Traditional Japanese fare & extensive sushi menu with a wrap-around sushi bar & table seating.
Debbie Alexander
Loved this spot for lunch! Very friendly staff, cozy old school vibes, and GREAT food! I got the lunch bento with teriyaki chicken and sweet potato roll. It came with some delicious miso soup too. So good.
… moreBryan Nagaishi
I stopped in for lunch and found the lunch pricing to be very reasonable, which the food quality may reflect to some extent. The salmon sashimi closely resembled the salmon used in the salad; given that, the salad is the safer choice. The sashimi was irregularly cut, though the fish itself was of decent quality.
The katsu was unconventional and not something I would recommend. That said, other menu items were respectable, so I’d give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt overall.
Note: Parking is unclear—using the auto body shop parking lot next door appears to be the practical option.
… moreShreya Ma
I ordered from this place because of the many positive reviews and genuinely expected high-quality sushi. What I received was completely unacceptable.
This was a nearly $100 takeout order, and almost everything was inedible.
The salmon sashimi contained a fish bone, and the flesh had already fallen apart, indicating poor handling and freshness. The yellowtail had completely broken down into water and had a strong sour smell. The tuna was also sour, with no fat, no flavor, and no freshness at all.
The $21 sushi roll was a complete joke. The tuna on top was fully oxidized and dark, the avocado was black, and the roll itself was falling apart. This is not a matter of personal taste — this is basic food quality failure.
The only edible item was the beef. Everything else was either spoiled, oxidized, or improperly prepared.
If zero stars were an option, I would absolutely choose it. I will not be ordering here again.
… morePhilipp Tereshenko
Great fish selection; lots of delicate cuts and the sashimi (tuna, yellowtail, salmon) melt in your mouth. Service was exceptional with high attention to detail from the head and supporting chefs
… moreJoel Chua
Food is great. Sashimi tasted fresh. Staff are nice. Parking is somewhat difficult. They share a parking space with a car repair shop next door, you would miss it if you are not from the area.
… moreJan Garcia
After our long drive, we were so hungry, so we took the kids with us. I was searching for a restaurant that remains open after 8 p.m. and does not serve fast food. The ambiance in this place is nice. I felt like I wasn’t in Monterey. I was expecting my katsudon to be exceptionally delicious, but to my surprise, the pork katsu didn’t resemble actual pork cutlets. When I bit into it, I couldn’t see any meat fibers and couldn’t feel the texture of the pork. To put it simply, the texture is similar to that of a large chicken nugget. Despite my sadness, I ate it out of sheer hunger. It was okay, nothing super special, but the servers and the workers are really friendly. We also tried the albacore roll, chicken karage, and a bento combination. To be fair, the karage is tasty and crispy. I also like the Albacore roll. Despite my preference for the bento, my wife opted for the pork cutlet and tempura combo. Same chicken nugget texture. The tempura dip was a little bland, and the miso soup was a little salty. However, the atmosphere of the restaurant is cool and the staff is friendly. Food wise, it’s a 3/5. Again, I wasn’t expecting an authentic Japanese meal, but it’s better than eating fast food. Food can be better. Thanks for the great, friendly service.
… moremadalynn mendoza (maddie)
I’m not joking when I say I came here twice in one week—it was that good! The atmosphere is beautiful and welcoming, with immediate greetings as you walk in. I had udon (about $16-$17.50) both times, my boyfriend got a lunch box ($17.50), and my friend tried the spicy tuna roll ($7.50). We all loved our meals, which were great portions for the price. The complimentary tea was a lovely touch that elevated the experience. While the wait time was a bit long, the quality made it worth it. Highly recommend for an authentic, delicious meal!
… moreDonquixote Doflamingo
Well firstly just great disappointment, the pork katsudon was soggy and had a weird taste almost like a chicken nugget from McDonald’s…crazy, I know but anyway just not worth it
… moreRUTH MITCHELL
Me and my grandson went there. I got the salmon bento box. I thought it was very good. I do wish the salmon was a little bit bigger. I loved the salad and the dressing. My grandson got the dragon roll. He said he liked the tempura shrimp inside and loved the fish on top with the avocado and me and him both thought the tempura appetizer was super good with the large variety between vegetables and shrimp.
… moreJesse
I’m a frequent visitor to Ichi-Riki, and it’s always a delight. The food is consistently amazing, with bold flavors, great variety, and very reasonable prices. The servers are attentive, and the experience is elevated further when Kiichi himself serves us—he’s always a pleasure to talk to.
The flavors here are truly remarkable. The specialty rolls are a standout—each one is a perfect blend of fresh, high-quality ingredients with creative, well-balanced flavor profiles. The rolls often have a delightful mix of textures, with crisp tempura, creamy avocado, and tender fish, all brought together with sauces that add a touch of umami or sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
The mussel shooters are a treat for seafood lovers. Served with a tangy ponzu sauce, they strike the perfect balance between briny freshness and zesty acidity, with just a hint of heat to tie it all together. They’re light but packed with flavor, making them an excellent starter.
The sukiyaki is comfort food at its finest. The rich, savory-sweet broth is infused with the flavors of soy, sugar, and mirin, perfectly complementing the tender beef, fresh vegetables, and silky tofu. The balance of sweet and savory makes every bite feel indulgent yet homely, especially when paired with steamed rice.
Some of my other favorites include the Skigoku Oysters and the combination box with Tonkatsu and Teriyaki salmon. I also really appreciate that they have Sapporo and Asahi on draft, which pair perfectly with the meal.
For constructive feedback, I’d suggest adding a hostess stand or some signage to clarify seating arrangements. It’s often unclear whether we should seat ourselves or wait, which leads to awkward moments, especially when the restaurant is busy. Some guidance would make the experience smoother and more welcoming for everyone.
Overall, Ichi-Riki is one of my favorite spots, and I’ll continue coming back for the incredible food, thoughtful presentation, and friendly service!
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