Bites Nearby: Ichiban Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Overview:

A special event deserves a special dinner, so when my son Kenton turned 20, we took the family to  in Pine. It isn’t just dinner; it is a show while the chef prepares your meal right in front of you.

A traditional hibachi steakhouse, Ichiban seats you and your party around a big table with a grill in the center. Smaller parties might be added to larger ones, depending on how busy the restaurant is that evening.

Decor:

Ichiban is Japanese all the way in decor. The restaurant, in the Village at Pine, features a large, lovely interior with traditional Japanese accents and long grill tables.

Drinks:

Ichiban has a full bar and, of course, offers tea along with non-alcoholic beverages. Specialty Japanese sodas are available.

Appetizers:

Our meals came with soup and salad, so we didn’t order separate appetizers, but you can choose from a large menu of sushi. Prices are $7.95 to $9.95 for the sushi. A selection of soups costs $1.75 to $5.95, and salads are $2.50 to $5.95.

You can also choose other appetizers such as Edamame [steamed soybeans] for $3.95, Shumai [shrimp dumpling] for $4.95 and Crab Rangoon for $6.95.

Entrees:

There is a wide variety of entrees on the menu. Our group had salmon, beef, chicken-and-shrimp, and chicken-and-scallop hibachi dinners. Entrees cost $16.95 to $22.95. That includes the salad, soup, two extra shrimp, rice and vegetables. A large amount of food is served.

The fun is watching the well-trained chefs prepare the grill and cook your food. Our chef played to his crowd, throwing his tools in the air, lighting an onion stack on fire and chopping food at a high speed. We got what we went for – a great meal and a great show.

Ichiban offers teriyaki dishes for $11.95 to $30.95 and children’s dinners.

Desserts:

Ice cream is the only dessert offered at Ichiban, but you are welcome to bring your own birthday cake.

Services:

The wait staff was very attentive, and when a waiter from another table saw we needed drink refills, he automatically got them for us. It didn’t matter that we weren’t seated in his area.

Please be aware that smaller parties might share a table. We had a group of three seated with our group of six, but it was nice sharing our evening with them. Some guests might not like that.

Address: 1500 Village Run Road, Pine. 724-935-8388

Hours: Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; dinner is from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday. The restaurant is open from 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday.