What a pleasant surprise! Great casual outside, whole in the wall type of inside. Very busy with adorable team working inside. I was able to glean it's been here over 45 years! The owner started with Benihana and always had a dream to open his own location. Fresh fresh fresh! Mmmm We ordered the chefs special which offered us a unique mix. Goyoza, crunchy roll, seaweed and something like a potato salad. I also ordered masago and despite being surprisingly full had I to split the order with dad. All three of us had the same thing and thoroughly enjoyed it! They have a happy hour menu as well. Definitely enjoyable - even dad said as we left, you have a good restaurant here! read more

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Ichiban has been serving Hillcrest for decades, and I've been coming here for years. The women running the show are absolute legends and the hardest working ladies in the business, always friendly, and somehow keep everything moving fast no matter how busy it gets. The interior is cozy in that old-school, neighborhood way. You don't come here for flash, you come here because it's consistently good. Sushi is always fresh, always on point, and over the years they've quietly expanded the menu in the best way. The ramen sets? Legit comfort food status, perfect for when you want something hearty to go with your rolls. Places like Ichiban are what keep this neighborhood alive! Unpretentious, reliable, and run with heart. Hillcrest just wouldn't feel the same without it. Welp onto the next! read more

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Felt really ripped off after ordering delivery and did not enjoy the food. The stamina udon was super bland. For $20, it had one piece of shrimp tempura that was all breading, a couple tiny pieces of chicken, one piece of broccoli, and a couple wontons that had disintegrated. The bento was equally bad. A tiny paper-thin piece of salmon, some dumplings that were just mush, and a tiny bit of chicken that was so drenched in sauce it was inedible. read more

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This is my hole in the wall sushi spot that I come to every Friday after work as my treat. The owners are so kind and attentive, they have a real attention to their service they provide and are consistent. Sushi is amazing and made fresh. I almost don't want to hype it up too much because I wasn't to keep it all to myself, but alas they are TOO GOOD. I love it here, this is my favorite sushi in all of San Diego. read more

Ichiban - Happy hour roll-$5 for 8 pieces - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Solid spot. Nothing fancy. But I was super full for less than $20 which is more than I can say for most places in SD these days. They have a great happy hour for alcohol and rolls from 4-8 every day. I had a jumbo roll (chicken katsu) and a salmon roll. The perfect mini portion of katsu and a tasty salmon roll. You do order from the counter and they give you a number. The drink cups are disposable for the most part. And extra ginger or spicy mayo will cost you .50. So, they've done the math. They were playing FX on the TVs. Fancy it is not, but it does have its own charm. But great value sushi. read more

Ichiban - Sunny Roll and Jumbo Roll - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Unless you sit outside and people watch, there is really no ambience to speak of. But the two women who take your order and serve you are the best. The value is also amazing. My husband and I had three large drinks - 1 sake and 2 large beers, the stamina udon, two sushi rolls for $50! The stamina udon was good not great but perfect for the rainy day and it was a treasure trove of goodies. Slurpy noodles, dashi broth, fish cake, shrimp, chicken, dumplings. The spicy tuna was incredible. We are definitely going back. Forgot to mention, Happy Hour every night from 4-8 pm. read more

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I used to order from this establishment when I lived in San Diego 20 years ago and their chicken teriyaki and gyoza, along with their California rolls were always so good. During my visit this past Christmas weekend, I stopped by and their food was amazing, and their customer service was very friendly as always. read more

The good: they're quick, friendly, and they have a good happy hour menu from 4-8pm that's quite affordable. They're a neighborhood staple. The bad: the sushi here really doesn't taste all that great. I wish I could review it higher because of the nice staff and cheap prices, but I can't justifiably leave a 4 star for food that doesn't taste very good. The spicy chicken teriyaki bowl is better than the sushi rolls at least. Realistically, despite the lower review I'd still probably to-go food from here in a crunch. read more

Ichiban - Rainbow roll - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

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Good sushi quality and service! Chill ambiance and vibe. Love getting lost in the landscapes playing on the tvs in the background. When they first opened, it was same menu for lunch and dinner, but now they're different. Less things offered at lunch than dinner now. If getting dessert, get the strawberry ice cream with the cheesecake and combine for a strawberry shortcake flavor with cheesecake. read more

The food was not only super tasty but very well priced. I got two rolls on happy hour (4-8pm) for about $14 dollars and it was super filling as well. The service was very friendly and quick. Parking is street parking but weekdays aren't too difficult to find parking. It's a little small inside but there is outdoor seating. Will be coming back! read more

Ichiban - crunchy roll and chicken katsu roll - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

No-frills sushi spot for a good price. They have happy hour on drinks and food 4-8pm daily. I got two rolls for $16 and left full. We ordered at the counter and had our food delivered to our table. The staff was friendly and efficient. They have indoor and outdoor seating, the ambiance is nothing special. read more

Ichiban - 2722857. Rainbow Roll 2722864. Spicy Tuna Roll - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Delicious Japanese cuisine. It's one of those homie whole in the wall authentic restaurants. The service was so fast and we enjoyed the sushi and noodles. Check it out!! read more

The food is always tasty on the many times I have eaten lunch at ichiban. Im complaining about the service. I got none. I was behind a person who gave his order. When he finished I stepped up and lady just walked away to the back. No wait a minute, no eye contact, nothing which was kinda weird as im a regular there. After about 15 minutes, I walked out and said " maybe another time" to the person who never acknowledged my presence. I went to Wonderful sushi. ​ read more

Pretty good sushi! Love that it's around the corner and in a walkable area and very reasonably priced.

