Ichidai Japanese Restaurant
| Address: | 5714 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-771-4648 |
| Site: | ichidairestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | Closed Closed 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9:45PM 5–9:45PM 5–9PM |
Location
Photos 79
Reviews 16
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Darth Sean
In a nutshell, Ichidai is simply one of the best Japanese restaurants in the state. i have been here several times, and have never been disappointed. The fish is always fresh and expertly prepared; the service is very quick, and the setting is intimate --which might be a drawback for some, as the dining area is small, and the parking lot even smaller. Some Japanese restaurants have a habit of focusing on one specialty (sushi, udon, tempura, teriyaki, etc) over the rest of their offerings, but I can safely say that everything at this place is absolutely delicious. Their tempura is probably some the best Ive ever had --its always light and never greasy. They also have a great selection of beer and sake. I would say the pricing is definitely fair compared to the quality and quantity of food you get. Ichidai is firmly in the middle range when it comes to sushi restaurants around Portland. Not as cheap as a conveyer belt place by any means, but certainly nowhere near as overpriced like some other places --Im looking squarely at you Bamboo (trust me folks, unless its happy hour at Bamboo, skip it.). You wont be sorry, and you will come back.
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A Private User
This place consistently delivers delicious sushi and unique specialty rolls. For a long time they have had a special menu where you can choose three standard rolls (e.g. California, Alaska, tuna, yellowtail) and salad or soup (miso) for $12.50. On another menu, you can order specialty rolls like the Spicy Oregon roll which is salmon, scallions, and spicy sauce in a seaweed on the outside, rice on the inside roll. They also have a list of special "catch of the day" fish that are being served which typically includes Toro, and sweet shrimp. My favorite meal there (which I split with my wife) is the Spicy Oregon roll, Squid tempura rool, California roll, yellow tail roll, spicy tuna roll, an assortment of nigiri, and nigori sake (unfiltered). (Costs somewhere around $50). The location is a bit unusual but I come there for the food and not for the building. Decor is modest but attractive. They play traditional music as opposed to top ten hits which appeals to me, its a sushi bar and not a night club.
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A Private User
Ichidai has what I would consider an authentic japanese food experience. The serene atmosphere, friendly and talented staff, and scrumptious food have me coming back here again and again. I highly recommend the spicy-devil rolls that have two layers, the inner being tempura fish, if you are into tempura rolls they will knock your socks off. They have great cucumber salad and miso soup as well. If you are into sake you cant go wrong with the momokawa pearl nigori (unfiltered) sake. And if you like what you try there, up on 82nd between division and powell there is a huge asian supermarket called Fubonn with a fantastic sake section.
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A Private User
After being disappointed with 3 sushi places in Seattle, I drove down to Portland and tried Ichidai. The sushi was superlative. The salmon was almost melting in your mouth. That is not unheard of in good sushi places... however, here even the rolls were subject to the same "melting" sensation. The staff was relatively attentive. Although they close at 9 p.m. on Sunday, we arrived at 8.30 and left at 9.45 p.m. (with a distended stomach).
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A Private User
I liked this place last year (fairly good and fresh sushi at a good price), and this might be unfair as I didnt rate it then, but I just ate there and the hamachi was definitely not even close to fresh which is really a very bad thing for a sushi restaurant. The unagi was blah as well. Veggies were fresh. Finding consistently great sushi in Oregon seems to be an impossible task. The search continues...
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Palmer Lao
I came here for dinner on the evening of New Years Day. The miso black cod is extremely tender and moist. My only gripe with it was that I found two bone fragments in my piece, but this was easy to overlook for how good it was. The miso fried oysters also were great. They had a crispy coating and had a creamy, fatty feeling on the inside. Be sure to eat them while theyre still hot.
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A Private User
i just moved to Portland and I was looking for a fabulous sushi spot that was not too expensive. Ichidai topped everything I expected. The service is fast and friendly and the food is beyond delicious. You can get a plate full of sushi, bowl of miso, seaweed salad and a bottle of sake for about 50 bucks. That is a steal. The atmosphere is quaint and comfortable and its kid friendly.
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A Private User
I am disappointed that, after living ten blocks from this sushi spot for more than two years, I have only just tried it. I was happily surprised with the friendliness of the staff, the warmth of the room, and the quality of the dishes. Although I only ordered take-out, i am looking forward to going back to eat their happy hour menu at the bar. Definitely worth a visit!
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Juliet Sunshine
By far, the best sushi for the price. I try to always order from the specials, they are always amazing. Best I think is Seaweed Salad, Crab Salad (like a party in your mouth) and their Salmon Skin rolls. My family goes here at least twice a month. Highly recommended! Service is always perfect too. Ive been there at least 20 times so far, not one complaint. Love it.
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M Swizzle
The best Japanese food Ive ever had. I heard the Japanese Ambassador eats here when hes in town, while I cant confirm that, I do believe it. Ive been to Japan and this feels truly authentic. They have a great variety of sushi, sashimi and other dishes, and a solid range of Sake. It is always easy to get a table, and well worth the visit.
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Ruth Britton
What a great place! Ive been here several times with my in-laws (it is their favorite Portland restaurant) and every time Im stuffed! Always, I think Im ordering something small, but I come away with leftovers! The sushi is great, the tempura is amazing, and the meals are so huge! Also, the owners and the staff are all very friendly.
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A Private User
For sushi and Japanese cuisine fans in outer SE or looking for a change from the more crowded spots closer in, Ichidai is the place. No-frills setting nevertheless seems authentic, and the food and sake selections are varied and well priced. Rolls are large and fresh, and the service is speedy and skilled.
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Michael Reeves
As I walked into this apartment building I wasnt sure what to expect. But then being seated by the staff I was immediately reassured. This restaurant had a soothing atmosphere with a nice selection. I felt comforted by the balance of professionalism and the freshness of the fish. Would recommend to friends!
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Matthew Paige
Food is very tasty and definitely above average. Often there are lots of Japanese from Japan who come in as customers, even though it is a bit far from downtown. Our only comp0laint is their limited hours. They are not open when we are usually in the area, but if they were we[d stop in m,ore often.
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Rob Raw
How have I not eaten here before?! Prly because its so hidden and hard to notice. What a find, though! I get to add a sushi restaurant to my very short list of places that pass my salmon-test (this makes five in PDX.) Super good service, nice atmosphere and, of course, great fish.
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A Private User
I have not tried the sashimi but the sushi rolls are fantastic. Fairly well priced for the quality you wont spend less than $25 for two but you will eat like royalty for $40. The Mochi balls are actually good! They taste fresh and always come at the right temperature.
