Reviews Ichiban Japanese Steak House

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Ian McKenzie
+5
We has a great time celebrating our granddaughters birthday, our chef Roger was an excellent host, great experience all round. Would definitely recommend for any occasion!
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Jon Smith
+5
Amazing first experience! All the staff was amazing and always made sure we had drinks and everything we needed. The chef we had was newish was only there for 3 months or so and he did a fantastic job! Would for sure go again next time I am in Winnipeg and highly recommend it! You will not be let down
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Carolyn Bailey
+5
Class act, great food, incredibly attentive and hospitable staff, killer ceasars, and honestly worth hitting the budget for. �
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Francita Martin Espiritu Strachan
+5
food was absolutely delicious service was great the staff are friendly and the chef was very entertaining that make you feel want to go back again and strongly recommend to anybody.
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Sam Rempel
+5
Chef Roger was exceptionally friendly and kept us engaged and entertained our entire meal. We were on the edge of our seats!!
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Gerri Harborne
+5
We loved it! The food is amazing and we all loved the entertainment by Chef Roger! It was a nice celebration for grad and a birthday.
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Justice Lughas
+5
I am currently at the ichiban restaurant right now and the chef Roger is providing me with not only excellent food but also great entertainment!! Will come back again I love it!
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Susan Thiessen
+5
Enjoyed celebrating a belated family Christmas and our grandson's 2nd birthday this evening... Food was delicious, and Roger, our chef, did an awesome job! Very entertaining!
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Ardis Anderson
+5
Amazing food great service,the first time was a great experience with tasty food and the next was better the last time I went was the best, it got better n better.
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Sabrina Savard
+5
Love this place! Quality and tasty food. Good entertainment too.
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FLee
+5
Ichiban is famous for their entertainment. Each table surrounds a grill and the chef puts on a cooking show in front of you. My significant other and I went to Ichiban for the first time last night for my birthday. What an experience!! We were placed to be seated with anther group of 4 people at this table for the show. I had the Ichiban combination dinner, which came with green tea, soup, salad, an appetizer, an entree with Teriyaki Chicken, Shrimp, Filet Magnon, vegetables and rice and ice-cream for dessert. The chef did a great job at engaging the audience throughout the show. He also had a great sense of humour so that made the show very entertaining! For what you pay for, it is totally worth it. The food was flavourful and it came with an enormous portion. Everyone at my table had to box their food up at the end of the night. In addition, the service was excellent.

As the birthday girl, I was given deep fried banana and ice cream for dessert instead of the regular ice cream that came with the meal. What an excellent idea!

The restaurant is located next to the Delta Hotel. When you do go, make sure you park at the Delta Hotel's Parkade. The restaurant will validate your parking ticket at the end of the night so that should not cost you a dime.

