Ichibantei: Authentic Japanese Soul Food in New York's East Village

Ichibantei Introduce

In the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene of New York City, finding a truly authentic and high-quality Japanese restaurant that feels like a hidden gem can be a challenge. Ichibantei, nestled in the heart of the East Village, is exactly that. It's a place that prides itself on serving Japanese soul food—the kind of comforting, home-cooked meals that Japanese mothers would prepare for their children. This commitment to tradition and authenticity is what makes Ichibantei a standout destination, beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The atmosphere at Ichibantei is a unique blend of cozy and trendy. The dark decor with gold accents and dim lighting creates a sense of mystery and intimacy, perfect for a casual date night or a relaxed meal with friends. The restaurant also has a fascinating interior design, with walls adorned with vinyl record covers and Japanese film posters, reflecting a fusion of Japanese roots and pop culture. It's a place that is not only about the food but also about the experience, with a casual and welcoming vibe that invites you to linger.

Beyond the ambiance, the food is the true star. The menu is extensive, offering a wide array of classic Japanese dishes, from hearty rice bowls and curries to tender steaks and fried delights. What sets Ichibantei apart is its focus on "teishoku," or set meals, which traditionally include a main dish, rice, miso soup, and a salad. This ensures a complete and satisfying dining experience. The staff, who are largely Japanese, contribute to the authentic feel with their friendly and welcoming service, making every visit a pleasant one. Ichibantei is a genuine taste of Japan right here in New York.

Location and Accessibility

Ichibantei is conveniently located at 100 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. Its prime spot in the East Village makes it highly accessible for anyone in Manhattan. This neighborhood is known for its excellent public transit options, allowing for easy access from various parts of the city.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all diners, offering wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. This makes it a great choice for a diverse crowd, including families and groups. For those who prefer to drive, paid street parking is available, although, as is typical for New York City, finding a spot can take time.

Another major highlight of the location is its operating hours. Ichibantei is a "real DEAL deep into the early AM," as one reviewer put it, opening until as late as 3 AM. This makes it a rare and invaluable option for late-night dining in a city that never sleeps. The ability to enjoy delicious, high-quality Japanese comfort food after a long day or a late flight is a huge plus.

Services Offered

Ichibantei provides a range of services designed for the utmost convenience and flexibility for its customers.

Curbside pickup & Takeout: For those in a hurry, you can place your order online or over the phone and pick it up at your convenience.
No-contact delivery & Delivery: Enjoy Ichibantei's delicious food from the comfort of your home with their reliable delivery service, with a no-contact option for added safety.
Dine-in: Experience the cozy and authentic atmosphere with table service and a full bar on-site.
Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: The restaurant serves a full menu throughout the day, catering to various meal times and cravings.
Reservations: You can accept reservations, which is a convenient feature for planning ahead, especially for group dining.

Features and Highlights

Ichibantei's appeal comes from a number of unique features that make it a standout destination.

Late-Night Food: One of the most significant highlights is its late-night service, a rarity for quality Japanese food in NYC. It is a fantastic option for a midnight snack or a full meal after a late night out.
Authentic "Teishoku" Meals: The focus on home-style, set meals provides a complete and balanced dining experience, true to Japanese tradition.
Wide Variety of Offerings: The menu features a vast range of options, including curries, udon, rice bowls, and steaks, as well as plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Excellent Appetizers: Customer favorites include the Homemade Gyoza with its "amazing gyoza lace" and the perfectly fried Karaage.
Unique Atmosphere: The cozy, trendy decor with live music creates a vibe that is both intimate and lively, perfect for a memorable night.
Full Bar: The bar offers a selection of Japanese beer, sake, and premium cocktails, perfect for pairing with your meal.

Contact Information

To make a reservation or inquire about a delivery, you can contact Ichibantei using the information below.

Address: 100 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (917) 965-2327

The staff is known for being welcoming, friendly, and perfectly suited to the restaurant's good vibes, making for a pleasant interaction every time.