Insanely fast service. Food always comes out delicious. Great place to people watch as it's right on university.

Good customer service but the tonkatsu ramen was mediocre. Really wished they placed the broth in a separate container from the rest of the contents. read more

I've been a patron at Ichiban since 1999! One of their bento boxes and sushi rolls are always on special, they have a 10% discount for students, they have a great deal at dinner time for all too--Happy Hour specials are 4pm-8pm. Their food is fantastic and the ladies who work there, have been there forever--they're like aunties. read more

This is a fast casual sushi spot in Hollcrest with great happy hour deals. Definitely not a place to knock your socks off, but prices are super cheap and you get what you pay for. Service is great and it's a no frills type of shop! I would t mind coming back and trying some ramen. This time I had a spicy tuna roll and miso soup, both of which were good. read more

Not satisfied..small serving... not fresh sashimi obviously dry cut...the baked salmon was so thin..not worth it giving a 18% tip.. read more

Ichiban - Shogun bento b $20 - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

My son ordered chicken Katsu ramen to go and it was absolutely disgusting! They dumped everything into one big container. It was a gross and soggy mess! read more

Cute little place with good food and very friendly service! This sit-down eatery is somewhat different: you have to place your order at the counter and then go and get seated. The staff are very friendly. I came in on a super cold, windy day and they noticed that I was all bundled up. They told me that the other table would be warmer because it's closer to the heater; they really wanted me to be comfortable. Really appreciated the gesture. We ordered a couple of rolls, yakisoba and a big bottle of Orion (yessss) beer. The rolls were fresh and good. They also a couple of lunch specials and the happy hour prices are great! Other than sushi rolls, they have ramen and some other Japanese rice/noodle dishes. For drinks, they have Sapporo, Orion (yessssssss), Asahi beers, sake and plum wine. What I did not appreciate was the extra charge for extra wasabi/ginger. Some of the food came with a little ginger and wasabi, and if you want more, you'd have to pay extra. Yes, it's not much, but why?!?! Can they be free during happy hour? read more

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My family and I have been going to Ichiban for at least 15 years and it's one of my favorite Japanese places in town. My favorite things to get are the chicken teriyaki bowl and the Philadelphia roll. They're so kind and we always have a great experience! read more

Perfect the miso soup talk 's for itself. Sake is best !!!!! Since we are in the west try it on 4 as it the best. read more

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The sushi was delicious the service was great we liked the Raman and teriyaki Chicken

Amazing service! This is a little fast casual sushi spot owned by the sweetest people. Their food is made quickly and tastes amazing! Their happy hour sushi prices are soo cheap and tastes great! We also tried a couple of their non happy hour foods and weren't disappointed. - Spicy chicken teriyaki bowl was a 10/10, so much flavor in a very filling bowl! - Cha shu tonkatsu ramen was an 8/10, the broth and noodles were fresh and had a lot of flavor. - Hawaiian roll 8/10, beautifully made sushi rolls and they did a great job of adding a mix of seafood toppings. - Jumbo (chicken katsu) roll 10/10, so much flavor and it was my favorite sushi roll. read more

Ichiban - Top to bottom: 2722840. California Roll 2722853. Hawaiian Roll 2722866. Jumbo Roll - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

A Japanese friend told me about happy hour specials starting at $5. She recommend the California roll and Rainbow roll. She said Ichiban felt nostalgic and reminded her of quaint mom and pop sushi places in Japan. I ordered a California roll and it was really fresh and delicious. Next I'll try the Rainbow. The hard working ladies who work here are the best! read more

Ichiban - Happy Hour California Roll was really tasty. - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Delicious and quaint sushi restaurant in Hillcrest. It was Spontaneous Saturday so this little gem was a perfect place especially with the daily happy hour win! read more

Ichiban - Daily Delicious Happy Hour - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

You have to pay before you get your food which is odd because they ask for tip before you can even experience the service and food. They have 1/2 off appetizers when you order $20 +. On a sign, they claim to give additional discount off 2 appetizers when you order is over $30, $40, $50 and so on. We ordered 2 sushi rolls $16 each which is over $30 so we decided to get 2 appetizers pork egg rolls and seaweed salad which should have been 1/2 off each. The lady rang up the pork egg rolls 1/2 off and the seaweed salad at regular price ($6) which was a bummer. I guess she forgot about their "deal". The egg rolls were good and came with a spicy mustard sauce that I enjoyed. Seaweed salad was served over cut cucumbers which is deceiving when you think you're getting more seaweed than there is. Sushi rolls are basic but tasted fresh. Not sure if I would go back. read more

