Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

2501 S Jack Kultgen Expy, Waco, TX 76711, United States

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
About This Sushi Bar

New dining experience at Ichiban Japanese Restaurant. Let our master cooks prepare delicious entrees on a sizzling Teppanyaki grill. Menu including Sushi/Sashimi Platters and tempura entrees, as well as innovative mixed cocktails.

Sushi Reviews
Sushi Experience №1

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №2

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №3

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №4

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №5

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №6

The waitress I had was so very sweet! The food was amazing as usual, the atmosphere amazing!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №7

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №8

Lunch was great until my friend with a severe shellfish allergy was served crab in her salmon rolls, not once, but TWICE. The waitress was apologetic and professional but the manager (bald, named victor) was dismissive, rude, and unable to take responsibility. All he had to do was apologize, but couldn’t even handle that. Won’t be back.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №9

Had a reservation at 7 and didn’t get sat until almost 8, our server ignored us for at least 30 minutes while walking passed us multiple times to help the table next to us and finally came to take our drink order then disappeared again for another 20 minutes checked on us maybe once after getting our food. Overall horrible service, was very disappointed.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №10

Awesome experience once in a lifetime bonding and clear showmanship with the chefs
As expected the food was delicious being cooked together gives it an all-flavored mix so there really isn't a distinct flavor. But overall amazing experience and lots of happy memories made

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №11

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №12

Victor is the worst restaurant manager I’ve ever encountered. I have a history of working in service myself, and I went there for lunch and explained to my server I have a serious shellfish allergy. I was given food with crab in it and sent it back. Then they made the same mistake again and I asked to speak with the manager. Victor came over and didn’t seem to give a crap about the fact I was nearly sent to a hospital twice at this point. He asked if I wanted it remade and I said no thanks, don’t want to risk it. He walked away without apologizing or showing the slightest bit of caring. Didn’t comp my meal or anything. After lunch, I asked to speak with him and he was dismissive and said “I don’t have to listen to this.” And walked away from me… horrible customer service, horrible management, food was just meh and the bathroom smells like a garbage truck. Myself and my friends will never be eating here again and I hope someone sets Victor straight and tells him how to be a better manager…

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №13

I went to this Waco Ichiban location for a work lunch and being that I have a severe anaphylactic reaction to shellfish, I made sure my server immediately knew my food needs to be made separately from any shellfish as I have to do at every restaurant I eat at. The server was very attentive to this need and so was the head chef when I told him. I had ordered the volcano roll, which is spicy tuna and salmon, and when it came to the table, I shared some with my coworker and when I went to take a bite, realized it had crab in it. I told the server and she apologized and took it back to be corrected. After some time, a new volcano roll came out, but to be safe I checked it before taking a bite and once again, crab was in it. At this point, I was a bit distressed because twice in a row I was served food that could land me in a hospital. My server went to get the manager, Victor, who rudely asked if I wanted a new sushi roll, I said I’d rather not risk it and then he walked away without apologizing, offering to comp my food or anything. After our meal, I asked to speak with the manager about the situation. When he came over, I expressed how I felt I deserved an apology and that everyone apologized to me except for him and I could have had a serious allergic reaction and he didn’t do anything about it. He was EXTREMELY rude and walked away from me saying “I don’t have to listen to this.” I am absolutely disgusted by his lack of concern for a customer’s well being when he is supposed to be overseeing things to ensure all customers are properly cared for. Not only will I never be returning to this restaurant, but neither will any of my 8 coworkers who ate lunch with me there today. Victor, you messed up and didn’t own it. Shame on you.
Side note: their bathroom is disgusting. Sticky floors and smells like a sewer.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №14

Menu error twice and no customer service approach. Disappointing!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №15

Was great, server was a bit busy but eventually caught on and refilled my drink regularly

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №16

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №17

The food was perfect. The chef was outstanding and very entertaining. We didn't see the waiter as much as we would have liked but the chef took care of us and they were busy.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №18