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting Ichibantei, a number of dishes stand out and are well worth choosing for a first-timer. The "Kurobuta" Tonkatsu is a must-try, as it's made from high-quality Kurobuta pork, known for being tender and flavorful. Another highly recommended dish is the Homemade Gyoza, which a customer described as "excellent and beautifully served," a perfect starter to share. For those who love a hearty meal, the Pork Katsu Curry and Beef Curry are both great options, with rich and satisfying flavors that are perfect for a late-night craving. The Karaage Curry is also a great option, combining two Japanese comfort food staples into one.

If you're looking for a healthier option, the Tuna Steak is a fantastic choice, praised for being fresh and "perfectly done." The restaurant’s commitment to catering to different palates is evident in its vegan and vegetarian offerings, with dishes like Agedashi Tofu and Curry Rice that are flavorful and satisfying. Overall, Ichibantei's strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver authentic, delicious Japanese soul food that feels like a home-cooked meal, making it a place you'll want to visit again and again. Its unique late-night hours and welcoming atmosphere truly set it apart from other Japanese restaurants in the city.

Ichibantei Menu

Sides(Delivery)
Miso Soup $3.60
Ontama $3.20
Wasabimayo $2.20
Rice $4.60
Sesame Dressing $3.20
Katsu Sauce $2.20
Tartar Sauce $3.20
Yuzukoshō $2.25
Wasabi $2.20
Garlic Sauce $3.20
Onion Sauce $3.20

Na Beverages
Diet Pepsi $4.00
Gingerale $4.00
Coke $4.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Seltzer Water $4.00
Sprite $4.00
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.

Appetizers (Delivery)
Shio Takoyaki $12.95
Grilled octopus ball topped with "Shio" sauce
Yakko Tofu $7.95
Chilled tofu topped with ginger and bonito flake
Agenasu $8.95
Fried eggplant in hot Dashi , topped with ginger and bonito flake
Dashimaki $12.95
Rolled egg omelette, Shiso leaf, Daikon radish
Agedashi Tofu $8.95
Crispy fried tofu in a savory broth. A warm and comforting appetizer.
Yuzu Shishito $8.95
Shishito pepper with Yuzu salt
Sweet Potato Fries $11.95
Crispy wedge cut sweet potato fries
Garlic Edamame $8.95
Sautéed edamame with garlic soy sauce
Takowasabi $6.95
Chopped octopus marinated with wasabi
Ichibantei Fries $12.95
Crispy big wedge potato fries with wasabi mayo
Edamame $6.95
Salted soybeans
Karaage $12.95
Japanese fried chicken
Homemade Gyoza $12.95
Homemade dumplings filled with "kurobuta" pork, cabbage and garlic chive.
Takoyaki $12.95
Grilled octopus ball

Entrée (Delivery)
Chickenchup $21.95
A delicious meal featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy special ketchup sauce served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Wafu Hamburger Steak $26.95
Hamburger steak, Onion sauce, Bean sprout, Shiso leaf, Daikon radish
Chicken Katsu $24.95
A traditional Japanese meal featuring juicy and crispy breaded chicken cutlets served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Pork Yakiniku $22.95
A flavorful meal featuring tender slices of marinated pork grilled to perfection served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Hamburger Steak $24.95
A hearty meal featuring juicy and flavorful hamburger steaks with demi-glace sauce served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Ichibantei Steak 11oz $40.95
Angus ribeye steak, Cabbage, Bean sprout, Onion sauce
Garlic Chicken $21.95
A savory meal featuring crispy fried chicken with special garlic sauce, fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. Enjoy a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Cheese Hamburger Steak $26.95
A rich and satisfying meal featuring juicy hamburger steaks topped with melted cheese served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and delicious dining experience.
Minced Katsu $24.95
A hearty meal featuring juicy and flavorful ground "Wagyu" beef and "Kurobuta" pork cutlets, served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Karaage $20.95
A complete Japanese meal featuring juicy karaage chicken, fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
Chicken Nanban $21.95
A traditional Japanese meal featuring juicy, battered chicken in a tangy sauce, served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Tuna Steak $27.95
A flavorful meal featuring succulent and juicy tuna steaks served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Teriyaki Chicken $21.95
A delicious meal featuring juicy and flavorful teriyaki chicken, served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Grilled Chicken $24.95
A flavorful meal featuring succulent and juicy grilled chicken served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
Tonteki Pork Steak $25.95
A flavorful meal featuring succulent and juicy "Kurobuta" pork steaks, served with fluffy white rice, and crisp salad. A complete and satisfying dining experience.
"Kurobuta" Tonkatsu $24.95
Panko breaded fried “Kurobuta” pork loin cutlet, Cabbage salad, Katsu sauce, Karachi mustard
Ichibantei Steak 07oz $30.95
Juicy prime ribeye steak
Pork Ginger $22.95
Popular Japanese meal that includes thin slices of pork stir-fried with ginger and sweet soy sauce, served with a side of Japanese white rice, and crisp salad.

