Ichiban Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill
5741 Essen Ln., Baton Rouge, LA, 70810
Ichiban Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill Menu
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Address :
5741 Essen Ln.
Baton Rouge, LA, 70810 - Phone (225) 767-2288
- Website https://www.ichibanbr.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Jake S.
My favorite place for sushi. The sushi bar is great because we normally show up early enough that we can sit down right away. My personal favorites are the ichiban roll with no crunchy (it's good with it, i just prefer it without) and the fire in the hole. The fire in the hole is amazing as long as you like spicy. My wife really enjoys the popeye (it's wrapped in spinach) and kiss-me rolls. Probably the best dish they have outside of sushi is the baked salmon. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jenny N.
Erhhmagerd I love eating here!! The sushi is amazing, and it's the best place I've ever gone to for sushi no doubt. I came here often during my undergrad days, and I'm super sad now that I don't live in Baton Rouge anymore! I've gone to Ichiban once for lunch and plenty of times for dinner, and I always have a great experience with the food and the service. Ichiban is the reason I started eating sashimi and sushi rolls with raw fish (I used to avoid anything raw). Everything tastes so FRESH! & you've also got to ask for the SEAFOOD SAUCE to dip your sushi in when you go! It's the best sauce ever! Here are a few things I've eaten here that I often get or just really enjoyed: salmon sashimi appetizer: pieces of fresh raw salmon on ice; super refreshing and tasty yellowtail yuzu: yellowtail sashimi with jalapeños and ponzu sauce; I can't eat spicy so I avoid the jalapeños. . . That just made me realize I might as well just get the yellowtail sashimi appetizer instead . . . -__- Anyways! Also refreshing. moscona roll: Best sushi roll I've ever eaten. . . EVER. I like the crunchiness and sweetness of the macadamia nuts in this roll. seafood fried rice: I really like how the fried rice has different types of seafood in it. Very simple yet delicious. My favorite kind of fried rice! bone-in ribeye (kyoto style): Very disappointed. . . that it wasn't available the last time I came into Ichiban! My body was so ready for the steak! Kyoto style comes with crab meat, and you won't regret paying a little extra for it. One of the best steaks I've ever had. Don't really remember how it tasted but I just know it was really good and worth the pricy price.
(5)Ben B.
Apple, Google maps, App Store and all GPS related apps; thank you not so very much for deciding to crap down and have your servers crashed 4th of July week. I had to go old school to try and locate this place, at the end, I was able to find it without using the phone and it was worth the little adventure. I made it just in time before they got super busy, hostess greeted me as soon as I walked in and was seated within seconds. Waiter came in within a minute and my food arrived within 10-15 minutes. On to the food, started off with an avocado roll, I love avocado and I like rice and having the two of them in a perfectly sized bite is even better. Main dish consisted of a noodle bowl "soup", my first thoughts were, " well, it looks interesting and not what I expected so hopefully it tastes good" contents consisted of carrots, chopped lettuce, chives, noodles (very nice and rich) chicken, shrimp and squid all mixed in a sweet clear broth, definitely didn't expect the sweet part. By the way, Judy Greer, from Jurassic world was at the restaurant. How certain am I? About 99%.
(5)Khalid k.
Excellent fresh sashimi. Tried sweet shrimp just amazing. It comes out with fried shell which is super crispy and so fun to eat, I know I said fun because more than taste I like how much fun it is to eat the crunchy shell. Ronnie the manager was super cool, if you are in town and craving sushi give them a chance you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jannean D.
A sushi staple here in Baton Rouge! Ichiban has been around for a while and it's not hard to understand why. They recently renovated, creating a hip edge to the place. They have a temp controlled patio that I still need to try. Their Ichiban roll is my go-to roll. Always super fresh, packed with fish and crabmeat, and topped with delicious eel sauce. Can't go wrong! My husband swears that their crunchy dynamite is the best in town and congratulates himself each time he orders it. Their menu is packed with items you expect on any sushi menu and lots of house specialties. The cheat sheet gives insight into the ingredients, but you can rest assured that they are always fresh and delicious. Ichiban has lots of sauces and are generous with bringing side dishes of any of them. Speaking of generous...... The bartenders! Their drinks are definitely worth the money. And if, like me, your palate errs toward unusual martinis, the bartender will look them up to mix just for you. Quick tip on fail-safe choices: edamame always perfect; rock and roll, Ichiban, or bayou rolls are amazing, baked salmon is melt-in-your-mouth fantastic; fried ice cream is a delectable finale!
(4)Charity C.
The food is consistently good here, and the atmosphere is fun. My friends both had sushi and loved the rolls they chose, while I had the shrimp tempura dinner, which was good (not outstanding, but a good solid choice for a non-sushi eater). I've had hibachi here before that has been lots of fun--and delicious! I was excited to see my favorite wine (Evolution) on the menu, as very few restaurants serve it!!
(4)Tricia S.
Oh I am drooling looking at all the pics of Ichiban, mostly because I know how incredibly delicious every single menu item I've ever tried here is. Truly, as far as Asian goes in Baton Rouge, this is my absolute favorite. I don't exactly live around the corner from it, but It is no doubt worth a drive well across town to go there. I've been choosing Ichiban for years but hadn't honestly been in years. I was immediately impressed by how gorgeous the new remodel is. They opened up the size drastically and added an awesome indoor/outdoor type patio with comfy couches and chairs. Whoever designed this restaurant has some fantastic interior design taste. Hibachi is always a grand attraction for Asian food fans, and Ichiban never falls short of greatness as far as the entertainment and quality of their Hibachi. You cannot go wrong with any single sushi item either. My fave that my husband and I always remember is the baked salmon appetizer. It is sheer perfection with how sweet and flaky and oh...nomnomnom I want some right now please! Truly, if you've been you know what I'm talking about, and if you haven't but love Asian food of any kind, Ichiban is a must try for anyone in the area. I've never found a reason not to return, and I only spoke of a few features of this fabulous establishment.
(5)Olivia D.
THIS REVIEW IS MAINLY TOWARDS OUR MOST RECENT SERVICE WE RECEIVED FROM OUR WAITRESS. I wish I could write separate reviews for service and food because every time I've came service and food were excellent until tonight. Our waitress is named Laurie and I'm pretty certain she is new because none of us have ever seen her before. Now before I began my rant I always like to mention that I am a server myself so I do understand the server life but this was horrible. So first annoyance is when we ordered a bottle of Plum Sake. While she carded us, she checked thoroughly which is no problem. We're asian so we all look younger then we are. However when she came across my friends ID she examined it and questioned if it was new. He said yeah he just turned 21 in March. She then replies "well I just got mine in November and it doesn't look like that." He suggested for her to scan it and he even showed other proof of identity. She looked longer for 2 minutes all sketched out and then let it go. Secondly, we were a party of 6 but only 4 of us arrived first. We ordered our food first and kept 1 menu. She then comes back with appetizers and asked us, "are your friends still coming? Well will they be ordering when they come?" Why would that matter... Your kitchen doesn't close until another 3 hours what's the rush. Thirdly, we asked for a quite of few condiments which she didn't bother to write down and she gave us all the wrong ones! We corrected her and she then says "so do you not want this?" No because it's not what we asked for.. she then mumbles "well they're going to be mad" how is that our fault? Fourthly, she forgot an entree we ordered. The computer system is literally right next to our table... and the restaurant was no where near busy. When we reminded her she then puts it in and then had another server bring it out to us as a togo when it was for here. Fifthly, we ordered togo but on a separate ticket. I understand gratuity is allowed on big parties but not for a togo. When I explained to her that our togo had gratuity she response with "well you are a party of 6 blah blah.." I then told her how I understand that and we will pay for the gratuity worth of the food we ate here, but do you grat those that only order togo? I hope not. (Honestly this wouldn't have been an issue if she was a good server.) Lastly, she stands around us and after signing our receipt she reaches across our table and picks up the checkbook. That is honestly the rudest thing a server can do. You wait until the customer offers it to you or leaves before you pick up the checkbook. This review doesn't explain enough of the bad service we received. Maybe she needs more training, whatever the case is we all felt that she ruined our dining. the food here is great and the owner is very welcoming, hilarious and kind. I just hope your experience doesn't end up like ours when it comes to customer service.
(3)Erica R.
Came here for lunch, ordered sushi and a combination plate (steak, chicken, shrimp). They serve their teriyaki dishes different than most Japanese places - the shrimp were fried and so were some of the veggies (like the zucchini). Overall, the food was good although I was not a fan of the veggies, neither the fried ones or the mixed veggies I ordered on the side. The fried rice was okay not great. Steak and chicken - okay. The standout was the sushi, especially the spicy crawfish roll, it was delish. The service was pretty good for it to be the lunchtime rush. This will definitely become a go-to for a lunchtime sushi fix.
(3)Anne J.
I absolutely love hibachi so when I was invited several months back to attend a birthday celebration at Ichiban, I was absolutely THRILLED. Thankfully this was pre-Yelp days so they've had a chance to redeem themselves from my first experience. Ichiban is the number one hibachi restaurant in Baton Rouge, which is a great honor. It is nestled off of Essen Rd near Zorba's and French Quarter Daiquiris. If you blink you'll miss it. The well-kept exterior deserves a second glance since it is the nicest restaurant in the area. Walking up, this establishment is well-lit and breathtaking which tells you there's more in store. The interior of the restaurant emits an ambience that not every hibachi establishment can achieve. A lively bar overlooks intimate booths. The bar and booth area have their own feel, almost as if separate from the remainder of the restaurant. Hibachi tabletops center the restaurant leading to dining tables and a private hibachi tabletop in its own enclosure. The well-mannered staff is very attentive and prompt to take your order. They offer a large variety of sushi, hibachi and even sake! The chefs are always a delight, exercising hibachi art and wit. They are very welcoming to newcomers. The food here is delicious, simply put. They start off with a ginger salad (my favorite ever) and a soup, a vegetarian-friendly miso or chicken broth. My usual is the vegetarian hibachi (which means I get a larger portion of the veggies that they cook for everyone else). They're always perfectly sauteed and perfectly seasoned. The smell from all of the different foods cooked on the tabletop are very appealing. You can finish off with a handful of desserts to choose from or a hot tea. My biggest complaint from both experiences is the lack of hibachi chefs for large parties. Both times we occupied two connecting tabletops and were told that we would have our foods prepared at the same time. Both times we scheduled a reservation in advance. And both times half of the table drooled, growing impatient while watching the opposite table get their food prepared. Each time we heard 'Your chef will be right out' throughout the course of prepration to the end of the opposite table's meal. Overall, the hibachi experience at Ichiban is great. I do not reccommend dining with a party larger than 8 for fear of hangry starvation. The food is tasty and well-prepared and the portions are more than filling. The staff is accommodating and the hibachi chefs are very entertaining. The price is well-worth the package as a whole. I recommend Ichiban for an intimate night out, whether to dine or grab drinks or for a (small) group outing. Either way, you'll be pleased.
(4)Joanna A.
I recently visited Ichiban,for a birthday dinner.From what I hear, it is one of the best sushi & hibachi places in Baton Rouge. The food was good, the portions were small compared to some other hibachi grills, especially for the pricing. One thing I found very good was the hibachi chef "cowboy " he was very entertaining and personable. He made the hibachi experience very fun and entertaining. The service from everyone was excellent. Oh..... I forgot, the sushi was great as well, I ordered the Rock &Roll. It was fresh, and very tasty. I would go again, the atmosphere is nice. The lack of portions is what gave them the 3 star.
(3)VL J.
Always good never disappointed. The sushi and hibachi are some of Baton Rouge best. Also great ice bar
(5)Nikkie N.
Favorite Restaurant of ALL TIME! I know nothing about their hibachi because their sushi is killing it. If you're coming here for RocknRolls, California Rolls, and/or Philadelphia Rolls, you're really just doing it wrong. Ichiban uses quality ingredients and they're doing it like it's never been done. Treat yourself a little & spend a few extra dollars on a special roll (Moscona Roll, hands down my number 1 recommendation). It's going to BLOW your freaking mind! When I make the drive to BR, I am definitely stopping at Ichiban and getting everything my heart desires. Which would be: 1) Fried Calamari Appetizer 2) Spicy Salmon Salad 3) Moscona Roll 4) Fire in the Hole Roll 5) Pink Lady Roll 6) He-Roll 7) Mango Tango 8) Spring Roll That's all I could think of on the spot. Everything is super fresh & delicious! Truly, the one restaurant you have to visit when you're in BR.
(5)Jason G.
The Fire-in-the-Hole roll is the best in town!
(5)Cody S.
Out of all the hibachi restaurants I have been to this was probably my best experience. I visited this establishment at around 4 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon and my girlfriend and I had a hibachi grill all to ourselves. The decoration is modern and relaxing and the service was satisfactory. The rock'n'roll was very good with yum yum sauce and the steak, chicken, scallops, and shrimp are all worth the modest price. I left missing $70 but it sure was worth it.
(5)Alex M.
Came last week close to 2:30pm and they close for lunch at 2:30pm, so we really felt hustled in and out. Everyone was cleaning up around us; the owner wanted our order as soon as we sat down. And of course no hibachi was available. However, our server was very pleasant and attentive. I had sushi which is always good there, and my wife had salad and spring rolls. The food is always good at Ichiban. But being hustled in and out definitely took away from our lunch date - next time I'm going to Kona Grill for lunch.
(3)Jeff W.
The Lunch Hibachi is a great deal! The chef was humorous, his cooking tricks were impressive, and the Hibachi Steak was terrific. The Lunch Hibachi included a soup or salad (I had the salad), hibachi vegetables and hibachi fried rice. The Tempura Shrimp and Vegetables were an awesome appetizer! I would definitely return! Very clean establishment
(5)Brittany B.
I could eat here everyday all day. Outside seating is nice. Service is always great. Food is great hibachi is wonderful. My favorite roll is the Ichiban roll hands down. Shrimp tempura is great. And seafood fried rice is heavenly. Not a fan of their appetizers. My friend loves their fried ice cream. Fried cheesecake is pretty great too. Can't go wrong with basics like snow crab salad, mis soup, or edamame.
(4)Jake L.
Ichiban has been the most consistent Japanese style restaurant that I have been to in the Baton Rouge area. Their sushi is rolled well and is tasty to boot. They offer a good variety of rolls and the majority of their staff is pretty knowledgable about the ingredients of each roll so they can aid in your decision if your feeling a bit fickle. The decor of the restaurent isn't overly dressy, so don't feel obligated to dress up. But, if your feeling romantic there are some cozy tables towards the back that are suitable for a date and should give some degree of privacy. They definitely don't push the envelope in terms of creativity but their menu is varied enough that you should be able to find something to please your palate. I would recommend the Mango Tango roll if you like some acidity in your sushi roll. It has a bit of jalapeno and Mango so the two really balance out well. And, of course, their hibachi is delicious and can please even the most hearty of appetites.