We love Asian John

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №19

Ok so usually when I come which is around 4-5 pm I have the best experience but today I came a bit earlier and my food was terrible the cook I had was by the name Tony and it was gross it tasted like no seasoning was added and jus overall gross this is my first time experiencing this i literally left my whole plate of food on the plate because it wasn’t even eligible to eat or pack up and the best person by far i know up there is Haley she had the best customer service experience and deserves more than a raise and I was so upset I didn’t see her up there to help me because with her around she would have never allowed that she deserves to be the head because it’s not just about just leadership but compassion and understanding and making someone feel at home and held to the highest satisfaction and that’s why she is the best up there she is the one who made me want to eat up there more often because I felt so respected and just treated right as a customer

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №20

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №21

There’s ONE REASON and one reason ONLY I did walk out of this place. And that is because of a server named Michael. Me my wife and kids visited, and we sat for 30 minutes before anyone even adknowledge our presence. Which was Michael. He let us know that our server was brand new and that management forced him into working alone on his first day. Which is understandable, while we were upset, we were happy with the outcome and the fact he took the time to come over when he saw nobody took care of us. He took over our table and let us know he was gonna take care of us for the wait. The food was honestly not good at all, my wife liked her sushi but my food was pretty much not good at all. When we got our check we weren’t charged full price at all, so much the tip was bigger than the ticket. Michael did a great job, and although I wasn’t impressed by the food, or the restaurant in any shape and will probably never be back, if I were to ever open a restaurant of my own, I would go looking for this man. He was the only person in that place who know what’s customer service means. Other than him, the entire place sucked.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №22

There were tiny gnats flying around our table, We ordered 4 sushi rolls. They were average at best. I love sushi and this place left me disappointed. Cannot recommend

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №23

The experience was amazing

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №24

Hibachi grill, the shrimp was overcooked, the chef was very lack lustered. The waitress was excellent! Not impressed with their birthday attitudes. Update: Went for our 34th anniversary dinner, had sushi, excellent! Update, went for hubby's birthday, he wanted hibachi grill, shrimp overcooked, had muscles as appetizer, overcooked. For being just over a year old the place is beat up, the waiters and waitresses are very lack luster, when not serving they are All sitting. My moto, you got time to lean you better be cleaning as everything is greasy or sticky. Ugh!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №25

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №26

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №27

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №28

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №29

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №30

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №31

We all had a great time

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №32

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №33

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №34

Absolutely the worst fried rice I have ever had.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №35

I had some business to do in Waco and stopped at Ichiban for lunch. The waiter was excellent, but the cook needs to leave his bad attitude at home. I ordered my steak to be well done because otherwise I will get indigestion. The cook first gave me my steak cooked to medium as if wouldn’t notice. I told him I wanted it well done not medium. He took it back to cook further but was not happy about it, then proceeded to cut the steak into tiny pieces. When I said it was now done he squashed the steak telling me it cooks faster. BS He then started tearing the now very small pieces apart to show me that it was no longer pink. I had to agree THREE times that it was ready.
The cook was arrogant and obnoxious because I like my steak cooked rather than raw.
The shrimp should have been cooked slightly longer as well. Meats taste better with a proper sear.
I know ‘chefs’ are taught that medium rare is the only way to have beef. I don’t care. The ‘chef’ should also be able to properly cook meat at whatever the customer is PAYING to have.
I will not come back to Ichiban in Waco.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №36

We went for early dinner\late lunch. Place looks swanky but there was a bunch of kids there my friend and I were sat at hibachi with a family with three kids. They gave one of the kids a fire stick at the end the the kid spit all over my friends food trying to put it out. When I go to a nice place, and I don't have kids with me, I expect to be sat with adults. Most kidless adults do not want to eat with kids. Also, I couldn't converse because of all the kids screaming. If I wanted that, I would have eaten at chucky cheese. They need a kids section and an adult section.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №37

Really enjoyed ourselves, great atmosphere and food. Hibachi show was awesome. Can't wait to go back again.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №38

