Review: Ichiban Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar in Minneapolis

Ichiban Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar is located at 1333 Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis has been there since 1979. There are also locations in Reno and Palm Springs, however the very first Ichiban Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar opened in Winnipeg in 1973. There are several restaurants that go by basically the same name, however these are the only locations for this particular restaurant so don't get it confused with all the others out there. If you're in the Minneapolis area and wish to have a special dining experience, then you must try this place. The hours are Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. If you choose to dine "teppanyaki" style, which is grill-side where you sit at a table with the cooking performed right in front of you, then reservations are recommended and you can call (612) 339-0540 to make them. The other dining options are tempura, in the traditional dining room, or the All You Can Eat For One Hour sushi bar which is a first come first serve basis. They have a full liquor bar serving all mixed drinks, beer, wine and the always popular sake. How can you possibly eat sushi without sake? I know I couldn't do it.

When you arrive at Ichiban Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar you will be pleased by the beautiful pagoda style building with an indoor garden complete with waterfall and stream to add to the ambiance. This is not a restaurant where you have to dress up, but it is a nice idea if you're on a date or with a party. However, you can feel comfortable here in just jeans if that's your preference.

If you have eaten at this type of restaurant before then you know the drill. You will be seated with others around a horse-shoe table while the chef prepares your meals on the grill nestled in the middle of the table. I tend to frequent this kind of establishment when having a large dinner party, otherwise be prepared to sit next to total strangers at the same table, which can sometimes have its perks. The server will get your drink orders and then hot moist towels will be handed out which is a Japanese tradition to wipe and refresh your hands and your face if you like. There will be chopsticks on the tables to use, but don't feel it's a requirement. If you must use utensils, then use them. We'd rather not see you drop all your food on your lap because you can't quite get the hang of the chopsticks. I usually always give them one good try and I'm pretty good at the salad, but when I get to the rice, I'm done. This restaurant is really all about the show and I've seen many reviews where diners say the food was so-so. In all these places that are similar with the cooking style, I would agree this really isn't top notch food. It is also a very busy place and the service can be a little slow, especially when they're dealing with a table top of nine or ten. I am not a big fan of these restaurants due to the fact that they are not inexpensive and as everything gets cooked in a big mound for the whole table, just wait until someone else gets more of your food because they may have ordered the same thing. I have never ordered a steak dinner where it looked like I received the whole piece of beef since it's mixed with everyone else's steaks. Just hope that you're not the last at the table to be served because you may come out short-changed.

Speaking of the prices, let's run down what a dinner here may cost. For around $35.00 you can indulge in one the combination dinners available in the teppanyaki dining room. Start your dinner with an appetizer of chicken liver and mushrooms sauteed in sake and butter, followed by a bowl of chicken broth soup and a small salad with cucumber crowned with crab meat. You can substitute the appetizer, however the choices are not much better. The soup is okay, but dull and a salad is a salad. Your dinner will come with rice and the choices are the Imperial consisting of filet mignon, baby lobster and teriyaki chicken; the Empress which is baby lobster, shrimp and teriyaki scallops; the Ichiban with filet mignon, shrimp and teriyaki chicken or the Superior which gets you a serving of all these. If combinations are too much food, then opt for an entree for around $25.00 of just filet mignon, shrimp, salmon and more. Not the greatest place to bring the kids due to the length of time to eat here and you're bill could really get up there for a family of four. There are children's dinners available for around $14.00 for a filet mignon, shrimp or teriyaki chicken and the meals come with soup, salad, vegetables, rice, ice cream and a soft drink. It's not that bad of a price for all that food, but remember, it's a lot of food for most kids.

If you prefer to just try the sushi bar, then you probably won't be disappointed as you sit there and watch the masterful chefs prepare your fresh sushi choices and there are so many to choose from. While you're waiting for your sushi to be prepared, why not indulge in one of their many specialty drinks such as the Ichiban which is made of exotic fruit and rum and served in a Buddha mug which you can take home. Most of the specialty drinks cost around $10.00, so sip slowly. The other way to go is the cheaper and more potent sake for $5.00. After your meal I would recommend a Sayonara to end the evening which is Melon liqueur served straight or over ice or for something sweeter go for the Japanese Coffee which is a combination of blended whiskey, Frangelico, coffee and topped with whipped cream. Yummy!