(3)Felicia E.
I love the hibachi. The food is very tasty and the staff is very friendly. Always a good experience here. I've never had the sushi but I will try it one day.
(4)Evan T.
Fantastic Sushi and service. Probably my favorite sushi restaurant in Baton Rouge. Come here for awesome sushi and/or hibachi in a nice elegant atmosphere.
(5)Allicia P.
Our first date night out in a long time due to the new baby and we chose to come here because we heard great things about the food. We were seated at a hibachi table immediately but the dinner prep did not begin for over an hour! An hour! We watched three other tables full up, eat and leave before ours even began. As we are leaving, the server says, "thanks for being good sports!" Starving us of our dinner and a much needed pleasant evening out is not a good sport! That was pretty unacceptable!!
(1)Brandii W.
I live for their Aphrodite rolls! I have friends that come from New Orleans just to get them too :) I really missed this place when it was being rebuilt. The prices have gone up a bit for hibachi but they have a nicer variety on the menu and now includes lobster tails.
(4)Danielle D.
Great sushi! Second time within the last month and a half. And just as good as the first time. If you want to go on a Saturday at 7, I would make a reservation. But it was only a 20 min wait.
(5)Jane N.
Made reservations for hibachi. We were on time. Made us wait. Waited a long time and they finally told us that it would be 30 more minutes for a reservation that we made earlier. They didn't even come over to inform us until we asked. No accommodations made and hostesses are very incompetent and not friendly. How would you feel if you made reservations to take your mom out for lunch and people there didn't treat you properly?
(1)Sabrina V.
THIS.PLACE.IS.SICK. If you never been you gotta go and if you are a fan then get over there ASAP. Randy and the krewe just completed the remodel and it is beautiful! Besides it's chic Japanese atmosphere the sushi is the freshest and tastiest in town (and other towns too ;).) I order the Ichiban Roll every time. And when I am with a group I wish I would have ordered two of them. It is filled with fresh maguro and topped with crab and eel sauce and crunchy. So yummy. There is quiet a variety of rolls- raw and cooked and of various price points to choose from. The newly added Fireball and Jager dispensers are frozed and pour a chilled shot right out. I am looking forward to the evening when my friend and I can go and get crunk at the bar! Also if you never had the yellowfin collar here you must try it. It is grill and full of flaky white meat and not fishy at all!
(5)Paul N.
This place just recently completed renovations. The new space is open and cool. The food is definitely top notch for Japanese cuisine. A must try: the pork belly fried rice. I can eat that three times a day. Lol. Prices are great as well. Will return for their lunch menu.
(5)Kat A.
The most and vibrant atmosphere. The staff was so nice. The fish is the best quality in the city. Our favorite roll was the Popeye Roll! Don't miss out on the yellowtail ponzu appetizer. And making steak on a heated rock was so much fun! Could not have had a better experience! Love this restaurant! Will definitely be back for more!!!!
(5)Marcy S.
This is my favorite place for sushi rolls in Baton Rouge!! Their sashimi is always fresh and cold, which is exactly how it should be everywhere. They recently remodeled the restaurant to allow more seating and more hibachi tables. The bar is much improved as well with many liquors on tap now...hello, trouble :o) The sushi rolls are some of my favorites because they are creative and taste fresh. Like the He Roll, Katana Roll and of course the Ichiban Roll. All of these are great and I stand behind recommending them to anyone, but even if you aren't into the elaborate rolls they have great regular items too. The simple tuna roll, asparagus maki or tempura anything are great choices too. A tip...they have soft shell crab on their sashimi menu!! Think little baby soft shell crabs...nom nom nom!!!
(4)William C.
Slow as molasses... Been here for 30 mins and finally got a coke. No chef in sight...
(1)Jourdan O.
Ichiban is a decent sushi restaurant. Being a former sushi chef the fish is a hard 5 soft 6 as far as qualty goes. The rolls are well done although specialty rolls can be found in better places. Atmosphere is great for like a pre homecoming or prom dinner. Probably see a lot of those there at the hibachi. Its aight :)
(3)John L. H.
It seems that I am finding myself in Baton Rouge far more frequently than I used to. I used to go to the same place for lunch every time I visited, but I have been slowly branching out and trying new places. Ichiban is one of the places I tried on a recent Friday during Lent. The restaurant is set up in two different sections. The front section is primarily grill tables where the chef puts on a show while cooking. I just wanted plain Jane sushi, so I headed to the back room. The back room appeared as if it were undergoing some sort of explanation or renovation, but it was clean and spacious. For lunch I decided on the two roll special, which was around $9 with a small salad and soup. I didn't try the salad, but the soup was very good. My rolls were well made and fresh, but didn't wow me. I think the $9 was a very fair price and would gladly come back when I am in the area.
(3)Brad V.
The best sushi place in BR so far. Went for lunch with my wife and had a nice time. We sat at the bar and watched the sushi making. There is a nice atmosphere and design to the place. The prices are on par with other local sushi spots: not crazy high, not cheap. But, the clean comfortable modern Japanese design kinda helps make you feel better about the prices versus other places. The taste of the sushi was very fresh. The ingredients, size, and balance of the roles really puts it on top. I look forward to going back for dinner to see the look at night.
(5)Rebecca W.
"Hibachi, hibachi, hibachi... did I mention hibachi"? This was my first visit to Ichiban and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it! My husband and I came for lunch, were immediately greeted by a lovely host and promptly seated. I knew I was in for a show, when we were seated front and center of the hibachi grill!! The waitress quickly took our drink order and it took us about a nanosecond to simultaneously decide on shrimp and vegetable tempura... love me some tempura! Now, onto ordering lunch... hibachi steak - double the vegetables and no rice for me. After a short wait, the hibachi master chef arrived! He arrived with the goods... oh yeah... the meat, vegetables & rice for the orders that needed to be filled! All hibachi experiences I have had in the past have always been delightful because of the chef's amazing ability to entertain while they cook! Our chef was fantastic! He even asked me if I wanted to flip an onion around on a spatula and said "if you can do it, you will get a free lunch"... tempting, but if I had done it, the onion would not end up back on the grill but in someone's hair or their drink! Post our entertaining hibachi cooking show with flames and flying spatulas, we were able to enjoy our dish. Everything was so flavorful - mushrooms were plump and yummy, the steak was tender to the bite and the vegetables were sauced and seasoned just right! My steak disappeared first... of course I had to get my protein in first and had some leftover vegetables to take home in my goody bag! Next time I am in the mood for some hibachi... I am guaranteed to be back at Ichiban.
(5)Rebecca K.
Pretty good Japanese for Baton Rouge! I got the unagi donburi (eel with rice) which was quite good. I also got the dynamite roll which was aaaawesome and a good alternative to spicy tuna or something. Also, the clear soup was on point (and perfect for the cold day...which is weird in Louisiana). My only complaint is our server was kind of useless and didn't refill any of our drinks or anything.
(4)Quinn W.
The hostess told me it would be a half an hour. After sticking it out for an hour we were seated. What came next made up for it, completely. I have never eaten such good Salmon, and I'm from the Seattle area. I will say I've had better sushi. That and the atmosphere was a little dull. Even so, our food was promptly delivered. Our waiter was incredibly helpful (not annoying). Spent $50 on a nice dinner for two. I would recommend it to anyone. I will be back.
(4)Brandon T.
This is my favorite place in Baton Rouge to eat Japanese cuisine! Whenever I'm in town again I make sure to stop here. Especially now that they have completed their renovations, the facility is beautiful and adds to the dining experience. The entire experience is exciting and has subtle touches which add to the quality feel of eating there. Service is pretty good. Try the charbroiled oysters or calamari as appetizers, the ichiban roll the shrimp tempura roll, or the dragon roll for sushi, and try the salmon, shrimp, or steak teriyak as entrees. All of those dishes are superb! If you haven't tried yet you must go!
(5)Brittani P.
Very satisfied with our visit to Ichiban. Call ahead if on weekend if you want hibachi. We sat at a booth and both the food and sushi was exceptional. Kids loved it too. Great service for a reasonable price!
(5)Eddie V.
My wife and I found Ichiban when we were unpleasantly surprised by Tsunami being closed on a Monday. Ichiban is ok, but it lacks the variety, value and atmosphere offered by Tsunami. My wife ordered some kinda veggie roll, which she said was marginal...being a vegetarian, she often has a difficult time finding good options that are worth the money at sushi establishments. I ordered a spicy tuna roll and a bbq eel roll. Both were pretty good, but a little expensive. We also ordered miso soup and seaweed salad, which were extremely small for the price, and both were pretty average tasting. This place was still far better than Hammond sushi, or Kansas sushi, but nothing too great. The most redeeming part of the meal was the wasabi, which was more sinus clearing than any I've had in a while.
(3)Shannon D.
Really rude server.I am pretty understanding because I work at a restaurant. Love the chef & food, maybe she was having a bad day but don't take it out on us, on a friend's birthday. I called the manager he was very apologetic still to have someone be that mean to us because SHE brought our ice cream out before our food was done being prepared. It's not okay to insult the customers within ear shot of another customer
(1)Whitney L.
By far my favorite sushi place ever! This has place has never disappointed me! Everything is so great, and even their eel sauce is perfect! The staff is friendly, and it's a beautiful inside setting.
(5)Jackie D.
This is the first time I've been since they did the overhaul and I have to say I was much more impressed by the food this time than on previous visits. The service, however, was HORRIBLE. We had a reservation, still managed to wait 15 minutes TO BE SEATED. ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT., and then waited another 5-10 minutes to see a waitress at the hibachi bar. We all ordered hibachi and then a few appetizers to split. The soup and salad came out about 15 minutes after ordering, and the sushi thankfully came right after, but the appetizers never came. Good thing the sushi we ordered - The He Roll and the Ichiban roll were AMAZING so we forgot about the apps we were missing. We waited another 15-20 minutes for the Hibachi chef to come over and start cooking, but once he started I was much more impressed with him than our regular waitress. He did his flair and really had fun with us, plus everything that he cooked was done perfectly - and I ordered scallops, which are easy to overcook. They were seared on the outside and still juicy on the inside and I couldn't get enough. By the time we finished eating TWO HOURS LATER, the table next to us, who arrived more than an hour after us had their Hibachi and WERE ALMOST DONE EATING. Ridiculous. Ichiban, I'll be back but please, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, have a come to Jesus with your waitstaff or I'll be ordering to-go from now on.
(3)Lauren L.
Yum-O. Not the cheapest place but every roll is amazing. Especially the LSU roll. I also love the miso soup and the seaweed salad. It is always fresh and good. Can get a bit loud but worth it for the incredible sushi!
(5)Mandy V.
The Tokyo Poppers appetizer is amazing! It's a must try! Honestly we almost skipped ordering sushi because we wanted to order another round of the poppers. We ended up ordering the yellowtail naruto and Tokyo roll instead. I really liked the yellowtail naruto because it didn't have rice and was wrapped in cucumber. Very different and fresh for a change. On a previous visit we tried the miami, rainbow, and spicy shrimp rolls which were all really great and fresh. The Miami roll had mango which was a nice touch and they aren't kidding when they say the spicy shrimp is hot! Loved the music and decor. Awesome bar. Wasabi bloody mary was a hit and I love that they have kirin ichiban on tap.
(5)Brian R.
Came back for the first time since renovations and was disappointed. Ichiban has always been my favorite sushi in Baton Rouge but clearly something has changed. We ordered the calamari appetizer and it was the worst calamari I have ever had. Tough as a rubber band and took forever to come out. The sushi was ok but not as good as it used to be and the portions seemed smaller. I will stick to Koi or Sushi Yama in the future.
(3)Swatee G.
Omgizzleeee..Talk about a hidden gem! Who would have thought I would find excellent sushi in a southern city like BR! Well.. this place is awesomely awesome!! For $21.00, including tip, I was able to have 2 rolls and a bowl of soup. Let me start with the soup.. Clear mushroom and caramelized onions soup.. the broth was light, but oh-so-yummily flavored with some real tasty mushrooms. I could taste the mushroom in EVERY spoonful of this awesome broth.. as I finished it, I almost had made up my mind to order another bowlful, but my rolls arrived in time..lol! So, I travel for work . which means eating alone a LOT of times (sometimes with a book in hand, just like Lisa J), which also means spending a lot of time on the phone, speaking to my loved ones back home.. I was on the phone before dinner, with a friend and he was telling me of how he was catching up on Naruto, while at the same time urging me to sit at the restaurant and eat, get my favorite hamachi and not do a take out like always.. am I glad I listened or what! Guess what the last roll on their roll menu is.. a YELLOW TAIL NARUTO ROLL.. lol! Yes..you heard me right! No points for guessing what I ordered.. That and obviously, my favorite Crunchy roll! The Naruto roll, was rolled in a long piece of pickled cucumber instead of the usual rice and soy paper, inside it had some of the freshest yellow-tail ever, with some salmon roe, avocado, topped with some crab meat.. omg.. loved every bite of it.. it also came with a said of some kind of soy based sauce, citrus-ey and yummy! I dunked at least one piece in the sauce completely.. I know sushi fanatics will hate me for blasphemy! gah! The crunchy roll.. was awesome too...!! Mayo based and spicy.. NO TEMPURA FLAKES if that is what you were looking for.. but it STILL had a great crunch to it..it wasn't fried either.. mystery! So I spent a good one hour there, marveling the food, feeling happy I stayed back.. happy about eating healthy, yet not feel dissatisfied after my food! :) I will DEFINITELY Be back!
(5)Chris V.
I've had quite a bit of sushi in my life. This by far is the best I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I've used yelp for a number of years, my dining experience tonight was the first ,time I felt compelled to actually post a review, if that tells you anything. Will most deffinatly be going back!
(4)Jonathan L.
To sum things up: Ichiban is good but very pricey (which I expect at most sushi restaurants). The rolls range from 5 dollars to 14 dollars. The ones that are pricier have raw fish while the cheaper ones are mainly veggie (e.g. avocado, etc.). The rolls are undoubtedly fresh. I also had the chance to try the sashimi platter which consisted of a limited (4 pieces each) assortment of raw seafood (octopus, tuna, salmon, imitation crab). What really ticked me off is them including imitation crab in the platter. How about including more tuna/salmon? It definitely seems to be a very popular place in Baton Rouge as it was quite crowded on the day I visited on Sunday for lunch. Overall, your tummy will thank you but your wallet may not be as happy.
(3)Trang N.