Overall, Ichiban is definitely a place to check out for special occasions. I would totally go back again! In fact, I plan to take my parents here soon!!
Feb 19, 2017
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Eater
+5
Had an excellent time. This was our second time coming. The chef cooks the food right in front of you. The table you eat at surrounds the chef and cooking surface on 3 sides. The meal starts off with soup followed by sautéed chicken liver with onions and mushrooms. I'm not normally fan of liver but this was pretty good. Next was a salad of cucumber in vinegar topped with minced crab. It was good too. The chef came out and was very entertaining and polite. It was a meal and a show in one. The chef started the cooking of the main course by making an 'onion volcano' where he put 3 rings of onion on top of each other on the cooking surface to make the volcano shape, filled it with oil, added a bit of water to make it sizzle and lit it on fire with a match which created a huge 4 foot high raging fire. He asked if it was a special occasion and we told him it was our anniversary, so he made the fried rice into a big heart with an arrow through it on the cooking surface and poured soy and teriyaki sauce into it to cause the heart to beat. We had the special. Filet mignon, chicken breast and lobster were cooked perfectly and very tender. Next came green tea. Then the hostess came out with a special dessert for us, on the house as it was our anniversary, which consisted of deep fried bananas topped with ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, and a cherry on top. My daughter had the green tea ice cream. She said it is now her favorite restaurant. Kids menu prices are twice that of a franchise chain restaurant but what you get is way more than just chicken fingers and a colouring book. They gave her so much food. A very unique dining experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
Aug 23, 2016
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Gill Hyndman
+5
Well, we spent a wonderful couple of hours at the Ichiban this evening. The food was absolutely excellent, the server was wonderful. She was extremely attentive without being overbearing in any way. The chef was lovely!!! Very friendly and made us a delicious supper. And to top it all off we sat with a lovely couple from Flin Flon we had never met before and had an absolutely lovely time with them. Thank You!!!
Apr 21, 2016
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BC
+5
Our party of 5 enjoyed a wonderful dinner to celebrate a special birthday this evening. When we were seated at the table, a miscommunication between staff kept us waiting 20 minutes for table service, but when it was discovered, the manager jumped into action, apologizing and offering to buy our first round of drinks. A class act and much appreciated. Dinner was superb as always and our chef was professional, courteous and playful with the guests, especially one young boy about 5 years old. We brought two "newbies" with us and the whole experience totally exceeded their expectations. We raved about the great food all the way home. Thank you!
Mar 27, 2016
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Prez
+4
I really enjoyed dinner here recently with a group of 7 of us.  The service was excellent and the atmosphere was very fun and lively.  The chef put on a great show and got everyone involved and entertained.  The serving staff had us all doing saki bombs and it was a great time.  The food was pretty good...I can't say it was fabulous or outstanding but it was good.  Overall it was a great experience and I look forward to going back.
Feb 23, 2016
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Prips
+4
We were group of 8 and didn't take us long to get a table. The food was fresh, very tasty and entertaining as they prepare and cook your food in front of you. Good quality service. A bit pricey but worth it. Great place for a party of 4 or more.
Oct 23, 2015
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KPid
+4.5
A group of nine of us dined here last night. This was a great place to have a fun and unique dining experience with a group of friends. We started with a couple drinks in the lounge area while we waited for all of our party to arrive. They won't seat you till everyone is present. Our chef, Pete was very good. Just the right amount of humour and fun. We enjoyed watching him prepare all the courses. The food here is plentiful and delicious. Everyone in our group left completely satisfied. The different meats, vegetables, rice, soup and salad were all delicious. The quality of food and service is outstanding here. Great value for the price. I also ordered an avocado roll, and it was really good. Diners should expect to spend 3 hours here, but the time flies because it's a lot of fun.
Aug 22, 2015
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Jeremie Verrier
+4.5
Pricey but worth it. Great way to spend a night entertained by the chef! So good and overall great atmosphere. There was 4 of us and we booked ahead as it can be hard to have a place to sit on busy nights. Great place.
Aug 20, 2015
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Food Snob
+4
Well this was a favorite of Mom's some 25 years ago.