Curry (Delivery)
Curry Rice $20.95
Aromatic spices and fresh vegetables come together in this rich vegan curry
Beef Curry $28.95
Aromatic spices and fresh vegetables come together in this rich vegan curry with beef steak
Pork Katsu Curry $26.95
Aromatic spices and fresh vegetables come together in this rich vegan curry with crispy pork cutlet
Chicken Katsu Curry $26.95
Aromatic spices and fresh vegetables come together in this rich vegan curry with crisply chicken cutlet
Karaage Curry $25.95
Aromatic spices and fresh vegetables come together in this rich vegan curry rice with fried chicken

Udon (Delivery)
Kitsune Udon $22.95
A traditional Japanese dish featuring udon noodles in a savory broth, topped with sweet and savory deep-fried tofu. A comforting and satisfying meal.
Kitsune Curry Udon $24.95
Dive into a harmonious blend of silky udon noodles drenched in a rich curry broth, crowned with a tender, sweet kitsune tofu pocket. A comforting embrace of traditional flavors and warmth in every slurp.
Beef Curry Udon $24.95
Savor the hearty union of chewy udon noodles submerged in a savory curry broth, accompanied by tender slices of seasoned meat. A bowlful of warmth and robust flavors, perfect for satiating your cravings.
Niku Udon $22.95
A hearty Japanese dish featuring udon noodles in a savory broth, topped with tender slices of beef. A filling and satisfying meal.

Rice Bowl (Delivery)
Katsu Don $24.95
Rice bowl dish topped with juicy and crispy pork cutlets with a sweet and savory fluffy egg
Tamago Don $20.95
Fluffy omelets made with tofu and onions simmered in fish broth, served over a bed of white rice
Chicken Katsu Don $24.95
Rice bowl dish topped with juicy and crispy chicken cutlets with a sweet and savory fluffy egg
Sauce Katsu Don $25.95
Rice bowl dish topped with shredded cabbage and juicy and crispy pork cutlets dipped in blended katsu sauce
Tuna Zuke Don $25.95
Simmered tuna sashimi, Dashi sauce, Rice, Ontama egg, Chopped nori seaweed, Chopped wasabi
Oyakodon $22.95
Rice bowl dish with fluffy omelets made with tender chicken and sweet onions simmered in dashi soup
Gyudon $24.95
A rice bowl topped with tender slices braised beef and onion, with a porched egg

Noodle (Delivery)
Shabu-Shabu Hiyashi Cold Ramen $24.95
Chilled noodles with crisp cucumber, porhedeggs, bean sprouts, seaweed, juicy tomatoes and shabu-shabu pork.
Hiyashi Cold Ramen $20.95
Chilled noodles with crisp cucumber, porhedeggs, bean sprouts, seaweed, and juicy tomatoes

Salad (Delivery)
Green Salad $8.70
A crisp mix greens and seaweed with sesame dressing
Seaweed Salad $6.70
Vinaigrette wakame seaweed
Yamitsuki Cabbage $8.70
Fresh cabbage, Shiodare sauce

Vegan (Delivery)
Sweet Potato Fries $11.95
Crispy, battered and fried slices of sweet potato. A sweet and savory treat.
Garlic Edamame $8.95
Sautéed edamame with garlic soy sauce
Agedashi Tofu $8.95
Crispy fried tofu in a savory broth. A warm and comforting appetizer.
Agenasu $8.95
Fried eggplant in hot Dashi , topped with ginger and bonito flake
Edamame $6.95
Salt-seasoned soybeans, perfect for snacking. A healthy and delicious bite.
Curry Rice $20.95
Aromatic spices and fresh vegetables come together in this rich vegan curry
Ichibantei Fries $12.95
Crispy potatoes, the ultimate comfort food. A staple and satisfying side dish.

