Ichiban

Welcome to Ichiban, a Chinese Restaurant located at 4905 Courthouse St in Williamsburg, Virginia. As a local Chinese dining establishment, Ichiban offers a variety of dishes, including lunch specials and a selection ranging from salads with ginger dressing to sashimi and wonton soup, as indicated by one detailed customer review. This suggests a menu that might blend traditional Chinese elements with some Japanese influences, particularly with the availability of sashimi.

One reviewer who visited Ichiban for lunch at 2 pm provided a comprehensive account of their experience, highlighting several positive aspects. They specifically noted the professional appearance of the servers, who were dressed in ties and neatly tucked shirts, implying a sense of pride and attention to detail in their service. The presence of roses on the tables was also seen as a positive sign, suggesting a routine upkeep and care for the dining space, which the reviewer respected.

Furthermore, this reviewer appreciated the advisory signs for guests picking up orders, interpreting this as a sign that the restaurant reviews customer feedback. They mentioned personally reading negative reviews before visiting any establishment, primarily looking for red flags like food poisoning or scams, none of which they observed for Ichiban, noting only "subjective services" in the negative feedback they had read.

Another positive observation was that the servers began setting up the dining room for dinner service during the lunch period. This included laying out tablecloths, silverware, and water glassware, which the reviewer took as an indication of routine and discipline within the restaurant's operations.

The service received from the initial greeting to the payment was described as respectful, and the menu was explained due to potentially confusing wording. This suggests that the staff is attentive and willing to assist customers with their orders, ensuring a clear understanding of the offerings.

A significant plus for this reviewer was the perceived great price for the quality and quantity of food received. They ordered a variety of items, including raw and cooked dishes, from ginger dressing salad and sashimi to wonton soup and other items listed on their receipt (which was shared in an accompanying photo). This indicates a diverse menu with options beyond standard cooked Chinese fare.

Finally, the reviewer enjoyed the decor of their eating area, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. Despite traveling and eating in various locations worldwide, they prioritized safety (food handling) and the balance between quality/quantity of food and price, concluding with a 5-star rating and expressing their intention to return with family, a strong endorsement of their positive experience.

However, the same detailed review did mention a minor negative point: while the floor in general was clean, their specific table felt "sticky" as if it had received only a quick wipe, and there were pieces of fried wontons on the floor beneath it. The reviewer considered this a minor detail, especially since the overall cleanliness seemed satisfactory.

In stark contrast to this overwhelmingly positive experience, another reviewer reported a serious concern. They claimed that the restaurant attempted to coerce them into removing an honest review in exchange for a refund. As a fellow business owner, this reviewer expressed disbelief at such a practice, deeming it unethical and potentially illegal. They strongly advised others to "tread lightly and read all their negative reviews prior to ordering" and cautioned against wasting their time at this establishment. This accusation raises significant concerns about the integrity of the restaurant's online reputation management and its treatment of customer feedback.

Given these contrasting reviews, Ichiban presents a complex picture for local users. On one hand, there is evidence of attentive service, a clean and well-maintained environment (at least in general), quality food at reasonable prices, and a diverse menu that might include Japanese options like sashimi alongside traditional Chinese dishes. The positive reviewer seemed genuinely impressed by their experience and the value offered.

On the other hand, the serious allegation of attempting to manipulate reviews is a significant red flag. It suggests a potential lack of transparency and a disregard for honest customer feedback, which could be a major concern for prospective diners. It is important for local users to be aware of this accusation and to consider it when evaluating whether to patronize Ichiban.

The provided information does not include details about specific promotional offers, the full extent of the menu, or services such as dine-in, takeout, or delivery. However, the mention of lunch specials and the detailed order from one reviewer imply that dine-in and potentially takeout are available. Local users may need to contact the restaurant directly at (757) 253-8898 or +1 757-253-8898 to inquire about their complete menu, services, and any ongoing promotions.

In conclusion, Ichiban in Williamsburg, VA, appears to be a Chinese Restaurant that, based on one detailed account, offers good quality and quantity of food at reasonable prices, with attentive and professional service in a pleasant environment. However, the serious accusation of attempting to manipulate customer reviews should give potential customers pause. Local users might want to weigh the positive aspects of the dining experience described in one review against the concerning report of unethical business practices related to online feedback before making a decision. Reading other reviews, as suggested by the critical reviewer, could provide further insights into the overall customer experience at Ichiban.