The show is the show.
Frankly the food quality is good.
Soup hot, tasty.
Appetizers good.
There are way better sushi places if you are into sushi.
However whether you eat the steak, chicken, seafood.  Its all tasty with the problem being it all tastes the same.
But that is what teriyaki is.  Sort of overpowering the food itself.
Meat cuts are tender, but close your eyes, and you likely don't know whether its chicken or steak.
Drinks are novel.   Atmosphere around a table with strangers can be either great or not so much.
Look it's been around for decades, If you have never gone its worth a shot.
Not an annual event for me.
Jun 27, 2015
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Hmneufeld
+4.5
Amazing Experience! Will Return. Our first experience at this restaurant was nothing short of fun and entertaining. Food was amazing and the portions were huge. Our 2 chefs were Tommy Kim and Roger and I highly recommend requesting them as they were both extremely friendly and very entertaining. We noticed some other tables had chefs that were a bit more low key so we were very pleased with ours. Made the whole night very fun.
Dec 13, 2014
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Lestardiff
+4.5
The greatest show!. Our family loves to eat here. The food is always fresh and the cooks are amazing. Our children get excited watching the cooks and we always have a good time.
It's great when you can get children to eat their vegetables and we never have a problem like that here. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is great. We'll be back for another show soon, love the sizzle!
Mar 31, 2014
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Kayla
+4.5
Had an awesome experience! Our cook Edwin helped make my sisters birthday unforgettable! Will definitely come back and request Edwin serve is again! Just perfect!
Feb 08, 2014
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TheChristellar
+4.5
Exceeded my expectations. Went last night for my first time with a small group. I really really was impressed with the decor, the quality of the food, and loved the entertainment. Our entertainer/cook made me feel really special as a first-timer, involved me in some tricks and ensured I was well-fed. My steak was done perfectly, and the Sake-bombs were an added bonus of fun. Really engaging and I'll definitely be back!
Nov 21, 2013
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P. Willi
+4.5
Love it. Haven't changed in 30 years. Sushi is good, tepanyaki is great. Always impressed the the beautiful ingredients they bring to the table. The portions are so generous that if you order a dinner for one as take out, it's more than enough to feed two. And don't cheap out, always go for the fried rice.
Sep 26, 2013
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KANA
+4
Sushi = good. Go for the sushi!!! I can't say much about the teppanyaki as I only went once (was OK - a long time ago though, 8-10 years or so). I find the service is pretty slow but if you can sit up at the bar and talk to the sushi chefs they are very friendly and helpful (also nice when it's busy, you don't have to wait for a table usually). Really super fresh sashimi, some of the best in the city. It's on the pricey side and there is a "required" tip (not sure if that is still there with new management) - but overall it's a good place...for sushi. They used to have cheap sushi days but alas, not anymore. I really hope that comes back!
Jun 23, 2013
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Reg
+4.5
Chicken Livers the Best. This restaurant has the best chicken liver in town hands down.
Jan 11, 2013
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Alice
+4.5
Go for the show!. If you're going just for the food, you're in the wrong place.
Ichiban is all about the dazzle, the wow, the entertainment!
That being said, it is only a one time thing. Their show is standardized, so it's only exciting the first time you see it.
Oct 05, 2012
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IWantSomeChocolates
+4.5
Walked in on a monday night but they usually work on reservations. Arrived at 7:30pm but was paired with the 8:00 reservation and other walk-ins. It is a shared table so it's not for those looking for a romantic date. Ordered the Empress (teriyaki chicken, shrimp and scallops) and it comes with everything priced at $35. Food was okay and the servings were big. I especially like the cucumber salad and the scallops. Highly recommended! The chicken livers was good as well but I'm not a big fan of liver in general. Loved our server and chef. But if you're looking for an extra fun time, look for EDWIN. I would definitely bring my family here!
Aug 24, 2012
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TryItOut
+4.5
Great for a group. The Ichi Ban is something different than your average everyday restaurant. The meal preparation is entertaining and the food is good. I would definitely suggest the "Imperial" meal for a little taste of everything. My party left full and satisfied.
May 22, 2012
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Rory Hiebert
+4.5
A unique way to enjoy a date, challenge yourself to be more out going. A great way to spend a night out with friends and make new ones over great cuisine and drinks.

