Ichiban Japanese Noodle Café

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £6.50 (set lunch)
   £13 (evening meal)
• House wine: £11.95 per bottle

• Food served: Mon-Wed noon-10pm; Thu-Sat noon-11pm; Sun 1-10pm
• Delivery: From £1.20 depending on address
• Private dining: Up to 33 covers
• Open since: 2002
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Wheelchair access, Take away

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

A flash of neon and some steep steps are the only indications of Ichiban's location on Queen Street. But inside, it is clear that plenty of people know about the company's flagship noodle and sushi bar. Couples and larger groups pack in at long benches, while the kitchen clatters, flames and steams beneath a bold Japanese banner. After nearly ten years in business, this is the daddy of Glasgow's noodle bars. The food options have barely changed since opening, but the enthusiasm that diners display for the dishes suggests there has been little need to. The menu states that dishes will be brought as cooked, but there does seem to be an attempt to impose some structure to the proceedings. Side orders are neatly presented with dainty bowls of vinegar or soy and attractive garnishes. Sushi is fresh and precise, if a little overly chilled. The teriyaki salmon is succulent and fleshy, arched against its crisped skin. A large, warming bowl of soupy noodles cries out to be raised to the mouth with both hands, while the lacquered bento boxes create a display cabinet of savoury morsels. A second outlet on Dumbarton Road has the same menu, if a more spacious and slightly more laid-back environment. At both sites, Ichiban has a formula that was a hit from day one.