If you find yourself in the Hillcrest neighborhood in San Diego and craving cheap yet delicious sushi, Ichiban is the place to go. During a visit, a long time fan raved about this local gem which has been operating along University Avenue in SD for over 30 years! And what's the secret of their longevity? Is it a fancy decor with exposed duct work, a super modern bathroom, or pendant lighting? Nope? Is it fusion cuisine with ever changing menu to cater to the latest sushi craze? Nope. It is offering good sushi and ridiculously low prices in a simple and non-pretentious atmosphere. While the prices are affordable all hours of the day, the ABSOLUTE best time to visit is during Ichiban's outstanding Happy Hour. From 3pm-7pm EVERYDAY (did i say HH is EVERYDAY?), all sushi rolls are 50% off and a large beer is $5.75 with small sizes only costing $3.50. I ordered three rolls (Spider roll, spicy tuna roll, and spicy California roll) with a large beer and it only costs me...wait for it...$18!!! Whoa. That same order in the DC area would easily set me back about $30. And the sushi quality is great for the money. The rice is not too sticky, without being overly dry with just a hint of vinegar to give it some acidity. Usually the soft shell crab in a spider roll is overly breaded, but not here. I can actually taste the crab meat with a fresh seafood flavor. With prices and friendly service to match, I can see why Ichiban has been around so long...it's just too bad they don't have an outpost in the Washington, DC area. Four well deserved stars. read more

Ichiban - Three rolls and a large beer for only $18 - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Blown away this place doesn't have more ratings! This is the ultimate grab & go sushi place in town. Eat in and the service is great. Everyone has been there forever and it's like going home to eat. The food is always good & although they don't have a front-house sushi chef, what you order will be plentiful and delicious. read more

The food is quite good but WAY overpriced. $40.00 for simple take out meals is too much. The woman said the could not give me a reciept, when asked why she just said "I Can't" There were extremely sketchy vagrants sleeping on the sidewalk and camped outside. My advice is try another place especially after dark. read more

Let's all agree that good sushi in San Diego is a little hard to find. Unless you're walking in like a baller to that one notorious place downtown, it's a slight challenge to find incredible sushi that isn't going to be overpriced for a product that's just not quite there. For a place that's down the street for an easy dinner at relatively fair prices, I'm not gonna fault Ichiban too hard now. What I wish they did for first timers was have some sort of clear sign or something to indicate you order at the counter first before you sit your happy little self down. It's not a huge issue, just unexpected and unclear as we awkwardly stood at the door waiting for a hostess that doesn't exist. With that being said, the sushi was well enough to satisfy that craving while not feeling like you spent $11 on trash. The rolls we got (pictured somewhere around there) were tasty and I would certainly go back for a convenient bite since, let's be honest, I'm always craving sushi. If you're in the area and don't want to travel far, give this place a try. read more

Ichiban - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Good food. Fast service. Love that you pay first and can just leave. Makes it super chill

Good food SLOW SERVICE during peak hours. Very disorganized. If you don't mind poor service. You will like the food read more

Have only had takeout but love this restaurants food. My buddy from Japan introduced it to me as "Japanese fast food" but the quality doesn't miss. Recommend read more

First time here. Great friendly service from the cute Japanese lady! Great happy hour specials - reminds me a lot like Sushi deli except smaller and less busy. We ordered the soft shell crab rolls and rainbow rolls. Soft Shell --- deliciousness as always - one of my faves and no matter where i go its all made and taste the same. yummm Rainbow roll -- i dont eat raw, except the shrimp one i tried it. its good. WE sat outside -- it was nice to enjoy the nice sunny weather in hillcrest read more

