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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaSan Diego CountyChula VistaJapanese Restaurant in H StreetIchiban Sando
Ichiban Sando ico

Ichiban Sando

Sandwich shop, Tonkatsu restaurant ★4.0 (162)·$10–20

573 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910, USA

4.0
Ordered chicken katsu sandwich and their mango smoothie; both, delicious, tasty. Smoothie was fresh and not too sweet, sando was perfectly moist. Wish I had this in my state 😮‍💨 - Reese Piece
Ichiban Sando Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 162 people$1–10$10–20$20–30

Ichiban Sando Introduce

ichiban sando

For Californians in the vibrant community of Chula Vista, a truly unique culinary experience awaits at Ichiban Sando. This delightful establishment specializes in Japanese-style sandwiches, known as "sandos," which offer a fresh and exciting twist on a beloved classic. Beyond their signature sandos, Ichiban Sando also impresses with surprisingly excellent sushi and a range of refreshing beverages, making it a versatile spot for any craving. It's a place where quality ingredients, like their homemade milk bread, come together to create perfectly moist and flavorful creations that leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for something delicious, distinctive, and truly worth seeking out in the South Bay, Ichiban Sando is a must-visit.

Location and Accessibility

Ichiban Sando is conveniently situated at 573 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910, USA. Its prime location places it near a busy shopping area, possibly the Broadway and H Street mall, in Chula Vista. While it might be "tucked into a small storefront," its accessibility is a significant advantage for locals. The area typically offers free parking, which is a highly valued commodity for diners across California, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Being located on H Street, a well-known thoroughfare, makes it easy to find whether you’re passing through, running errands, or specifically seeking out a delicious meal. Its presence in a commercial zone means it’s a practical and appealing stop for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

Services Offered

Ichiban Sando offers a focused yet diverse menu and services designed to provide a high-quality and convenient culinary experience.

  • Dine-in Experience: Enjoy your meal in their "cute place" with "authentic decor," which sets a welcoming scene. The environment is designed for a pleasant and efficient dining experience.

  • Signature Sandos: Specializing in Japanese-style sandwiches (sandos), made with homemade Japanese milk bread or brioche buns, lightly toasted. Options include:

    • Katsu Sandos: Chicken Katsu, Pork Katsu, Shrimp Sando, Fish Sando. Also unique variations like Kimchee Chicken Sando, Coco Shrimp, Menchi Beef.
    • Egg Sandos: Fluffy medium-cooked scrambled egg with cheddar cheese, with choice of protein; Egg Salad Sando.
    • Fruit Sandos: Sweet sandwiches with fresh fruit and cream (e.g., Strawberry, Mixed Fruit).
    • Specialty Sandos: X Garlic Chicken/Pork, Chicken x Egg Sando, and others.

  • Sushi: Despite being known for sandos, they offer surprisingly good sushi, including options like the "baked salmon." While details are limited, it's served in a "sushi in a pizza box" style for convenience.

  • Rice Bowls & Plates: Menu also includes satisfying rice dishes such as Katsu Plate (with choice of cutlet, rice, salad, fries), Pork Belly Bowl, Gyudon (Beef Brisket), and X Garlic Chicken Bowl.

  • Appetizers & Sides: Offers popular Japanese sides like Spam Musubi (including Shrimp Spam Musubi), Fries, and Side Curry.

  • Diverse Drink Menu: A wide selection of refreshing beverages, including:

    • Milk Teas: Taro, Vietnamese Milk Coffee, Matcha, Honey, Lavender, Thai, Black, Rose, Jasmine.
    • Crafted Teas: Honey Mango Black Tea, Lychee Green Tea, Winter Melon Tea, Peach Green Tea.
    • Fruit Teas: Hawaiian Blend, Mango Tango, Passion Medley.
    • Blended Drinks: Real Fruit Smoothies (e.g., Mango Smoothie), Frappes.

  • Takeout: Convenient and popular option for enjoying their unique offerings at home.

