Ichiban Japanese Seafood & Steakhouse

If you ever been to one of these types of restaurants you'll know they are all very similar. What makes one stand out above another is the chef you receive. The one we had last night had no personality at all. He came, he cooked the food, had very little conversation and left. The only fire expo we got was the onion volcano which happened to be much of a dud and then the show was over. When your paying at a minimum $20 a plate/ waiting more than 30 minutes for a seat, with a group of 7 or even less really, at a place like this you expect to be entertained at least a little. Our guy couldn't even catch the egg on his spatula.I will say there was another chef there who worked at least two grills while we were there and he was awesome at both. He entertained and interacted. He even scared a couple of his patrons each time which was hilarious. Wish they were all like him and the others should take notes.The server wasn't hitting on much either. She came by only twice and both times people had to request something such as water or hot sauce.As for the food, It was delicious though the portions were less than most other Japanese grills I have been to.One other thing that was disappointing. It was one of our guests birthday but here, in order for them to sing happy birthday you have to pay $10. They do throw in a piece of cheesecake and a framed picture if you pay but sometimes all people want is the recognition of their birthday.We will probably return at some point but there are other similar restaurants that offer so much more.

Horrible Service waited for 30 mins and have been waiting for a cook for a hour and counting, took 30 minutes to get drinks after it took 30 minutes to get seated. Do not come here absolute horrible wait time and horrible service.

This establishment is very clean and has a very good sanitation score. I value this because I feel many places don't take scores seriously, but that's about where it stops! This is the second time I've eaten here and have been disappointed. This visit I decided to have a margarita while waiting to be seated as I saw another patron pass me with one, and it looked delicious. I had not eaten all day(empty stomach) and was hoping to get a tasty alcoholic beverage. I was hesitant after being told by bartender that the margarita is $9.10 using cheap house Silver Sauza tequila, but I went ahead and pulled the trigger. I watched bartender double pour, then added very little mix, and I was like, nice, and I tipped too soon! I should've finished the drink and came back and tipped cash if warrantied. Let me tell you, I didn't taste ANY alcohol and mind you, I watched her double pour more than a third of the glass with silver tequila, I almost positive it was water! I felt beyond ripped off! I don't drink sugary soda anymore, but I probably would have got more of a buzz from a carbonated soda. I highly recommend not to waste your time at the bar. There's no way I shouldn't have tasted any tequila on an empty stomach.Now, to the food, which was average being, I ordered fried rice, chicken, and sweet carrots. I ordered the $23 double chicken teriyaki, and I've had very close to the same amount of food in a to-go hibachi styrofoam box from any standard takeout establishment. With all honesty, my friend reminded me that was the issue we had on our first visit here years ago as well! That's why we hadn't been back. I won't forget this time and will not be back. There is another similar place that I won't name that portions reflect the pricing, that I've patronized several times in Concord, and actually stopped there first, but their grade was a 94 currently so we kept it moving. Yelp does pretty good at showing scores with details, which I normally check prior to patronizing. If not, when I walk into establishment, I do. Consistency I feel is rare in the restaurant business.

We had a fun experience! Tasty food/cocktails and lots of laughs. We all really enjoyed our time here. We did wait for a table for awhile and for it to begin but it was worth it. Good for celebrating or just a fun night out!

If you don't tie your hair back and it is around the food...please do. The waitress should keep her hair away from food. The person cooking had a huge boil, growth or something disgusting on his neck that was an appetite killer. Needless to say, paid for food I could not eat.

The best Japanese food around!! Definitely recommend going at least once. Food is amazing. Chefs are awesome. Thumbs up!!

Flip you brats -100000990090898678866We waited hours then the people got seated after us got stuff first y'all are stupid

Went recently The entertaining chefs were fun but the meals are outrageously expensive. Wife n I had free waterto drink. It was like $24 a Meal with tip about $53 I won't be back

I'm visiting family here in NC and we went to Ichiban last night. We had a great time with our chef...I wish I could remember his name! We let the manager (?, bald guy lol) know what a great job he did. Here's a clue, he played "This Girl Is On Fire" during his performance/food prep, cooking, whatever you would call it. My 5 year old granddaughter throughly enjoyed it along with the rest of us at the table. Our server also did a great job. I never had to ask for a refill. That may seem small but when you have to ask that means they are not paying attention to you. She was great. It was very much appreciated. The food was also great! Lots of leftovers....I'm having them for lunch today. Thanks for a good time Ichiban, we'll be back.

The food was amazing and the chef was great! But, the service was the worst I ever experienced there since they opened. We waited 1 hour for a table. And another hour before the chef showed up. 2 tables were getting food before us and they arrived an hour after we did. It was a bad experience. Very unorganized.