I’m torn over how I feel about Ichi Ban; I love it for its atmosphere and flavor, but every time I look at their menu (and my subsequent bill) I am constantly reminded that I am not loved in return. It’s heartbreaking.
For what they charge for sushi, I want to see the pond where the sushi chef spears the fish himself.
I give Ichi Ban props for making their waitresses wear kimonos. Not to sound like a total bitch, but I find it most distressing when I go into an ethnic restaurant and find everyone dressed like the jerkoff at the Verizon Store. It just seems really suspicious to me; like they expect me to put faith in their culture’s cuisine but don’t even bother to dress the part. Don’t mind me. I’m just obsessed with aesthetics.
Oh, Ichi Ban always plays authentic Japanese music while you get your sushi on. Which I appreciate. Nothing would ruin a plate of tuna rolls like having to listen to Linkin Park while I eat.
If you have a sadomasochistic relationship with your wallet (or manage to hook up with one of the many “money is no object, but it’s all I think about” types that are springing up all over our once nice and ghetto west side), the food is pretty damn yummy.
I recommend the Tempura, the Boat, and any of the sushi combos.
Try the Philadelphia Roll if you don’t have an aversion to cream cheese.
Don’t bother getting a soda. Get the iced green tea. It only costs a dollar and is amazing.
If you want dessert, I suggest you venture across the street to any of the corporate chains. I rarely advocate going chain over local, but for the love of Zeus, 3 dollars for TWO BALLS OF MOCHI?
You get six mochi in a box of Trader Joe’s Mochi Balls for about the same price.
Usually when someone wants to screw you over like that they have the common decency to give you their phone number.
Ichi Ban is a good one-time or maybe once-a-month treat. But for those with a budget, I’d suggest any of the lesser known and less expensive alternatives.
And no, I’m not talking about Kyoto Bowl.
Have some dignity.
3/5 Stars
Review By: Jetta R. 06/26/2008
Been here? Please rate or leave a review below.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:06 am
My first try at Ichi Ban Sushi on Litchfield rd. What can I say, Ichi Ban is the Bomb! My friend Gino and I went there for the first time on Wednesday. We liked it “a-lah”!(Jim Carey, Dumb and Dumber). In fact, I returned the very next day and ate there again. Both sushi chefs are named John, and both really know how to treat someone with a Sushi EMERGENCY! Great food, chefs, and decent price ($24.95 all-u-can-eat)! So, I suggest you don’t take my word for it, but try it yourself, and see if I’m right. Cuz if I’m lyin’ I’m fryin’. Chow! P.S. I don’t work there, I just believe in giving kudos, where kudos are due.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Great sushi and a great wait staff….Best meal I have had in litchfield park, will be going back this week.
August 28th, 2008 at 11:08 am
We have eaten there several times - for both table/menu service and teppanyaki - and this place rocks! Excellent sushi, excellent cooked menu, great teppanyaki chefs (very entertaining) and super service! We highly recommend it!
August 28th, 2008 at 11:08 am
GReat SUshi!!!!!!: My husband and I love Ichi Ban in Goodyear, AZ. Great sushi, lively environment, and they have an awesome staff. That’s hard to find in the sunny desert. (especially for the west valley)