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №39

very good... Aloha roll was my favorite

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №40

OVERALL 5 STARS!! This is my favorite restaurant in waco texas!! The customer service is excellent. The food is amazing and the quality is so much better. I would recommend this place for lunch, dinner, date night, birthday parties,meetings and more. My favorite is the hibachi rice,chicken, steak and shrimp combo with the option of a soup or salad. Also their bar is top tier! lots of options and great prices for happy hour. My go to is the lemon drop or margarita and I can't forget the Saki shots!! All the servers are great but John is my Fav!!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №41

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №42

Wonderful food. Great entertainment.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №43

I stopped in during my travels and the service, quality, and pricing were all good. I’d definitely stop in again during my regular travels through the area.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №44

Expensive but.....you get whay you pay for!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №45

Beautiful restaurant. Ideal to go on a date. The atmosphere, the service, and the vibe this restaurant gives are absolutely amazing. I am excited to go back on a date with my love and have a good time.
The food was very good. I did the chicken and steak hibachi with fried rice and noodles because when you are trying a new restaurant, why not try it all ?
I had plenty to take home as well. It's worth the visit.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №46

It was my grandson 17th birthday with a guest list of 60 people..
We had 3 hibachi tables all chefs were fun, great, and put on a show..

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №47

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №48

The bento boxes and the appetizers were just what we needed before our huge bike ride tomorrow! Thank you!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №49

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №50

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №51

Great time for the family!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №52

Sean is the best bartender I’ve found in Waco. Man can this man make a drink. Sit at the bar and talk to him so he can gauge your style and i promise he won’t disappoint. I will keep returning just for him!

Hailey was a good waiter as well and is super friendly and nice and just a sweet person. I will recommend anyone to visit cause they have AMAZING SERVICE all around.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №53

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №54

Had a wonderful time during a birthday celebration.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №55

I love u papi John thank you for the amazing laughs🤗

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №56

had a good time, loved the chef and he made my friends night with his gestures (John can get it)

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №57

Sexy chef john made it a point to make our birthday girl feel special!!

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №58

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №59

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №60

Absolutely beautiful restaurant, the food is amazing our server Hayley was and is the absolute sweetest, I absolutely recommend coming here

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №61

This place is horrible this is my second review I spend over 80 dollars every time I come into this establishment this time I ordered two entree one with steak shrimp and chicken and another with chicken and steak they gave me shrimp with both I asked can I bring it back for a remake the tall white pregnant manager told me no because they gave me extra food and made no mistake I said I did not ask you for extra food she said I remember you complaining last time I said and last time my order was messed up aswell this place is racist stay away

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №62

Nice place to have fun with friends or dine in as a couple. Food was very good.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №63

Needs some cleaning but not so bad, maybe wipe down the glass or things of that nature when not busy. I hate going into businesses and the first thing you see is ppl on their phone.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №64

The food and staff were great!

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №65

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №66

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №67

Always a great experience. The Hibachi is stellar. We come from Austin at least once a month for the food here.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №68

My son loved his first hibachi experience!!!

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №69

Great service, over staffed and very attentive, bartenders Devin, Brooklyn, Daniella, Chaz all do a wonderful job. Great friendly managers of Victor and Marilyn are always accommodating.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №70

Always a wonderful experience when me and my kids go

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №71

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №72

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №73

Food is never impressive and staff is rude.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №74

Had my birthday dinner there and it was special. They made me the celebrant feel like they really appreciated us coming over.
We didn’t just eat good food, we had fun while eating,
Lovely staff, very clean place and very good food

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №75

Had a great experience at this location! I have celiac and our son has a severe gluten intolerance & other food allergies. The server was incredible and helped us, and the manager on duty was absolutely wonderful! She went through the whole menu with us, explained that they will cook our food separately in the kitchen from the rest of the party on the hibachi grill. They had GF soy sauce, and explained which sushi rolls we could eat.

This was our first time trying this restaurant and we were incredibly pleased with the service & the food!

