Ichiban

This review isn't about the food, but the service. On Friday, April 6th, my daughter, two grandchildren and I went to Ichiban, Glendale. The kids are 5 and 3. I have patronized Ichiban restaurants all over Los Angeles for many years. I have been a resident of Glendale for 14 years. I have patronized this particular Ichiban for the duration of my residency in Glendale. The kids were asked what they want to eat and they said McDonalds. We told them where we were going (Ichiban), where they have been on numerous occasions. They were convinced they wanted McDonalds. Why waste money, we bought the McDonalds. My daughter went in to secure a table while I went to the ATM. When I arrived, she was waiting to be seated. The host was about to seat us when he noticed the kids had McDonalds. He said he couldn't allow outside food. I told him they are kids, they didn't want the food there. He claimed he understood, but couldn't allow it. I continued to try to convince him, they are kids, they aren't going to eat that food. He was insistent, no outside food. We left without making a scene, etc. We decided to go to BOKU RESTAURANT on Verdugo. We asked them if they had a problem with the KIDS eating their McDonalds while we ate from Boku's menu. They said absolutely no problem. We have been patrons of Boku's for years as well. Always service with a smile and excellent food. Its a small place but it is family oriented. They provide origami figures to the kids. Needless to say, we will be go there instead of Ichiban's.

Posted 04/07/07 | Report Abuse

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I've been there twice now -- Once alone and once with my Mom. If I can take my Mom there, it's got to be good. The first time I went was after a 15-mile bicycle ride to get there and I was famished. I gorged myself on Scallop Tempura, Sword Roll, and Tempura Green Tea Ice Cream. The scallops were HUGE! Really big, not the quarter-sized ones you usually get everywhere else and they were tempura-ed to perfection. In addition, the dinner came with 2 tempura shrimp and lots of veggies. The Sword Roll was the best tuna I've ever had in my life and had a dozen pieces on the tray. It's slightly pricey, but not for Sushi. This meal cost me about $33 after tip and everything.

Normally, I wouldn't eat this much and this certainly was enough food for two, but I was pretty hungry that day. The ambience is good, although the main dining area doesn't speak to any sort of privacy very well.

I think it's a great place for a quick business lunch or an all-out sushi fest with some close friends.

PROS: Excellent Sushi, attentive service.
CONS: Slightly pricey, no privacy.

Posted 10/12/05 | Report Abuse

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Ichiban in Glendale is a nice quiet restaurant open only for Lunch and Dinner but has a wide variety of sushi for a cheap price. A lot of sushi favorites are 50% off full price and bringing the six rolls (usually) down to less than $5 per order. That's an amazing deal!!! If you're not a sushi person, don't worry, Ichiban is also a magnificent Japanese restaurant with the basics of the Japanese culture. From tempura to teriyaki chicken, it's there at Ichiban. If you're looking for a nice place to take a date, a friend, or anyone in general, Ichiban is the place to go because there you will be able to experience the culture of Japan and their meals for a price that won't leave a hole in your wallet. Ichiban, try it!

Posted 09/21/05 | Report Abuse

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Ichiban feels very Japanese and had great ambiance. Their food is wonderful and the sushi quite fresh. Their lunch special is one of the best deals in Glendale. I suggest trying the white roll. It's a little pricey, but your mouth will thank you for it.

PROS: inexpensive, very fresh fish!
CONS: Can get a little noisy at lunch time.

Posted 04/01/05 | Report Abuse

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Ichiban would be an average Japanese restaurant if it weren't for its amazing prices on sushi. Their sushi is good but it costs half as much as most other places. (Note that's only for the sushi, not the rolls) so it's a great place to go to stuff yourself. Their other Japanese fare like Teryaki chicken is good too and they usually have good service. They also do take out orders.

Posted 10/31/04 | Report Abuse

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