I am a huge sushi fan and I've pretty much tried a bazillion sushi restaurants. I must admit, Ichiban is one of my favorite spots to get sushi when Im in town. The service is always nice and the seafood is always fresh. The reason Ichiban didn't get 5 stars from me is because, its a bit pricey. P.S. My favorite dish here is Tuna Taktaki. If you like tuna you should definitely give this dish a try the ponzu sauce is AMAZING.
(4)Kaela C.
awesome meal each time I've gone. last time I went, the kitchen was very backed up & it took a long time to get our food. However the manager Randy came and took care of us. He was very kind and sweet. I'll be back!
(5)Meghan K.
Every time I'm here, I have so/so service. I feel like there's always ALOT of waiting. I think their edamame needs a little more salt. The rolls are decent. Not my favorite in town, but if you're craving sushi, you'll most likely be satisfied. I enjoy the tuna tataki. The atmosphere is kind of bland and the tables towards the back of the restaurant are really close together. If you like to ease drop, it's your spot! I'd grab a seat in the bar if you go or at the hibachi.
(3)Tabitha C.
THE BEST SUSHI RESTUARANT! This place has the best sushi and service. Two great combinations. I've eaten at many sushi restuarants but Ichiban has always been very good and consistent. If you love sushi or is open to trying sushi, this is the place to go. No exceptions!
(5)Peter N.
The decor is nice, and friendly service.. but seriously.. the food kinda suck.. we had the following items: - Baked salmon - mediocre, but how can you really go wrong with baked salmon.. - Beef tataki - meh, was okay, not special, edible.. - Salmon - fresh salmon, good, but they didn't have to do anything to these.. - Tofu - decent, soft tofu, with dark soy.. - Udon noodles - salty noodles, enough said - Sushi - decent rolls, don't remember what we ordered.. but was not all that.. Maybe always eating sushi in Nola, I expected more.. or maybe I'm just picky..
(2)Brittany H.
I really enjoy the atmosphere at this place! The staff has always been on top of their game! I've gone here on a date and with some girlfriends for "girls night." It's always super busy but I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes to sit down. Their sushi always taste really fresh!
(4)Aj O.
Had a Vietnamese guy from Tennessee for our hibachi chef, he was absolutely hilarious beyond the play-around-with-knives schtick and whatever he did to the veggies was impressive because they were by far the best I've had maybe ever. I mean, damn.
(5)Korita S.
We were seated promptly at a table when we walked in. Our waitress introduced herself and said she was in training, she did a good job of trying to answer questions and then looked to Josh who was training her when she needed assistance. We asked for additional time and they left. Approximately 15 minutes later my boyfriend turned around and waved his arms trying to get attention so that some one would come back. Josh returned and took our order. Shortly afterwards the young lady returned and asked if anyone had taken our order. When our he-roll and rockin-eel arrived they were both good. We all received miso soup and the house salad with our meals, all three felt the miso was tasteless and the salad bitter and did not eat them. When our meals were brought out they were all very pretty but as Josh passed my boyfriend's food over mine he poured liquid off his hand on to my plate. At that point all three of us asked for boxes. He asked if we would need a bag and we said yes. My boyfriend and friend both tasted there's and said they tasted good (teriyaki steak and chicken), I did not taste mine. I definitely will not return due to the service experience. I can't speak to the food because I won't be eating mine. We did not ever get the bag to take our food home in, but left immediately as we'd been there for over an hour before our food came to the table. The people on either side of us received their food in a timely manner though, so I would suggest you just stay away from Josh while you're there and I feel sorry for the young lady in training that is learning from him.
(1)Isabelle D.
I like how they remodeled this place. But apparently the owner made too much money and pick their customers. The let a group in and refuse to take us. WTF? He claims that they are his friends and we can't eat there until 5:00. Great equal treatment. To be fair though. Sushi is not bad, but the hamachi is horrible.
(1)Chris P.
Best sushi in BR. Only give it 4 stars because of how packed it always is and it is a little bit expensive.
(4)Ken H.
The service was pretty lousy when my date and I went for dinner on a Saturday, but the food was amazing. It took a while for us to be seated and other parties of 2 were going ahead of us until we kinda spoke up to the hostesses and reminded them that we were there. When we were seated, they pretty much took us on a lap around the restaurant as if they had no idea what tables were open and were just trying to squish us in wherever possible. Once seated, we had a great experience. The rolls were delicious and didn't take forever to get during a peak time of the day, beverages ice cold and constantly refilled. I'll definitely be back for more visits, just kind of hoping that they get the hostesses on the same page so they can figure out where to sit their guests quickly without having to walk around the entire building just to wind up sitting near the front doors.
(4)Mustafa S.
Seafood fried rice was great. Very large portion too. The restaurant is really nice since they've renovated, but I'm not a huge fan of the sushi here. There are other places in the area that serve better sushi at a lower price. With that being said, the hibachi here never disappoints.
(3)Rusti L.
This is the worst Hibachi experience I've ever had. We clearly were celebrating my daughter's 10th birthday (as evidenced by the cake in tow) and the cook did not flip, toss, or juggle a single thing. The whole reason we selected Hibachi versus regular Asian fare was for the "entertainment" piece of the dining experience. What's worse is that when we brought it to the attention of the owner/manager he did not even apologize. He seemed very disinterested and dismissive. About five minutes before we were about to leave, the Hibachi grill across from us had this great, dynamic cook that could juggle multiple utensils and interacted with the table telling jokes and having a blast. Wow, can we get a little consistency Mr. Ichiban owner? My daughter was crushed. Thanks for ruining her birthday lunch. WE WON'T BE BACK.
(1)LaKeshia T.
I love going here. I really love the shrimp fried rice!! The new atmosphere is really nice!!
(5)Elizabeth D.
If you're looking for great sushi, this is the place to go! I have been to nearly every sushi restaurant in Baton Rouge and this is by far my favorite. I have never tried the hibachi grill so I can't vouch for that, but I would imagine the quality is the same.
(5)Fourty F.
Ok you got me Baton Rouge. Im blown away...another time getting lost works out. Not only is the sushi good but so is the music. Its all chill out and Thievery Corp...its Sunday and packed for good reason. I was pleasantly surprised and borderline blown away - especially after a 900 mile drive from Ft Lauderdale...surprisingly being let down by all Coconut Grove Sushi joints...damn. Try, try. This is a no bull-shit LA kine review...ask around. I havent yelped in months. Arigato Let me say this: This place can probably survive in Southern California. Take that Silverlake Sushi joints.
(5)Danica R.
Never mind the fact that the hostess is completely unhappy with her job, this place is fantastic. Love the food and atmosphere.!
(5)Logan H.
Great sushi, draft beer selection (fat tire), and service. Also have had hibachi, top notch!
(5)Beth C.
Who sends customers away before the place is officially closed? Ichiban does! You cannot run a business by not taking customers!
(1)Kimberly D.
Definitely my go to sushi! Never a let down! The hibachi is amazing and the He-roll and moscano roll are mouthwatering!
(5)Lisa J.
Sweet god of nigiri, it IS possible to get great sushi in this city! After trying multiple sushi joints here, I had basically given up hope and consigned myself to always having "decent but not great" sushi while in town. Thankfully Ichiban has lived up to its name and provided the best sushi around (and even topped out a lot of my local Atlanta joints, which is saying something). I was a little turned off by the strip mall location and signage outside (it looked a little sketch, not gonna lie) but once inside the decor was tasteful and minimalistic. I was able to choose my own seat at the sushi bar, and all the sushi chefs greeted me warmly (always a nice thing). My waiter was friendly and efficient without being pesky (very important when I have a Hot Date with an Excellent Book and don't want to be interrupted constantly). I'm always a little hesitant to order nigiri at a new sushi restaurant the first time, just because you so often get sub-par fish, either due to the cut or the freshness. Ichiban looked promising, though, so I ordered from fresh salmon nigiri and some shrimp nigiri, along with one of their more ridiculous rolls (the Pink Lady - salmon, crab, avocado and asparagus wrapped in rice and pink rice paper). The salmon nigiril was so good that it practically melted in my mouth. Heavenly. After salmon that good it would have taken a lot to bring me down, but the shrimp nigiri and the roll were also quite good. After Tiger Sushi (with fish so not-fresh that it literally caused me to gag) and Sake Cafe (home of too much over-cooked rice), Ichiban was a breath of fresh air. It will be a difficult task to convince me to have sushi anywhere else in the city.
(5)Tyler d.
Arrived about 10 min before they're posted closing time of 2:30 and the young manager turned us away because he was letting the kitchen staff off early. He was doing this because they had a slow day. We explained that we had driven an hour to have lunch and he's only response was "sorry". They have good sushi here, but that is crappy service and a terrible way to run a business. If your hours are 2:30 then serve people if they arrive before that time. Period. Inexcusable. Won't come back.
(1)Bill D.
Great place. Recommended to me by a co worker above the other local sushi joints. It appears to be newly renovated. The sushi bar is glass, very cool. Service at the bar was great, cannot say the same for my waitress. My beer was slow, and late. I won't let that kill the vibe though!
(5)s L.
Is this a joke? I went to Ichiban on the recommendation that it was one of the best sushi restaurants in BR. This does not bode well for the rest of the sushi places in this town. Granted, I didn't eat the sushi, but opted for take out with my staple food group = nabeyaki udon. They don't even have what I would normally identify as udon noodles, they're something else. And most of it was boiled napa cabbage and carrots. I should've known when the girl who answered the phone asked if I wanted soy sauce with my take out order.
(1)Drew H.
goo service and I went for the chicken teriyaki instead of getting sushi. damn...should have got the sushi as the chicken was average. i stole some sushi from buddy and it was good.
(3)Sarah R.
Um Hello!?! You haven't been here yet?! Well, you better hurry up!!! First off, I'm astonished at how amazing this place is. (Hint, the 5 star rating!) This place is a gem... a true meaning to sushi. And I'm completely blown away as to how this gem arrived in Batonr Rouge. Who woulda thought!? The Sushi is amazing here. I havent had one bad experienece... I can't say the same about some other places... but different story for a different day. I've only been here a few times and each time, its usually busy. BUT not busy enough where you dont get the attention. Its busy because its delicious! I usually stick with Sushi rolls... All of it is freshly prepared. The quality of the food is impeccable. The Habachi is phenomenal... the chefs make it fun to watch and eat. They have this "Yummy Yummy" sauce... OMG! a must with the fried rice!! When I got Habachi, i got the lunch special- Shrimp and chicken for only $14.00! It definitely filled me up, entertained me and made me want to return. With the sushi rolls, i stick to what i like... I really like the Surf Roll, Spicy Tuna roll, RedStick Dragon Roll, Chrunchy Roll, etc. All of it is delicious! They are doing some remodeling, which looks like its closed but if you walk to the left side, you will see a front door. When finished, the remodeling looks promising and will definitely bring more business from the busy street. If you havent stopped by now, then you better hurry up! It will get super busy fast!!
(5)Jade O.
We have tried many sushi restaurants in Baton Rouge. Some of them cheaper, some we love, some we don't like so much, and this is our favorite of all. The place is beautiful, the sushi is more than some of the other places in town, but from what we have found, it is well worth the price, even though we are on a budget, because the quality really is that much better so you get more out of your meal. We typically get a few rolls to share for take out every once in a while and it is a really easy meal when we want to eat something fresh, light, and delicious. This is definitely one of my favorite places in Baton Rouge and my fiance agrees.
(5)Phi N.
One of the better places to get sushi in Baton Rouge. No matter what I've had here, it's always been good. The fish taste fresh and rolls are delicious. Service has always been great here and the wait staff are very friendly. Great place for sushi and sake bombs! ^_^
(4)jerry d.
The scoop: I had the California roll as an appetizer----it was the only sushi that I ever that I actually liked. So good job there. However, the teriyaka sirloin was sub-par to say the least. I also found the service decent, but not great. Admittedly, I know this is a "sushi" restaurant, so I will try them again in a lil while and post another review.
(3)Mary Walker B.
I think this is the only hibachi in town. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's pretty good. The sushi is great, the atmosphere is great and the prices are reasonable. Fun for groups, parties, bdays, etc.
(4)Toni M.
Very disappointed. We've been here many MANY times over the years and tonight may keep us from returning. Started off calling for reservations for 4 people at a Hibachi table and was told it wasn't needed. When we arrived it was going to be a 30 min wait... No problem at all we can wait. About 40 mins later we are told they were mistaken it was going to be longer than that not sure how long. All this while a Hibachi table sat empty from the time we arrived. I was told it was being held for a reservation that was running late!?!?! We finally got a table about an hour and a half later. Sushi was good. The chef comes out with the food... Finally. He did nothing but cook. No fun flipping food, no onion volcano, no fake bottle of anything to squirt at the kids NOTHING! My 9 year old asked me when the eggs were going to start flying my response was I'm not sure if he does that. The chef overheard and said you want to catch food? Son says yes so he starts flinging broccoli. That was it no entertainment other than 2 pieces of broccoli. He was very rushed and ready to get off I guess. The fried rice was very undercooked my filet was just ok. After the meal my 9 year old reminded me I had promised him fried ice-cream at this point I'm tired and ready to go but I ask if we can order dessert... I'm quickly told NO the kitchen is already closed. Had I really cared about the dessert I think I would have argued but I didn't. Just thought it was a little rude since we had actually been there for over 2.5 hours. 170.00 later (which I don't mind spending normally) I feel like we got the shaft, I didn't complain bc what good would it due?? I just felt bad because one of the boys with us had never been and neither had 3 of the people in the other group at our table. I think back to my first experience there (when my 9yr old was 6 DAYS old) and remember how much fun it was for our group and how good the food was.
(2)Ale F.
Best place in town! First of all, Kim is amazing! Best bartender ever! The sushi is so good and fresh- they really care about the customer satisfaction here. The beef fried rice with veggies is addictive and lasts for days! They're later hours are a plus, as sadly, most sushi joints close early??? This place has closed for a month to renovate- longest month ever..and I cannot wait for the grand re-opening.. Any day now please? Delicious!
(5)Daniel M.
Best sushi in Baton Rouge. Seafood Fried Rice like this cannot be found anywhere else in town. Lunch favorite: Grilled Tuna Steak. Comes with rice and soup or salad. Quick, tasty, affordable.
(5)Kim M.
Great Food! Wait was 45 mins but my party spent that time at the bar, therefore it didn't seem as long. Drinks were good! Food was Good. I'd definitely visit again!
(4)Dre A.