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №76

Great and exceptional

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №77

The first time we visited it was great. We took a friend who hasn't been before to share the experience. We were moved from the spot we were sitting at after waiting 20 minutes. We already placed our order. In the new place we were sat, we took another 20 minutes for a waiter to come out and take our order again. Took other people's order ,who were just seated, and still overlooked us. Not too much later the waiter sat down others in the previous place we were just at. It's good food and everyone has a bad day but they definitely bombed my friends first time. Very disappointed.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №78

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №79

I had a birthday dinner here. The lady we were paired with at our table just had alot of issues with her meal. Kept telling our chef how to cook. He ended up forgetting my salmon was on the grill and to make up for it put teriyaki sauce on it. The salmon was crunchy and sweet. The lady kept telling him to put more butter and he just kept scooping more and more it the food. The food wasn't good. The chef wasn't even comfortable doing a show. All the other tables had shows but our chef was just trying to get outta there. The server did the best he could and the chef was just too distracted with arguing with her. I spoke to the manager and he said he could no longer do anything after I left. Just a very poor first experience.
My family got sick from the food there and the owner said since we didn't get sick last night they can't refund us back. Spend 140 only for us to throw it back up.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №80

Absolutely amazing besides in an hour wait the only downfall other than that the experience that we had was extremely amazing

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №81

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №82

Usually this place is very good, however my experience yesterday there was a hair in our Japanese Curry, bugs were flying around and the bartender served us watered down tequila shots, our server was excellent and extremely nice

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №83

We sat at a booth near the sushi bar. The food and service was good. We were being pestered by a fly and a few bats. We liked it until the bar tender took out a zapping fly swatter and began zapping an amazing amount of flies and nats. It sounded like she had a taser going non stop. She killed at least fifty. It grossed out my wife enough she didn’t want to eat the rest of her food. Talking about fly larva and maggots. Me I figure fish live out with flies and nats before being caught so it’s alright.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №84

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №85

Not bad at all. We were seated immediately. The server was knowledgeable, the cook was fast and made everything we had pretty good. The Waco Roll is a hit. Food was tasty.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №86

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №87

Everything was overall four star, but they don't advertise on their Internet menu their lunch prices do not exist on the weekend and the same food is Way more expensive.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №88

Going here for a meal is more of an event, rather than simply lunch or dinner. Our chef was funny, personable, and he was tossing and juggling things at a rapid clip. Totally mesmerizing. The food, by the way, was fantastic!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №89

Came from out of town and tried it out. Food was tasty!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №90

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №91

We always enjoy our visits here! Get the Surf and Turf- it's delicious... The Dynamite Roll is too!!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №92

The food was amazing, the chef was funny. He even played the guitar for a birthday song in English and Spanish. Best restaurant experience I’ve ever had.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №93

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №94

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №95

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №96

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №97

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №98

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №99

Love the Fillet mignon Hibachi . Japanese curry is basic . The rolls also basic

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №100

Started off with the Waco Roll which was what I hoped it would be. I followed it up with the Beef Bento Box. The beef tips were tender and flavorful, and I liked the other options that came with it. We had great service, and you have the option to dine in or eat at the Hibachi area. It sounded like they were having a great time!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №101

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №102

Good food and staff ramped up the experience with personal service.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №103

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №104

It's a nice restaurant and location. The food is cooked right in front of you, and the vegetables are fresh. I opted for a drink instead of a meal. I didn't want the rice nor the noodles! However, I did try some of the shrimp and beef from my daughter's plate. The meat was dripping with sauce and butter, but it actually tasted dry and overcooked. The family ate there after graduation. It was a fun place to visit.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №105

Bartender made the waiter cut a cucumber for a cucumber martini , should have just said they didn’t serve that ! Plates were chipped!!!$12 Chardonnay that was maybe 3 sips ! Mojito served out of a mason jar, come on 🤦🏼‍♀️service was poor and sock hats on 3 wait staff is unexpectable! Will try somewhere else next time !

