Ichiban Express is a small and unimposing eatery that’s found just a stroll away from the UNCW campus, but the solid fare and inexpensive prices makes this quick stop for Japanese cuisine a crowd pleaser. Fast and easy to enjoy in a hurry, this hole-in-the-wall Asian restaurant is garnering a following that’s well outside the college scene.
The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out and limited delivery service, and the casual exterior is perfect for an easy-going meal without a lot of fuss. The menu is fairly extensive, despite such a small locale, and is divvied up into appetizers and soups, Hibachi bowls, Teriyaki entrees, Hibachi noodle dishes, Hibachi entrees, and a small collection of Asian Specials, like General Tso’s Chicken or Tofu. For something authentically tasty, try the Hibachi jumbo shrimp, chicken, or steak, or go for a sampling of appetizers, like the steamed or fried chicken pot stickers, the cream cheese Rangoons, or the tempura shrimp or vegetables. Lunchtime patrons will also find a collection of lunch specials that boast big portions of Hibachi classics, and yet can fit any modest budget. Proving that outside appearances can often be deceiving, Ichiban Express will introduce new Wilmington locals and visitors in a hurry to how delicious Japanese fare can be.