Ode to a Hungry Girl wanting Lunch...A sushi lunch that is..... I walked into Ichiban during lunch time. I did not know what to order -- I only knew that I wanted a dish with lots of sashimi. I asked the Hostess to describe the Sushi Combo Box and she told me it was everything I ever wanted at that moment in time - i.e. lots of fish / sashimi!!! "Should I order another roll? I asked, I am pretty hungry." Oh no, said the Host --- the sushi combo box, she emphasized is a LOT of food....Based on her description and recommendation, I ordered the sushi combo box to go -- poor hungry foolish me --- WHAT A RIP OFF! the sushi box combo turned out to be!!! For $11.50 I got little clumps of rice with "tiny" I repeat "tiny" slivers of fish! Clumps of Rice!!!! Whaaaaaattt? Clumps of Rice that probably cost this place 0.15 cents a serving!! Scandalous!!! Do you realize I could have gotten more out of Ichiban by ordering a Rainbow Roll??? I called the manager and complained about my order - explaining to him that I only ordered the sushi combo box based on the description and recommendation of the Host. His reply was "well that's just the way its made." He didn't offer me a refund, or a an alternative meal, or at the very least -- apologize for the Host's lack of knowledge or for my dissatisfaction. I cannot tolerate poor customer service practices especially by managers who should know that "word of mouth" can make or break a business. There are four other sushi places within a one mile radius that I will be frequenting and taking my clients and colleagues to the in future as a result of my experience - b'cause, as one wise bird told me "ain't nobody got time for that!"
(1)Andy S.
Very good, very fresh, very clean. I was especially impressed with our server who actually came back quickly after bringing me my check!
(4)Trudy F.
The tables were dirty and sticky and the dishes was not clean. The food was so-so. The service was horrible our servers, name was Bonnie and every time we needed something we couldn't find her. We had to ask other servers for everything, she did not come back and check on us. I left her my normal tip, 18%, anyway! This was my second time to go. I will not go back, it is overcrowded and not enough servers. And it's very expensive also!!
(3)Tom E.
Went here on a Tuesday night and sat at the sushi bar. I found the rolls to be a little bit on the expensive side and was craving more fish but less rice and sauce, so I went with their sashimi platter. For $21, I guess I was expecting a little bit more. Platter was 15 pieces of sashimi: 4 tuna, 3 salmon, 3 yellowtail, 3 white tuna, and 2 octopus. Quality was very good, which is why it's getting 4 stars instead of 3, and I'd go again, but it's not a place I can't wait to hit next time I'm in town.
(4)Scott J.
I came here for lunch during work for some sushi. I sat in the hibachi area since we had a big group and it was a nice area. The chef was very entertaining. Although I did not order any sashimi, the sushi rolls i got were very good. There are a lot of sushi restaurants in Baton Rouge and it's hard to stand out, so I'd say its on par with the other sushi restaurants int he city.
(4)Kelly G.
I came here with family to celebrate my birthday last weekend. Overall, a good choice. (I wish I could give it three and a half stars.) First, the cons. For a place with such great, creative food, I feel they could pay more attention to the little things. In particular, our menus looked pretty battered, and the decor in general seems to have seen better days. The table service was pretty awkward. (I get the idea that many of their staff were quite new.) My biggest complaint here is that all our food (apps, soups, salads and sushi) came out pretty much at once. It WAS early in the day... but my dinner felt rushed as a result, and as I mentioned, it was a special occasion dinner. Not a huge deal, but certainly off-putting. Simply put, I would not return to eat here on service or ambiance alone. Ok, now I can rave about the food. We partook of their appetizer specials and were not disappointed in the least. The chargrilled oysters were amazing. We scarfed them down in about two seconds flat. And the Tokyo poppers (the usual jalapeno popper concept, only sliced like a sushi roll, tempura fried, and then drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili sauce) were, in a word, heaven. I would go back just for another plate of these. Or two or three. The sushi was very good as well. Fresh, well crafted, beautifully presented. No complaints. As for cocktails, my Tokyo Cosmo (a Cosmo, poured with Sake) was quite tasty. Dessert was much less interesting. Basic fried ice cream. Meh. Prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. I will definitely go back.
(3)Scott S.
This is the only place I've eaten sushi at within the Baton Rouge area, so I can only compare it to the sushi on the West Coast and now New Orleans. Having said that, it seemed completely average. Were Goldilocks to visit (aka break and enter) three sushi places, she'd probably choose this one to call the cops on her thieving ass. Speaking of women running from bear cops (if by speaking I mean I totally didn't mention that part until now), prices were reasonable, not high or low. Portion sizes on the sashimi seemed a bit below average, but considering all the food we got, that didn't really matter. Wait, did I just say size doesn't matter as long as you get enough? Goldilocks could never wear that T-shirt. The Snorg Tee girl could though, if she's fast enough to escape the bears... Anyhow, we ordered their boat, which is quite a bit of food for the price. I think it was around $50 for a selection of sashimi, nigiri sushi, the house roll (covered in crunchies for those who like that), tempura veggies, soup, salad, and tempura bananas with ice cream and sauce for dessert. I told you it was a lot of food. But did you listen? No, because you're reading this, not listening to it. So, that's ok. Nothing really stood out for better or worse, ergo the three stars. Seems like a reliable place to go for sushi if you're not looking for anything extraordinary and just want to enjoy some raw fish and good company without being overcharged. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that, unless you've got golden locks and just performed your 5th B&E of the evening because you're addicted to the rush you get perpetually crossing the line, daring yourself to get caught, by rabid grizzly bears.
(3)Extreme M.
I have eaten at 4 sushi restaurants in Baton Rouge now and even though I still have a couple more in mind to try, as of right now, I have to say Ichiban's is still ranking no. 1 in my book. Their sushi is just so fresh! The salmon in the Spicy Salmon roll is so fresh it just unbelievable. Their vegetable roll, which I didn't think I would like, I now LOVE. I never knew I loved japanese pickles! My absolute favorite which I have to give a personal award to is the Snowcrab Salad. This is to DIE for! It's a creamy pile of snowcrab meat seasoned just right, mounded on top of a very fresh romaine lettuce leaf, then topped off with a healthy teaspoonful of masago (yum!), and fresh avocado slices fanned out in a nice presentation then polished off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This is the only salad I can say I will eat the lettuce underneath it too! The sesame seeds I thought were unnessary till I tasted it and realized they give it a nice nutty kick mixed in with the butteriness of the avocado and snowcrab, then there's the slightly salty crunch from the masago and somewhat from the sesame seeds too. Oh man!...this is my favorite salad! REALLY good! Can't find it in any other restaurant either. It's an Ichiban's special! Since my first review, I have tried the Hibatchi grill several times. I have to give it a thumbs up as well. I've eaten at other hibatchis but they just couldn't hold a candle to Ichiban's! Their vegetables and the sauce they use gives it that smokey grilled yumminess to them. Not to mention the hibatchi chef is super entertaining! The fried rice from the hibatchi was excellent as well. I have also tried the steamed Gyoza dumplings and Tempura Vegetables, excellent. The Thai roll was a little too much fried stuff for me, I like to keep it fresher than fried. I also love the spicy Crawfish Roll (simple roll with only spicy crawfish inside), excellent! The Crunchy Roll is still consistently excellent. Best crunchy roll in Baton Rouge!!!..hands down! If you aren't feeling like you want spice, then try the mild yet buttery Salmon Roll (salmon and avocado), excellent. I wasn't too much of a fan of the Shrimp Tempura roll, but that's a personal preference; it was still really good if you're looking for fried. Snowcrab roll is excellent. I've also tried the Salmon Naruto and Snowcrab Naruto, both excellent, top notch! My favorite specialty roll is the Pink Lady (snowcrab, asparagus, avocado, crunchy, and spicy salmon wrapped in pink soy paper). YUM!, it's so good! It's a fairly large roll though. The LSU roll is an excellent choice as well (fried oyster, snowcrab, asparagus, avocado, topped with crunchy and purple and gold sweet sauces). There are probably other rolls similar to the ones I've mentioned that I can't remember which ones I've tried. I've eaten at this restaurant so many times now...which is proof that it has such a good reputation that it's worth going back again and again. Parking can sometimes be a pain, but other than that, this restaurant is top notch. If you want a quieter spot in the restaurant, I would suggest sitting in the sushi bar area, not the restaurant area. Just gets WAY too noisy in the other part of this restaurant. I want my sushi dining experience calm-like. Be prepared to wait to be seated if you go around 7 or 8 p.m. though as they pack in the crowd! Even take-out has to wait long times (sometimes 30 mins.) at peak serving hours. Wait staff could be more attentive with packaging the to-go boxes as sometimes they have not taken care to keep them from spilling hibachi grilled vegetables juices in the bag which have gone through holes in the bag onto my car's carpet. I've since spoken to the manager and it seems they are trying to keep that from happening since, so thumbs up there. The clear soup is the best here! Always served hot which just makes it that much more excellent. I've also tried the Yaki Udon noodles, excellent choice if you are looking for something similar to lo mein but japanese style. It's a mix of Udon noodles with your choice of meat (I tried chicken) and cabbage and shredded vegetables such as carrots. Really good. I suggest you give this restaurant a try and if they don't satisfy you somehow with wait staff or service, talk to the manager who is super nice and he will smooth everything out for you. He defeintely strives to keep his restaurant running smoothly and for you to return. Gotta love that!
(5)Hoa N.
One of my favorite sushi spots, especially when I am visiting my family for the holidays. This is our go to restuarant for sushi in the Baton Rouge area. I really appreciate the variety of the sushi menu, rolls, habachi grill option, and a full service bar. There is something for everyone, even for the sushi novices. They have many concotions of different rolls, such as the LSU roll, Ichiban roll, etc. They are all tasty, but sometimes the rolls become too muddled with sauces that I feel like I've ordered two of the same rolls. My favorite dish here is the baked salmon, a specialty dish I've only seen in sushi restuarants in Louisana. The best I've tasted compared to other sushi establishments in the area. All in all 5 stars for a fun classy ambiance, great service, quality of food, and consistency.
(5)Kelley K.
+3 stars for decent sushi & okay atmosphere. -2 for strange service and only being okay sushi. Ichiban is fairly typical sushi fare: mostly large "specialty" rolls with "crunchy", avocado, mayonnaise, sweet soy, etc. Their actual nigiri (our server didn't
(3)Paulina N.
living in Baton Rouge for so long, I pretty much have tried every sushi restaurant and Ichiban is still my favorite. I eat here at least once a month and it's one of the best sushi restaurants I've ever been to. Their tuna tataki is to die for ^_^ service is always great!
(5)Margaret G.
After looking for a Habachi Restaurant to take my grand-daughter to we decided on Ichiban. Glad we did. The cook was so sweet and considerate of our seven year old and so was the server. He put on a great show and made her feel special calling her by her name. Food was great! Had the steak, shrimp combination. Sides were delicious and dessert was exceptional. It was the fried ice cream. It's good to see some restaurants still know how to make your dining experience one you will remember. There was more food then we could eat. We had to get "To Go" boxes. I believe that hopefully you get what you pay for and the food and staff make this worth the money. We definitely will return.
(5)Wendy and Andrew B.
Really good sushi! This was our third attempt at sushi in Baton Rouge and it was a success. We sat at the sushi bar and the sushi chefs were very, very polite. Andrew says it was probably because of my low-cut tank top which may be true but if it wasn't so freaking hot in Baton Rouge then I could dress more conservatively. They portions were big and we were full from three rolls between the two of us. We had the spicy tuna, crunchy dynamite, and the pink lady. The pink lady roll was quite good and came in about a 3-4 bite pieces. We also had the edamame (and it was warm! cold edamame just isn't as satisfying). Overall, really good, and we were told to try to Ichiban roll next time.
(4)JB B.
Great sushi, but waiter tacked on HUGE tip to my credit card bill on July 9th! He did the same to our friend who ate with us. Had to call credit card to report, not nice at all!
(2)Scott O.
Best sushi value in Baton Rouge. Period. The sushi at Tsunami is arguably a little better, but you'll pay about twice as much at Tsunami. The sushi is still delicious here, however. They have some interesting rolls including the Tiger Eye. The menu has a lot of different choices; you can have something different every time if you like. Service is usually good. There can be a long wait to get in some nights; I suggest getting take-out if you don't want to wait.
(5)Jake S.
Excellent sushi and sashimi in a Cajun town. The waiter was very attentive and made some excellent suggestions too. Perhaps a bit pricey but, hey, for a good sushi I am willing to spend my employers money!
(4)Steve M.
One of the best sushi spots in town. I have never got a bad piece of fish here. I judge a sushi place on the rice in the nigiri sushi and it has never been disappointing here.
(4)Chris V.
This restaurant is astounding! Along with impeccable, attentive service, you can find delicious sushi. This restaurant features a bar, a great Hibachi grill, a sushi bar, and traditional dining tables. Just about every roll is unique and delicious, and there are great side dishes, too. If you wish to come here for dinner, then I suggest you make a reservation (although they are not always necessary). I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Liz H.
Would recommend this sushi place to anyone!!
(4)Jessica R.
I really enjoy this sushi place in Baton Rouge. I LOVE the sake selection and the atmosphere. I enjoy going on dates here, having dinner with friends, and have even had a birthday party here.
(3)Corey S.
Great food, great service, decent prices... I was very impressed by the speed of service. Everything came super quick and our server was very nice. Our food was absolutely delicious and reasonably portioned. If you're looking for something different, try the baked salmon (good for people who don't like raw fish). We also got some delicious rolls. Best part might have been the "purple haze" (not of the Abita variety). Who would have known that sake + chambord = awesome!? My only complaint is that they don't give you descriptions of their sushi rolls automatically. You have to ask. The couples on either side of us both asked us confused if we knew where a list was, so it wasn't just us. That being said, I'd definitely hit this place up again!
(5)Emily S.
Ichiban's is the reason I love sushi... I'd tried it before elsewhere and wasn't impressed, but the the delicious rolls at Ichiban's created a sushi obsession. As far as entertainment goes, the hibachi bar is hit or miss depending on which chef you get. However, the taste is consistently better than anywhere else I've tried. This is definitely a great place for sushi & hibachi in Baton Rouge!
(4)Kurt S.
I've been all over the world. Best sushi I have ever eaten. Ask for Johnnie Joe,Sushi Chef. His service will complement your dining experience!
(5)Kristen R.
I am a big fan of this place. When I come home from business I try to eat here. out of all the places in Baton Rouge, I believe this is the best Sushi you will get.
(5)Kenny W.
By far the freshest tasting sushi in Baton Rouge. Every time we go we always have great service and even better food. Try the Ichiban Roll its the best!
(5)David D.
My favorite Sushi resturaunt in Baton Rouge. Has a nice atmosphere and the food is top notch. The staff is friendly, and the prices are typical for a Sushi resuraunt. For lunch the wait time it not too bad, but for dinner be prepared to wait about 20 minutes.
(5)Ella K.
I travel to Baton Rouge about once every couple of months, and always eat here. The sushi is fresh and delicious. The service is usually good as well. I wish they had the descriptions of the rolls on their to go or website menu, but other than that, it's good sushi. I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had, but definitely a consistent performer and above average.
