Ichiban

worst_trip

Terrific value, excellent food 6th October 2008

1 found this helpful

It seems slightly churlish for me to think of awarding the Ichiban only four out of five stars in this review, since I’ve now read the glowing write-ups everyone else has been giving it – and there is only one reason I’d even think of knocking a star off this restaurant’s rating and that has nothing to do with the food – which is abundant, of excellent quality, inexpensive and beautifully served (some dishes in gorgeous lacquer boxes) or the ambience – which is small-restaurant cosy, and very nice. No, the only possible negative point anyone could think of raising regarding this restaurant concerns its rather unexpected opening schedule. You’ll need to check this before going, as I don’t think it’s open every evening of the week - we have certainly been caught out before, trying to arrive for a meal on spec.

blackpenwriter

Fantastic japanese 6th October 2008

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And I agree with all the reviews made so far – this place serves the most fantastic Japanese food I have ever tasted. The first time I went I had no idea it was a bring your own bottle affair so we had to stick to the soft drinks all night. I think that may have made me a little unsure about the place, I always enjoy wine with a meal and it was a bit of a let down in that respect. The next time we came here I made sure we were well stocked with bottles of wine that would accompany the meal – the food here is absolutely delicious, I can not rave enough about it!

lizalscott

Restuarant rview 3rd October 2008

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Excellent food and value.Host is Super and chefs as well.
Their kitchen is so clean u could eat off the floor.
Its a must to eat here

carolinebee

Excellent 27th September 2008

1 found this helpful

Having glanced at the other reviews for Ichiban, I can only agree with the consensus that this place is great.

It serves your general Japanese/Oriental fayre including all the soups, noodles, dumplings and bizzare salad-type mixtures you can eat. The prices really are great, so it's the only place you could possibly go if you wanted to try Japanese food without forking out too much cash.

The service is always lovely, but can be a little sluggish at busy times (understandable!) The best thing about this place is, as mentioned, the BYOB policy - where else in London can you take supermarket-bought booze into a restaurant, have their waiters open it and decant it for you, and not pay a penny extra?

Brilliant.

RestaurantRview

ICHIBAN The Star Of Leytonstone 30th August 2008

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It's worthy to note that this restaurant has achieved an outstanding 4 STARS (very good) from the environmental health department. Reason enough to go there! However, the food really is outstanding. Decor is very plain and simple but don't let this detract from the quality of the food which everytime I've eaten there is consistently good. No alcohol licence but BYOB. Cash only too. Very small so get there early if you want a table. Very rarely does any restaurant get five stars but this one deserves it.

George48

The best restaurant in Leytonstone 13th May 2008

1 found this helpful

I agree with jimitaylor - Ichiban is fantastic, fresh, delicious food that is so reasonably priced it's amazing. BYO with no corkage, service is lovely and it's nice to see it so busy. If you want great food, great prices, great service then go there immediately (well, evenings on Wed-Sat). If you want fancy surroundings but exorbitant prices, mediocre food and indifferent service then don't come here.

jimitaylor

Offensively cheap 11th January 2008

2 found this helpful

This place is just round the corner from our house and it's great, despite being really cheap and allowing you to bring your own booze (no corkage charge!). If they had an interior designer, a trendier post code and quadrupled the prices, then it would be impossible to get a seat. As it is, start with dumplings for 2 quid and a plate of noodles for 4.50 (at time of writing) or a fantastic bento box with teriyaki. They also do really good sushi. It sometimes takes a while because it's all fresh from a tiny kitchen, which you have to squeeze through to visit the outside toilet. I always leave a massive tip as it's so offensively cheap.