Great atmosphere for those who enjoy new experiences and meeting new people. I will say many may be put off by the style of seating, considering, unless you are eating at the sushi bar, you will be seated with strangers. I believe that is the greatest charm of the place. Everytime my wife and I have gone there we met great and interesting people. Even those that seemed to have a difficult time adjusting to the atmosphere enjoyed some hearty converstation once they shook off their cob webs or social phobias.

It's good to try something new!
May 14, 2012
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Anonymous
+4.5
I love this place! The food is delicious and the show is fun to watch. I've gone back again and again. They don't deserve all the negative reviews.
Apr 22, 2012
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Beatriz Schunter
+4.5
We went for the sushi!. We sat in the sushi bar area and ordered 6 rolls & tempura and we were served with such an abundance of food, we had to ask for a to-go bag. Now one of our favorited sushi places in Winnipeg for good taste & good value. Friendly & accommodating staff too :-)
Apr 07, 2012
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Chuck Moore
+4.5
This place is just awesome! God here with a group of friends or family.
Mar 01, 2012
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Riley McDonald
+4.5
Very good food. Expensive, but there are something like five courses in the meal. The cooks put on a very good show, and the atmosphere is both fancy and casual at the same time. Word of warning: don't go if you're feeling antisocial. You will be around people who want to talk and meet people. This is a nice restaurant but it is certainly not a private date type of place. Be prepared to interact with others.
Nov 03, 2011
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Miranda M
+4.5
Still Overpriced.. I'm going to say that I liked it, but I'm really conflicted as the prices are just too outrageous for the meal. Understandably, it is considered one of Winnipeg's foremost dining experiences, and the ostentatious prices match that.

The food is delicious, and the service was wonderful. For 2 superior dinners and 2 beers, we left with a $110 bill. For that kind of money to be dropped on a dinner in Winnipeg, I expected much more. Our chef was not one for parlour tricks, and not very talkative. The food was beautifully cooked, but I feel as if I could have made it just as easily.

So yes, I recommend Ichi-Ban. Once. And once only. Try another steakhouse for the same taste, but less impact on the wallet.
Jul 22, 2011
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Amanda
+4.5
Very enjoyable, most of the time.. I really enjoy Ichi Ban. Their food has always been good. I also enjoy their sushi. The only problem is, most of the time, its about a 3 hour experiance. I went there on a double date, and because one of our friends showed up a bit late, we were forced to sit in the lounge area until she got there. Once she did, we had to wait even longer becuase I think they gave our original table away. Half hour after our reservation we got seated. It then took about 20 mins for our chef to arrive. When he did, he was decent, I have had much better other vists. Its dissapointing when your chef doesn't do a lot of fun things / tricks becuase that is about half of what you are paying for. The drinks and food are pretty over priced, but they are delish. I know this is a very mixed review, I just had the one bad experiance. I am always willing to go back, if I have a lot of money in the bank.
Jul 22, 2011
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OinkOink
+4.5
Decent Sushi.. The sushi was decent, I had a rainbow roll and it was good. I went here for a party and I was impressed. Friendly teppanyaki chef and the food was okay. I liked the chicken liver, so good! The other stuff is so-so, I liked the scallops and lobster.

I think if you want to dine here you can skip the teppanyaki because it's not that much - unless you like the novelty and entertainment. It's pricy. I'd rather go here for sushi.
Jun 20, 2011
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Brian
+4.5
A fun time. Every few years, usually for a special ocassion, we'll go to Ichi Ban. It's best to go with a larger group, as it's a very 'social' kind of night, and if you aren't with a larger group, they'll combine groups to fill the tables.

Each table is constructed of a grill, where the chef prepares all of the food in front of you, with 8 to 12 chairs arranged around him in a "U" shape, so everyone has a good view.

It's a lot of fun, and the chefs usually make sure you have a good time, with a standard array of jokes.

The food is good, and the selction is quite wide, but since everything is cooked pretty much the same way, logically, it all tastes pretty much the same.

One thing is that everything is cooked exactly how you like it.....and they cook a great steak.

The highlight for me is the chicken liver appetizer. They have it's preparation down to a science, and I've seen people who claim to detest liver change their minds once they've tried it, and order a whole serving for themselves.

If you have young kids and want to give them a real treat.....Ichi Ban's the place....they'll be talking about it forever, and the chefs really play it up to the kids.

