WILL go back. Friendly service, great, affordable food, very nice atmosphere. Went at midnight on a Wednesday, did not feel rushed or lower quality service for the late night dinner. Beautiful interior. Definitely get the pork ginger ;)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rodolfo del Moral M
I came here straight after arriving to NY (I had scheduled a dinner with my cousin and some friends). The food was incredible and the ambiance was delightful! I really enjoyed the space and the anime movie projection. Definitely one of a kind!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Viggy Vanchi
Super unique and authentic spot. The entrance is quite inconspicuous, but, venturing deeper, you'll see it open into a high-ceiling'ed dining area with a wall-to-wall projector screen. The whole place is a massive vibe.
I ordered the Tonkatsu which was served in what seemed like a traditional-style: with a side of rice, miso soup, wasabi, slaw, (unground) sesame seeds, and various other side dishes. Super grateful I got to try this dish, though I would have liked bigger portions of the vegetables! Would love to bring people back here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ilana torres
The teriyaki chicken is delicious and the berry pannacotta too!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kimberly Lim Legaspi
Was looking for a lunch date with my boyfriend and came here, and Ichibantei ended up being such a cozy choice. The space is dimly lit in a very intentional way, dark but romantic, with soft music playing and a wall quietly looping a movie in the background. The atmosphere feels calm and intimate, almost like a late-night East Village hideaway, even during the day. It’s the kind of place that naturally slows you down and makes the meal feel more intentional instead of rushed.
We started with the Shio Takoyaki, a lighter take on the classic Osaka street snack traditionally made from a wheat-based batter cooked in a round mold with diced octopus. Instead of being heavily sauced, these were kept clean and balanced. Crispy on the outside and soft, almost custardy inside, they were finished with sesame oil, salt, mayo, chopped nori, and a lemon wedge on the side. That squeeze of lemon really elevated the dish, cutting through the richness and letting the octopus flavor stand out. It felt fresher and more refined than the overly sauced versions you usually see.
We also ordered the Karaage, made with fried chicken thigh, which is the traditional cut since it stays juicier and more flavorful after frying. This one was done really well, crisp without being greasy and tender inside. The flavor was bold but clean, and the lemon on the side added just enough brightness without overpowering the chicken. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you want to keep ordering small plates.
For my main, I got the Beef Sukiyaki, a dish that became popular during Japan’s Meiji era when beef started becoming more common in everyday cooking. Sukiyaki is known for its sweet-savory soy-based broth and comforting nature, meant to be eaten slowly. This version came with Angus ribeye, soft tofu, shiitake mushrooms, shirataki noodles, napa cabbage, negi, and a jidori egg. It was beautifully plated, honestly one of the prettiest dishes on the table. The broth soaked perfectly into the tofu and vegetables, and mixing in the egg added extra richness. Flavor-wise, it delivered warmth and comfort. My only note is that for the price, the portion of beef felt a little small. It was delicious, just not as generous as I expected, though still satisfying.
My boyfriend ordered the Tuna Zuke Don, which uses a traditional technique where tuna is lightly marinated in soy sauce to deepen flavor, originally done as a preservation method. The rare tuna sat over rice with an ontama egg, chopped seaweed, and sesame seeds. The tuna looked vibrant and fresh, and once everything was mixed together, the bowl felt smooth, comforting, and very balanced. It’s a simple dish that really relies on ingredient quality, and this one delivered.
While some dishes could be more generous for the price, the ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and romantic, cozy atmosphere make it a great spot for a lunch date or a slow meal you actually want to savor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabe salmon
Was in the restroom and overheard my server (blonde lady with heavy accent) gossiping about my table at the host stand. extremely unprofessional. grow up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Zhette 02
Nori is the best! nori is the best. Amazing waiter!!!!
When i called to make our reservation they were mindful of my friends hearing disability and seated us in a quiet area. It got a bit too loud at the end but it was very kind of them.
Service was fast and incredibly attentive (Nori was AMAZING 👏)
Food was expensive but yummy nonetheless. Hamburger steak was a lot like the ones I had in Japan just alot more expensive. Gyoza was nice as well!
The ambiance was good but it did get a bit loud at the end. The silent movies were excellent!!!
Over all it's expensive but I'd say it's a good choice for the food portion and experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wafu Hamburger Steak
Sophie Jeanne
Amazing place- great food and has a movie while you dine highlight recommend! Use Pulsd as well for the best deal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ethan Darling
Delicious food, good music, awesome movie choices, great service and vibes.
The beef curry and Earl Grey panna cotta are both delectable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lindsay Taylor
Amazing Japanese food. I ordered the tonkatsu and chicken katsu, both were great. The price is amazing for the amount of food you get. The atmosphere has a chill, dark vibe, and I loved the large movie projector. The bar is perfect too. I highly recommend it.
love the atmosphere, vibes were immaculate food was great music was great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
D T
This place! OMG! They have so many delicious gluten free meals! They're also all clearly labeled too. I got the fried chicken thighs and it was incredible. Can't recommend it enough! The vibe is sick too - lots of wood and moody. I didn't get to try the cocktails but they looked sick and their bar was very cool too. Definitely check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mazen Zidan
Amazing Idea of having a movie to watch while having dinner on a Sunday night. Amazing drinks and food. Nori took care of us and he was very gentle and nice ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brandon W
I left satisfied
Christine S
This spot is great for a big group. One wall is dedicated to a huge projector. The scene is super intimate even though the space is big. Enjoyed the Niku Udon, Katsu, Tuna Rice Bowl, edamame, and fried gyoza. Please note that they do not serve hard liquor until 6PM so we ordered soju first. When we were able to order drinks I enjoyed the Midori and Espresso martini.
