Ichiban – The Izakaya

By Aida Azrin • 07 Apr 2016 in Venues

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

Japanese Quaint
Ichiban – The Izakaya makes full use of Dataran Cascades’ rooftop, offering a light and airy setting to unwind and indulge in their premium menu. The restaurant stays true to the Japanese principle of Zen with a minimalist style and strong elements of wood to evoke a feeling of serenity. Glass windows make up the walls, allowing natural light to illuminate the place.

Two outdoor seating areas are available alongside the spacious indoors for more of a lounging experience among the bamboo trees and pebbles. Due to the heat, this would be more ideal at night as you can still enjoy the live band inside with the cool night breeze.

A wide array of first-class Japanese food is offered, with the price to match. The small portion of thickly sliced salmon and tuna sashimi was fresh and presented in a delicate manner. Paired with the crunchy dragon roll were the chewy octopus tentacles that slid easily off the skewer, the entire meal feeling whole and complete with its myriad of textures and flavours that work together well.

With Izakaya meaning “drinking establishment” in Japanese, an extensive drinks menu is expected. Their signature drink is Kirin Frozen Beer that is uniquely presented like a milkshake with the foam swirled into shape on top. There is an option to infuse the beer with interesting flavours such as apple and tomato. Among the other popular Japanese beverages include sake, Japanese whiskies, and single malts. Vibrant cocktails are also offered, and they should not be underestimated even though Ichiban isn’t a dedicated cocktail bar.

Expect a good time with friends after a long day here, sharing tapas and drinks with each other in an environment that facsimiles the Japanese culture of Izakaya well enough.