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Ichiban Asian All You Can Eat North YorkBWorth Trying
5095 Yonge St Suite A9A, North York, ON M2N 6Z4, Canada
· Asian restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (4584 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
High-volume AYCE sushi with wide variety and good freshness for the price, but service speed and courtesy vary widely; best at lunch and off-peak.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Ichiban delivers dependable AYCE value with solid food quality and strong regular customer loyalty, making it competitive with North York's better neighborhood restaurants. However, quality variation during peak service and inconsistent staff attentiveness prevent grade A territory. The robot runner and dessert bar appeal to families, but this remains a high-turnover casual spot rather than a destination dining experience.
Restaurant Summary
In the heart of North York City Centre, this high-energy AYCE spot churns out plates via tablets, servers, and even a cute robot runner. The draw is range and reliability for the price: fresh sashimi, grilled mackerel, and desserts on standby. One diner put it simply: "great value with endless selections". However, service can swing from efficient to curt at rush, and late seatings may feel rushed near closing. Cooking here skews familiar over fussy: think fresh nigiri, torched bites, and a broad kitchen menu that blends Japanese staples with Korean and Chinese-leaning comfort dishes. It is not haute cuisine, but when the line is moving, plates arrive fast and the variety covers most cravings. If you want pristine omakase minimalism, look elsewhere; if you want dependable AYCE with some crowd-pleasers, you are in the right place. Families do well here. Kids gravitate to the dessert bar, fries, tempura, and the robot novelty, though there is a child charge even for young ones. Picky eaters can stick to simple rolls, teriyaki, noodles, and cream puffs; adventurous teens can sample sashimi and grilled fish heads. Expect a lively, casual room rather than quiet dining.
At a Glance
- Fresh sashimi and wide variety for AYCE pricing
- Family-friendly with dessert bar and robot runner
- Service speed and attitude inconsistent at peak times
- Reports of rushed last-call and closing-time pressure
- Some diners report mandatory service charge confusion
What Sets It Apart
- robot_runner_service
- broad_grill_and_sashimi_selection
- salad_soup_dessert_bar
What People Love
- Fresh salmon sashimi that exceeds AYCE expectations
- Grilled items like mackerel and salmon head
- New Orleans-style whole wings that surprise
- Fast, efficient rounds when not at peak
Points of Concern
- Service can feel curt or inattentive during peak and near closing
- Tablet/iPad ordering lag and missing items reduce dining window
- Confusion around service charges and time limits reported by some diners
- Review patterns show polarizing peak-hour experiences; go off-peak for best results
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostC$44-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose Premium Lunch (C$29.99) for best value if sashimi limits are acceptable
- Go Deluxe Dinner (C$42.99) if you want unlimited sashimi and torched items
- Add grilled mackerel and wings to diversify beyond rolls
Perfect For
- Casual group sushi nights where variety matters
- Weekday lunch AYCE value seekers
- Families with kids who like buffet desserts
- Mixed groups wanting both sushi and hot dishes
Location Insights
Area: Busy urban hub around Yonge–Sheppard with offices, condos, and Empress Walk mall; family and group friendly.
Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with good lighting and steady foot traffic, especially evenings and weekends.
Nearby: Inside/adjacent to Empress Walk; near cinemas, shops, and North York Civic Centre; transit-rich area.
WillowdaleWillowdale is a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood with a strong presence of mid-rise residential buildings and commercial plazas. The dining scene is diverse, featuring a wide range of Asian cuisines alongside casual and family-friendly restaurants. The area is accessible and generally safe, attracting a mix of local residents and office workers.
North York CentreNorth York Centre is a busy commercial and transit hub within Willowdale, characterized by high-density residential towers and a concentration of retail and dining establishments. It offers a dynamic urban atmosphere with easy access to public transit, making it popular for quick meals and social dining.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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