastic... if you're going with a big group, this place has always been a hit.
Yikes. Hard to try a new place with an open mind. Difficult to enjoy the salad, when you expect a ginger dressing and not kimichi on your iceberg lettuce. So, go there with no expectations and you will not be disappointed. After all, we are in the middle of Texas.
They play rock music. They play rock music that is sometimes sung in foreign language. They do this while you eat sushi. This is one of the many reasons Ichibans rocks. Also, the sea bass and ultra white fatty tuna is way tasty. The waitress comped me some cinnamon/ginger desert tea after I ate just being nice. I didn't get to do the knee high tables in the back but I will go back for a big meal and do it up for sure. My friend almost tipped the wall over at the table, the are modular designed. I liked how Ichibans doesn't earn an impression from the outside, you have to go in, and you should. For me, just bang your head a little while you pound raw fish.
I used to go to this joint in college and remembered it being good and affordable. So, I gave it a try the other night on a whim instead of going to one of my usual reliable sushi bars. I regret that decision greatly. The service I received was absolutely abysmal, which seems to be a trend in this place according to the other reviews. In my case, I ordered several items (sushi, hand rolls, soup, drink), received some (sushi, hand roll (note no drink and no water provided), and enjoyed none (sushi tasted aged to imperfection).
This place is less expensive for a very good reason: they're feeding you fish that is only fit to be used as chum.
yummy! I have many fond memories of Ichiban beginning with my very first (literally) sobering taste of real sushi! Now, the date who took me there for sushi is now my husband; we and our three kids have dinner there for many celebration occasions. The "cook at the table" options are great, fun for the family, and pretty darn affordable. Waitstaff is usually very good at helping you order, etc, and have even been known to carry our toddler around when sitting still is no longer an option for him! Highly recommended.
One of my favorite sushi restaurants in austin. Price wise they are hard to beat and their sushi and sashimi dishes are well prepared and fresh. Not as trendy or modern looking as other restraunts- but this is more about the food! For dessert. try the pure gluttony of mochi mochi. The also serve korean bbq fare here as well - which is pretty good.
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