All in all, a good time.
Jun 20, 2011
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Intl.Foodie
+3.5
Fantastic experience!. I've been there several times and I have never been disappointed! The last time I went the chef really fed off the energy of the group and did some sake bombs with us! I had so much fun catching the rice (although I did kind of spill it on one of my friends lunching to catch it!) and my husband enjoyed showing off his catching skills with an egg... until we told him it was hard boiled!
This is an incredible experience and I definitely suggest it! Go hungry!
Apr 07, 2011
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John
+4.5
What a pleasant experience! The food was delicious, plentiful and it's very entertaining to watch the chef prepare it right there.
Mar 28, 2011
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Caybaybay
+4.5
Dinner and a Show. Very entertaining, although it is the same performance each time: catch a bowl, catch an egg, pretend to catch a knife, and sake time. Still fun each time though. Definitely a group outing.
You get a lot of food, and it's good food, but the food isn't the main reason to go. You can certainly get better food elsewhere.
Jul 21, 2010
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Olivia Newt
+4.5
Sake Time!. Ichi Ban is the place to go for a fun night out and entertainment. Yes, go in larger groups because sitting with unknown strangers is always a risk. The food is quite yummy and always enough to fill you up and to take some home. I've had a bowl of rice thrown at me, eggs, and had to catch a knife. I've been a total of three times and plan on returning again.
Jul 08, 2010
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Eve
+4.5
My fave restaurant. I have been to Ichban many times over the years, with large groups (up to 13 ppl) or just with one or 2. It is always fantastic. From "Sake Time" to catching a egg tossed to you from the other side of the restaurant, it is never a dull moment. The food is great and you get large portions, not to mention it is cooked right in front of you. Drinks are a little pricey but some come with souvenir cups. This is my favorite restaurant and I make a point of going at least 3-4 times a year!
Jul 07, 2010
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Oliver
+4.5
Very pricey, yet deserving. Exciting place to visit.

Book in advance, and even then you risk to have to wait; and it is darn crazy pricey... and despite of all this, it definitely deserves every minute of your waiting and every dollar you spend.

Chefs are cooking before your eyes, and making a real show out of it. They are very crafty and artistic. And the food is delicious.
May 25, 2010
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James Mitchell Shannacappo
+4.5
Great food the imperial was great service was five stars great for large group the budda drink is a must. The potstickers were also delish loved how they did up the presentation in a few words sake time our group gave it
Feb 18, 2010
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Nyx
+4.5
Smoke and mirrors?. The show is worth the go but it may be the only reason.

This is not a date restaurant, definitely a place to go as a group, but be careful if there are 8 or more they add 15% to your bill.

Kid friendly for sure! The food is average though. Healthy and little over priced but then again you are paying for dinner and a show.
Next time I would order a smaller dish, you get a lot of food.
Feb 07, 2010
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Briny
+4.5
I love this place. This is my favorite restaurant. Always good food. it is a litle bit pricy but you have a show, good quality of food and extrodinary service, it is totaly worth it. it is an experience.. go in a group it is nicer. but we do not mind to be with other people... always a good time... (don't wear something to tight)
Feb 07, 2010
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Merix
+4.5
Awesome Japanese cuisine with great personality. The cooks aka performers are really great: friendly, entertaining and engaging. The food is just spectacular, pricing is good for the experience you get from it. I you get one of their "dinners" there is a good chance your going home with leftovers!
Jan 31, 2010
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Ian Calliou
+4.5
Awesome value for your money!. Where in Winnipeg can you get great food and entertainment? Ichi Ban of course.

The entry price includes entree, appetizer, dessert, and side all cooked before your eyes by a very skilled chef with a flair for the dramatic. Reservations are essential so don't just drop in unless you intend to wait and try your luck.

Great venue and the free underground parking is a nice way to spend a cold Winnipeg winter evening.

If you can round up eight friends, you can have a table all to yourselves. That is the way to go as the show is as good as the food and you will want to take pictures.