I came by here with a friend during lunch time. I ordered a teka maki roll, $4, and their daily special for $7.49 which included a fried shrimp roll and a drink. My friend ordered a Sunny Roll with salmon and avocado on top and crab and avocado inside. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ichiban-san-diego?select=ua6QZjiQcdFWWBw4Es4_uQ#Bm5cKfdmoKPBBm8outQyiQ) My shrimp roll was okay. The shrimp was not tempura shrimp, but rather you regular breaded and fried shrimp. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ichiban-san-diego?select=ua6QZjiQcdFWWBw4Es4_uQ#qamptMLaulzK7cGxRekV3g) It was good and the shrimp was crunchy but limited in that good shrimp flavor. The tekka maki was descent. The tuna was flavorful but the pieces were a little small. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ichiban-san-diego?select=ua6QZjiQcdFWWBw4Es4_uQ#3nipUeDKU6ecWWIaY9yYFQ) My friend said his roll was okay. I trued one of his pieces and iI thought it was okay too. The salmon had a deep rich color, but the flavor of the fish was lacking in richness. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ichiban-san-diego?select=ua6QZjiQcdFWWBw4Es4_uQ#at2Q6QVXr3k3FNXmlCfy_A The roll also was smaller than average for a roll of this type. The service was okay. Perhaps a little indifferent, but we got seated served and lunch, so it was okay. My whole experience was just okay but nothing special. The prices are pretty good so perhaps that offsets the whole experience for the better. However, I personally would rather pay a little more for better quality. read more

See all

This is one of our regulars. Haven't been in a while but always a nice go to sushi joint! The katsu chicken is always great. We stopped in during happy hour which fantastic since my spicy tuna roll was $4! I also ordered a tiger roll. I was trying to find something that didn't have fake crab (I hate imitation crab!) but it wasn't easy! Good thing is they actually advertise that they only use imitation crab. Super disappointing when they brought out the tiger roll, loaded with imitation crab! On the menu it says "shrimp w/shrimp and avocado topping". The full menu online says crab... guess I should have looked online since I had never had a tiger roll. Great prices and good sushi. read more

Ichiban - Tiger roll with too much imitation crab - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

The restaurant is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that you would find just walking on University. The first thing I saw were the specials on the side, written in permanent marker with some misspellings on it, which I try to let not bother me, but it did. The specials were priced pretty well. My problem was that the food also tasted like the price. The miso soup here is amazing, very good flavor. I ordered the bento box, which had a lot of good, but the salad was pretty bland and the chicken teriyaki on it was just okay. The salmon was cooked to a texture that was not appealing to me, and I kinda would have preferred it raw. And there was a scale on my fish, which was an unpleasant surprise. I knew I should have tried the sushi. The California roll on the plate was pretty tasty, so I assume the rest of their sushi is good. I will update this review once I try their sushi. read more

Ichiban - Bento Box A - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been coming here for over 20 years. It's a good, solid place to get a relatively cheap but tasty Japanese meal. The sushi used to be better and bigger but it's not a deal breaker. I really love the vegetable curry and garlic vegetables entrees. Much of the staff has been there as long as I've been going and they are always super friendly and happy to see us. read more

Highly recommend this place. This place is a hole in the wall but the sushi rolls are good and inexpensive. Unfortunately they have a small menu. They have a happy hour menu from 4pm-8pm. All of the sushi rolls were under $10. Place is run by 2 old ladies. Service was ok. Nothing fancy. Would definitely eat there again if in San Diego!! read more

This is one of the best Sushi places in Hillcrest. I've been coming here for about 5 years. Nice friendly LGBT Staff. They all know me and acknowledge me when I come in. You cannot beat their Happy Hour Sushi Monday thru Sunday 4pm to 8pm. Cheap tasty delicious for under $5!!!! This is definitely a must try Place! read more

Ichiban - Large Rice , Rainbow , and California Roll. - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Service is horrible! Came ordered food for over $150 plus %20 tip. I asked to cut noodles in the soup because my kids can't eat long noodles in the soup, they were so mean they told me "cut yourself " So I asked for scissors they would not give it to me, so I asked if their cooks could cut it for us but they just wouldn't do it, they said I can cut it with a plastic knife. If someone ever tried to cut noodles in the soup with plastic knife...oh well good luck. I asked "why it is such a big deal to cut noodles" and I told them I will not be back here they said "ok" This place is dirty and old, food is not that good and service is sucks. read more

Ichiban is doing a fantastic job dealing with our A Number One Problem ; The COVID19. read more

See all

I had an important meeting with my business partner at a local bar later in the evening and needed a place to grab a quick light bite before loading up on alcohol. I had heard mixed reviews about Ichiban (mostly from friends who competed in their sushi eating competitions) and needed to try it for myself. Noting that they had sweet happy hour deals, my friend and I dropped in for some rolls. The setup here is a little unique because you order at a counter and then they bring the food out to you. We shared the eel roll, soft shell crab roll, rainbow roll, and Philadelphia rolls. The quality was decent for only a few bucks we roll, but they weren't wrapped very tightly and fell apart when you picked them up. Overall though, it wasn't too shabby for the cheap price. The patio is pretty small and tight so while the restaurant is pet-friendly-ish, they recommend tying them up on the sidewalk side of the barrier. I'm looking forward to trying their sushi challenge next time and gorging my face with some sushi! Food: 7/10 Service: 6/10 Price: $ Atmosphere: 6/10 read more