  • Delivery Services: Partnerships with major third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates ensure easy access to their menu.

  • Combo Meals: Various combo options, such as Sando Combos (sando + regular drink) and Rice Plate Combos (plate + regular drink), offering good value.

Features / Highlights

Ichiban Sando distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that consistently earn it enthusiastic praise from its local patrons.

  • Delicious and Perfectly Moist Sandos: The core of their appeal lies in their Japanese sandos, described as "delicious" and "perfectly moist." The use of "homemade milk bread" is a standout, contributing significantly to the texture and overall quality of the sandwiches.

  • Surprisingly Excellent Sushi: While primarily a sandwich shop, customers are delighted by the high quality of their sushi, with specific mention of the "amazing place that actually has excellent sushi!!!" and the "baked salmon is doing bomb." The generous size of the sushi portions is also highlighted, making it "sooo worth the joyful mouth-watering experience."

  • Fresh and Not-Too-Sweet Smoothies: Beverages like the mango smoothie are praised for being "fresh and not too sweet," providing a perfect complement to the food.

  • Unique Packaging: The "sushi in a pizza box" concept for takeout adds a fun and memorable touch to the experience.

  • Authentic and Cute Decor: The restaurant's interior is described as a "really cute place" with "authentic decor," including "2 Temple dogs statues" at the entrance, creating an inviting and culturally rich atmosphere.

  • Variety Beyond Sandos: Beyond their signature sandos, the menu extends to delightful rice bowls, Katsu plates, and popular Japanese sides like Spam Musubi, offering something for everyone.

  • High Quality of Ingredients: The homemade milk bread and fresh ingredients used in their smoothies and sushi speak to their commitment to quality.

  • Customer Loyalty and Repeat Visits: The immediate desire of customers to "visit here again!" underscores the highly satisfying experience they provide.

  • A True Hidden Gem: For many, finding Ichiban Sando feels like discovering a special, unique spot that offers something different from standard sandwich shops or sushi restaurants.

Promotions or Special Offers

Ichiban Sando offers several ways for Californians to enjoy their delicious food at a great value. While daily specials might vary, here are some consistent promotions:

  • Online Delivery Discount: Customers can "SAVE 20% ON DELIVERY ORDERS WHEN PLACED ON OUR WEBSITE". This is a fantastic incentive for those who prefer the convenience of home delivery while getting a discount.

  • Sando Combos: They offer combo deals where you can pick any Sando (which comes with a side of daikon pickles) and a regular-sized drink for a set price, providing a comprehensive meal at a reduced cost compared to ordering items separately.

  • Rice Plate Combos: Similar to Sando Combos, you can choose a Katsu Plate (which includes steamed rice, side salad, and fries) and any regular-sized drink for a combo price.

  • Rice Bowl Combos: Options to combine a rice bowl with a drink for a bundled price.

  • Sando Samplers: For those wanting to try a variety, they offer "CRUST OFF Version" samplers of their popular sandos, such as Sando Sampler A (Egg Salad, Garlic Chicken Katsu, Fruit Sando) and Sando Sampler B (Garlic Chicken, Pork Katsu, Shrimp Sando).

For the most current and specific promotions, including any potential daily specials, it is always recommended to check their official website, their listings on delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash, or call Ichiban Sando directly.

Contact Information

To experience the unique and delicious offerings at Ichiban Sando, here’s how you can connect with them:

  • Address: 573 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910, USA

  • Phone: (858) 294-4179

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Ichiban Sando is an ideal destination for Californians in Chula Vista, offering a fresh and exciting culinary experience that perfectly suits the local palate. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its unique specialization in Japanese-style sandos, providing a delightful and "perfectly moist" alternative to traditional sandwiches. The use of "homemade milk bread" elevates their offerings, demonstrating a commitment to quality that resonates with discerning diners. Beyond the sandos, the surprisingly excellent sushi and "delicious" range of beverages, including fresh mango smoothies, make it a versatile spot for any craving, proving it's more than just a sandwich shop.