WILL go back. Friendly service, great, affordable food, very nice atmosphere. Went at midnight on a Wednesday, did not feel rushed or lower quality service for the late night dinner. Beautiful interior. Definitely get the pork ginger ;)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came here straight after arriving to NY (I had scheduled a dinner with my cousin and some friends). The food was incredible and the ambiance was delightful! I really enjoyed the space and the anime movie projection. Definitely one of a kind!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super unique and authentic spot. The entrance is quite inconspicuous, but, venturing deeper, you'll see it open into a high-ceiling'ed dining area with a wall-to-wall projector screen. The whole place is a massive vibe.
I ordered the Tonkatsu which was served in what seemed like a traditional-style: with a side of rice, miso soup, wasabi, slaw, (unground) sesame seeds, and various other side dishes. Super grateful I got to try this dish, though I would have liked bigger portions of the vegetables! Would love to bring people back here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The teriyaki chicken is delicious and the berry pannacotta too!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was looking for a lunch date with my boyfriend and came here, and Ichibantei ended up being such a cozy choice. The space is dimly lit in a very intentional way, dark but romantic, with soft music playing and a wall quietly looping a movie in the background. The atmosphere feels calm and intimate, almost like a late-night East Village hideaway, even during the day. It’s the kind of place that naturally slows you down and makes the meal feel more intentional instead of rushed.
We started with the Shio Takoyaki, a lighter take on the classic Osaka street snack traditionally made from a wheat-based batter cooked in a round mold with diced octopus. Instead of being heavily sauced, these were kept clean and balanced. Crispy on the outside and soft, almost custardy inside, they were finished with sesame oil, salt, mayo, chopped nori, and a lemon wedge on the side. That squeeze of lemon really elevated the dish, cutting through the richness and letting the octopus flavor stand out. It felt fresher and more refined than the overly sauced versions you usually see.
We also ordered the Karaage, made with fried chicken thigh, which is the traditional cut since it stays juicier and more flavorful after frying. This one was done really well, crisp without being greasy and tender inside. The flavor was bold but clean, and the lemon on the side added just enough brightness without overpowering the chicken. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes you want to keep ordering small plates.
For my main, I got the Beef Sukiyaki, a dish that became popular during Japan’s Meiji era when beef started becoming more common in everyday cooking. Sukiyaki is known for its sweet-savory soy-based broth and comforting nature, meant to be eaten slowly. This version came with Angus ribeye, soft tofu, shiitake mushrooms, shirataki noodles, napa cabbage, negi, and a jidori egg. It was beautifully plated, honestly one of the prettiest dishes on the table. The broth soaked perfectly into the tofu and vegetables, and mixing in the egg added extra richness. Flavor-wise, it delivered warmth and comfort. My only note is that for the price, the portion of beef felt a little small. It was delicious, just not as generous as I expected, though still satisfying.
My boyfriend ordered the Tuna Zuke Don, which uses a traditional technique where tuna is lightly marinated in soy sauce to deepen flavor, originally done as a preservation method. The rare tuna sat over rice with an ontama egg, chopped seaweed, and sesame seeds. The tuna looked vibrant and fresh, and once everything was mixed together, the bowl felt smooth, comforting, and very balanced. It’s a simple dish that really relies on ingredient quality, and this one delivered.
While some dishes could be more generous for the price, the ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and romantic, cozy atmosphere make it a great spot for a lunch date or a slow meal you actually want to savor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was in the restroom and overheard my server (blonde lady with heavy accent) gossiping about my table at the host stand. extremely unprofessional. grow up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Nori is the best! nori is the best. Amazing waiter!!!!
When i called to make our reservation they were mindful of my friends hearing disability and seated us in a quiet area. It got a bit too loud at the end but it was very kind of them.
Service was fast and incredibly attentive (Nori was AMAZING 👏)
Food was expensive but yummy nonetheless. Hamburger steak was a lot like the ones I had in Japan just alot more expensive. Gyoza was nice as well!
The ambiance was good but it did get a bit loud at the end. The silent movies were excellent!!!
Over all it's expensive but I'd say it's a good choice for the food portion and experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wafu Hamburger Steak
Amazing place- great food and has a movie while you dine highlight recommend!
Use Pulsd as well for the best deal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food, good music, awesome movie choices, great service and vibes.
The beef curry and Earl Grey panna cotta are both delectable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing Japanese food. I ordered the tonkatsu and chicken katsu, both were great. The price is amazing for the amount of food you get. The atmosphere has a chill, dark vibe, and I loved the large movie projector. The bar is perfect too. I highly recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
love the atmosphere, vibes were immaculate food was great music was great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place! OMG! They have so many delicious gluten free meals! They're also all clearly labeled too. I got the fried chicken thighs and it was incredible. Can't recommend it enough! The vibe is sick too - lots of wood and moody. I didn't get to try the cocktails but they looked sick and their bar was very cool too. Definitely check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing Idea of having a movie to watch while having dinner on a Sunday night. Amazing drinks and food.
Nori took care of us and he was very gentle and nice ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I left satisfied
This spot is great for a big group. One wall is dedicated to a huge projector. The scene is super intimate even though the space is big. Enjoyed the Niku Udon, Katsu, Tuna Rice Bowl, edamame, and fried gyoza. Please note that they do not serve hard liquor until 6PM so we ordered soju first. When we were able to order drinks I enjoyed the Midori and Espresso martini.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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