Dessert
Earl Grey Panna Cotta $12.95
Creamy panna cotta fused with Earl Grey
Vanilla Panna Cotta With Mixed Berry Sauce $12.95
Chef's signature creamy vanilla panna cotta topped with fresh, rich, handmade mixed berry sauce.
Umeshu Jelly $10.95
Contains alcohol
Matcha Pudding $13.95

Ichibantei Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Live music
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Halal food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Checks
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Pets
Dogs allowed

Ichibantei Photos

Ichibantei Location

Ichibantei

New York New York County New York 3rd Avenue

100 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Ichibantei Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 631 user reviews.

steakreggaetunacocktailschicken nanbanchicken katsuappetizercomfort foodniku udonpork katsu curry

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

A decent Japanese place with a good lunch special. Originally we’d read that the lunch special went until 5pm, but it’s now just 3.30 - no drink specials either. We showed up around 3 minutes past 3.30, and the waitress was kind enough to let us order from the lunch specials menu anyway. The food was good, the beers cold, the staff excellent. I’ll come back at some point.
July 13 · Blake Rasmussen
Ichibantei is the real DEAL deep into the early AM. It is hard to find a good restaurant that opens late in NYC, so to find a Japanese restaurant that opens till 3AM , and deliver the time as promised with excellent food, it’s a Blessing. We landed 🛬 in JFK around 9PM and arrived to the restaurant after midnight 🕛. I love the Dark Black decor and the gold colors everywhere, it gives sense of mystery to the place and makes you wonder about the Food. The Japanese food here is authentic, delicious, full of flavors, with a lot of respect to the traditional Japanese food. The Gyoza 🥟 was excellent and beautifully served, with the amazing gyoza 🥟 lace, the Katso chicken was delicious and the Tuna 🍣 was fresh and perfectly done. The staff here are Japanese and they were welcoming, friendly and perfectly fit to the decor and the good vibes of the place. Highly recommended 🪬♥️
August 23 · Amos Nachum
The food here is delicious! Every dish didn’t disappoint, and the price is super fair. The pork katsu is thick and juicy, also don’t miss out their desserts. Friendly staffs and the vibe is great. Will come back to try more!
March 14 · Emma Chang
This is a fabulous place. Highly recommended! We had noodle soup and tuna rice bowl followed by our world matcha puddling. The tuna was excellent and the dish came with a delicious egg. We spent about $90 with a tip. Now I know the matcha pudding dessert is beaten to death in so many ways at so many restaurants. Somehow each of them take matcha and then disrespect it by adding a dollop of sugar in the pudding. The matcha pudding here lets the matcha powder shine. We reached at 6 pm and got a table without reservation. We were lucky since in the next 20 minutes the restaurant was full and all tables were taken.
March 22 · Pooja Gaikwad
While I do feel sympathy for the proprietor, I can only describe my experience of this place as deeply unsettling and, frankly, frightening.In truth, I had not intended to visit this establishment at all—I had been searching for a different Japanese restaurant, but after walking past it and growing tired, I happened upon this location and decided to enter.From the moment I approached the entrance, painted entirely in black, I felt a chill run down my spine.Upon being shown to our table by the staff, that eerie sensation intensified. The walls were dark, adorned with black frames that seemed to conceal something sinister within.I was so disturbed I urged my companion to leave, but they persuaded me to stay and eat quickly. Even as I sat down, I felt something lurking within those ominous frames.I struggled to remain calm, deliberately averting my eyes, trying to relax—when suddenly, I noticed a large mirror reflecting the darkness, its depth impossible to perceive.It startled me anew, and I wanted nothing more than to flee, yet I felt frozen in fear.I felt the need to use the lavatory, but given the dim and unsettling lighting of the dining area, I had an ominous sense that the restroom would be all the more foreboding.Thus, I suggested to my companion that they go ahead first.Upon their return, the very first words they uttered were, “Don’t go to the bathroom—let’s leave at once.”When I asked why, they explained that the restroom was even darker than the dining hall, illuminated by but a single, faint light positioned above a mirror — a mirror, curiously, that reflected yet another mirror.It baffled me—why would a Japanese restaurant adopt such an unnerving interior?
May 03 · Louise Louise