The convenience of its H Street location, complete with free and ample parking, is a significant draw for busy Californians. The "cute place" with its "authentic decor" creates a welcoming and memorable dining atmosphere, encouraging repeat visits. With options for dine-in, takeout, and seamless delivery through popular apps, Ichiban Sando effortlessly integrates into the local lifestyle, providing easy access to its unique and flavorful menu. It's truly a hidden gem that offers a joyful and mouth-watering experience, solidifying its place as a cherished local eatery in Chula Vista.

Ichiban Sando Menu

  • Vietnamese Coffee

  • Lavender Vietnamese Coffee US$6.50

    Slow dripped Vietnamese milk coffee contain dairy. Topped with Lavender Cream. Non-dairy substitutions is not available for this item.

  • Ube Vietnamese Coffee US$6.50

    Slow dripped Vietnamese milk coffee contain dairy. Topped with Ube (Purple Yam) Cream. Non-dairy substitutions is not available for this item.

  • Pandan Vietnamese Coffee US$6.50

    Slow dripped Vietnamese milk coffee contain dairy. Topped with Buko Pandan Cream. Non-dairy substitutions is not available for this item.

  • Fruit Teas

  • Passion Medley US$6.50

    Fresh lemon, passionfruit & pineapple green tea topped with boba, chia seeds & fruits.

  • Hawaiian Blend US$6.50

    Fresh strawberry pineapple green tea topped with boba, chia seeds & fruits.

  • Mango Tango US$6.50

    Fresh orange & mango black tea topped with boba, chia seeds & fruits.

  • Milk Tea

  • Honey Milk Tea US$5.50

    Already dairy-free.

  • Jasmine Milk Tea US$5.50

    Already dairy-free.

  • Matcha Milk Tea US$5.50

    Contains milk. Can be substituted with almond milk.

  • Rose Milk Tea US$5.50

    Already dairy-free.

  • Lavender Milk Tea US$5.50

    Already dairy-free.

  • Black Milk Tea US$5.50

    Already dairy-free.

  • Thai Milk Tea US$5.50

    Contains milk. Cannot be substituted.

  • Taro Milk Tea US$5.50

    Already dairy-free.

  • Crafted Tea

  • Winter Melon Tea US$4.50

    Iced tea with boba & crystal boba.

  • Lychee Green Tea US$4.50

    Iced tea with boba & lychee jelly.

  • Honey Mango Black Tea US$4.50

    Iced tea with boba & crushed mango.

  • Peach Green Tea US$4.50

    Iced tea with boba & crushed peach.

  • Katsu Sando

  • Chicken X Egg Sando US$12.95

    Crispy Katsu Chicken served with Egg Sando (Egg, Cheddar Cheese) on homemade milk bread.

  • Chicken & Cheese Sando US$13.50
  • Shrimp Sando US$12.50
  • Menchi Beef US$11.95

    Our Classic Beef Patty Sandwiches comes with cabbage slaw, Cheese and Katsu Sauce. Imagine a flavorful and juicy Burger. Your choice of bread.

  • XGarlic Chicken US$12.95

    MUST-TRY! our new Premium Katsu Sando with mind blowing Black Garlic Sauce

  • Coco Shrimp US$12.95

    Our Classic Shrimp Cutlet Sandwiches comes with cabbage slaw and Coconut Curry Shrimp Sauce.

  • Mixed Fruit Sando US$9.95

    Mixed Fruit and Cream. Fruit varies. Made Fresh Daily. Available everyday.

  • Kimchee Chicken Sando US$12.95

    Kimchee, Milkd Kimchee Mayo Sauce, Fried Chicken Cutlet, Pickled Red Cabbage, Red Cabbage Slaw on Homemade Milk Bread, with a side of Pickled Daikon (Radish)

  • Pork Sando US$11.00

    Our Classic Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches comes with cabbage slaw Katsu Sauce.

