Icho Izakaya

Name: Icho Izakaya
Address: 5561-5563 Rosemead Blvd, Temple City, California, 91780, US
Telephone: (626) 292-7999
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.3

$$ • Izakaya, Japanese, Sushi Bars

Hours:
5561-5563 Rosemead Blvd, Temple City
(626) 292-7999

Menu Order Online

About Icho Izakaya

Icho Izakaya offers great service, especially during busy times, with a mix of attentive and less attentive staff. The lunch bento deals are popular, featuring exceptional veggie tempura that is a crowd favorite. Families find it infant-friendly, enjoying dishes like salt and pepper fried intestines and fresh sushi. The sashimi boat is a highlight, showcasing a variety of seafood, including fresh tuna and salmon hand rolls. The restaurant also serves a variety of Chinese dishes, blending Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Inside, the space is spacious and comfortable with a modern and quiet atmosphere, decorated with Japanese ornaments such as orchids and a Japanese character display. Many private rooms are available for parties, and the ambiance is enhanced by soft, warm lighting and a sports TV.

The menu includes daily specials like 50% off on lobster sashimi on Wednesdays. For an extra charge, lobster can be turned into lobster porridge or lobster yakisoba, with the yakisoba being especially popular. The food is fresh and not very fishy, with items like crispy teriyaki and expensive but good tamago sushi. Diners appreciate the quick service, with food arriving within 10 minutes and appetizers in just 2 minutes. The staff communicates fluently in English and Chinese, and waiters are polite and friendly, making guests feel comfortable and not rushed.

Icho is known for its variety of sushi boats, hot pot, and a selection of fancy alcohol. Dinner includes dessert, offering good value from start to finish, from soup and salad to meal and dessert. During COVID-19, the restaurant stayed open for takeout, organizing everything neatly, with food to-go looking just as appealing as dine-in. The yellowtail collar with special soy sauce is highly praised, and the reasonably priced Japanese combo items add to its appeal. The restaurant is a hidden gem of Japanese-Chinese fusion, often overlooked by passersby but highly recommended for a quality and enjoyable dining experience.