Ichiban - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

I HATE when restaurants you like suddenly aren't that great anymore. I used to like to come and eat at Ichiban and have been doing so for two decades. Now, Ichiban has really gone downhill. I used to love the CA rolls which tasted fresh and the ginger on the side was fresh and pink. Today, 7/13/18, the CA rolls were tiny and didn't taste like anything! I almost returned them. Here are two left over that I wouldn't even eat. The ginger was a very pale pinkish green. I have NEVER, EVER left a California roll uneaten on any plate anywhere in my entire life. That's saying something. Trader Joe's California rolls are Godhead compared to Ichiban's. I should have taken a photo at the start of the meal to show how small my garlic chicken portion was. I'm hungry and we just ate there. The white rice wasn't fresh either and the salad was so boring I didn't eat that either. I doubt that I will go back there. The prices go up and the portions get small and nothing is fresh. Too bad, Ichiban; you used to be good. read more

Ichiban - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

Service is on point today. Like a real fancy 5 star restaurant. This place is easy and good. Good happy hour specials. Cool location. read more

let me tell you, it looks way better now than the nostalgic giant plastic vinyl facing I remember! still. it is the fanciest? no. is parking easy to come by? also no. but this is the sushi I grew up eating. quality, affordable, no-frills. there's a reason they've been around for decades. they know what they're doing. you can't go wrong with the iced green tea, miso soup + california roll or spicy tuna. chicken katsu/teriyaki lunch special is also solid, if bento boxes are your cup of tea. annual sushi eating contest is legendary. maybe one day I'll be on the wall, but today is still not that day. read more

I used to eat here at the Ichiban Sushi & Japanese Restaurant - Hillcrest 1449 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92103. In fact, I frequent this restaurant in the '90s. I remember when Bento A was $5.75 and Bento B was $7.75. My spouse and I decided to have lunch at this place after going to the Farmer's Market on Sunday, December 18, 2022. I would say that the price was not that bad at all. The quality of food and portion is decent. So, I will give this place 3/5 stars because I agree with all of the comments or reviews here about this place needing some serious improvement in everything - although the bathroom has been moved to the front area instead of being in the back of the restaurant where the food is being prepared/cooked - it still needs some serious cleaning. Cleanliness. The female cashier needs to go to some kind of customer service training. We ordered the food from her and she saw us eating in the patio area. When I asked her for the key to use the restroom, she said "restroom for customers only". So, I oriented her that I am a customer. I just finished eating and now I need to use the restroom - STAT. And she asked me for the receipt. NOT worth the aggravation. I really hope that the management would really take the reviews here seriously. read more

Great food and service. You order your food at the register, find a table and then the food comes out in a reasonable time. Love their chicken katsu curry, hamachi kama, udon and sushi. My new go-to Japanese restaurant! Will be back to try more dishes. read more

This is a counter-serve Japanese place that has the look of a restaurant. There's indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is not that large, but has a little of everything. There's a happy hour menu which mainly consists of sushi rolls at a lower price. Staff is nice, and the service is pretty quick. I got the miso ramen and a cali roll. The roll was actually alright, the rice was pretty soft. The ramen is a good portion, the noodles are good, comes with bamboo, spinach, green onion, egg, fishcake and choice of meat. The broth was alright, it seemed to be a little spicy and not as salty as I had imagined it to be...although it did need a little more salt/flavor. Overall, it's something quick and not that expensive. read more

See all

It amazes me how many people give this place great reviews. Wow! What planet are they from? This place is GOD awful with their luke warm sushi. Bland and tasteless PERÍOD! Save your money and avoid this place. Be careful with the old Asian lady, she'll give you the stink eye if you stall on your order. Beware....... read more

The sushi was solid but nothing special. Go there if you have a favorite basic roll. The edamame was also a little disappointing, kinda tasted like it came from the store. read more

The food here is always great. I was two blocks away and called to place an order. They would not let me call in an order and I had to physically go there and wait for my food, which took about 45 minutes at 6pm on a Saturday. read more

Not the best. My sushi roll fell apart. Ramen tasted like it was instant ramen accept it was $12 instead of $2 like instant ramen. read more

Affordable, authentic Japanese food by little Japanese women. Don't let the ambiance ruin the home style cooking.

