This restaurant has a very warm and cozy vibe. It's well decorated and small! Very similar ambiance as Yakitori house. Our waitress was very very nice the only slight cons was that she wouldn't check on us often enough to refill water when needed. I also ordered an appetizer that never arrived so I requested for it to be removed off our bill. The food is delicious and the food portions are really big! This is the only Soba I've tried that is good & flavorful in town. The ribs the used for my soba was tender and wasn't dry at all. Overall, a good experience and I'd come back to try more! read more

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Ordered the Okinawa Soba to go. Tastes just like what I grew up eating in Oki. If you're missing oki and want some soba, then this is the place to go. You can call over phone for to go orders. read more

Aji Ichiban - Okinawa Soba - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

Aji Ichiban is the BEST Asian spot in Jacksonville. Their ramen is rich and full of flavor. The sushi is fresh and extremely affordable, and the house-made kimchi is amazing--you can even buy it in bulk to take home which I do every time. Everything here is beautifully priced, and it's perfect if you're craving something authentic and comforting. The service is very quick and the servers are always friendly. It's also very warm and cozy inside but nothing fancy. I highly recommend!!!! 100/100 read more

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Food was yummy, although service was a bit slow, it's okay I understand that the food was made to order.

Got the chicken katsu curry and amazing taste! very similar to coca ichiban in the west coast. The staff was super accommodating as well. so happy to find this place :) read more

THIS PLACE NEEEEEDS MORE REVIEWS! Not only is the atmosphere cozy, and the food absolutely AMAZING; but the service is amazing as well. The lady who runs the front dining area is so kind and personable. Do yourself a favor and come here! (: read more

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Great and hearty Okinawan quisine! Mitsuko's favorite! Aji Ichiban is my first 'go-to' when I'm feeling nostalgic for Okinawa Family cooking. Be sure to have the "Super Aji"! read more

Love this place. Within the last month, the sweet hostess that's been there has not been working. The staff is very kind and holds up a the reputation of the hospitality. Unfortunately, the quality of the food quality was far less consistent during this period. Portion changes, consistency in servings, change in serving size, incomplete dishes. A gem of a place. A Taste of home for some, iykyk read more

Decided to stop in this evening for the first time. I wasn't quite expecting it to be so small, but there were only 2 other customers so it wasn't cramped. I did notice a strange smell as soon as I walked in. It never really went away and I don't think it was the food (at least I hope it wasn't) so I'm not quite sure what to make of that... As soon as I entered, the waitress greeted me and told me to sit where I would like. She and the other waitress were both friendly and continued to check on me throughout my visit. I ordered the lumpia which took a while to come out (around 20 minutes), but it was so worth it! I decided on the bulgogi which came with a salad and clear soup. Both sides came out with my appetizer and I will say that I will never have either of them again. The dressing had a terrible taste to it. I tried to eat it, but just couldn't. The soup broth was on the fishy side even after trying to add soy sauce to help tame it. But then my bulgogi came out - and WOW on the portion sizes! It smelled good and tasted even better. I think the dish would have been fine with just the rice and broccoli/carrots. The other starch (potatoes?) wasn't needed but still tasted good. For the amount of food I got, I think you get a great value for your money even with not finishing the soup & salad. Overall, a good experience. I know what not to eat on my next visit and I look forward to trying other dishes in the future! read more

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It's not bad for Jacksonville. The interior is kind of sad- they made an effort a long time ago to put up a few Okinawan and Japanese memories. The food is ok, but nothing special. It's more authentic Japanese than the weird Asian "fusion" places that are popular now, but it's not done that well. Probably 3 stars for food, but 2 overall. Service is usually slow (only one server, usually different people every time) but pleasant enough. read more

One of our favorites. Sushi is very fresh and simple. Bulgogi is the best. The employees are always friendly and helpful. Pricing is fair. read more

Aji Ichiban - Bulgogi - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

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I really appreciate this place for its delivery option. Although, being able to order is like playing mine sweeper WITHOUT the numbers. They supposedly are not open Monday/Tuesday but it seems they just are not open. Best, Abbey read more

While running around, wanted some korean, and yelp picked up this mix style Japanese//Korean restaurant. It was a cute restaurant, ambiance was simple and no one was inside dining. The lay who took my order was excellent. I ordered the Kalbi, came with white rice, vegetables and potatoes which I didn't eat. The kalbi was ok, not the best I've had, not worth $14.50 in my opinion, but will try other food next time I pass by. I forgot to mention, the lady hooked me up with some kimchi. read more