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №106

I’m visited this place with employees who n Friday afternoon first off I ordered a strawberry mojito it was very strong I had to send it back the manager fixed it brought me a new one secondly I ordered my food they did not give my my extra vegetables after I let chef kno he proceeded to continue to clean grill now w my food is getting cold the manager came out was not helpful at all this was the worst experience of my life and I will never ever come back here and I will tell everyone I kno not to come here a waist of time

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №107

Excellent food and service.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №108

The look of the restaurant is great but when you pay 100 or more at a restaurant for hibachi and legit see the bus Boys not clean the tables right disgusted 😒 while eating I see tons of rice pieces on the table across from us and they just started putting plates down and having people actually sit there? How clean was my table before sitting? Also plates were chipped and chips where brown in color on a tan plate 🤢 wanted to give benefit of the doubt but once we saw the table that was dirty being set, after all the flaws, we probably will go elsewhere 😅

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №109

Thanks Jonbudz you’re the best!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №110

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi provides a feast not just for the palate but for the eyes as well, thanks to their teppanyaki tables where skilled chefs perform culinary acrobatics with the utmost precision. The combination of steak, chicken, and shrimp, all cooked on the hot grill, offered a variety of flavors and textures that were perfectly seared and seasoned. Each protein was tender and flavorful, complementing the lively atmosphere and interactive dining experience. The Waco roll, a house specialty, was another highlight, featuring an inventive mix of fresh ingredients that were both satisfying and beautifully presented.

The ambiance at Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi is vibrant and welcoming, making it a great spot for both families and groups looking for an entertaining dining experience. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, readily providing recommendations and ensuring our meal was enjoyable. From the sizzling sounds of the grill to the meticulous presentation of sushi, every aspect of our visit was crafted to create memorable moments. Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or a teppanyaki aficionado, Ichiban offers a delightful culinary journey that’s worth experiencing.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №111

John the head chef was beyond amazing and did his thing. Was my first experience and was something to definitely remember and want to come back for. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №112

The atmosphere was nice and the food was pretty good. I do wish we were made aware that the hibachi menus needed to be requested when seating in the regular dining area.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №113

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №114

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №115

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №116

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №117

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №118

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №119

Their hibashi show was great but meat was bland. Getting drinks was slow. Expensive.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №120

If you are searching for a place with great food and great service, you should try Ichiban. The food is always prepared very well, but the best part of the service is the experience with the chefs. They make you feel like a good friend. The price is reasonable, and they give you enough food for two meals!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №121

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №122

I absolutely love this place! My boyfriend and I come almost every week. The service is amazing and if there is an issue the managers (the woman in the long pretty skirts specifically) are always so friendly and understanding. The price for the food is really good. Eating Hibachi is a little more expensive but boy do you get your moneys worth! Definitely worth giving a try if you’re in the Waco area!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №123

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №124

The best hibachi I’ve ever had!! Asian John was so nice and gave so much extra food to us!!!! I WOULD RECCOMEND ASIAN JOHN TO EVERYONE!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №125

Asian John is the best he is awesome. Great service. Great food. If he is your cook , you will have the best time.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №126

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ASIAN JOHN. HES THE BEST. I HAD THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №127

I LOVE ASIAN JOHN. He is my homie and is super dope great cook.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №128

New waiter, he brought out our soup and salad with his thumbs in the bowls. No gloves.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №129

Ngl, this is a very classy spot. Food was great. Chef was top notch. And esthetically this place was a beautiful, classy and clean place to eat. Definitely will be coming back

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №130

Took over an hour for the waiter to bring a drink. There was a MASSIVE amount of garlic in the food. We ordered filet and someone else ordered a regular steak and the when we said something to the cook he shrugged and said "oh well"

The cook at the adjacent table was about to serve a bunch of teenagers alcohol until a member of our party who is a police office asked if they were of legal age.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №131

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №132

We got sat at a table with only 4 people total and we got a chef who decided he didn't want to put on a show. Very boring. Our waitress was sweet and friendly but forgot to being our table our sauce bowels and our chef had to go to another table to get them. Most of the other chefs were singing/cracking jokes/doing lots of tricks ours put the egg in his hat and spun the spatula around. That's it. He over seasoned the fried rice and it tasted salty and absolutely horrible. Ended up tipping cash because we thought that was it. Nope. Apparently there is an expected tip on the check as well. Wish I would have known that. The building is nice, we were seated quickly and you get large portions. Eh.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №133

