Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse Ann Arbor

Today I was reminded why I don’t come here anymore. When I asked if I could have shrimp put in my fried rice, I was told that they don’t do this. I then rephrased and said well I know they do chicken fried rice I was just wondering if I could get shrimp instead. The waiter replied that they’ve never done chicken fried rice because this is a Japanese restaurant. For my main entrée, I ordered the scallop hibachi lunch, and then asked if I could have extra garlic butter on the side to put on top of my food. When my food arrived, I noticed that there was a brown sauce all over everything. I inquired if this was teriyaki sauce, to which he replied yes. I asked if I could have it remade without the sauce. That’s why I ordered the garlic butter. He asked if I had an allergy and I said that I am gluten free. This is what confuses me underneath the hibachi section there’s a section labeled teriyaki I didn’t ask for teriyaki, so why was my food covered in teriyaki sauce? Well, the main entrée arrived for the second time I noticed that there was a brown sauce over everything. I asked what it was and he replied that it’s gluten-free soy sauce. At this point I was frustrated because I had asked for no sauce and he stated that he had discussed that with the cooks. I ended up keeping the food because I didn’t want to send it back again. The food was so salty. Once I finish, I waited patiently for the waiter to bring me the bill, when he did, he stated that he had taken off the main entrée. I appreciate that. I did however, enjoy the miso soup, salad, and the California roll. I think that it should be listed on the menu that the hibachi comes drenched in teriyaki or soy sauce, so that a preference can be given.

Our server Kyon was top notch! Loved that there were substantial gluten-free options for our family.