Ichiban Sushi is a Toronto franchise. According to their website, they opened it in 1983 and since then, have expanded all over the city.

I’m not familiar with the original Bloor St. location. I mean, I have most definitely eaten there before, because there ain’t no sushi joint in this city that my mouth has not experienced, but there’s nothing memorable enough to review.

The Ichiban on King St. West is hands down the best one and here’s why: they have fantastic vegetarian selection for your veggie friends, the food is super high-end clean without the crazy prices and the chefs (all Korean, no idea why) will make you something extra every time if you’re a regular.

I’ve only eaten in the restaurant a few times and it’s fine. I mean, bad service is unheard of at a Japanese spot, it’s just not culturally possible. There’s a no frills sense as far as the booths, food presentation and bathrooms are concerned. There’s never more than two waitresses on at a time, because it only seats twenty-something at max capacity.

Having said that, I have eaten their take out at least fifty times. They don’t deliver. I know, seems like a black mark on the restaurant, but they are 100% worth the drive. Every time I have a friend dumb enough to buy a condo on King St, I give them a menu to this spot. That whole neighborhood is rife with smoke and mirrors when it comes to food and Ichiban stands out like a beacon in the night. I also recommend it to all my vegan friends because they have great variety in their veggie offerings, not just cucumber rolls for you, they take great care in servicing everyone’s dietary needs.

Once you know the chefs it’s game on for you friend. Between shots at the bar while you wait, funny Dad jokes and a little something extra in your takeout bag, they’ll steal your heart away in no time.