Ichiban - Pork egg rolls , seaweed salad - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Hole in the wall sushi spot in Hillcrest. Let me start off by saying good food and great service. We came for happy hour and it was worth it. The staff were super friendly and attentive and the food came out really quick. Now this is where we take a turn. You don't expect much with a hole in the wall location but this place can use some TLC. I try not to judge a book by its cover, but this cover has seen better days. The place is clean but it needs a little face lift. The part that really got me was the order and pay before you sit. I didn't mind it other than the fact it really causes a back up. There's a line of people waiting to order crammed into a line in a tiny space. I'm assuming it's done this way due to a shortage of staffing. The little sweet old lady taking the orders was also packing the to-go orders and delivering food/drinks to tables which held up the ordering process too. read more

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Super fast! Felt like it was a good deal for great quality sushi! They were very accommodating for my family including special needs son in stroller. Would come back again! read more

i've been going to this place for a very long time, i typically get take out an i always enjoy what i get, this place reminds me of my mom

I've been coming here for at least 2 decades and I hadn't been in a while, and I hate to say this but this will probably be my last time. The service was good but that's where it ended. First off, the "specials" are literally just a $1 off the regular price of the bento boxes. They used to have actual specials but I guess not anymore. Now let's get to the food. How was the entire meal cold? The rice was cold, the gyoza was cold, the pot stickers were cold, and the teriyaki chicken was lukewarm and more teriyaki and burnt broccoli, zucchini, and mushrooms than it was chicken. The entire meal was bland and just didn't taste good. Everything tasted like it was just reheated. Nothing tasted fresh. They also need to do something about the outside patio area (maybe add floor to ceiling screens or something) so that flies aren't hovering over your food during your meal. This place has really went downhill. Hopefully they can get it back to where it was in the early to mid 2000's. read more

I was on my way home and needed to pick up dinner. It has been a while since I've been...dang, almost 5 years. I think it's because parking is a challenge. I love the old school aunties that work here and they work so hard and are friendly! Got a teriyaki chicken bowl and some inari to go. Very good! Cute little salad and I like how the miso soup is already made. Other places, I've been given a soup packet to make it myself...LOL! I remember coming here long ago and sitting on the patio. May have to do that again soon! read more

I've been going here for 25 years and it's always good, the staff is friendly the prices are good.

Someone give this place an award for A++ Service & even better food! After a quick survey of Hillcrest, we "settled" on a star that's been rocking since the 80s! We ordered the Chicken Bowl and Sushi roll combo that was on special just before Super Bowl Sunday, with an additional roll, and it was perfection! I know how can one mess up such a simple pleasure, but it's happened.. however, I doubt it's a normalcy here. The restaurant was quaint with seating both inside and on the patio. The music was soft and the vibe was spot on for a relaxed Saturday, for a couple or a group! Thanks ladies! Cheers! read more

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Amazing service, delicious food the sashimi was great as were the sushi rolls, the miso soup was delicious, very good traditional Japanese style, television played "The Voice" and the Gospel music added great ambiance. They have been in service for 40 years I truly enjoyed this experience. read more

Ichiban - 2722858. Crunchy Roll, 2722856. Tiger Roll, 709386243. Sashimi Combo C 2722893. Hot Green Tea - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

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Always a good place to visit. We used to go for Sushi Happy Hour but we moved out of the area and found other sushi spots. Coming back to visit was great. We were in the area after my daughter's basketball game and stopped in for post-game dinner. We ordered: Sashimi Combo plate with deep fried vegetables, 2 Tiger Rolls, Sunny Roll, Crunchy Roll, and Tempura Fried Avocado (8 pc for only $6). Drinks: Large Iced Green Tea, Bottled Water, and Large Sapporo Again, all of our food was great. The customer service and of the women is always great. We had a male server and he was very courteous and professional as well. We will visit again soon when we are in the area. read more

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It's been a while since I visited this little hole in the wall spot. Used to go often as the price is always right and the food is plentiful. Service is always quick and friendly. Can't complain about that combination. Was looking for something good and quick. One of the first spots that came to mind was Ichiban! Located on University Ave right across from Ray's Tennis shop and the Hillcrest Post Office. Don't blink cause you're likely to miss it if you're not careful. Meter parking right in front and one hour free street parking directly across the street. Currently offering their full menu. Specials come with a drink. Patio seating only as of this review. Order at the counter, pay and have a seat. They'll give you a number and deliver your food to you. Portions are great, service is quick. Love it. Keep on Yelp'n! read more

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This place felt welcoming! The servers were helpful and nice. And the food was amazing!! Would definitely come back!

Really bad cheap sushi! Slow service and I highly recommend you don't go here. We went here for the first time on a not so busy Thursday and it took a long time to get the worst sushi we have had in San Diego. We could not finish the rolls we purchased. They were that gross. read more