(4)Scott O.
Best sushi value in Baton Rouge. Period. The sushi at Tsunami is arguably a little better, but you'll pay about twice as much at Tsunami. The sushi is still delicious here, however. They have some interesting rolls including the Tiger Eye. The menu has a lot of different choices; you can have something different every time if you like. Service is usually good. There can be a long wait to get in some nights; I suggest getting take-out if you don't want to wait.
(5)Jake S.
Excellent sushi and sashimi in a Cajun town. The waiter was very attentive and made some excellent suggestions too. Perhaps a bit pricey but, hey, for a good sushi I am willing to spend my employers money!
(4)Steve M.
One of the best sushi spots in town. I have never got a bad piece of fish here. I judge a sushi place on the rice in the nigiri sushi and it has never been disappointing here.
(4)Chris V.
This restaurant is astounding! Along with impeccable, attentive service, you can find delicious sushi. This restaurant features a bar, a great Hibachi grill, a sushi bar, and traditional dining tables. Just about every roll is unique and delicious, and there are great side dishes, too. If you wish to come here for dinner, then I suggest you make a reservation (although they are not always necessary). I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Liz H.
Would recommend this sushi place to anyone!!
(4)Jessica R.
I really enjoy this sushi place in Baton Rouge. I LOVE the sake selection and the atmosphere. I enjoy going on dates here, having dinner with friends, and have even had a birthday party here.
(3)Corey S.
Great food, great service, decent prices... I was very impressed by the speed of service. Everything came super quick and our server was very nice. Our food was absolutely delicious and reasonably portioned. If you're looking for something different, try the baked salmon (good for people who don't like raw fish). We also got some delicious rolls. Best part might have been the "purple haze" (not of the Abita variety). Who would have known that sake + chambord = awesome!? My only complaint is that they don't give you descriptions of their sushi rolls automatically. You have to ask. The couples on either side of us both asked us confused if we knew where a list was, so it wasn't just us. That being said, I'd definitely hit this place up again!
(5)Emily S.
Ichiban's is the reason I love sushi... I'd tried it before elsewhere and wasn't impressed, but the the delicious rolls at Ichiban's created a sushi obsession. As far as entertainment goes, the hibachi bar is hit or miss depending on which chef you get. However, the taste is consistently better than anywhere else I've tried. This is definitely a great place for sushi & hibachi in Baton Rouge!
(4)Kurt S.
I've been all over the world. Best sushi I have ever eaten. Ask for Johnnie Joe,Sushi Chef. His service will complement your dining experience!
(5)Kristen R.
I am a big fan of this place. When I come home from business I try to eat here. out of all the places in Baton Rouge, I believe this is the best Sushi you will get.
(5)Kenny W.
By far the freshest tasting sushi in Baton Rouge. Every time we go we always have great service and even better food. Try the Ichiban Roll its the best!
(5)David D.
My favorite Sushi resturaunt in Baton Rouge. Has a nice atmosphere and the food is top notch. The staff is friendly, and the prices are typical for a Sushi resuraunt. For lunch the wait time it not too bad, but for dinner be prepared to wait about 20 minutes.
(5)Ella K.
I travel to Baton Rouge about once every couple of months, and always eat here. The sushi is fresh and delicious. The service is usually good as well. I wish they had the descriptions of the rolls on their to go or website menu, but other than that, it's good sushi. I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had, but definitely a consistent performer and above average.
(4)Jenny N.
Erhhmagerd I love eating here!! The sushi is amazing, and it's the best place I've ever gone to for sushi no doubt. I came here often during my undergrad days, and I'm super sad now that I don't live in Baton Rouge anymore! I've gone to Ichiban once for lunch and plenty of times for dinner, and I always have a great experience with the food and the service. Ichiban is the reason I started eating sashimi and sushi rolls with raw fish (I used to avoid anything raw). Everything tastes so FRESH! & you've also got to ask for the SEAFOOD SAUCE to dip your sushi in when you go! It's the best sauce ever! Here are a few things I've eaten here that I often get or just really enjoyed: salmon sashimi appetizer: pieces of fresh raw salmon on ice; super refreshing and tasty yellowtail yuzu: yellowtail sashimi with jalapeños and ponzu sauce; I can't eat spicy so I avoid the jalapeños. . . That just made me realize I might as well just get the yellowtail sashimi appetizer instead . . . -__- Anyways! Also refreshing. moscona roll: Best sushi roll I've ever eaten. . . EVER. I like the crunchiness and sweetness of the macadamia nuts in this roll. seafood fried rice: I really like how the fried rice has different types of seafood in it. Very simple yet delicious. My favorite kind of fried rice! bone-in ribeye (kyoto style): Very disappointed. . . that it wasn't available the last time I came into Ichiban! My body was so ready for the steak! Kyoto style comes with crab meat, and you won't regret paying a little extra for it. One of the best steaks I've ever had. Don't really remember how it tasted but I just know it was really good and worth the pricy price.
(5)Ben B.
Apple, Google maps, App Store and all GPS related apps; thank you not so very much for deciding to crap down and have your servers crashed 4th of July week. I had to go old school to try and locate this place, at the end, I was able to find it without using the phone and it was worth the little adventure. I made it just in time before they got super busy, hostess greeted me as soon as I walked in and was seated within seconds. Waiter came in within a minute and my food arrived within 10-15 minutes. On to the food, started off with an avocado roll, I love avocado and I like rice and having the two of them in a perfectly sized bite is even better. Main dish consisted of a noodle bowl "soup", my first thoughts were, " well, it looks interesting and not what I expected so hopefully it tastes good" contents consisted of carrots, chopped lettuce, chives, noodles (very nice and rich) chicken, shrimp and squid all mixed in a sweet clear broth, definitely didn't expect the sweet part. By the way, Judy Greer, from Jurassic world was at the restaurant. How certain am I? About 99%.
(5)Jake S.
My favorite place for sushi. The sushi bar is great because we normally show up early enough that we can sit down right away. My personal favorites are the ichiban roll with no crunchy (it's good with it, i just prefer it without) and the fire in the hole. The fire in the hole is amazing as long as you like spicy. My wife really enjoys the popeye (it's wrapped in spinach) and kiss-me rolls. Probably the best dish they have outside of sushi is the baked salmon. Get it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jannean D.
A sushi staple here in Baton Rouge! Ichiban has been around for a while and it's not hard to understand why. They recently renovated, creating a hip edge to the place. They have a temp controlled patio that I still need to try. Their Ichiban roll is my go-to roll. Always super fresh, packed with fish and crabmeat, and topped with delicious eel sauce. Can't go wrong! My husband swears that their crunchy dynamite is the best in town and congratulates himself each time he orders it. Their menu is packed with items you expect on any sushi menu and lots of house specialties. The cheat sheet gives insight into the ingredients, but you can rest assured that they are always fresh and delicious. Ichiban has lots of sauces and are generous with bringing side dishes of any of them. Speaking of generous...... The bartenders! Their drinks are definitely worth the money. And if, like me, your palate errs toward unusual martinis, the bartender will look them up to mix just for you. Quick tip on fail-safe choices: edamame always perfect; rock and roll, Ichiban, or bayou rolls are amazing, baked salmon is melt-in-your-mouth fantastic; fried ice cream is a delectable finale!
(4)VL J.
Always good never disappointed. The sushi and hibachi are some of Baton Rouge best. Also great ice bar
(5)Charity C.
The food is consistently good here, and the atmosphere is fun. My friends both had sushi and loved the rolls they chose, while I had the shrimp tempura dinner, which was good (not outstanding, but a good solid choice for a non-sushi eater). I've had hibachi here before that has been lots of fun--and delicious! I was excited to see my favorite wine (Evolution) on the menu, as very few restaurants serve it!!
(4)Brittany B.
I could eat here everyday all day. Outside seating is nice. Service is always great. Food is great hibachi is wonderful. My favorite roll is the Ichiban roll hands down. Shrimp tempura is great. And seafood fried rice is heavenly. Not a fan of their appetizers. My friend loves their fried ice cream. Fried cheesecake is pretty great too. Can't go wrong with basics like snow crab salad, mis soup, or edamame.
(4)Erica R.
Came here for lunch, ordered sushi and a combination plate (steak, chicken, shrimp). They serve their teriyaki dishes different than most Japanese places - the shrimp were fried and so were some of the veggies (like the zucchini). Overall, the food was good although I was not a fan of the veggies, neither the fried ones or the mixed veggies I ordered on the side. The fried rice was okay not great. Steak and chicken - okay. The standout was the sushi, especially the spicy crawfish roll, it was delish. The service was pretty good for it to be the lunchtime rush. This will definitely become a go-to for a lunchtime sushi fix.
(3)Olivia D.
THIS REVIEW IS MAINLY TOWARDS OUR MOST RECENT SERVICE WE RECEIVED FROM OUR WAITRESS. I wish I could write separate reviews for service and food because every time I've came service and food were excellent until tonight. Our waitress is named Laurie and I'm pretty certain she is new because none of us have ever seen her before. Now before I began my rant I always like to mention that I am a server myself so I do understand the server life but this was horrible. So first annoyance is when we ordered a bottle of Plum Sake. While she carded us, she checked thoroughly which is no problem. We're asian so we all look younger then we are. However when she came across my friends ID she examined it and questioned if it was new. He said yeah he just turned 21 in March. She then replies "well I just got mine in November and it doesn't look like that." He suggested for her to scan it and he even showed other proof of identity. She looked longer for 2 minutes all sketched out and then let it go. Secondly, we were a party of 6 but only 4 of us arrived first. We ordered our food first and kept 1 menu. She then comes back with appetizers and asked us, "are your friends still coming? Well will they be ordering when they come?" Why would that matter... Your kitchen doesn't close until another 3 hours what's the rush. Thirdly, we asked for a quite of few condiments which she didn't bother to write down and she gave us all the wrong ones! We corrected her and she then says "so do you not want this?" No because it's not what we asked for.. she then mumbles "well they're going to be mad" how is that our fault? Fourthly, she forgot an entree we ordered. The computer system is literally right next to our table... and the restaurant was no where near busy. When we reminded her she then puts it in and then had another server bring it out to us as a togo when it was for here. Fifthly, we ordered togo but on a separate ticket. I understand gratuity is allowed on big parties but not for a togo. When I explained to her that our togo had gratuity she response with "well you are a party of 6 blah blah.." I then told her how I understand that and we will pay for the gratuity worth of the food we ate here, but do you grat those that only order togo? I hope not. (Honestly this wouldn't have been an issue if she was a good server.) Lastly, she stands around us and after signing our receipt she reaches across our table and picks up the checkbook. That is honestly the rudest thing a server can do. You wait until the customer offers it to you or leaves before you pick up the checkbook. This review doesn't explain enough of the bad service we received. Maybe she needs more training, whatever the case is we all felt that she ruined our dining. the food here is great and the owner is very welcoming, hilarious and kind. I just hope your experience doesn't end up like ours when it comes to customer service.
(3)Jeff W.
The Lunch Hibachi is a great deal! The chef was humorous, his cooking tricks were impressive, and the Hibachi Steak was terrific. The Lunch Hibachi included a soup or salad (I had the salad), hibachi vegetables and hibachi fried rice. The Tempura Shrimp and Vegetables were an awesome appetizer! I would definitely return! Very clean establishment
(5)Anne J.
I absolutely love hibachi so when I was invited several months back to attend a birthday celebration at Ichiban, I was absolutely THRILLED. Thankfully this was pre-Yelp days so they've had a chance to redeem themselves from my first experience. Ichiban is the number one hibachi restaurant in Baton Rouge, which is a great honor. It is nestled off of Essen Rd near Zorba's and French Quarter Daiquiris. If you blink you'll miss it. The well-kept exterior deserves a second glance since it is the nicest restaurant in the area. Walking up, this establishment is well-lit and breathtaking which tells you there's more in store. The interior of the restaurant emits an ambience that not every hibachi establishment can achieve. A lively bar overlooks intimate booths. The bar and booth area have their own feel, almost as if separate from the remainder of the restaurant. Hibachi tabletops center the restaurant leading to dining tables and a private hibachi tabletop in its own enclosure. The well-mannered staff is very attentive and prompt to take your order. They offer a large variety of sushi, hibachi and even sake! The chefs are always a delight, exercising hibachi art and wit. They are very welcoming to newcomers. The food here is delicious, simply put. They start off with a ginger salad (my favorite ever) and a soup, a vegetarian-friendly miso or chicken broth. My usual is the vegetarian hibachi (which means I get a larger portion of the veggies that they cook for everyone else). They're always perfectly sauteed and perfectly seasoned. The smell from all of the different foods cooked on the tabletop are very appealing. You can finish off with a handful of desserts to choose from or a hot tea. My biggest complaint from both experiences is the lack of hibachi chefs for large parties. Both times we occupied two connecting tabletops and were told that we would have our foods prepared at the same time. Both times we scheduled a reservation in advance. And both times half of the table drooled, growing impatient while watching the opposite table get their food prepared. Each time we heard 'Your chef will be right out' throughout the course of prepration to the end of the opposite table's meal. Overall, the hibachi experience at Ichiban is great. I do not reccommend dining with a party larger than 8 for fear of hangry starvation. The food is tasty and well-prepared and the portions are more than filling. The staff is accommodating and the hibachi chefs are very entertaining. The price is well-worth the package as a whole. I recommend Ichiban for an intimate night out, whether to dine or grab drinks or for a (small) group outing. Either way, you'll be pleased.
(4)Joanna A.
I recently visited Ichiban,for a birthday dinner.From what I hear, it is one of the best sushi & hibachi places in Baton Rouge. The food was good, the portions were small compared to some other hibachi grills, especially for the pricing. One thing I found very good was the hibachi chef "cowboy " he was very entertaining and personable. He made the hibachi experience very fun and entertaining. The service from everyone was excellent. Oh..... I forgot, the sushi was great as well, I ordered the Rock &Roll. It was fresh, and very tasty. I would go again, the atmosphere is nice. The lack of portions is what gave them the 3 star.
(3)Tricia S.
Oh I am drooling looking at all the pics of Ichiban, mostly because I know how incredibly delicious every single menu item I've ever tried here is. Truly, as far as Asian goes in Baton Rouge, this is my absolute favorite. I don't exactly live around the corner from it, but It is no doubt worth a drive well across town to go there. I've been choosing Ichiban for years but hadn't honestly been in years. I was immediately impressed by how gorgeous the new remodel is. They opened up the size drastically and added an awesome indoor/outdoor type patio with comfy couches and chairs. Whoever designed this restaurant has some fantastic interior design taste. Hibachi is always a grand attraction for Asian food fans, and Ichiban never falls short of greatness as far as the entertainment and quality of their Hibachi. You cannot go wrong with any single sushi item either. My fave that my husband and I always remember is the baked salmon appetizer. It is sheer perfection with how sweet and flaky and oh...nomnomnom I want some right now please! Truly, if you've been you know what I'm talking about, and if you haven't but love Asian food of any kind, Ichiban is a must try for anyone in the area. I've never found a reason not to return, and I only spoke of a few features of this fabulous establishment.