Food is fantastic and this is a very cool place but as far as drink service, it is really bad. The tea and soda came out quickly, but the beer did not come out until after the food was started, and nobody came to refill our drinks or our beer.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №134

YUCK. weeks and weeks of caked on grease and dirt and hair.. I had one girl training a guy and I could tell that she was really trying, but she was fighting a losing battle. This place is all about “the show factor” and not about the food or the service for that matter. I’m sitting in the main seating, and some server, from the hibachi section, interrupts me speaking to my server in the middle of the order! Gives the order for his hibachi to her, and I told him to stop talking! Blasphemy! It was so inappropriate. She apologized shortly afterwards however I’ve never seen so thing so rude from a server to server perspective. Total jerk.

I asked for a Prosecco as soon as we sat down. I didn’t get regular Prosecco. I don’t know what kind of pink champagne they served me but it’s not what I wanted and I asked for salmon and they gave me yellowtail. I said this doesn’t look like salmon?? She said yes it is. but I was so afraid to tell them that there was a mistake because of all of the other mistakes. I didn’t want to appear to be complaining constantly, there were constantly things to complain about. Like I said, this place is for a birthday when you want to have an onion train or whatever the hell it’s called but it’s not for good service or especially good food. I will say that the only saving grace where is the tempura batter the tempura batter whoever is on the Fry station is doing a hell of a job. They are carrying the entire restaurant. And I don’t want anything other than other people to have a warning. It’s all about the flare here.

You have the front of the house, the sushi department and the back kitchen. none of them are working together which means nothing will. 👋

What you’re seeing are straw wrappers and someone’s hair. I took a closer look and it was, like, dust on top of negligent grease. Outrageously unacceptable.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №135

We stopped by for an early dinner. The restaurant was a vibe. The manager was very helpful and informative. We didn't wait long to be seated and our waitress Hailey was really attentive and gave really good recommendations. Would definitely come back again!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №136

Asian John was GREAT!!!!!!! The food was soooo goood. Thank you to Sarah also!!!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №137

Une formule du midi très intéressante.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №138

The food was just ok. Our waiter was very attentive without being a nuisance. We were seated in the bar area where we got to much info about the bartender and her life.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №139

It took too long to get service. Waited for 25 minutes and no one ever came to take our order. Finally decided to go elsewhere.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №140

We were waiting over an hour for our chef to approach us. It was my cousin birthday so I was upset about that. They gave us 20% off our order due to that but then added an automatic tip to all receipts, which was 20% . I paid separately but was still charged an extra 20% for the tip involuntarily. Food was great , and when the chef FINALLY came he was awesome but we were starving by that time and irritated. It was my first time at this place so I’m gonna cut it some slack. But I don’t think I will be going back for a long time.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №141

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №142

I ordered a spicy tuna roll it had no flavor was
Bland not good. I went for lunch ordered medium rare steak it was cooked well and tough. The fried rice had no flavor . The waiter was was not efficient had to ask for a bowl for soy sauce refill on my water. The shrimp sauce or Yum yum saice was bland also. I will not be back. Don’t waste your money.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №143

Subpar service from bartender
Food excellent

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №144

This was our second time eating here. We were not impressed with it at first. We sat in the dining area. This evening we met for my son’s birthday dinner and sat in the hibachi seating. We were very impressed. Our food taste great and our chef John was very entertaining. We definitely will be back and will be requesting John again.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №145

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №146

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №147

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №148

Enjoyed dinner here for my friend's birthday. I was reluctant about it because I'm not a big fan of Japanese food. Boy was I wrong..... Their gyoza was on point and the gyoza sauce even better. I had the steak hibachi and it was AMAZING. Our waiter brought me more of the gyoza sauce which I put on my rice and steak. Topped off with their yum yum sauce. Delicious. Will be going back in the future. Okay now time to accept my food coma and go to bed.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №149

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №150

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №151

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №152

What a fantastic place! John, the head chef made our experience an incredible one. He made our food delicious and his service was second to none. We love this place and we love John!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №153

