Hidden Gem: Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

If there’s one thing college students love, it's convenience. If you're looking for a treat after finals or a place to take a first date, Ichiban Japanese Restaurant is the place to go. The restaurant is within walking distance of UAA, and affordable transit is available to students on campus.

Ichiban is a restaurant that serves Japanese cuisine in a strip mall at the intersection of Tudor Road and Lake Otis Parkway, focusing primarily on sushi and other Japanese entrées. Ichiban offers a variety of sake and beers, in addition to its food selection.

Strangers to Ichiban will be welcomed by hospitable staff into a warm atmosphere, where they treat you as a regular and make you feel at home — an experience that appears to be lost in many contemporary restaurants. The dining room is filled with the subtle sound of jazz instrumentals, accompanying the ambient sound of the kitchen crew and guests dining at their tables.

The ambiance feels intimate and seems more authentically aligned with traditional Japanese restaurants. This contrasts sharply with restaurants that favor a more on-the-nose approach to their dining concept. Other than the small umbrellas hanging from the roof and the koi fish, this restaurant does not adhere to the stereotypes that typically accompany Japanese restaurants in the United States.

As is to be expected, Ichiban offers a variety of sushi rolls and entrées. The menu features a wide selection that is sure to appeal to everyone. If customers are feeling risky and adventurous, head sushi chef Yao can prepare the chef’s special upon request, which can either be something off of the menu or something he creates on the spot.

Regardless of your order, you are bound to find something you will enjoy. The boldest of clientele should order the goldmine roll, extra spicy. This roll is not for the faint of heart, and you will receive a warning from the staff that this roll is extremely spicy.

For diners who aren't brave enough to handle this level of spice, Ichiban’s menu offers many other options. The chicken katsu entrée, for example, with its crispy golden breading, served with rice, is an excellent preparation of this classic Japanese dish.

Many restaurants in the United States do not have a very sanitary environment. Ichiban stands out from these restaurants by providing a clean — well maintained environment from the kitchen to the bathrooms. Considering that you will be served raw fish if you choose to order it, having a clean environment is a necessity.

In addition to being the perfect environment for a celebration of any sort, Ichiban excels at providing an environment that can give you a quiet and intimate place to take a first date. The staff is not overbearing but friendly, and you will not be bothered by other patrons for the most part.

Before checking out, be sure to ask your server to place an order of tempura Oreos for the table. The deep-fried cookies come buried under a pillow of whipped cream and have a warm filling. This is a great way to wrap up your visit to this hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

This is your sign to pay Ichiban and head chef Yao a visit — regardless of what the occasion might be. Whether it’s a celebration or a date, if you’re willing to spend a little bit more than you might at McDonalds, you will be treated to a friendly environment that offers great food.