Auburn is not the first place most people think of when they're craving sushi, which is precisely why Ichiban feels like such a find. Tucked into a strip on Grant Avenue, this Japanese restaurant has quietly become the most awarded sushi spot in the entire Finger Lakes region, earning back-to-back Gold for Best Sushi in 2024 and 2025, plus Gold for Best Asian Restaurant. The space is clean and welcoming without being fancy — think comfortable neighborhood restaurant rather than sleek city sushi bar.

The menu is broad in a way that works: sushi and sashimi, hand rolls, a deep lineup of specialty rolls from the chef, teriyaki plates, tempura and katsu, noodle entrees, and full hibachi dinner service where the cooking happens tableside with the expected theatrics. The sushi rice is well-seasoned, the fish is notably fresh for a landlocked upstate town, and the specialty rolls are where the kitchen shows off. Reviewers consistently praise the quality-to-price ratio — this is not cheap-sushi territory, but you're getting legitimate skill for what you pay.

The hibachi side of the operation makes Ichiban a solid pick for group dinners and celebrations where you want some built-in entertainment, while the sushi bar is better suited for a quieter date night or a solo lunch where you just want good fish and a cold Sapporo. They also do online ordering for pickup, which has expanded their reach well beyond Auburn's immediate orbit. For a region dominated by Italian-American and farm-to-table dining, Ichiban is the rare Japanese option that genuinely delivers.