Ichiban
Quick info
About Ichiban
Ichiban is a Japanese restaurant on Queen St in Glasgow, set in an upstairs dining room with long communal tables and separated benches for each group. The menu runs from bento boxes, chahan, and Katsu curry to Donburi and sushi, alongside sandwiches such as Crispy Chicken and Korean Spicy Beef, and a set meal pairing sweet chilli chicken with takoyaki and miso soup, drawn from a menu of 74 dishes. Table service brings dishes out from the kitchen, with the bill settled at the table by card machine. High chairs are available for families with young children, and the kitchen also prepares food for takeaway and delivery for those eating off site. The restaurant opens daily, and reservations are recommended. Free Wi-Fi is available in the dining room.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid street parking · Somewhat difficult to find a space
- Good for kidsHigh chairs available
- DietaryServes vegan dishes · Serves vegetarian dishes
Menu & Prices
74 dishes · mains £3–18- Crispy Chicken Sandwiches£8.20
- Crispy Prawn Sandwiches£8.20
- Korean Spicy Beef Sandwiches£8.50
- Bacon & Egg Sandwiches£7.90
- Lunch Meat & Egg Sandwiches£7.90
- 「Single Set Meal」Sweet Chilli Chicken+Takoyaki+Miso Soup£18.10
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention bento box, chahan (fried rice), tastes more chinese than japanese and katsu curry.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention bento box, chahan (fried rice), tastes more chinese than japanese and katsu curry.
Customer Review Summary
The bento box draws the most consistent praise, described repeatedly as generous and, in one reviewer's words, "out of this world," with the chahan also singled out by returning customers as "on point." Close behind, several diners highlight fast, fresh food and friendly, accommodating staff, along with reasonable prices for a city centre spot. A recurring counterpoint runs through many reviews, though: multiple diners say the cooking reads as Chinese takeaway style rather than authentic Japanese, pointing to dishes like the California roll as "very ordinary" and the beef Donburi as not tasting like a real donburi. One reviewer describes the Katsu Don as dry with an overcooked egg and an oversalted teriyaki sauce, and calls the Curry Katsu Yakisoba's pork "like cardboard." Service complaints surface too: one diner was made to wait half an hour to pay and was refused a split bill, while another was seated by a door with cold air blowing on the table throughout the meal. Several longtime customers, though, describe returning for over a decade, still choosing it as their first stop when visiting Glasgow.
Customer Review Summary
The bento box draws the most consistent praise, described repeatedly as generous and, in one reviewer's words, "out of this world," with the chahan also singled out by returning customers as "on point." Close behind, several diners highlight fast, fresh food and friendly, accommodating staff, along with reasonable prices for a city centre spot. A recurring counterpoint runs through many reviews, though: multiple diners say the cooking reads as Chinese takeaway style rather than authentic Japanese, pointing to dishes like the California roll as "very ordinary" and the beef Donburi as not tasting like a real donburi. One reviewer describes the Katsu Don as dry with an overcooked egg and an oversalted teriyaki sauce, and calls the Curry Katsu Yakisoba's pork "like cardboard." Service complaints surface too: one diner was made to wait half an hour to pay and was refused a split bill, while another was seated by a door with cold air blowing on the table throughout the meal. Several longtime customers, though, describe returning for over a decade, still choosing it as their first stop when visiting Glasgow.
Featured reviews
- Michelle Coia
“Ichiban has a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Staff are friendly and courteous. Prices are average and the food is delicious. We always enjoy eating here.”
- Zuleika Channell
“The food was delicious, staff were friendly and great service. Thanks! 😊”
- yoyo Kan
“Although this is advertised as a Japanese restaurant, the food tasted more like Chinese takeaway-style cooking rather than authentic Japanese cuisine. The food was not terrible, but definitely not what we expected from a Japanese restaurant. We ordered four main dishes and a California roll. Only the bento box felt somewhat Japanese, while the rest were more like average Chinese restaurant quality. The California roll was also very ordinary and disappointing. The service was also lacking attention to customer comfort. Even though there were other seats available inside the restaurant, we were seated near the back door, which staff kept opening throughout the evening. Cold air kept blowing directly onto our table the entire time we were eating. By the end of the meal, I actually had a headache from sitting in the cold draft for so long. Overall, quite disappointing.”
- Manlio Tassieri
“We really enjoyed our visit. The atmosphere and excellent service gave us the feeling of being back in Japan, which we loved. The food was good and well presented, although it wasn't quite as authentic as we had expected. Overall, a lovely place with a great ambience, and we'd happily return.”
- Lynsey Harte
“Have been coming to Ichiban for over 10 years now- this was definitely one of the OGs in Japanese food in Glasgow. Delicious and reliable, with lovely staff and speedy service. Chahan is on point, bento boxes are generous, and there is something for everyone. Highly recommend the Gyuniku Maki- absolutely delicious.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Stylish, unfussy upstairs dining room offering a taste of Tokyo with a sushi menu and plum wine.”
- Has great tea selection
- Popular for good for solo dining
Amenities
- Has Wi-Fi
- Paid street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Offers delivery
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
Show more amenities
- Serves vegan dishes
- Has bar on site
- Casual
- On-site services available
- Quick bite
- Has great tea selection
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Crowd· 3
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
- Popular with university students
- Offerings· 2
- Serves healthy options
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Dining options· 1
- Has seating
- Parking· 1
- Somewhat difficult to find a space
- Popular for· 1
- Good for solo dining
- Atmosphere· 2
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family-friendly· 1
- High chairs available
Location
Japanese restaurants near Ichiban
- Maki & Ramen4.72,8940.3 mi£20–30
black garlic ramen, katsu curry, malaysian laksa
- Okome Shawlands4.52622.2 mi£10–20
salmon nigiri and sashimi, maki sushi sets, salt and chilli chips
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ichiban | 4.51,867 | — | £10–20 | bento box, chahan (fried rice), tastes more chinese than japanese |
| Maki & Ramen | 4.72,894 | 0.3 mi | £20–30 | black garlic ramen, katsu curry, malaysian laksa |
| Okome Shawlands | 4.5262 | 2.2 mi | £10–20 | salmon nigiri and sashimi, maki sushi sets, salt and chilli chips |
The 2 nearest japanese restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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