Came here last year and enjoyed our meal but something must have changed this year. The appetizers were great, and the sushi was good but the steak was super dry and overpriced and the chicken was super dry as well. The only steak wat was actually great was the $60 Akaushi but it better be for $60. The redeeming part about our dinner was the patience and hospitality our server Omarion brought.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №154

John, the head chef WAS AWESOME! highly recommended. My first time EVER to come. And he made me feel like I have been here for YEARS.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №155

I have only been there one time but cannot wait to go again. It was good food with fun and friendly service I haven't found elsewhere in Waco.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №156

The cook went above and beyond for our dinner and entertainment. He deserves a raise! Will definitely always ask for him!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №157

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №158

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №159

our cook was AWESOME!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №160

Our favorite place to eat. We go at least 3 times a week!!!! Sooooo good!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №161

Amazing food cooked by the coolest chef here Mr July if you want the best ask for the best.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №162

John is the BEST! Our first time here, and we already want to come back tomorrow! We love you!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №163

Food is great!! We love eating here!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №164

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №165

Didn’t try hibachi. But other Japanese food, I suggest their cooks try some japanese food somewhere else. Noodles and bentos were honestly ‘not good.’

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №166

Came to eat dinner party of 4 and waited an hour for or drinks and they never came back to take our ordered. Ruined our whole night

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №167

The sashimi , Waco roll, avocado kani salad we're all too perfection... on the downside the calamari appetizer was very sad. The pieces were the diameter and smaller than a cigar band which lent them to be overcooked and the quantity was quite sparse... since I'm not a foodie I often forget to take pictures for this I wish I had

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №168

I fully enjoy coming here. It is always a good experience 🙌

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №169

1st time here and it was great. No one was there at lunch time so we were kinda scared about that but we were wrong. We will return.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №170

Awesome trick with John!! Very sweet and funny!! The food is incredibly good!! Very respectful and just very genuine people!! I highly recommend John and Third in the hibachi area!! I couldn’t post the video but John has an awesome egg trick!! Definitely ask him about it if you get him!! Me and my daughter shared a two steaks and rice and it costed $35-$45

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №171

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №172

Had a pleasant dining experience at Ichiban this evening. The atmosphere was spot-on, very classy and tastefully decorated. My miso soup could have been hotter but was otherwise very nice. The grilled eel roll (pictured below) was phenomenal, would definitely recommend. My brother also enjoyed his food.

Overall, I had a great time. If you're looking for great sushi in Waco and don't mind spending a little extra, Ichiban is for you.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №173

Hibachi chef was awesome. Definitely a good show. But the service was slow and the orders got messed up. Took forever to get the tickets split correctly.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №174

The food is always good!

Service tonight was not good. Short staffing and miscommunication among staff.

The staff were doing the best that they could!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №175

Johnny is the best Hibachi chef ever!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №176

Jon was the best! Service was a little frustrating but we had a large party.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №177

This was our first visit here, but we are not new to the cuisine. The atmosphere is very warm and stylish. It's great for a date, work lunch, dinner or a celebration in the hibachi area. The server was kind and was training someone at the same time. The trainee was nice but a but shy understandably.
The food was AMAZING! We stuck to sushi and gyoza. I have zero complaints about the food. The quality seems above the norm and the flavors are all phenomenal. The sushi roll menu is not large but the quality 👌 is A-1.
We will be back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №178

Asian John? Thats my dawg 🗣️

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №179

Asian John is by far the best hibachi dude I’ve ever met. He can cook he can sing and he’s an effing comedian. My boy Asian John deserves a raise. Asian John to the moon. Asian John deserves a stock option in this ish because let me tell you he is the only reason ichiban is even open.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №180

Asian John is MY GUY 🔥

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №181

Asian John the 🐐!!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №182

John was the greatest hibachi chef ever. Had a great time

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №183

Sushi was better than I expected . The hibachi lacked flavor.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №184

Shrimp and steak so tough you couldn't chew it. Everything overseasoned with garlic. I love hibachi japanese steakhouses but the food at Ichiban isn't near the quality of even the old Fuji steakhouse.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №185