Been coming here for 35 years,and it's still on point. Staff is always helpful and professional. The food is so delicious and fresh. It will always be o e of my top places to eat read more

Average food. Do not order the mixed maki (rolls) plate, which comprised of the tiniest California roll, and tiny cucumber roll (my son wouldn't touch it after one bite and they're supposed to be his favorite). The spicy tuna roll didn't taste fresh. We stopped eating it to avoid problems. If you order the regular (more expensive) California roll, it's much better. We did that after we decided to give them another chance and had no problems. read more

The price was reasonable. The food was great as well. Although they got my order wrong twice, I was happy with the overall experience. I ordered Tonkotsu ramen with chashu, but they gave me one with fried pork filet. Rainbow roll was delicious and less than $10. Awesome. read more

See all

Highly recommend! Affordable and food is amazing! We had a protein roll, garlic edamame, seaweed salad, dragon roll, ands lots of super hot delicious sake! The staff were super friendly! I will definitely be coming again. read more

Ichiban - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

I love coming here especially during their happy hour which is daily between 4-8pm. Love their crunchy rolls and their spicy miso ramen.

Been coming here since college days 1990's. Food is always consistent. Satomi and staff always give good customer service. I always get their Bento box with garlic chicken, veggies, gyoza and hot green tea. I never like green tea till I had it here. Outside patio and premises are kept clean. One of my favorite Japanese places. Hello old friend. read more

Great food close to home in a small mom and pop like space which is perfect for eating comfort food. Friendly service.

Been coming to this spot for 18 years, specifically for their Happy Hour, which is lengthy and has some pretty good deals. On top of that, unlike most places, the Happy Hour prices are even good on to-go orders which is a pretty big deal in my opinion. There can be long lines during Happy Hour during the warmer months, but they keep it moving. The sushi is good, nothing super fancy, but it hits the spot, especially for the price. Happy Hour prices are amazing, and if you don't go overboard you can fill yourself up on decent sushi for next to nothing. Sushi isn't your thing? No worries, they offer some pretty good bento boxes and their ramen isn't anything to turn your nose up at either. They also have a slew of other things on their menu. They ladies that work there are all very friendly, and provide stellar service. Seating is at a minimum as this place is pretty small, so don't be surprised if you have to cozy up to a stranger if they're busy. read more

Been going here since my college days. Same ladies have been running it for years. Awesome service and food. My husband and I make it a point to visit whenever we visit San Diego read more

A little hole in the wall we found on our trip down to San Diego. I really wanted sushi but most places were either booked or had crazy wait times, which is understandable for a Saturday night. We called around and they promptly answered and informed us they had happy hour going so we drove over. It was a small yet had a lovely causal ambience. Everyone at the restaurant was kind and attentive. The sushi was fresh and delicious and at the happy hour prices can't be beat. I wish we lived closer so we could visit it often. The rainbow roll was delicious and the yellow tail and salmon nigiri just melted in my mouth. The spicy California roll has a mild kick to it and was delicious as well. My partner got a bento dinner and he loved it. We will definitely return if ever in the area. read more

My parents have been coming here for 30 years. I grew up on this place. The staff is so so friendly and always remembers everyone in my family by name. Will the sushi blow your socks off? Probably not. But it's a great little dive spot that will satisfy your cravings. I always get the Baja roll and it never disappoints. Super nostalgic and always great service. read more

I feel like the people who work here were excommunicated from Japan because of their disgraceful portrayal of their native cuisine. Instead of performing Seppuku, they decided to spare their own lives and move to Hillcrest to destroy straight, gay, and transgender taste buds alike. The two sushi rolls I tried had fish that might have been in the fridge for a week with no real crab options, just "krab". The "salad" looked like 3 leaves, a slice of orange, and cat vomit on top. The miso soup tasted like one of those "just add water" soups. They do make a mean Chicken Katsu Curry, which is why I gave it 3 stars. It's an ok little hole in the wall... but, more like a glory hole in the wall... and you're on the receiving end. read more

Ichiban - Chicken Katsu Curry is bomb! - Japanese Near Me - San Diego, California

See all