(5)Nikkie N.
Favorite Restaurant of ALL TIME! I know nothing about their hibachi because their sushi is killing it. If you're coming here for RocknRolls, California Rolls, and/or Philadelphia Rolls, you're really just doing it wrong. Ichiban uses quality ingredients and they're doing it like it's never been done. Treat yourself a little & spend a few extra dollars on a special roll (Moscona Roll, hands down my number 1 recommendation). It's going to BLOW your freaking mind! When I make the drive to BR, I am definitely stopping at Ichiban and getting everything my heart desires. Which would be: 1) Fried Calamari Appetizer 2) Spicy Salmon Salad 3) Moscona Roll 4) Fire in the Hole Roll 5) Pink Lady Roll 6) He-Roll 7) Mango Tango 8) Spring Roll That's all I could think of on the spot. Everything is super fresh & delicious! Truly, the one restaurant you have to visit when you're in BR.
(5)Jason G.
The Fire-in-the-Hole roll is the best in town!
(5)Cody S.
Out of all the hibachi restaurants I have been to this was probably my best experience. I visited this establishment at around 4 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon and my girlfriend and I had a hibachi grill all to ourselves. The decoration is modern and relaxing and the service was satisfactory. The rock'n'roll was very good with yum yum sauce and the steak, chicken, scallops, and shrimp are all worth the modest price. I left missing $70 but it sure was worth it.
(5)Alex M.
Came last week close to 2:30pm and they close for lunch at 2:30pm, so we really felt hustled in and out. Everyone was cleaning up around us; the owner wanted our order as soon as we sat down. And of course no hibachi was available. However, our server was very pleasant and attentive. I had sushi which is always good there, and my wife had salad and spring rolls. The food is always good at Ichiban. But being hustled in and out definitely took away from our lunch date - next time I'm going to Kona Grill for lunch.
(3)Khalid k.
Excellent fresh sashimi. Tried sweet shrimp just amazing. It comes out with fried shell which is super crispy and so fun to eat, I know I said fun because more than taste I like how much fun it is to eat the crunchy shell. Ronnie the manager was super cool, if you are in town and craving sushi give them a chance you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jake L.
Ichiban has been the most consistent Japanese style restaurant that I have been to in the Baton Rouge area. Their sushi is rolled well and is tasty to boot. They offer a good variety of rolls and the majority of their staff is pretty knowledgable about the ingredients of each roll so they can aid in your decision if your feeling a bit fickle. The decor of the restaurent isn't overly dressy, so don't feel obligated to dress up. But, if your feeling romantic there are some cozy tables towards the back that are suitable for a date and should give some degree of privacy. They definitely don't push the envelope in terms of creativity but their menu is varied enough that you should be able to find something to please your palate. I would recommend the Mango Tango roll if you like some acidity in your sushi roll. It has a bit of jalapeno and Mango so the two really balance out well. And, of course, their hibachi is delicious and can please even the most hearty of appetites.
(3)Evan T.
Fantastic Sushi and service. Probably my favorite sushi restaurant in Baton Rouge. Come here for awesome sushi and/or hibachi in a nice elegant atmosphere.
(5)Felicia E.
I love the hibachi. The food is very tasty and the staff is very friendly. Always a good experience here. I've never had the sushi but I will try it one day.
(4)Allicia P.
Our first date night out in a long time due to the new baby and we chose to come here because we heard great things about the food. We were seated at a hibachi table immediately but the dinner prep did not begin for over an hour! An hour! We watched three other tables full up, eat and leave before ours even began. As we are leaving, the server says, "thanks for being good sports!" Starving us of our dinner and a much needed pleasant evening out is not a good sport! That was pretty unacceptable!!
(1)Danielle D.
Great sushi! Second time within the last month and a half. And just as good as the first time. If you want to go on a Saturday at 7, I would make a reservation. But it was only a 20 min wait.
(5)Brandii W.
I live for their Aphrodite rolls! I have friends that come from New Orleans just to get them too :) I really missed this place when it was being rebuilt. The prices have gone up a bit for hibachi but they have a nicer variety on the menu and now includes lobster tails.
(4)Jane N.
Made reservations for hibachi. We were on time. Made us wait. Waited a long time and they finally told us that it would be 30 more minutes for a reservation that we made earlier. They didn't even come over to inform us until we asked. No accommodations made and hostesses are very incompetent and not friendly. How would you feel if you made reservations to take your mom out for lunch and people there didn't treat you properly?
(1)Sabrina V.
THIS.PLACE.IS.SICK. If you never been you gotta go and if you are a fan then get over there ASAP. Randy and the krewe just completed the remodel and it is beautiful! Besides it's chic Japanese atmosphere the sushi is the freshest and tastiest in town (and other towns too ;).) I order the Ichiban Roll every time. And when I am with a group I wish I would have ordered two of them. It is filled with fresh maguro and topped with crab and eel sauce and crunchy. So yummy. There is quiet a variety of rolls- raw and cooked and of various price points to choose from. The newly added Fireball and Jager dispensers are frozed and pour a chilled shot right out. I am looking forward to the evening when my friend and I can go and get crunk at the bar! Also if you never had the yellowfin collar here you must try it. It is grill and full of flaky white meat and not fishy at all!
(5)Paul N.
This place just recently completed renovations. The new space is open and cool. The food is definitely top notch for Japanese cuisine. A must try: the pork belly fried rice. I can eat that three times a day. Lol. Prices are great as well. Will return for their lunch menu.
(5)Kat A.
The most and vibrant atmosphere. The staff was so nice. The fish is the best quality in the city. Our favorite roll was the Popeye Roll! Don't miss out on the yellowtail ponzu appetizer. And making steak on a heated rock was so much fun! Could not have had a better experience! Love this restaurant! Will definitely be back for more!!!!
(5)William C.
Slow as molasses... Been here for 30 mins and finally got a coke. No chef in sight...
(1)Marcy S.
This is my favorite place for sushi rolls in Baton Rouge!! Their sashimi is always fresh and cold, which is exactly how it should be everywhere. They recently remodeled the restaurant to allow more seating and more hibachi tables. The bar is much improved as well with many liquors on tap now...hello, trouble :o) The sushi rolls are some of my favorites because they are creative and taste fresh. Like the He Roll, Katana Roll and of course the Ichiban Roll. All of these are great and I stand behind recommending them to anyone, but even if you aren't into the elaborate rolls they have great regular items too. The simple tuna roll, asparagus maki or tempura anything are great choices too. A tip...they have soft shell crab on their sashimi menu!! Think little baby soft shell crabs...nom nom nom!!!
(4)Jourdan O.
Ichiban is a decent sushi restaurant. Being a former sushi chef the fish is a hard 5 soft 6 as far as qualty goes. The rolls are well done although specialty rolls can be found in better places. Atmosphere is great for like a pre homecoming or prom dinner. Probably see a lot of those there at the hibachi. Its aight :)
(3)Brad V.
The best sushi place in BR so far. Went for lunch with my wife and had a nice time. We sat at the bar and watched the sushi making. There is a nice atmosphere and design to the place. The prices are on par with other local sushi spots: not crazy high, not cheap. But, the clean comfortable modern Japanese design kinda helps make you feel better about the prices versus other places. The taste of the sushi was very fresh. The ingredients, size, and balance of the roles really puts it on top. I look forward to going back for dinner to see the look at night.
(5)John L. H.
It seems that I am finding myself in Baton Rouge far more frequently than I used to. I used to go to the same place for lunch every time I visited, but I have been slowly branching out and trying new places. Ichiban is one of the places I tried on a recent Friday during Lent. The restaurant is set up in two different sections. The front section is primarily grill tables where the chef puts on a show while cooking. I just wanted plain Jane sushi, so I headed to the back room. The back room appeared as if it were undergoing some sort of explanation or renovation, but it was clean and spacious. For lunch I decided on the two roll special, which was around $9 with a small salad and soup. I didn't try the salad, but the soup was very good. My rolls were well made and fresh, but didn't wow me. I think the $9 was a very fair price and would gladly come back when I am in the area.
(3)Rebecca W.
"Hibachi, hibachi, hibachi... did I mention hibachi"? This was my first visit to Ichiban and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it! My husband and I came for lunch, were immediately greeted by a lovely host and promptly seated. I knew I was in for a show, when we were seated front and center of the hibachi grill!! The waitress quickly took our drink order and it took us about a nanosecond to simultaneously decide on shrimp and vegetable tempura... love me some tempura! Now, onto ordering lunch... hibachi steak - double the vegetables and no rice for me. After a short wait, the hibachi master chef arrived! He arrived with the goods... oh yeah... the meat, vegetables & rice for the orders that needed to be filled! All hibachi experiences I have had in the past have always been delightful because of the chef's amazing ability to entertain while they cook! Our chef was fantastic! He even asked me if I wanted to flip an onion around on a spatula and said "if you can do it, you will get a free lunch"... tempting, but if I had done it, the onion would not end up back on the grill but in someone's hair or their drink! Post our entertaining hibachi cooking show with flames and flying spatulas, we were able to enjoy our dish. Everything was so flavorful - mushrooms were plump and yummy, the steak was tender to the bite and the vegetables were sauced and seasoned just right! My steak disappeared first... of course I had to get my protein in first and had some leftover vegetables to take home in my goody bag! Next time I am in the mood for some hibachi... I am guaranteed to be back at Ichiban.
(5)Rebecca K.
Pretty good Japanese for Baton Rouge! I got the unagi donburi (eel with rice) which was quite good. I also got the dynamite roll which was aaaawesome and a good alternative to spicy tuna or something. Also, the clear soup was on point (and perfect for the cold day...which is weird in Louisiana). My only complaint is our server was kind of useless and didn't refill any of our drinks or anything.
(4)Quinn W.
The hostess told me it would be a half an hour. After sticking it out for an hour we were seated. What came next made up for it, completely. I have never eaten such good Salmon, and I'm from the Seattle area. I will say I've had better sushi. That and the atmosphere was a little dull. Even so, our food was promptly delivered. Our waiter was incredibly helpful (not annoying). Spent $50 on a nice dinner for two. I would recommend it to anyone. I will be back.
(4)Brandon T.
This is my favorite place in Baton Rouge to eat Japanese cuisine! Whenever I'm in town again I make sure to stop here. Especially now that they have completed their renovations, the facility is beautiful and adds to the dining experience. The entire experience is exciting and has subtle touches which add to the quality feel of eating there. Service is pretty good. Try the charbroiled oysters or calamari as appetizers, the ichiban roll the shrimp tempura roll, or the dragon roll for sushi, and try the salmon, shrimp, or steak teriyak as entrees. All of those dishes are superb! If you haven't tried yet you must go!
(5)Brittani P.
Very satisfied with our visit to Ichiban. Call ahead if on weekend if you want hibachi. We sat at a booth and both the food and sushi was exceptional. Kids loved it too. Great service for a reasonable price!
(5)Eddie V.
My wife and I found Ichiban when we were unpleasantly surprised by Tsunami being closed on a Monday. Ichiban is ok, but it lacks the variety, value and atmosphere offered by Tsunami. My wife ordered some kinda veggie roll, which she said was marginal...being a vegetarian, she often has a difficult time finding good options that are worth the money at sushi establishments. I ordered a spicy tuna roll and a bbq eel roll. Both were pretty good, but a little expensive. We also ordered miso soup and seaweed salad, which were extremely small for the price, and both were pretty average tasting. This place was still far better than Hammond sushi, or Kansas sushi, but nothing too great. The most redeeming part of the meal was the wasabi, which was more sinus clearing than any I've had in a while.
(3)Shannon D.
Really rude server.I am pretty understanding because I work at a restaurant. Love the chef & food, maybe she was having a bad day but don't take it out on us, on a friend's birthday. I called the manager he was very apologetic still to have someone be that mean to us because SHE brought our ice cream out before our food was done being prepared. It's not okay to insult the customers within ear shot of another customer
(1)Whitney L.
By far my favorite sushi place ever! This has place has never disappointed me! Everything is so great, and even their eel sauce is perfect! The staff is friendly, and it's a beautiful inside setting.
(5)Lauren L.
Yum-O. Not the cheapest place but every roll is amazing. Especially the LSU roll. I also love the miso soup and the seaweed salad. It is always fresh and good. Can get a bit loud but worth it for the incredible sushi!
(5)Jackie D.
This is the first time I've been since they did the overhaul and I have to say I was much more impressed by the food this time than on previous visits. The service, however, was HORRIBLE. We had a reservation, still managed to wait 15 minutes TO BE SEATED. ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT., and then waited another 5-10 minutes to see a waitress at the hibachi bar. We all ordered hibachi and then a few appetizers to split. The soup and salad came out about 15 minutes after ordering, and the sushi thankfully came right after, but the appetizers never came. Good thing the sushi we ordered - The He Roll and the Ichiban roll were AMAZING so we forgot about the apps we were missing. We waited another 15-20 minutes for the Hibachi chef to come over and start cooking, but once he started I was much more impressed with him than our regular waitress. He did his flair and really had fun with us, plus everything that he cooked was done perfectly - and I ordered scallops, which are easy to overcook. They were seared on the outside and still juicy on the inside and I couldn't get enough. By the time we finished eating TWO HOURS LATER, the table next to us, who arrived more than an hour after us had their Hibachi and WERE ALMOST DONE EATING. Ridiculous. Ichiban, I'll be back but please, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, have a come to Jesus with your waitstaff or I'll be ordering to-go from now on.
(3)Mandy V.
The Tokyo Poppers appetizer is amazing! It's a must try! Honestly we almost skipped ordering sushi because we wanted to order another round of the poppers. We ended up ordering the yellowtail naruto and Tokyo roll instead. I really liked the yellowtail naruto because it didn't have rice and was wrapped in cucumber. Very different and fresh for a change. On a previous visit we tried the miami, rainbow, and spicy shrimp rolls which were all really great and fresh. The Miami roll had mango which was a nice touch and they aren't kidding when they say the spicy shrimp is hot! Loved the music and decor. Awesome bar. Wasabi bloody mary was a hit and I love that they have kirin ichiban on tap.
(5)Brian R.
