Ichiban Steak House & Asian Fusion: Teppanyaki and Pan-Asian Dining in South Carolina

What Ichiban Offers

Ichiban Steak House & Asian Fusion combines Japanese teppanyaki—the theatrical griddle cooking done tableside—with broader Asian fusion dishes. The restaurant seats you at a large flat iron griddle where a chef cooks your meal in front of you, slicing and flipping proteins and vegetables with precision. Beyond teppanyaki, the menu includes sushi rolls, ramen, pad thai, and other pan-Asian fare prepared in the kitchen.

The teppanyaki experience is the draw for most diners. You order a protein—steak, chicken, shrimp, scallops, or combinations—and it arrives cooked to order on the griddle with fried rice, vegetables, and soup or salad. The chef's skill and the interactive element make it feel like dinner and entertainment at once. Ichiban locations across South Carolina follow this same format, though specific menu items and pricing can vary by location.

Key Takeaways

• Teppanyaki meals are cooked tableside on a large griddle, so you watch the chef prepare your food and can request how you want proteins cooked.
• Ichiban serves both teppanyaki and traditional Asian fusion dishes like sushi, ramen, and Thai-inspired plates for diners who prefer kitchen-prepared meals.
• The restaurant works well for groups and special occasions because the teppanyaki setup encourages conversation and shared experience around one table.
• Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for larger parties or weekend dining, because teppanyaki tables fill quickly.

Teppanyaki Dining: How It Works

When you order teppanyaki at Ichiban, you sit at a long counter facing a flat iron griddle. The chef stands on the opposite side and cooks your entire meal there—protein, rice, vegetables, and sometimes an egg or shrimp appetizer. You can watch technique, ask questions, and request adjustments to how your food is cooked. Most chefs perform small flourishes like stacking onion rings or cracking an egg into a hat shape, which adds to the experience.

Teppanyaki meals typically include a soup or salad to start, the main course cooked on the griddle, and sometimes a small dessert. Portion sizes are generous. The chef controls the pace, so the meal takes longer than a typical restaurant dinner—usually 45 minutes to an hour—which is part of the appeal for people who want to linger.

Menu Beyond Teppanyaki

If you prefer not to sit at the griddle, Ichiban's kitchen menu covers standard Asian fusion territory. Sushi rolls range from simple cucumber or avocado rolls to elaborate specialty rolls with multiple proteins and sauces. Ramen bowls come with broth, noodles, and toppings like soft-boiled egg, pork, or vegetables. Thai and Vietnamese-inspired dishes—pad thai, pho, curries—round out the offerings.

These dishes are prepared in the kitchen and brought to your table, so the experience is quieter and more traditional than teppanyaki. Prices for kitchen items are generally lower than teppanyaki entrees. Many diners order a combination: teppanyaki for the main course and sushi or appetizers to share beforehand.

Best Times to Visit and Reservations

Ichiban is busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, when teppanyaki tables book up hours in advance. If you want to dine without a long wait, weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6 p.m.) is your best bet. Many locations offer lunch specials that include teppanyaki or kitchen items at lower prices than dinner.

Reservations are essential for teppanyaki, especially if your party is larger than two or three people. Call ahead or check the restaurant's website for online booking. Walk-ins may be seated at the bar or offered a wait time, but you risk a significant delay during peak hours. For kitchen-only dining, a reservation is less critical but still helpful on weekends.

What to Expect Cost-Wise

Teppanyaki entrees typically range from the mid-20s to mid-30s per person, depending on your protein choice and location. Steak and scallops cost more than chicken or shrimp. These prices include the griddle-cooked meal, soup or salad, and fried rice. Drinks, tax, and tip are separate.

Kitchen items—sushi rolls, ramen, curries—usually fall in the 12 to 18 dollar range. Appetizers like edamame, gyoza, or spring rolls run 6 to 10 dollars. Prices vary slightly between Ichiban locations, so check the specific restaurant's menu online before you go if budget is a concern.

Ichiban Locations in South Carolina

Ichiban operates multiple locations across South Carolina, with restaurants in the Midlands, Lowcountry, and Upstate regions. Each location maintains the same teppanyaki and fusion concept but may have slightly different hours, menus, or specials. The easiest way to find the Ichiban nearest you is to search online for "Ichiban Steak House" plus your city or region, or visit the restaurant's website if one exists for your area.

Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on holidays or during special events, since some locations adjust their schedules. If you are planning a large group dinner or a special occasion, mention it when you make your reservation—many Ichiban locations will note it and the chef may add a small flourish to mark the occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order teppanyaki, or can I just eat from the regular menu?

You can order from the kitchen menu only—sushi, ramen, curries, and other dishes—and sit at a regular table. Many people do this, especially if they prefer not to sit at the griddle or want a quieter dining experience. Both options are available at the same restaurant.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Tell your server or the chef about allergies or restrictions when you order. Teppanyaki chefs can easily modify what goes on the griddle—skip certain vegetables, use oil instead of butter, cook proteins separately. Kitchen dishes can also be adjusted. Always mention allergies clearly so the chef can take precautions.

Is teppanyaki good for kids?

Yes, many families bring children to teppanyaki because the cooking show aspect holds their attention. Kids can watch the chef work and often enjoy the interactive element. Portions are large, so you may be able to share one entree between two younger children. Ask about kids' menu options or smaller portions when you reserve.

How long does a teppanyaki meal take?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from the time you sit down at the griddle to when you finish eating. The chef controls the pace and cooks everything fresh in front of you, so it is slower than a typical restaurant meal. This is intentional—the experience is meant to be leisurely.

Can I make a reservation for a large group?

Yes, and you should. Call the restaurant directly and let them know your party size and preferred date and time. Large groups may be split across multiple teppanyaki tables or seated at different times depending on availability. Mentioning it is a special occasion—birthday, anniversary, celebration—can help the restaurant plan and may prompt the chef to add something extra.