Ikeda Japanese Dining — Restaurant in Huntington Beach

I found Ikeda Japanese Dining on Saturday on Google Maps after driving a couple of hours and feeling hungry. I arrive a little before 4 pm beating the evening dinner crowd hungry for something other than fast food. I was greeted by the hostess/waiter and offered the choice of a table or booth in a manner of a practiced courtesy. Before ordering, I had to use the restroom and was pleasantly surprised that not only was the facility clean but looked like an attractive restroom in a nice home instead of a neglected facility in a community park. The décor of the restaurant itself is simple but welcoming.

The menu is fairly extensive that would satisfy most. I placed my order and started reading my book (I was dining alone that day) when the food started coming sooner than expected. I mentioned that was fast to the waiter and she paused and then made a philosophical comment about the concept of time that made me chuckle. The Japanese style fried Calamari was hot and crispy and a good amount for an appetizer. I ordered two rolls. The Ichiban Roll (Spicy tuna roll topped with yellowtail tempura) that tasted freshly made but did not taste “spicy” which was fine with me. The Spicy Baked Salmon Roll (California roll, jalapeño, topped with baked salmon, eel sauce, spicy mayo and sriracha) had just the right amount spicy heat to make taste interesting and enjoyable. The sauce on both rolls was tasty.

I must say, the presentation of the food was excellent. I was impressed in the way the Baked Salmon Roll looked elegant on a broad leaf (don't know what vegetable that was). The sauce on the roll was added with a touch of artistic flair. My complements to the kitchen.

A shout out to the waiter Leann whose courtesy, attentiveness and general hospitality was exceptional and who represented the face of the restaurant very well. Next time I am in the neighborhood, I plan to come again with my...

I am very disappointed in my experience last night. I have been going to Ikeda for years, and supporting them throughout the pandemic by ordering takeout regularly. Last night, we ordered the usual poke salads to go. When my husband brought them home, we noticed right away the portions were much smaller. We ordered 3 salads. They must have realized the portions were smaller too because there was 1 random small container of lettuce placed in the bag. I divided that among our 3 salads before serving. One of the bites I took tasted soapy. I didn't say anything to my family and kept eating. A minute later, my husband said something tasted soapy in his salad. All 3 of us stopped eating and threw them away. When I called, the manager (or owner) refused to get on the phone and instead spoke through the woman who answered the phone. She said she was sorry I felt the way I did and assured me the quality was the same. Today, I called again because I wanted to go in person to talk to someone about my experience. The person who answered told a woman there that I wanted to speak with a manager. I could hear the conversation. The woman then told him to tell me there was no manager there. She clearly did not wish to speak to me last night, or today. It is really disheartening because I am sure the business has suffered and they are clearly still struggling. Unfortunately after being treated this way, I will not be going to this...

We used to have our business in HB and remembered when Ikeda opened but only tried it once. It was pretty good, then. Since then, we recently came back to HB and have revisited Ikeda, again. I have to say, we've really grown to like this place. First off, it's authentic and owned by Ikeda-san who has a history of owning and working in Japanese restaurants. I know other ethnicities can prepare Japanese food but 9/10 times it just isn't right. Sushi and tempura are the best way to judge authenticity, in my book. Both are a true culinary art, and in capable hands, the balance and density of rice, in sushi, is key. Nothing worse than rice smashed into a massive dense lump. Tempura batter should be light and flaky, not fish n chips! Ikeda nails both! They also offer a few other unique dishes like yuzu chicken, steak with a mustard sauce, and baby back ribs. The staff is super attentive and friendly too! Another big plus, clean bathrooms! Ikeda check all the boxes for a finely run family owned restaurant with excellent food and service! We'll definitely...