Came back for the first time since renovations and was disappointed. Ichiban has always been my favorite sushi in Baton Rouge but clearly something has changed. We ordered the calamari appetizer and it was the worst calamari I have ever had. Tough as a rubber band and took forever to come out. The sushi was ok but not as good as it used to be and the portions seemed smaller. I will stick to Koi or Sushi Yama in the future.
(3)Swatee G.
Omgizzleeee..Talk about a hidden gem! Who would have thought I would find excellent sushi in a southern city like BR! Well.. this place is awesomely awesome!! For $21.00, including tip, I was able to have 2 rolls and a bowl of soup. Let me start with the soup.. Clear mushroom and caramelized onions soup.. the broth was light, but oh-so-yummily flavored with some real tasty mushrooms. I could taste the mushroom in EVERY spoonful of this awesome broth.. as I finished it, I almost had made up my mind to order another bowlful, but my rolls arrived in time..lol! So, I travel for work . which means eating alone a LOT of times (sometimes with a book in hand, just like Lisa J), which also means spending a lot of time on the phone, speaking to my loved ones back home.. I was on the phone before dinner, with a friend and he was telling me of how he was catching up on Naruto, while at the same time urging me to sit at the restaurant and eat, get my favorite hamachi and not do a take out like always.. am I glad I listened or what! Guess what the last roll on their roll menu is.. a YELLOW TAIL NARUTO ROLL.. lol! Yes..you heard me right! No points for guessing what I ordered.. That and obviously, my favorite Crunchy roll! The Naruto roll, was rolled in a long piece of pickled cucumber instead of the usual rice and soy paper, inside it had some of the freshest yellow-tail ever, with some salmon roe, avocado, topped with some crab meat.. omg.. loved every bite of it.. it also came with a said of some kind of soy based sauce, citrus-ey and yummy! I dunked at least one piece in the sauce completely.. I know sushi fanatics will hate me for blasphemy! gah! The crunchy roll.. was awesome too...!! Mayo based and spicy.. NO TEMPURA FLAKES if that is what you were looking for.. but it STILL had a great crunch to it..it wasn't fried either.. mystery! So I spent a good one hour there, marveling the food, feeling happy I stayed back.. happy about eating healthy, yet not feel dissatisfied after my food! :) I will DEFINITELY Be back!
(5)Chris V.
I've had quite a bit of sushi in my life. This by far is the best I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I've used yelp for a number of years, my dining experience tonight was the first ,time I felt compelled to actually post a review, if that tells you anything. Will most deffinatly be going back!
(4)Jonathan L.
To sum things up: Ichiban is good but very pricey (which I expect at most sushi restaurants). The rolls range from 5 dollars to 14 dollars. The ones that are pricier have raw fish while the cheaper ones are mainly veggie (e.g. avocado, etc.). The rolls are undoubtedly fresh. I also had the chance to try the sashimi platter which consisted of a limited (4 pieces each) assortment of raw seafood (octopus, tuna, salmon, imitation crab). What really ticked me off is them including imitation crab in the platter. How about including more tuna/salmon? It definitely seems to be a very popular place in Baton Rouge as it was quite crowded on the day I visited on Sunday for lunch. Overall, your tummy will thank you but your wallet may not be as happy.
(3)Trang N.
I am a huge sushi fan and I've pretty much tried a bazillion sushi restaurants. I must admit, Ichiban is one of my favorite spots to get sushi when Im in town. The service is always nice and the seafood is always fresh. The reason Ichiban didn't get 5 stars from me is because, its a bit pricey. P.S. My favorite dish here is Tuna Taktaki. If you like tuna you should definitely give this dish a try the ponzu sauce is AMAZING.
(4)Kaela C.
awesome meal each time I've gone. last time I went, the kitchen was very backed up & it took a long time to get our food. However the manager Randy came and took care of us. He was very kind and sweet. I'll be back!
(5)Meghan K.
Every time I'm here, I have so/so service. I feel like there's always ALOT of waiting. I think their edamame needs a little more salt. The rolls are decent. Not my favorite in town, but if you're craving sushi, you'll most likely be satisfied. I enjoy the tuna tataki. The atmosphere is kind of bland and the tables towards the back of the restaurant are really close together. If you like to ease drop, it's your spot! I'd grab a seat in the bar if you go or at the hibachi.
(3)Tabitha C.
THE BEST SUSHI RESTUARANT! This place has the best sushi and service. Two great combinations. I've eaten at many sushi restuarants but Ichiban has always been very good and consistent. If you love sushi or is open to trying sushi, this is the place to go. No exceptions!
(5)Peter N.
The decor is nice, and friendly service.. but seriously.. the food kinda suck.. we had the following items: - Baked salmon - mediocre, but how can you really go wrong with baked salmon.. - Beef tataki - meh, was okay, not special, edible.. - Salmon - fresh salmon, good, but they didn't have to do anything to these.. - Tofu - decent, soft tofu, with dark soy.. - Udon noodles - salty noodles, enough said - Sushi - decent rolls, don't remember what we ordered.. but was not all that.. Maybe always eating sushi in Nola, I expected more.. or maybe I'm just picky..
(2)Brittany H.
I really enjoy the atmosphere at this place! The staff has always been on top of their game! I've gone here on a date and with some girlfriends for "girls night." It's always super busy but I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes to sit down. Their sushi always taste really fresh!
(4)Aj O.
Had a Vietnamese guy from Tennessee for our hibachi chef, he was absolutely hilarious beyond the play-around-with-knives schtick and whatever he did to the veggies was impressive because they were by far the best I've had maybe ever. I mean, damn.
(5)Korita S.
We were seated promptly at a table when we walked in. Our waitress introduced herself and said she was in training, she did a good job of trying to answer questions and then looked to Josh who was training her when she needed assistance. We asked for additional time and they left. Approximately 15 minutes later my boyfriend turned around and waved his arms trying to get attention so that some one would come back. Josh returned and took our order. Shortly afterwards the young lady returned and asked if anyone had taken our order. When our he-roll and rockin-eel arrived they were both good. We all received miso soup and the house salad with our meals, all three felt the miso was tasteless and the salad bitter and did not eat them. When our meals were brought out they were all very pretty but as Josh passed my boyfriend's food over mine he poured liquid off his hand on to my plate. At that point all three of us asked for boxes. He asked if we would need a bag and we said yes. My boyfriend and friend both tasted there's and said they tasted good (teriyaki steak and chicken), I did not taste mine. I definitely will not return due to the service experience. I can't speak to the food because I won't be eating mine. We did not ever get the bag to take our food home in, but left immediately as we'd been there for over an hour before our food came to the table. The people on either side of us received their food in a timely manner though, so I would suggest you just stay away from Josh while you're there and I feel sorry for the young lady in training that is learning from him.
(1)Isabelle D.
I like how they remodeled this place. But apparently the owner made too much money and pick their customers. The let a group in and refuse to take us. WTF? He claims that they are his friends and we can't eat there until 5:00. Great equal treatment. To be fair though. Sushi is not bad, but the hamachi is horrible.
(1)Chris P.
Best sushi in BR. Only give it 4 stars because of how packed it always is and it is a little bit expensive.
(4)Ken H.
The service was pretty lousy when my date and I went for dinner on a Saturday, but the food was amazing. It took a while for us to be seated and other parties of 2 were going ahead of us until we kinda spoke up to the hostesses and reminded them that we were there. When we were seated, they pretty much took us on a lap around the restaurant as if they had no idea what tables were open and were just trying to squish us in wherever possible. Once seated, we had a great experience. The rolls were delicious and didn't take forever to get during a peak time of the day, beverages ice cold and constantly refilled. I'll definitely be back for more visits, just kind of hoping that they get the hostesses on the same page so they can figure out where to sit their guests quickly without having to walk around the entire building just to wind up sitting near the front doors.
(4)Mustafa S.
Seafood fried rice was great. Very large portion too. The restaurant is really nice since they've renovated, but I'm not a huge fan of the sushi here. There are other places in the area that serve better sushi at a lower price. With that being said, the hibachi here never disappoints.
(3)Rusti L.
This is the worst Hibachi experience I've ever had. We clearly were celebrating my daughter's 10th birthday (as evidenced by the cake in tow) and the cook did not flip, toss, or juggle a single thing. The whole reason we selected Hibachi versus regular Asian fare was for the "entertainment" piece of the dining experience. What's worse is that when we brought it to the attention of the owner/manager he did not even apologize. He seemed very disinterested and dismissive. About five minutes before we were about to leave, the Hibachi grill across from us had this great, dynamic cook that could juggle multiple utensils and interacted with the table telling jokes and having a blast. Wow, can we get a little consistency Mr. Ichiban owner? My daughter was crushed. Thanks for ruining her birthday lunch. WE WON'T BE BACK.
(1)LaKeshia T.
I love going here. I really love the shrimp fried rice!! The new atmosphere is really nice!!
(5)Elizabeth D.
If you're looking for great sushi, this is the place to go! I have been to nearly every sushi restaurant in Baton Rouge and this is by far my favorite. I have never tried the hibachi grill so I can't vouch for that, but I would imagine the quality is the same.
(5)Fourty F.
Ok you got me Baton Rouge. Im blown away...another time getting lost works out. Not only is the sushi good but so is the music. Its all chill out and Thievery Corp...its Sunday and packed for good reason. I was pleasantly surprised and borderline blown away - especially after a 900 mile drive from Ft Lauderdale...surprisingly being let down by all Coconut Grove Sushi joints...damn. Try, try. This is a no bull-shit LA kine review...ask around. I havent yelped in months. Arigato Let me say this: This place can probably survive in Southern California. Take that Silverlake Sushi joints.
(5)Danica R.
Never mind the fact that the hostess is completely unhappy with her job, this place is fantastic. Love the food and atmosphere.!
(5)Logan H.
Great sushi, draft beer selection (fat tire), and service. Also have had hibachi, top notch!
(5)Scott J.
I came here for lunch during work for some sushi. I sat in the hibachi area since we had a big group and it was a nice area. The chef was very entertaining. Although I did not order any sashimi, the sushi rolls i got were very good. There are a lot of sushi restaurants in Baton Rouge and it's hard to stand out, so I'd say its on par with the other sushi restaurants int he city.
(4)Kimberly D.
Definitely my go to sushi! Never a let down! The hibachi is amazing and the He-roll and moscano roll are mouthwatering!
(5)Lisa J.
Sweet god of nigiri, it IS possible to get great sushi in this city! After trying multiple sushi joints here, I had basically given up hope and consigned myself to always having "decent but not great" sushi while in town. Thankfully Ichiban has lived up to its name and provided the best sushi around (and even topped out a lot of my local Atlanta joints, which is saying something). I was a little turned off by the strip mall location and signage outside (it looked a little sketch, not gonna lie) but once inside the decor was tasteful and minimalistic. I was able to choose my own seat at the sushi bar, and all the sushi chefs greeted me warmly (always a nice thing). My waiter was friendly and efficient without being pesky (very important when I have a Hot Date with an Excellent Book and don't want to be interrupted constantly). I'm always a little hesitant to order nigiri at a new sushi restaurant the first time, just because you so often get sub-par fish, either due to the cut or the freshness. Ichiban looked promising, though, so I ordered from fresh salmon nigiri and some shrimp nigiri, along with one of their more ridiculous rolls (the Pink Lady - salmon, crab, avocado and asparagus wrapped in rice and pink rice paper). The salmon nigiril was so good that it practically melted in my mouth. Heavenly. After salmon that good it would have taken a lot to bring me down, but the shrimp nigiri and the roll were also quite good. After Tiger Sushi (with fish so not-fresh that it literally caused me to gag) and Sake Cafe (home of too much over-cooked rice), Ichiban was a breath of fresh air. It will be a difficult task to convince me to have sushi anywhere else in the city.
(5)Tyler d.
Arrived about 10 min before they're posted closing time of 2:30 and the young manager turned us away because he was letting the kitchen staff off early. He was doing this because they had a slow day. We explained that we had driven an hour to have lunch and he's only response was "sorry". They have good sushi here, but that is crappy service and a terrible way to run a business. If your hours are 2:30 then serve people if they arrive before that time. Period. Inexcusable. Won't come back.
(1)Bill D.
Great place. Recommended to me by a co worker above the other local sushi joints. It appears to be newly renovated. The sushi bar is glass, very cool. Service at the bar was great, cannot say the same for my waitress. My beer was slow, and late. I won't let that kill the vibe though!
(5)Phi N.
One of the better places to get sushi in Baton Rouge. No matter what I've had here, it's always been good. The fish taste fresh and rolls are delicious. Service has always been great here and the wait staff are very friendly. Great place for sushi and sake bombs! ^_^
(4)jerry d.
The scoop: I had the California roll as an appetizer----it was the only sushi that I ever that I actually liked. So good job there. However, the teriyaka sirloin was sub-par to say the least. I also found the service decent, but not great. Admittedly, I know this is a "sushi" restaurant, so I will try them again in a lil while and post another review.
(3)Sarah R.
Um Hello!?! You haven't been here yet?! Well, you better hurry up!!! First off, I'm astonished at how amazing this place is. (Hint, the 5 star rating!) This place is a gem... a true meaning to sushi. And I'm completely blown away as to how this gem arrived in Batonr Rouge. Who woulda thought!? The Sushi is amazing here. I havent had one bad experienece... I can't say the same about some other places... but different story for a different day. I've only been here a few times and each time, its usually busy. BUT not busy enough where you dont get the attention. Its busy because its delicious! I usually stick with Sushi rolls... All of it is freshly prepared. The quality of the food is impeccable. The Habachi is phenomenal... the chefs make it fun to watch and eat. They have this "Yummy Yummy" sauce... OMG! a must with the fried rice!! When I got Habachi, i got the lunch special- Shrimp and chicken for only $14.00! It definitely filled me up, entertained me and made me want to return. With the sushi rolls, i stick to what i like... I really like the Surf Roll, Spicy Tuna roll, RedStick Dragon Roll, Chrunchy Roll, etc. All of it is delicious! They are doing some remodeling, which looks like its closed but if you walk to the left side, you will see a front door. When finished, the remodeling looks promising and will definitely bring more business from the busy street. If you havent stopped by now, then you better hurry up! It will get super busy fast!!
(5)Jade O.
We have tried many sushi restaurants in Baton Rouge. Some of them cheaper, some we love, some we don't like so much, and this is our favorite of all. The place is beautiful, the sushi is more than some of the other places in town, but from what we have found, it is well worth the price, even though we are on a budget, because the quality really is that much better so you get more out of your meal. We typically get a few rolls to share for take out every once in a while and it is a really easy meal when we want to eat something fresh, light, and delicious. This is definitely one of my favorite places in Baton Rouge and my fiance agrees.
(5)Mary Walker B.
I think this is the only hibachi in town. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's pretty good. The sushi is great, the atmosphere is great and the prices are reasonable. Fun for groups, parties, bdays, etc.
