Ichidai Restaurant

The BEST Bento Boxes ever! I love trying a little bit of everything and the variety was astounding.There were so many items on the menu I was interested in, and that's saying something since I can be a little picky. Everybody, including the non-sushi eaters and sushi enthusiasts, were fully satisfied. TIP: Do a little research ahead of time looking at maps and street-view. Apparently my parents circled around for 20 minutes confused by Google's directions.

I went here recently for a kind of date. It was a small place, and looked maybe a little aged but definitely a gem. I went on a Sunday and my waitress was very busy, but she was super pleasant and helpful and kind to us. We got a couple of their specials. I had the nigiri and my date got some of their more traditional rolls. I liked the salmon and I really like the creamy scallops (what an awful name) and the roe ones. My date got the rolls. He said they were pretty good. The price might be a littler high for what you get, but I'm not a sushi expert. We paid $60 for 10 nigiri, two miso soups, and 4 rolls. But my date also got a really expensive roll so that might have been part of it. I would definitely call the place a recommend, although one other thing. It got really loud for a date. I could hear the guy in a beanie telling his date stories for half the night. But again, nice people and pretty good food.

Ichidai is my favorite for tasty, authentic, unpretentious and affordable Japanese food. The service is always great and hospitable. Their combination dinners are an incredible value, at 3 items of your choice for $17.99. I particularly enjoy the saba (mackerel) and yakiniku beef. The flavor of every dish, down to the miso soup is delicious. Thank you Ichidai!

There's only one reason I can't give Ichidai 5 stars and it is not the food. Everything from the appetizers, mains, and sushi are incredible. Fish is very fresh and clean. Good service, good sake list. It's the building. It's weird and not particularly comfortable or inviting. But I'll be returning, without question.

I recommend making a reservation on Friday's or Saturdays. If bot you may have a wait. But it's worth it. The sushi chef was friendly and skilled. The food is great. Our waitress forgot part of our order and was pretty inattentive but she was slammed so we understood. It is small but seems to always be busy. Overall great atmosphere it isn't loud. The food is worth the higher price as it is always fresh.

Intro - One of the best Japanese restaurants I have ever visited. Too bad it's difficult to find. Food - Extremely good and very authentic. I've been to Japan before and the food served here is identical. Service - Adequate; I'd be lying if I said I adore the service, but I have no complaints. Atmosphere - Charming! I love all the little decorations and it feels very secluded and peaceful. Cost - A tad expensive, but absolutely worth it. One person could expect to pay $20-30 or so. Summary - If you're ever in the mood for Japanese food (regardless of whether it's an outing with a coworker or a date with your fiance), this is one of the best choices in Portland!