07/22/09

Best Value

by happypalate

Ichidai is a lot of fun. My GF and I go here when we want to kick back and relax while we eat sushi. We stuff our faces with decent sushi for a good price. We never worry about how much we are ordering here, we eat a lot, and we've never spent more than $60... and that includes beer and sake. I think it's the best value for your money among PDX sushi houses.

The service can come off as rude and inattentive, but they're quite responsive if you ask for something and they always have enough people working to accommodate.

-Nathaniel Carey

• Pros: fun and relaxing, sushi is decent
• Cons: none

04/19/09

What a find!!

by dolceardor

My husband lived in Misawa, Japan for about 8 years, and when we visited Ichidai based on reviews, he almost cried when he tasted the food. I am a Japanese food amateur, but we both loved everything. They have a full sushi menu, but we stuck to the entrees. My husband ordered kara-age ramen (best ramen we've found in the portland metro area!) and I ordered beef sukiyaki. It was to die for!! We also had green tea, and Sapporo beer. Everything was so authentic. You know it's a good sign when the wait staff, decorations, and customers are Japanese. We were the only caucasians in the whole place! =) Fairly inexpensive, we were stuffed, and took home leftovers. We plan to be regulars, and try the mochi and adzuki ice cream next time. It is a little hard to find, because it's located in an office building (my husband informs me that is pretty authentic as well, haha) on SE Powell. It could be tricky finding parking, but we arrived early, and had no problem. A totally worthwhile experience!

• Pros: authentic and sincere food and service
• Cons: a little hard to find

02/04/09

City food

by BadHorsie

A perfect example of "city" food. You can try Takahashi for the 'country' style of Japanese cuisine. The food is a bit more risque with the different salads they present. I may not eat everything on the plate, in this case. But the main courses that I do order, such as the bread pork 'tonkatsu" is perfect. Crispy, and delicious. Served with raw cabbage and a plum sauce, which compliments it perfectly.

I have never tried the sushi, but will next time. I've been here many, many times, and would go more, if they had a more liberal operating schedule.

• Pros: Always quality food.
• Cons: Not as relaxed as a country style restaurant. Not open many hours, so difficult to get to. Small restaurant.