Great drink options with some coming with a souvenir cup.
Jan 23, 2010
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Colin Koop
+4.5
Always fun. I've been to Ichiban a few times now over the years. The food is good, almost exceptional, but the meals are a little light on substance. The sushi isn't so good. The show is the reason to go though - it's always a good time. Go with a group of friends (8 is the magic number) and you are guaranteed to have a blast with a ton of laughs.
Sep 17, 2009
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OmNomNom
+4.5
Its alright. I've had better sushi elsewhere .... great environment though
Sep 14, 2009
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DAMO
+4.5
Fun night out. This was a fun night out with a group of 8. The food was good and the service was great.
Aug 25, 2009
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Leslie Phung
+4.5
This place is big. You get seated to a group of people so you make new friends. The sushi itself is average. Rating 3 out of 5. Proportion of food served is more then enough. Recommend only if you want entertainment and a night out with friends. Oh and make reservations before going as there is a lot of people.
Jun 27, 2009
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Alain Hebert
+4.5
This restaurant isn't very good I disliked it
Mar 28, 2009
5
Doug “Bowsy” Bowes
+5
Our first visit in decades and first visit ever for others. What an amazing and fun experience. Dinner for 7, prepared table side by Chef Chi. He was fun and engaging. Ha who was our hostess was awesome. We will definitely make Ichiban a regular stop for our supper club. Food was superb.
5
September Bade
+5
I haven't gone out since December so this was pretty scary of an experience, but the atmosphere was so amazing that I felt entirely at ease. The prices are worth it for the quality of service and interactive experience alone, but the deal is sweetened by the large amount of food you get and the fact that it's seafood cooked literally perfectly. I don't think I've ever had scallops that were cooked to a perfect texture before I came here. The hosts are super friendly and attentive and the cooks are all equally friendly and a whole lot of fun. The cook at our table was able to fit right into our group's sense of humor and it was like just adding another friend to the table. I also absolutely LOVE the Geisha drink I got. Not only was it super tasty, but the glass was beautiful and I got to take it home. I want to come back to collect them all, especially the Lucky Cat. Thank you for the lovely food, service and experience!
4
Katherine Phan
+4
Our chef was funny and we went on a Thursday night so it wasn’t too crowded. If you go during the weekend, the chefs might do fewer tricks and you might have less time to enjoy (since it’s busy). I’d rate the performances here 5 stars and the food 3 stars. Overall, good place to visit for special occasions!
5
Tracey Jason
+5
Always a great experience! I’ve been a loyal Ichiban customer for 35 years and it’s always a fun evening! Decided to try take out tonight and even without the “show” the food was amazing!!
5
Samantha Carruthers
+5
Great friendly, experince. Good was good, drinks were great. Great outting for a group of friends. They have vegetarian options as well. A little pricey but still a fun experience :) will definitely be back! Have more cups to collect!
5
Jan Zaretski
+5
Went with a good group of friends and we had a blast. Everyone is very friendly and seems to enjoy what they are doing. Good food and just a great atmosphere. It can get pricey if you are having drinks, but as with most places that is to be expected. All in all super fun.
5
Elishah Luptak
+5
This is a wonderful and unique place to get dinner in Winnipeg. Such great entertainment, and delicious food. The chefs do a great job at making the dinner interactive and keeping everyone laughing. They even had a vegetarian option; it just wasn’t listed on their menu (though maybe it should be? As a vegetarian I got a little worried looking at the menu and seeing no options of food for me to eat). We loved it here, fun for the whole family.
5
Arnab Saha-Mandal
+5
Great experience, ambience, fun, food and service. My wife has red meat allergy so we thought it could be difficult. We were very happy with the way they accommodated her allergy issue, by frying all non red meat food first and then red meat at the end for other guests. Shef Chi was the star of the show. I could pretty much see all chefs at different tables around the restaurant displaying their skills, and patrons enjoying. The entire ambience including the dresses of servers have a wholesome Japanese cultural feeling to it, so for a while it feels like a trip to Japan
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