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №186

Fun and decent food but hit or miss. One day you'll get a great chef, another you'll get a boring one. The cost is the same regardless. Lacking consistency.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №187

We went with a large group, enough for two Hibachi tables. I'm not a big fan of sushi but I enjoyed the Beef Filet bento box. Our chef has some skills I had not seen before.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №188

The worst Japanese steak house that I have ever been too. I eat at 1 at least 2 times a month some where in the country. Steak touching shrimp and chicken on grill and plates. Cooked my steak with all the others cut them all up. Need mine not well done. No spice on food noodles cold vegetables burned. Didn't eat any of it and still had to paid full price for both meals 94 dollars. Would not go back if you paid me.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №189

Awesome experience. Great chefs & wonderful food! Highly recommend the hibachi experience.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №190

15 mins for a warm beer, it's winter and the ac is on full blast in there. Ordered a sushi roll and it came out with other things in it and was told that is how the roll comes. The rice is also not cooked fully so unless you like crunch white rice

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №191

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №192

Celebration for 7-year-old granddaughter. She was treated so well . We also enjoyed the atmosphere, food and service.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №193

Wok espectacular

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №194

We had an absolutely lovely time! The food was delicious, the chef was funny and entertaining. Waitress was lovely as well. From start to finish, best time I've had a restaurant! 10/10 going back again

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №195

I was skeptical before I went after reading adding the reviews. But I went anyways since I promised my kids that I will take them.

Hostess can be friendlier. We were greeted half heartedly and she walked us to the grill area. She set the menu down in front of one seat and left without saying anything. There were 5 seats open and I didn't know where I was suppose to seat.

The server was great. Very attentive and accommodating to every request.

The chef put on a show and my kids enjoyed it. I'm sure it's hard for him to maintain a balance of kids and adult humor since there's a mixture of customers there. But overall I would have to say he did a good job.

Food was good, a little messy but the portion was big.

Pricey? Yes. And like other reviewers mentioned, there is an automatic 18 percent gratuity. So I expected that. But for the cost and once in a blue moon experience, it's not too bad.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №196

Food was very great and insanely fast service. I would say approx 6-8 mins after we ordered, we got our rolls and other food. All the staff are on top of their stuff.

The only downside is that they were playing cringe tik tok music but I don't think that's a reason to take off a star.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №197

Our two waitresses were wonderful and handled the pressure of being so very new in stride. I know everyone is short staffed. Wish they would’ve had more help.

The food was incredibly beautiful but not as tasty as expected. It was bland and we were expecting … much more flavor and zest.

Very pretty and attractive restaurant.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №198

It was my first time to eat there and I was impressed very good food

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №199

They serve old and expired rotting cake. Be careful

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №200

Don't come if you have a small party. They will ignore you. We sat our party of 3 for over 20 minutes waiting for someone to get our drinks, we asked the front who was sitting a group of 15 andnthey instantly got service. Sunday. Dec 31st.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Details
  • 13 sushi photos
  • 200 sushi reviews
  • 4.1 Sushi Rating
  • Reservations: +1 254-313-1063
  • Menu Website: http://ichibanwaco.com/
  • Sushi Address: 2501 S Jack Kultgen Expy, Waco, TX 76711, United States
  • Sushi Map: 31.5270697, -97.1340377
Specialties
  • Japanese restaurant
  • Asian restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Sushi restaurant
  • Teppanyaki restaurant
Sushi Hours
  • Monday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–9:30 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 12:30–10 PM
  • Sunday: 12:30–10:30 PM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating: Available
  • Kerbside pickup: Available
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
Highlights
  • Great tea selection: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Coffee: Available
  • Happy-hour drinks: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Vegetarian options: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Catering: Available
  • Dessert: Available
  • Seating: Available
Amenities
  • Bar on site: Available
  • Toilets: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
  • Trendy: Available
  • Upmarket: Available
Crowd
  • Family friendly: Available
  • Groups: Available
  • Tourists: Available
  • University students: Available
Planning
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Children
  • Good for kids: Available
  • High chairs: Available
  • Kids' menu: Available
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Available
  • Free parking lot: Available
  • Parking: Available