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Been craving ramen so I decided to come here! The restaurant is a little small, but it wasn't busy at all, so seating was easy. The parking lot.. terrible. There are plenty, but very cramped!! So be careful around other vehicles. My husband and I were welcomed when we first walked in and sat ourselves. Place is room temperature. Felt pretty nice. The waitress was nice as well. I liked her. Hubs ordered the Nori Ramen with a side of fried rice and I ordered the soba soup with spare ribs with a miso paste rice ball. Also, gyoza for appetizer. We did not like our food at all.. the broths were both tasteless. Had to add lots of soy sauce for flavor. The fried rice tasted like the burnt grill and the miso paste rice ball wasn't right.. even though I love miso flavor, but the paste was too strong just for plain rice. Also, the pork for the ramen was over cooked and dry. The gyoza was mediocre, but surprisingly the best thing we had. I give them props for very tender spare ribs! I enjoyed that the most. Overall, I'm sorry to say, but I would not come back. read more

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I'm not going to sugar coat it. Driving past this place, it looks like it could be a little sketchy, but trust me the food makes up for it. The restaurant is super tiny and walls are adorned with simple Okinawan memorabilia. Nothing is flashy, but you don't go to a restaurant to stare at the walls. You want good food! My grandma and father are both from Okinawa and are regulars of Ichiban. Today my dad and I ventured there for lunch. We ordered 6 Pc. Steamed Gyoza, Filipino Lumpia, clear onion soup, pork curry, and a hibachi beef bowl with chicken added. Everything was delicious and the staff was super friendly, as always. If you can get past the lackluster decor and want authentic Asian cuisine, give Ichiban a shot. read more

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The food was excellent and authentic Okinawan! The service was fast, courteous and helpful. I would highly recommend this place. Gyoza, Okinawa Soba and Shrimp Tempura Udon were delicious! read more

Aji Ichiban - a blue and white bowl on a wooden table - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

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I was very unsatisfied with my visit. I ordered the teriyaki beef, which reminded me of a hungry man TV dinner. I also got the fried crab which tasted like when I licked the frozen telephone pole in the 3rd grade. The fried crab also came with fried broccoli which is a pretty stupid creation if you ask me. But anyways I'm gonna go demolish some Dennys so have a good day. :) read more

Not sure the restaurant really should maintain its listing as Korean. I was really craving a hearty Korean dinner (for some reason, I always do when it gets cold) and there really are no options here, but this restaurant popped up. So I figured I would give it a shot. I say this, because when I asked, the one server seemed confused and said no. But I decided to eat there anyway. After reviewing the menu, they do have a few of the standard Korean dishes available (Bulgogi and Kalbi), but there are a couple of issues: 1) They definitely do use the same marinade or ingredients, the meat just tasted like a teriyaki style beef. 2) The dish is served with a couple of vegetables on the plate, you are not going to get the banchan (multiple side dishes that come standard at Korean restaurant). Having said all that, the service was great. I didn't catch his name, but the one server was attentive and the food came out relatively quick. Despite it not being exactly what I was looking for, the food was still good and the portions were a good value for the price. I do think if you are looking for Japanese food, then you will probably not be disappointed. Overall, not bad, I've had worse. read more

Aji Ichiban - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

Very friendly server. Good early to beat the rush. Only one cook so it could take a little while. The the sampler platter was awesome with a little bit of everything. Chicken Katsu reminded me of okinawa. The other plate yakisoba was large portion and tasted good. There were other items i wanted to order like the taco rice. read more

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I want to begin by saying I have never been to Japan, like many of the reviewers, and do not frequent Japanese restaurants. This restaurant came recommended my a co-worker who was in Japan with her husband and children. She stated, that in her opinion, they have the most authentic Japanese food that they have tasted since coming back. She returned from Japan years ago so my guess is that she has tried many places. My friend and I walked in just after 12 and we were the only people in the restaurant. Shortly after us there was a person that came in for a to-go order, then another gentleman, and a mother and her son. The restaurant is rather small and located in a strip mall across from the Jacksonville Mall. The restaurant is decorated with what appears to be authentic memorabilia from Japan. There is light music playing in the background that I enjoyed. My guess is that the music is from Japan. I ordered the Yakiudon (stir fried thick noodles) and had the beef added to it. The plate was full and hearty. I brought home a bit of leftovers. My friend ordered the special that was in a stand-up insert on the table. It was the beef Hibachi with stir-fried rice. It came with mushrooms and zucchini. She opted not to get the zucchini though. I tasted her fried rice and thought it was really good. The beef in her meal looked more appetizing than mine, but mine was fine. Her pieces were hard sizable. My friend did not have leftovers as hers was the perfect portion size for lunch Both of us enjoyed our meal. The meal came out within 15 minutes or so of being there. The lady that waited on us wasn't rude in any way, like some reviews said, but she didn't entertain small talk either. I cannot attest to whether the food is authentic or not but we enjoyed ourselves. read more

