Ichiban

This sushi and ramen shop is family-run. I was immediately drawn to their culinary delights on my first visit. I like their Japanese beef/chicken bento boxes, as well as various different set meals and sushi combinations. I personally think it offers good value for money. It doesn't have the luxurious feel of a high-end Japanese restaurant. It's a budget-friendly option suitable for students, working professionals, and tourists. This restaurant is located in a gay neighborhood and has been open for many years. This is my favorite Japanese restaurant on my first visit to San Diego. Authentic Japanese home-style food. A shop frequented by locals. Recommended.

My mom ate here 20+ years ago and has always got the same order! She says it hasn’t changed and it’s so delicious! Came here twice in two days. I love that you pay first and then get served. The food was so fresh and yummy. Service was also great!

Delicious! We recently returned to San Diego and met a friend for a birthday dinner. The food was fresh and delicious and our server was very attentive. Can’t wait to come back!

This place has been here for more than 40years. My mother and I have been coming here for the passed 15 years and it's still just as reliable. The staff members are kind. There are a tone of authentic options and their happy hour is great! I love this place. It is definitely a gem to San Diego and the hills rest area. There is a farmers market every Sunday and great little stop after walking around. We usually stop by after theifting or when we are craving traditional Japanese food. The other day we used our zoo passes and walked over afterwards and it was. A great way to end the day. They typically have daily specials that offer a great variety with a great price! I love it here. Arigatou! -On street parking -Order at counter -Vegetarian options -Happy hour available 4-8:30 as of November 2025. They may update/change in warmer seasons. -Cash and electronic payment accepted.

The people here are very nice. I ordered the salmon entree because I’m hungry and it was a tiny amount. Didn’t even see the two thin slices at first bc they were hidden under the veggies. Should have gotten the ramen. My Intent here is not to turn customers away but just to give you an FYI

I had delicious ramen here today. A big portion and really tasty. The staff is especially nice here, a very polite lady who advised me what to take and takes care of every customer. I will definitely come back here to try the rolls🥰

🍣 Tried the Crunchy and Rainbow rolls along with Edamame. The Edamame was infused with garlic, which might be overwhelming for some, but it was fresh and added a nice kick. The sushi was decent, not the best I've had, but enjoyable. My daughters loved it and had a great time. Conveniently located in the neighborhood, definitely worth a try if you're in the area!

Have been enjoying this place for a long time. The staff is friendly, accommodating and makes wonderful suggestions. Relaxing & Clean surroundings. They have Happy Hour too. Recently remodeled. Enjoy 👏

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ichiban is such a great spot! The food is always fresh and delicious you can really taste the quality in every dish. My favorites are the bento box and the udon noodles both are always perfectly made and super satisfying. The lady working is super friendly, and the staff overall is welcoming with great service. Definitely one of my go-to places for sushi and comfort food!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As usual I dine which is all fine . Itchiban is my fav. It's the rave. Everything on the menu is fine all the time. Happy New Year All !!!!! Do it Right and have a grand ball!!!! Itchiban is the best place. See you there.BonnieLee/LisaC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Affordable place to get sushi! Not the best, but it does its job if you have a sushi craving. They do offer a great bento box that's huge! I'll definitely come back if I'm in the mood for a full meal.

I eat here often as it's close to my fav Kava place. The crunchy roll is my favorite always and it's consistently delicious. The people working there truly want to make sure they get it right too. They are fast and I love taking it to go.

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

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

Ichiban is my go to sushi spot and is a part of my sunday night ritual. Each sunday I call in and place my regular order, Sunny roll & Crunchy roll, off of the happy hour menu. The staff is kind on the phone and my order is alway prepared super fast! The happy hour deals are hard to beat and is also a great spot to go to with a group of friends. It is definitely a hole in the wall kind of place, but if you're looking for a good and reliable sushi spot this place should be your go to as well.

Nostalgia. My first visit, i think was in 1988 and have good memories of I think Sisters who owned and operated. Or, two Japanese or Okinawan Women which I thought was kind of unique at the time. Frequented many times as I was from L.A. and hard to find affordable but good Japanese casual in San Diego. I have frequented it in the 2000's and early 2010's. The last time I think was before the pandemic. I plan to visit sometime in 2025 and don't know if Ownership/Operators have changed but I say enjoy while you can as CA SBOs are retiring &/or just not dealing with the hassles. I'm sure there are places on Convoy St. or Beach areas people prefer better but if you haven't frequented and in the area, stop by and if same owners or operators pass on compliments to the previous owners, I'd say do it while you can! The fact, they survived being a restaurant after 5 years is testament but close to 40! Thank you Ichiban you gave me a nice place to eat in my late teens-twentys, comfort food from Japan, and a slice of L.A. Japanese restaurants I missed (we were/are spoiled in the SouthBay L.A.!). The Food maybe, to most folks is/was 4 stars but today's value and longevity..i give it 5 stars! Hope the Owners allow me to take an anniversary photo this year! Kanpai!

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

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

We made an impromptu stop here for dinner. We lucked out and it was "Happy Hour." The service was friendly, the sushi was fresh and delicious and it was nice sitting on the outside patio as we watched San Diego Pride kick-off. We had the rainbow roll, the Hawaiian roll, and a couple of small green salads. Most of the time, when you get a salad at a sushi place, it's just some lettuce. The salad here had broccoli, shredded cucumber, tomatoes, and a delicious ginger dressing. The edamame was also very fresh, salted perfectly, and served warm. Our server was really nice and super efficient. We'll be back.

Our family staple while living in San Diego; dishes are made with made with utmost perfection and healthiest ingredients. If you're lucky, you'll meet Satomi....the most kind-hearted and loving manager you'll ever have the pleasure meeting! Bento plates are the best ever, you'll never taste any ginger chicken this scrumptious - so addictive! Miso soup & ice cream is a must, especially the red bean! You'll be so happy that you gave yourself this incredible treat, so find a little self-compassion and enjoy!

very kind staff. i had tonkotsu ramen, tasted good and ate on pleasant heated patio. thats kind of all i had to say

Small chill place. We didn't get sushi but what we got was ok. Udon was fine. Yakisoba was meh. Spam musabi tasted good but was a mess Took forever to place order but service was pretty good once we got food.

We had the No.1 Teriyaki Chicken special lunch, some sushi rolls, and chicken curry. The food is really good and we were really enjoying it until we found two long pieces of hair in our chicken it was nasty!.... The cashier at the front desk was kind of impatient, she just kept pushing us to order... Although the food was really tasty, sadly we will probably never go back to this place again...

Good happy hour 4-8pm daily and good service. I love the non seafood options including the Jumbo roll, inari, and tamago.

Amazing happy hour deals on various rolls, the staff were super friendly and the food came out quick. Nice patio out front to enjoy this SD weather. Will definitely be back

Such tasty, fresh, and delicious sushi for such great prices! The California rolls were simple but solid, the spicy tuna rolls were delicious with a nice kick, and the specialty rolls were savory, crispy, and delectable!

Ichiban is where I first had sushi 40 Years ago. I've seen sushi places come and go over the years and this place still thriving ... I still love eating here . Food is consistent and service always excellent!