12/29/08

BEST Japanese Restaurant in Indy

by rabbitobscura

My boyfriend and I have tried several japanese restaurants in Indiana and Ichiban is by far the least expensive of all of them and their food doesn't lack in taste! Their staff is friendly and helpful and their food is served quite quickly compared to other restaurants. I will be going back to this restaurant every chance I get, and even though the outside appearance is lacking, they make up for it by the bucket load.

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: Outside appearance drives away potential customers

11/13/08

This is what Japanese food is all about. Forget Japanese steak houses. Yummy!!

by Jayz28

I am on business trip, and tonight I found Ichiban after doing some research on the net. Thankfully, my GPS found Ichiban, because I could never have found it. I was unimpressed by the look of Ichiban, but after I entered I understood the concept. The focus is on simplicity and great authentic food. I love this place, the shrimp filled feathery dumplings and flavorful and healthy soup were equally amazing. The green tea was excellent. My tempura was light, crunchy and flavorful, the best I have ever had. The prawn inside was huge. The server was cheerful and pretty. This place is a hidden treasure. If you enjoy high quality food for a great price, check out this place.If you like overpriced food and are not daring, then go to any other chain and dine on frozen food warmed under a heat lamp. Ichiban could make a fortune if they were in a better location. I probably would not return if they became commercial. I will be returning from Cleveland in the near future just to dine there again. Beats flying to Japan to get authentic Japanese food.

edukatek12@aol.co m

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: None

11/08/08

Best authentic Japanese food in INDY

by bztto

I spent three years living outside of Tokyo and since returning to Indianapolis I have tried several of the Japanese restaurant. Ichibon Noodles is by far the best.

The gyoza was OUTSTANDING! As was the Katsudon and the ramen noodles.

As for the building, this is the type of place I would look for in Japan. As the saying goes you can't judge the food by the look of the building! This place is almost like having a little piece of Japan in Indianapolis.

I will continue to frequent Ichibon Noodles as long as they are open!

• Pros: Everything is authentic!
• Cons: none

07/03/08

Exactly what I want

by shuya

This small cozy Japanese restaurant is the embodiment of what Asian cuisine should be. The Itamae, Lewis, is extremely friendly and capable of talking to patrons on a personal level. Not only is he the skilled sushi chef, but also the proprietor. Everyone feels welcome. The food is fresh and tasty, while the restaurant is inviting and cozy, reminiscent of a Japanese home-like environment. I hope to become a regular here. If you like delicious food accompanied by friendly service in a home like simplistic environment then this is the perfect place. I highly recommend this restaurant. I give them a 5 out of 5.

• Pros: food, value, price, service.
• Cons: nothing

Editorial Review by Christy Buena

by Contributor

Cozy restaurant is known for its selection of sushi and stir-fry foods served in a paper lantern-lit restaurant.

09/25/06

The best kept secret in Indianapolis

by tsanto465

I've been coming here for years and it truly is the very best authentic sushi in Indy. Lewis and Nancy will serve you THE freshest cut japanese seafood and shusi available from this hidden gem.

02/28/06

Mayo anyone?

by vvvjay

Ichiban is a nice locally owned place and I recommend you try it. I personally wont be going back though as I, unlike everyone else I have talked to, hated the sushi. I tried 4 5 different roles and they all tasted like mayo to me, and they did not present them well. I can only assume my experience was the exception as everyone I have spoken with loved it. So go on and give it a try, it is very inexpensive, and supporting locally owned businesses is very important and everyone should do it.

• Pros: price, locally owned, short wait
• Cons: mayo in sushi, more mayo, even more mayo

12/02/05

Best kept secret in town.

by heyking

Wow. I'm impressed. We must've driven by this place dozens of times, but tonight we went inside for dinner. We waited just five minutes for a table on a Friday night. My husband's sushi was excellent, as was my Udon. Portions were excellent, and you can't beat the service. Our young daughter received a small bowl of fried rice for just a dollar! This is the best kept secret in town!

• Pros: Inexpensive, Excellent service, Delicious food

11/16/03

Great Noodles

by koobie

I spent a month in japan last year. Snce then I have been seriously craving some good Ramen and Udon. I've triedn everywhere and couldn't find any. This place is the best in town for ramen and udon. Very authentic. The prices are excellent. Don't let the outside of the building scare you it is nice inside.

• Pros: Awesom food, authentic, cheap
• Cons: outside appearence