Aji Ichiban - Yakiudon (thick noodles) - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

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Hole in the wall. The Ramen was disappointing, the beef was gross and the noodles tasted like $.97 ramen package from the store. The Soft Shell crab roll was good. If you're looking for Ramen, this is NOT your restaurant. read more

Had lunch here on Saturday and it's a cute restaurant. It's small. Had a spicy tuna roll and chicken katsu curry. I didn't care for the spicy tuna roll at all. The curry katsu was very good! Loved the crispy chicken. Wish there were more potatoes. Would come back again read more

Aji Ichiban - Curry Chicken Katsu - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

Had the galbi entree which was good but make sure you don't wear dentures because the meat is pretty chewy. Came with veggies (broccoli, carrots) which was a little too salty, IMO, potato & bacon, and rice. Hubbs had the spicy katsu curry (you have options on ordering it mild, non spicy etc) but for some reason the cook added shredded cheese on it (wth?). We were waiting for a bit & he was pretty hungry so he didn't want to wait for a new plate to cook. Server was nice. Decor was cool and place is small. I guess they have delivery too. Not bad but not mind blowing either. read more

Aji Ichiban - Galbi entree (Korean plate) - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

I have now moved to TX but I miss this place. I think about Aji Ichiban all the time when I pay $15 for the same tempura shrimp I would've acquired here for half the price. Not located in the most flattering place but do NOT be fooled. This is where you get the most BANG for your BUCK... Friendly service, great food but even better prices. read more

WORST customer service ever! Lita and Butch are the biggest shysters. I called for a take out order for a very sick, quarantined marine on base - Lita asks me "did you want to leave a tip to your order, SINCE it will be a contactless delivery" - to which, I thought was very tacky.. Here I am trying to give these people business for an immobile marine stuck in his barracks and these people made it obvious they were trying to take advantage of the situation and gouge every penny out of us.. I agreed to tip $8 for a $28 order - which was more than generous.. THEN I tried to add a pickled ginger garnish to my order - which is typically FREE in authentic Japanese restaurants and she goes on to tell me it's a $1 and she would have to charge me separately- ok fine, - go ahead and add miso soup and the pickled ginger since you're having to add to the order anyway --- then she puts me on hold and starts rudely COMPLAINING to Butch about me and my order! wow! so ungrateful!! Butch gets on the phone and says he'll have an UPCHARGE for EACH item!! $.75 additional for the ginger and $1.50 for the miso soup - on top of the cost of each item!! outrageous!! Needless to say I canceled my order and I'm still waiting for my bank to refund the original charge.. These people are DISGRACEFUL! read more

Food is always delicious. Servers are always friendly and attentive. On this particular occasion we got take-out and ordered: California Roll - very fresh and tasty. Gyoza - pan fried perfectly. Children's Beef Yakisoba - huge portion and was delicious. Beef Teriyaki - delicious and enough food for two meals. Will be back :) read more

It's a whole in the wall, sure. But they have Okinawan food! Hai Sai! Try Soba with pork ribs, veggie Tempura, Katsu ... Good Okinawan food! They do take out and they are open in between lunch and dinner: ideal for extremely low lubch/super early dinner. read more

Aji Ichiban - Front door, as seen from the inside. With Okinawan Shisas, the half lion, half dig mythical creatures. - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

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This is an awesome place that is clean and reminds me of my time in Okinawa. Glad I can get a good meal that bring back nothing but positive memories. Highly recommended. read more

My first time here. I got sushi but looked around and wished I got an entree. Quantity of food on plates were above normal at other Asian restaurants. I loved the Spicy Tuna Roll in sushi section. read more

Aji Ichiban - Spicy Tuna Roll / Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

After looking for Japanese food in the area, I found a few online but went with this one because it was the only one open at the time. I was craving Japanese curry. As soon as I walked in, I could tell by the way the place smelled that the curry would be good. As with any "hole in the wall" small local business, the service is not speedy. There's one server who also answers phones and runs the register. So as long as you go into it with that understanding, you won't be disappointed. I ordered the chicken cutlet curry spicy, it was wonderful. Exactly what I wanted. I also ordered a California roll, which was probably the worst California roll I've ever had. I ate two pieces. But I didn't come for the sushi so overall I am satisfied and I'll be back while I'm here! read more

Aji Ichiban - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

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This place is a must for anyone who has moved here from Okinawa or is just a fan of Japanese food. I can't speak for the whole menu, but the gyoza, chicken katsu curry, miso soup, gyudon, and yaki soba have all been great! Last time my husband and I went they were very busy and gave us our drinks for free for 'waiting.' It has a comfortable and small town atmosphere. I will definitely continue being a regular as I have been over the years! read more

