Have you never tried sushi before? Or maybe you’re just looking for your next favorite roll? Either way, you can’t go wrong with Ichiban Japanese Restaurant in Santa Maria. This cozy eatery combines fresh ingredients with creative flavors to make you return for more. Located at 2011 S Broadway Ste L, Santa Maria, Ichiban has been a staple in the area for over two decades. Under new ownership since late 2023, the restaurant has introduced fresh menu items while maintaining its reputation for quality.
Sushi, Rolls, and Bento: What’s on the Menu?
Ichiban’s menu offers a mix of classic Japanese dishes and creative sushi rolls. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
- Popular Rolls: The California Roll ($15), Spicy Tuna Roll ($10), and Nacho Roll ($25) are crowd favorites. For something colorful, try the Rainbow Roll.
- Nigiri Combo: A generous serving of fresh fish with perfectly balanced rice. While listed as an 8-piece combo, some diners report receiving up to 11 pieces—bonus sushi!
- Bento Boxes: These come with miso soup, rice, salad (with a zingy ginger dressing), and your choice of protein like chicken teriyaki or steak.
- Other Dishes: Gyoza ($10), Chicken Katsu ($12), Udon Noodles ($19), and even poke bowls for those who love their fish diced and marinated.
Prices are reasonable for the quality of the fish served. Diners rave about the freshness of the salmon nigiri—so good it practically melts in your mouth.
Hours That Keep You Guessing
Ichiban’s hours are a bit unconventional. They’re open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday but close early on Wednesdays (8:30 PM). Saturdays are dinner-only (5 PM – 9 PM), and they take Sundays off. So, if you’re planning a visit, check your calendar carefully—especially if it’s mid-afternoon or Sunday.
Current Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (closes at 8:30 PM on Wednesdays)
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Ambiance: Sushi Bar or Traditional Tatami?
The restaurant offers seating options to suit any mood. You can sit at the sushi bar for an up-close view of the chefs at work or opt for one of their two Japanese-style tatami rooms, where you’ll remove your shoes and dine on the floor. However, these private rooms now come with an extra charge—a change introduced by the new owners. The dining area is clean and welcoming, with updated decor reflecting its long-standing presence in Santa Maria. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely dinner, the ambiance is comfortable without being fussy.
Service With a Smile (Mostly)
Reviews highlight Ichiban’s friendly staff and efficient service. Diners often mention being warmly greeted upon arrival and appreciate how quickly their food arrives. There have been occasional hiccups—like servers getting overwhelmed during busy times—but nothing that significantly detracts from the overall experience.
What’s New? Ownership Changes
In late 2023, Ichiban came under new ownership. With this change came updates to the menu (hello ramen!) and slight tweaks to operations. While most customers have embraced these changes, some long-time patrons have noted differences in portion sizes or flavors compared to previous years. Still, the consensus seems to be that Ichiban is holding its own as one of Santa Maria’s go-to spots for Japanese food.
Worth the Drive?
Ichiban is worth checking out for anyone in Orcutt or nearby areas looking for quality sushi without breaking the bank. With its mix of fresh ingredients, diverse menu options, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back—whether they’re perched at the sushi bar or kicking back in a tatami room. Just remember to plan your visit around their quirky hours.
Sources: yelp.com, Ichiban Japanese Restaurant Menu
Header Image Source: yelp.com
