Ichiban Restaurant — Restaurant in Cranston

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ichiban Restaurant in Cranston, RI, and let me tell you, it was an absolute culinary delight! From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at Ichiban Restaurant is a true testament to the artistry and skill of their chefs. With a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes and innovative creations, there is something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're a sushi lover or prefer hot and savory dishes, Ichiban has it all.

Let's start with the sushi. Oh my goodness, it was a work of art! The presentation alone was enough to make my mouth water. Each piece was meticulously crafted, showcasing the freshest ingredients and expert technique. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the textures were a delight to the senses. From the classic California roll to the more adventurous specialty rolls, every bite was a taste of perfection.

But Ichiban is not just about sushi. Their hot dishes are equally impressive. I had the pleasure of trying their Teriyaki Chicken, and it was absolutely divine. The chicken was tender and juicy, smothered in a rich and flavorful teriyaki sauce that had me savoring every bite. The accompanying vegetables were cooked to perfection, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish.

The service at Ichiban Restaurant was top-notch. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were more than happy to answer any questions I had and even made recommendations based on my preferences. Their passion for providing an exceptional dining experience was evident, and it made my visit all the more enjoyable.

The ambiance at Ichiban Restaurant is elegant and inviting. The modern decor, coupled with soft lighting and comfortable seating, creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or that special someone, Ichiban provides the perfect setting for a memorable meal.

Lastly, I must mention the location of Ichiban Restaurant. Situated in Cranston, RI, it is conveniently located and easily accessible. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Ichiban is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine.

In conclusion, Ichiban Restaurant exceeded all my expectations. With its exquisite sushi, delectable hot dishes, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, it truly deserves a five-star rating. If you find yourself in Cranston, RI, make sure to pay Ichiban Restaurant a visit. Your taste buds...

If you’re on the hunt for sushi that’ll make your taste buds dance, look no further than Ichiban. I wrote a glowing 5-star review 12 years ago, and guess what? I’m still head-over-heels for this place. If anything, they’ve only gotten better, like a fine wine—or, in this case, fine eel sauce. 🍶

The owners? Absolute gems. They’ll swing by your table to say hello, making you feel like a sushi celebrity in your own right. It’s that kind of personal touch that keeps me coming back. Now, onto the real star of the show: the sushi. My wife started with the Grace Roll, a glorious combination of shrimp tempura, avocado, crab meat, cucu tobiko, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. This roll is basically a hug for your mouth. She also couldn’t resist The Spider, with crispy soft-shell crab, avocado, and tobiko, all drenched in house-special eel and crab sauce. The crunch, the sauce, the sheer joy—she was in sushi heaven, no doubt.

Me? I embarked on a dragon-fueled sushi adventure. The Black Dragon was a beast of a roll, with crispy panko, tankama, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko inside, then topped with eel and even more tobiko, all bathed in that signature eel sauce. The Red Dragon, however, took things up a notch—spicy, sweet, and bold, with tobiko, panko, Japanese pear (yes, pear!), avocado, and eel inside, and a layer of fresh tuna on top. And then there was the White Dragon, a delicate masterpiece, featuring white tuna and that same irresistible eel sauce. I’m pretty sure the sushi gods themselves crafted these rolls. 🐟✨

Ichiban isn’t just about the sushi (though, trust me, the sushi is out of this world); it’s the whole experience. Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home—except with better food and less clean-up. Whether you’re a sushi newbie or a seasoned pro, Ichiban will steal your heart (and maybe your wallet, but it’s worth every penny). From the friendly owners to the unforgettable rolls, this place proves time and time again that they’re not just Ichiban in name—they’re Ichiban in...

Just to give you my background, I love sushi and have bartended and served at a few of the best places in RI (Nick's On Broadway and Ocean House) so I'm not just a foodie, I've worked around some great chefs and really appreciate execution done well. Here's a story to breakdown Ichiban to you:

I was driving down from MA to have a first date with my now girlfriend (almost 4 years later) and we met at Haruki on Wayland Sq. I thought the food was really good and have since went back multiple times. But I wasn't "allowed" to go to Ichiban until my girlfriend knew I was worthy (maybe it was date #6 or 7.)

To give you an idea, you can look at sushi ingredients and the color will usually give you an indication of its freshness, flavor, and quality. Every time I go to another sushi restaurant, their fish looks dull in comparison. To top it off, Sushi Chef and owner Jim, has incredible presentation, aside from the great roll combinations they offer as specialties.

I've talked to Chef Jim about the sushi documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and was happy to know Jim had learned in a similar authentic, traditional almost apprenticeship background to sushi.

You have to try it out. Aesthetically the place won't knock your socks off, but it's very comfortable and nice inside and the service is always really good. Best sushi that I know of and I've been to Mirimoto's in...