Really good food. I never ate a lot of Okinawan food while I was stationed there, so I can't really say if it tastes like authentic Okinawa food, however, this place has good food and good size portions. Also, if you are looking for a place that delivers anything other than Chinese, pizza, or sandwiches, this is that place. Food is fresh and tasty with pretty quick delivery. Recommended. read more

Aji Ichiban - Calamari tempura - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

In a strip mall that is ackwardly built and hard to get in to. Walked in and didnt think much of the place didnt really remind me of oki or even smalll mom and pop oki shops. Ordered my food to go and settled in for the wait. The waitress came over twice to ask if I wanted anything to drink which was nice. The 3rd time she came over she had all of my food which was surprising because it wasnt even 12 minutes from walking in. The food was amazing I highly recommend it ro anyone especially if you miss or have never had taco rice. read more

Aji Ichiban - Japanese Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

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Great place I only order the same thing every time. The Chicken Katsu Curry is amazing. I recommend this if you have ever been to Okinawa and enjoyed their curry. read more

I love this place my parents have been taking me here for quite awhile I will always recommend this to everyone! I love their pork curry it's amazing! And their sushi always taste good read more

I normally go here for sushi and it's pretty decent. Main issue is whenever I try to call in an order so I can get it on break it takes about 20-30 times of calling to get someone on the phone and today when I tried calling it would get picked up, no one would speak on the other end, and they would just hang up. read more

The miso soup is so good here. Got the katsu curry chicken during lunch and it hit the spot right on! Reminded me of my days in Okinawa . This is one of my favorite Japanese places in town read more

Not authentic. I was looking forward to eating here as I miss living in Okinawa and mainland Japan. We order age tofu, gyoza, curry, and guydon. It was unsavory and a huge disappointment. I do not recommend this restaurant. read more

I am from Seattle and have been sorely missing all my favorite Japanese/Chinese food etc.... and the one thing I have missed the most and can't find literally anywhere in the Carolinas is chicken katsu but low and behold this hidden gem has JUST THAT. (If you don't know what chicken katsu is picture a thin panko breaded chicken breast with a subtle sweetness to it and a sweet gingery dipping sauce). ANYWAYS, the prices here are great. 2 people can get huge portions here for under $20. The fried rice can be inconsistent and their soups are pretty standard. Nonetheless, give these guys a try.. even if it's just for their chicken katsu. :) read more

This place was an AMAZING find for me and the hubs! If you want an upscale asian dining experience, this is NOT the place. A little background on myself first, I just moved here from Hawaii where japanese culture is huge, and i have visited Okinawa. The Look: The place itself is very small, but clean, its not very fancy at all, it has a bunch of nik nacs from japan. It really reminds me of local places in hawaii, very simple. Service:ok , ok, ok the service was slow..the lady took a long while to take our order, but she was really very friendly, being from hawaii as well, and once the food was ordered , we had our food on hte table in less than 10 mins. The Food: the thing is, not everyone will like their food. its simple..verrry simple. its honestly just a local guy( possibly from hawaii or former mil. maybe) just doin his thing in the kitchen, as we say in hawaii makin " ono grindz" basically making some simple yummy home food. I can see why some people dont like it..this place is like eating " grandmas food" if you love japanese curry and taco rice: ) the food wasnt amazing, but it was damn good. for me at least. Kim Chee: im not sure if it is home made, but it was delicious! super spicy and super cold: ) Spicy Tuna Roll: no good..fish was fresh..just no good..nuff said. Miso Soup: it was perfect, just enough miso flavor, and thankfully not watery like other places around here.. ( ahem.. shogun) Kalbi: awesome korean cut short ribs, chargrilled korean style, with grilled carrots and shoyu ( soy sauce) taters. Chicken Katsu Curry: no kidding this was just like L&L katsu. lightly breaded and fried chicken cutlet over white rice, surrounded by a HUGE HUGE amount of japanese style veg. curry. The portions ARE HUGE!!! Taco Rice: ok, Taco rice is a plate generally found in Okinawa ( afterall the name of this place is Aji Ichicban Taste of Okinawa) its white rice with taco season ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, melted cheese and sourcream on top. Once again nothing special but very "homey". Overall: like i said if your looking for upscale this isnt the place! But if you love local foods from hawaii and okinawa, super simple, and if your missing familiar food, this is the place! As said above, go somewhere else for sushi though. Also, this is not a japanese restaurant, its Okinawan..please keep in mind these two are not the same, it is an island that has adopted many different food values than mainland japan. Will I go Back? : YOUR DAMN RIGHT I WILL! read more