David Wnek

With a commanding spot in the middle of Welch Ave, Ichiban offers a reasonable selection of Japanese eats, notably sushi and ramen, particularly this far inland. The atmosphere is classy yet unpretentious, welcoming to both date nights and casual dinners with friends. The food is excellent no matter what you choose, with the ramen being hearty and incredibly flavorful and the specialty rolls being carefully crafted. For those in the Ames area seeking well priced Japanese fare, Ichiban will quickly become a go to spot.

Christian Jackson

I know authentic ramen, and this place has it. I've struggled to find good Japanese food in Iowa. Yet alone good, authentic ramen. Inchiban blew me away - the ramen was absolutely fantastic, even better than highly rated places in Chicago. My girlfriend and I had a fantastic meal with our ramen, sweet potato rolls and good service. Although I do recommend preparing for a wait. They also have a great Japanese beer selection. I had a headache choosing between Sapporo and Asahi!

+3

David Hemken

New Sushi in Ames. It has taken a while for this place to open and it was well worth the wait. The Ramen is really good with a depth of flavor and plenty of ingredients. The Sushi is really fresh and clean tasting. This is going to be one of those places we go back to again and again.

James Blackwell

My wife and I chose Ichiban Japanese Restaurant to celebrate my 44th birthday, and it turned out to be a wonderful decision. The atmosphere felt authentic and welcoming, setting the tone for a memorable evening. - Service: Our server was attentive and accommodating throughout the night, making sure everything went smoothly. - Food: - I ordered the Spicy Tonkatsu Ramen (fried pork), which was flavorful and satisfying. - My wife enjoyed the Teppanyaki Steak, noting that it was tender, well-seasoned, and cooked perfectly. - We started with the Gyoza appetizer, which was delicious and a great way to kick off the meal. - The highlight for both of us was the Red Dragon Sushi Roll—fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. - Value: For the quality and variety of dishes we enjoyed, the price was very reasonable. Our total came to about $60 before tip, which felt like a great deal for such a satisfying dinner. Overall, Ichiban delivered on authenticity, flavor, and hospitality. It was a perfect spot for a special occasion, and we’ll definitely be returning.

+6

Ella X

A small but upscale little Japanese restaurant right next to ISU. Ordered ramen and Komodo sticks appetizer; Komodo appetizers are very creative, the fried crab stick and cream cheese make it very crunchy out but creamy in. The sauce also add some sweet and savory into. Highly recommend this one if u live fried food like me. Ramen was ok, I think the broth could add more sodium, pork chuashu could marinated longer, but the egg was very well half cooked, perfect condition in ramen. With the ramen priced at $11, I think this is still worth it. Server is very considerate and very friendly, he helped me with packing leftovers and even grabbed a plastic bag for easier to carry. There decors are cute and they have patio seats.

+9

Paco McClain

The boxes used in place of the bento tray made the meal not as great. Steak is much drier. Rice absorbed the flavor of everything and the presentation wasn’t nearly as pleasant. Was offered a refund and staff/owner are very friendly!

I was really excited about this place but it was just fine. We got the ramen, steak bento box, and lotus root appetizer. The lotus root was tasty but it was so heavily deep fried we could only eat a few pieces. The ramen broth was lacking in depth of flavor and body, but the noodles and egg were good. The bento box was fine but the pieces of steak didn't taste like there was any marinade/sauce, and they were cut into pretty big pieces to eat without a knife. The tempura shrimp was on point though! I think if they made some small changes the dishes we got could be amazing.

Randy Abulon

local college food in Iowa at a non chain restaurant... Jordan was great. quick and responsive service, dealt with a few boisterous after game patrons--who obviously celebrated after the win--quite well. one of the other staff was pointedly observing us, which was unusual. if the dishes were a bit more polished, i might visit again, but wouldn't recommend at this time.

+6

Christiana Shannon

We were in town for an event and decided on this place because we wanted sushi. Nice and simple place. Wish the portions were bigger for the prices but in the end we left satisfied. Kid friendly and staff was nice.

Bri

Cook does not wash his hands. Touches your food, all of it, wipes his hands on his pants EACH TIME!!! No gloves no hand sanitizer...just nasty

Andres Cordoba

I really wanted to like the meal I had at this place, but alas, it wasn't to be. The establishment is a bit dingy, but is well decorated overall. Service was pretty standard overall, but the waiter showed no interest in attending the customer. However, what really impacted my score was the food. The appetizers (tempura/gyoza) were fine, but the meals were almost universally disappointing. The only fine option was the salmon miso, which had quality fish. The bento bowl pork was of low quality, as was the pork used in the spiny tonkatsu and spicy beef. Two out of three ramens had poorly cooked Ramen that was connected, while the mix generally tasted bland. With a limited menu that failed to deliver on 3/4 of the meals my group ordered, I don't think I will return.

Ken Yoon

The sushi rice was inedible. More like mochi than rice and zero seasoning. Rice being a key ingredient the sushi was inedible. And the fact it was pushed out is like a burger shop sending out a burger with a wet bun. Ramen was odd. Wrong soup base. But customers love this place.