Ichiyami Buffet & Sushi — Restaurant in Boca Raton

I've reviewed this sushi buffet before, and I've had a great experience here... In the not too distant past. The food is very good - above average, one might even say it's among the best in South Florida. However for this review I'm going to cut some stars because they have a practice that I believe is a monstrous disservice to their patrons, and I know I'm not alone in feeling this way.

My friend and I came at 9 o'clock - a full hour before closing - and I had just spent the last twenty minutes hyping this place up as having some of the best all-you-can-eat sushi in the area. Pricey, sure, but worth it. We walk in, everthing seems fine, the hostess warned us that they would be closed in an hour, and we said no problem, an hour is plenty of time to eat.

What they didn't share, however, is that they stop serving sushi and sashimi. A full hour before closing, and they had ALREADY stopped, so I actually don't know exactly when they stopped. I do know that there were only a couple of pieces of salmon, a few of tuna, a plate full of shrimp, and a few eel. That's it, nothing more. There was so little sushi I actually remember exactly what there was. The rolls were beat to hell, looking picked over and crushed. The restaurant was still fairly full, so what was left lasted about 12 seconds.

All this for the princely sum of $35.

No more sushi was cut and served. No more sashimi, rolls, nothing. I watched several people complain to the manager, I myself also joined that party because it's a terrible practice. I understand - completely - the idea of minimizing waste by limiting what you put out, especially expensive and perishable items like cut sushi. It's a practice I've seen before in crappy hole in the wall all-you-can-eat Chinese buffets that sometimes have sushi as an "add on". I don't like it much then but usually those are $15-20 and I'm not expecting much anyway.

This is a premium buffet, with premium items in a premium location in Boca Raton. I expect a premium experience. My previous dining experience here was quite good, and it met (even exceeded) my expectations. This experience? Not so much.

The answer, of course, is "go earlier" and that's what I would recommend to you. Go earlier and I believe you'll have a very fine experience and the food will be very much up to par. It's edge cases like this, however, that (to me, at least) show his the business or restaurant is run in less ideal circumstances and it's (again, to me) the mark of an excellent restaurant/business or just an ok one that had a good night, or that focuses on peak times to deliver excellence.

Will I go there again? Most likely yes. I enjoyed my first dinner there, it was really, really good. Will I go during any time but peak? Probably not. Which is kind of unfortunate because the place does get packed, and patrons (like me) sometimes prefer off -peak times to avoid the rush, plus it helps the restaurant by improving revenue during less busy times. Parking here is painful, and during peak it's the absolute worst.

That's Boca though - these businesses are run hard until they run out of steam and then it's off to the next one. Parking is always a concern, service is hit or miss, but the food is often very good.

Should you try it? Yes. You should. Go check it out...

I've been searching for a decent Japanese buffet near me for the last couple of months. I think I found it. It's a half hour away from me, but it's worth it. This place is the real deal in my opinion. It's always busy, so you know the food's gotta be good. Usually the sushi is good and the hot food is okay, but here.. everything is on point. I haven't tried the hibachi but I'm sure it's good. And they have dessert ..but I'm not sure why people get dessert at an Asian buffet. It's okay if you want tiny weird things and generic ice cream I suppose. Also, the price is great. I'm not a fan of crab legs and all that.. but the lunch price is very reasonable, M-F $12.95. I haven't gone for dinner yet.. but I'm sure it's still worth it. I went on Sunday for lunch and it was $15. My boyfriend LOVED the sushi, especially the nigiri sushi. It was like an orgasm in his mouth he said.. and he's really picky about his sushi. They didn't have the tamago out at the time but he requested it and they made it on the spot. Dude, this is the place to go. I personally enjoy the JB rolls (especially because they're also my initials) and the cooked salmon ones. The serve yourself ginger salad and asparagus are awesome too. I have no complaints personally. I usually love wonton and egg drop soup (I did have it the first time and it was really good).. but honestly I can't fit it in with all the awesome things this buffet has. As for the hot food, I love the teriyaki chicken, mushrooms and steamed pork dumplings (gyoza) with ponzu sauce. The krab rangoon is also on POINT. Every thing is awesome. You have to try this place. I really have no complaints. There may be a wait sometimes but there's ample seating inside and outside and it's not long at all. Why wouldn't you wait 20 min for an awesome ass buffet? If you can't wait that long then you don't understand what life is and what it has to offer....

Ichiyami Buffet & Sushi in Boca Raton is a true paradise for sushi and buffet lovers alike! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a bright, spacious atmosphere and the irresistible aroma of freshly prepared dishes. This isn’t your average buffet—it’s a dining experience that brings together quality, variety, and flavor.

The star of the show is the sushi bar, which offers an impressive selection of rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you're a fan of classic options like tuna and salmon or looking to indulge in creative specialty rolls, Ichiyami has something for every palate. And the best part? It’s all beautifully presented and constantly replenished, so there’s always something fresh to try.

Beyond sushi, the buffet doesn’t disappoint. The hot food section is equally impressive, with a variety of Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes. From perfectly crisp tempura to savory teriyaki and hibachi-grilled meats, the flavors are spot-on. Don’t miss the made-to-order hibachi station—it’s fun, interactive, and a great way to enjoy a fresh, customized dish.

If you have a sweet tooth, Ichiyami has you covered with a delightful dessert section. Fresh fruit, cakes, and even small servings of ice cream give you the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

The staff here are friendly, attentive, and quick to keep the buffet stocked and the tables cleared, which makes the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

Overall, Ichiyami Buffet & Sushi is a must-visit in Boca Raton for anyone looking to enjoy a wide variety of delicious food at a great value. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or just someone looking to try something new, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a big smile. Highly recommended for family outings, date nights, or even a solo...