(4)Hoa N.
One of my favorite sushi spots, especially when I am visiting my family for the holidays. This is our go to restuarant for sushi in the Baton Rouge area. I really appreciate the variety of the sushi menu, rolls, habachi grill option, and a full service bar. There is something for everyone, even for the sushi novices. They have many concotions of different rolls, such as the LSU roll, Ichiban roll, etc. They are all tasty, but sometimes the rolls become too muddled with sauces that I feel like I've ordered two of the same rolls. My favorite dish here is the baked salmon, a specialty dish I've only seen in sushi restuarants in Louisana. The best I've tasted compared to other sushi establishments in the area. All in all 5 stars for a fun classy ambiance, great service, quality of food, and consistency.
(5)Toni M.
Very disappointed. We've been here many MANY times over the years and tonight may keep us from returning. Started off calling for reservations for 4 people at a Hibachi table and was told it wasn't needed. When we arrived it was going to be a 30 min wait... No problem at all we can wait. About 40 mins later we are told they were mistaken it was going to be longer than that not sure how long. All this while a Hibachi table sat empty from the time we arrived. I was told it was being held for a reservation that was running late!?!?! We finally got a table about an hour and a half later. Sushi was good. The chef comes out with the food... Finally. He did nothing but cook. No fun flipping food, no onion volcano, no fake bottle of anything to squirt at the kids NOTHING! My 9 year old asked me when the eggs were going to start flying my response was I'm not sure if he does that. The chef overheard and said you want to catch food? Son says yes so he starts flinging broccoli. That was it no entertainment other than 2 pieces of broccoli. He was very rushed and ready to get off I guess. The fried rice was very undercooked my filet was just ok. After the meal my 9 year old reminded me I had promised him fried ice-cream at this point I'm tired and ready to go but I ask if we can order dessert... I'm quickly told NO the kitchen is already closed. Had I really cared about the dessert I think I would have argued but I didn't. Just thought it was a little rude since we had actually been there for over 2.5 hours. 170.00 later (which I don't mind spending normally) I feel like we got the shaft, I didn't complain bc what good would it due?? I just felt bad because one of the boys with us had never been and neither had 3 of the people in the other group at our table. I think back to my first experience there (when my 9yr old was 6 DAYS old) and remember how much fun it was for our group and how good the food was.
(2)Ale F.
Best place in town! First of all, Kim is amazing! Best bartender ever! The sushi is so good and fresh- they really care about the customer satisfaction here. The beef fried rice with veggies is addictive and lasts for days! They're later hours are a plus, as sadly, most sushi joints close early??? This place has closed for a month to renovate- longest month ever..and I cannot wait for the grand re-opening.. Any day now please? Delicious!
(5)Daniel M.
Best sushi in Baton Rouge. Seafood Fried Rice like this cannot be found anywhere else in town. Lunch favorite: Grilled Tuna Steak. Comes with rice and soup or salad. Quick, tasty, affordable.
(5)Kim M.
Great Food! Wait was 45 mins but my party spent that time at the bar, therefore it didn't seem as long. Drinks were good! Food was Good. I'd definitely visit again!
(4)Dre A.
Ode to a Hungry Girl wanting Lunch...A sushi lunch that is..... I walked into Ichiban during lunch time. I did not know what to order -- I only knew that I wanted a dish with lots of sashimi. I asked the Hostess to describe the Sushi Combo Box and she told me it was everything I ever wanted at that moment in time - i.e. lots of fish / sashimi!!! "Should I order another roll? I asked, I am pretty hungry." Oh no, said the Host --- the sushi combo box, she emphasized is a LOT of food....Based on her description and recommendation, I ordered the sushi combo box to go -- poor hungry foolish me --- WHAT A RIP OFF! the sushi box combo turned out to be!!! For $11.50 I got little clumps of rice with "tiny" I repeat "tiny" slivers of fish! Clumps of Rice!!!! Whaaaaaattt? Clumps of Rice that probably cost this place 0.15 cents a serving!! Scandalous!!! Do you realize I could have gotten more out of Ichiban by ordering a Rainbow Roll??? I called the manager and complained about my order - explaining to him that I only ordered the sushi combo box based on the description and recommendation of the Host. His reply was "well that's just the way its made." He didn't offer me a refund, or a an alternative meal, or at the very least -- apologize for the Host's lack of knowledge or for my dissatisfaction. I cannot tolerate poor customer service practices especially by managers who should know that "word of mouth" can make or break a business. There are four other sushi places within a one mile radius that I will be frequenting and taking my clients and colleagues to the in future as a result of my experience - b'cause, as one wise bird told me "ain't nobody got time for that!"
(1)Andy S.
Very good, very fresh, very clean. I was especially impressed with our server who actually came back quickly after bringing me my check!
(4)Trudy F.
The tables were dirty and sticky and the dishes was not clean. The food was so-so. The service was horrible our servers, name was Bonnie and every time we needed something we couldn't find her. We had to ask other servers for everything, she did not come back and check on us. I left her my normal tip, 18%, anyway! This was my second time to go. I will not go back, it is overcrowded and not enough servers. And it's very expensive also!!
(3)Tom E.
Went here on a Tuesday night and sat at the sushi bar. I found the rolls to be a little bit on the expensive side and was craving more fish but less rice and sauce, so I went with their sashimi platter. For $21, I guess I was expecting a little bit more. Platter was 15 pieces of sashimi: 4 tuna, 3 salmon, 3 yellowtail, 3 white tuna, and 2 octopus. Quality was very good, which is why it's getting 4 stars instead of 3, and I'd go again, but it's not a place I can't wait to hit next time I'm in town.
(4)Beth C.
Who sends customers away before the place is officially closed? Ichiban does! You cannot run a business by not taking customers!
(1)Kelly G.
I came here with family to celebrate my birthday last weekend. Overall, a good choice. (I wish I could give it three and a half stars.) First, the cons. For a place with such great, creative food, I feel they could pay more attention to the little things. In particular, our menus looked pretty battered, and the decor in general seems to have seen better days. The table service was pretty awkward. (I get the idea that many of their staff were quite new.) My biggest complaint here is that all our food (apps, soups, salads and sushi) came out pretty much at once. It WAS early in the day... but my dinner felt rushed as a result, and as I mentioned, it was a special occasion dinner. Not a huge deal, but certainly off-putting. Simply put, I would not return to eat here on service or ambiance alone. Ok, now I can rave about the food. We partook of their appetizer specials and were not disappointed in the least. The chargrilled oysters were amazing. We scarfed them down in about two seconds flat. And the Tokyo poppers (the usual jalapeno popper concept, only sliced like a sushi roll, tempura fried, and then drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili sauce) were, in a word, heaven. I would go back just for another plate of these. Or two or three. The sushi was very good as well. Fresh, well crafted, beautifully presented. No complaints. As for cocktails, my Tokyo Cosmo (a Cosmo, poured with Sake) was quite tasty. Dessert was much less interesting. Basic fried ice cream. Meh. Prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. I will definitely go back.
(3)Scott S.
This is the only place I've eaten sushi at within the Baton Rouge area, so I can only compare it to the sushi on the West Coast and now New Orleans. Having said that, it seemed completely average. Were Goldilocks to visit (aka break and enter) three sushi places, she'd probably choose this one to call the cops on her thieving ass. Speaking of women running from bear cops (if by speaking I mean I totally didn't mention that part until now), prices were reasonable, not high or low. Portion sizes on the sashimi seemed a bit below average, but considering all the food we got, that didn't really matter. Wait, did I just say size doesn't matter as long as you get enough? Goldilocks could never wear that T-shirt. The Snorg Tee girl could though, if she's fast enough to escape the bears... Anyhow, we ordered their boat, which is quite a bit of food for the price. I think it was around $50 for a selection of sashimi, nigiri sushi, the house roll (covered in crunchies for those who like that), tempura veggies, soup, salad, and tempura bananas with ice cream and sauce for dessert. I told you it was a lot of food. But did you listen? No, because you're reading this, not listening to it. So, that's ok. Nothing really stood out for better or worse, ergo the three stars. Seems like a reliable place to go for sushi if you're not looking for anything extraordinary and just want to enjoy some raw fish and good company without being overcharged. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that, unless you've got golden locks and just performed your 5th B&E of the evening because you're addicted to the rush you get perpetually crossing the line, daring yourself to get caught, by rabid grizzly bears.
(3)Extreme M.
I have eaten at 4 sushi restaurants in Baton Rouge now and even though I still have a couple more in mind to try, as of right now, I have to say Ichiban's is still ranking no. 1 in my book. Their sushi is just so fresh! The salmon in the Spicy Salmon roll is so fresh it just unbelievable. Their vegetable roll, which I didn't think I would like, I now LOVE. I never knew I loved japanese pickles! My absolute favorite which I have to give a personal award to is the Snowcrab Salad. This is to DIE for! It's a creamy pile of snowcrab meat seasoned just right, mounded on top of a very fresh romaine lettuce leaf, then topped off with a healthy teaspoonful of masago (yum!), and fresh avocado slices fanned out in a nice presentation then polished off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This is the only salad I can say I will eat the lettuce underneath it too! The sesame seeds I thought were unnessary till I tasted it and realized they give it a nice nutty kick mixed in with the butteriness of the avocado and snowcrab, then there's the slightly salty crunch from the masago and somewhat from the sesame seeds too. Oh man!...this is my favorite salad! REALLY good! Can't find it in any other restaurant either. It's an Ichiban's special! Since my first review, I have tried the Hibatchi grill several times. I have to give it a thumbs up as well. I've eaten at other hibatchis but they just couldn't hold a candle to Ichiban's! Their vegetables and the sauce they use gives it that smokey grilled yumminess to them. Not to mention the hibatchi chef is super entertaining! The fried rice from the hibatchi was excellent as well. I have also tried the steamed Gyoza dumplings and Tempura Vegetables, excellent. The Thai roll was a little too much fried stuff for me, I like to keep it fresher than fried. I also love the spicy Crawfish Roll (simple roll with only spicy crawfish inside), excellent! The Crunchy Roll is still consistently excellent. Best crunchy roll in Baton Rouge!!!..hands down! If you aren't feeling like you want spice, then try the mild yet buttery Salmon Roll (salmon and avocado), excellent. I wasn't too much of a fan of the Shrimp Tempura roll, but that's a personal preference; it was still really good if you're looking for fried. Snowcrab roll is excellent. I've also tried the Salmon Naruto and Snowcrab Naruto, both excellent, top notch! My favorite specialty roll is the Pink Lady (snowcrab, asparagus, avocado, crunchy, and spicy salmon wrapped in pink soy paper). YUM!, it's so good! It's a fairly large roll though. The LSU roll is an excellent choice as well (fried oyster, snowcrab, asparagus, avocado, topped with crunchy and purple and gold sweet sauces). There are probably other rolls similar to the ones I've mentioned that I can't remember which ones I've tried. I've eaten at this restaurant so many times now...which is proof that it has such a good reputation that it's worth going back again and again. Parking can sometimes be a pain, but other than that, this restaurant is top notch. If you want a quieter spot in the restaurant, I would suggest sitting in the sushi bar area, not the restaurant area. Just gets WAY too noisy in the other part of this restaurant. I want my sushi dining experience calm-like. Be prepared to wait to be seated if you go around 7 or 8 p.m. though as they pack in the crowd! Even take-out has to wait long times (sometimes 30 mins.) at peak serving hours. Wait staff could be more attentive with packaging the to-go boxes as sometimes they have not taken care to keep them from spilling hibachi grilled vegetables juices in the bag which have gone through holes in the bag onto my car's carpet. I've since spoken to the manager and it seems they are trying to keep that from happening since, so thumbs up there. The clear soup is the best here! Always served hot which just makes it that much more excellent. I've also tried the Yaki Udon noodles, excellent choice if you are looking for something similar to lo mein but japanese style. It's a mix of Udon noodles with your choice of meat (I tried chicken) and cabbage and shredded vegetables such as carrots. Really good. I suggest you give this restaurant a try and if they don't satisfy you somehow with wait staff or service, talk to the manager who is super nice and he will smooth everything out for you. He defeintely strives to keep his restaurant running smoothly and for you to return. Gotta love that!
(5)Kelley K.
+3 stars for decent sushi & okay atmosphere. -2 for strange service and only being okay sushi. Ichiban is fairly typical sushi fare: mostly large "specialty" rolls with "crunchy", avocado, mayonnaise, sweet soy, etc. Their actual nigiri (our server didn't
(3)Paulina N.
living in Baton Rouge for so long, I pretty much have tried every sushi restaurant and Ichiban is still my favorite. I eat here at least once a month and it's one of the best sushi restaurants I've ever been to. Their tuna tataki is to die for ^_^ service is always great!
(5)Margaret G.
After looking for a Habachi Restaurant to take my grand-daughter to we decided on Ichiban. Glad we did. The cook was so sweet and considerate of our seven year old and so was the server. He put on a great show and made her feel special calling her by her name. Food was great! Had the steak, shrimp combination. Sides were delicious and dessert was exceptional. It was the fried ice cream. It's good to see some restaurants still know how to make your dining experience one you will remember. There was more food then we could eat. We had to get "To Go" boxes. I believe that hopefully you get what you pay for and the food and staff make this worth the money. We definitely will return.
(5)Wendy and Andrew B.
Really good sushi! This was our third attempt at sushi in Baton Rouge and it was a success. We sat at the sushi bar and the sushi chefs were very, very polite. Andrew says it was probably because of my low-cut tank top which may be true but if it wasn't so freaking hot in Baton Rouge then I could dress more conservatively. They portions were big and we were full from three rolls between the two of us. We had the spicy tuna, crunchy dynamite, and the pink lady. The pink lady roll was quite good and came in about a 3-4 bite pieces. We also had the edamame (and it was warm! cold edamame just isn't as satisfying). Overall, really good, and we were told to try to Ichiban roll next time.
(4)s L.
Is this a joke? I went to Ichiban on the recommendation that it was one of the best sushi restaurants in BR. This does not bode well for the rest of the sushi places in this town. Granted, I didn't eat the sushi, but opted for take out with my staple food group = nabeyaki udon. They don't even have what I would normally identify as udon noodles, they're something else. And most of it was boiled napa cabbage and carrots. I should've known when the girl who answered the phone asked if I wanted soy sauce with my take out order.
(1)JB B.
Great sushi, but waiter tacked on HUGE tip to my credit card bill on July 9th! He did the same to our friend who ate with us. Had to call credit card to report, not nice at all!
(2)Drew H.
goo service and I went for the chicken teriyaki instead of getting sushi. damn...should have got the sushi as the chicken was average. i stole some sushi from buddy and it was good.
(3)