  • Strawberry Fruit Sando US$9.95

    Strawberry and Cream Sandwiches. Made Fresh Daily. Available everyday.

  • Egg Sando US$11.50

    Fluffy Medium cooked Scrambled Egg on Homemade Milk Bread & Cheddar Cheese, your choice of Protein

  • Fish Sando US$11.50

    Fish Katsu Sandwiches served on your choice of breads, cabbage slaw, and a side of daikon.

  • XGarlic Pork US$12.95

    MUST-TRY! our new Premium Katsu Sando with mind blowing Black Garlic Sauce

  • Pork & Cheese Sando US$11.95
  • Egg Salad Sando US$10.50

    Available Everyday. Freshly Made Egg Salad (cold) Sandwiches with milk bread. NO CRUST. With Soft Boiled Egg Fillings

  • Sando Sampler A US$29.95

    CRUST OFF Version of 3 of our favorite Sando: Egg Salad Sando, Garlic Chicken Katsu Sando, Fruit Sando.

  • Sando Sampler B US$33.95

    CRUST OFF Version of 3 of our Team's Pick Sando: Garlic Chicken, Pork Katsu & Shrimp Sando

  • Chicken Sando US$11.00

    Our Classic Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches comes with cabbage slaw Katsu Sauce.

  • Side Menu

  • Spam Musubi US$4.00

    Available Daily until sold out. Grilled Spam. Rice. Seaweed

  • Shrimp Spam Musubi US$5.00

    Available Daily until sold out. Grilled Spam. Rice. Seaweed. Shrimp Tempura.

  • Fries US$4.00
  • Side Curry US$4.50
  • Combo

  • Katsu Plate + Garlic US$15.50

    Plate only. Plate comes with steamed rice, salad, fries and your choice of protein

  • Katsu Plate US$13.50

    Plate only. Plate comes with steamed rice, salad, fries and your choice of protein

  • XGarlic Chicken Bowl US$10.50

    Steamed Rice. Salad & Grilled Chicken topped with Black Roasted Garlic Sauce.

  • Gyudon (Beef Brisket) US$12.95

    Japanese Traditional Beef Bowl served with Pickled Radish.

  • Katsu Plate Combo + Garlic US$18.50

    Combo of 1 Plate & 1 regular sized drink. Plate comes with steamed rice, salad, fries and your choice as followings.

  • Katsu Plate Combo US$16.50

    Combo of 1 Plate & 1 regular sized drink. Plate comes with steamed rice, salad, fries and your choice as followings.

  • Pork Belly Bowl US$12.95

    Juicy Roasted Pork Belly Bowl over steamed rice, Kimchee & Pickled Red Cabbage

  • Sando Combo US$14.95
  • Blended Drinks

  • Frappe US$5.50

    Comes with boba. Contains milk. Please choose almond substitution under add-on as needed.

  • Real Fruit Smoothies US$6.00

    Comes with boba. Contains milk. Please choose almond substitution under add-on as needed.

  • Matcha Series

  • Matcha Ube US$6.00

    Does NOT include boba. Contains Milk.

  • Matcha Mango US$6.00

    Does NOT include boba. Contains Milk.

  • Matcha Strawberry US$7.50

    Does NOT include boba. Contains Milk.

  • Matcha Lavender US$6.00

    Does NOT include boba. Contains Milk

Ichiban Sando Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Quiet
  • Trendy
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Free of charge street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Parking

Ichiban Sando Photos

Ichiban Sando Picture 1Ichiban Sando Picture 2Ichiban Sando Picture 3Ichiban Sando Picture 4Ichiban Sando Picture 5Ichiban Sando Picture 6Ichiban Sando Picture 7Ichiban Sando Picture 8Ichiban Sando Picture 9Ichiban Sando Picture 10

Ichiban Sando Location

Ichiban Sando

573 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910, USA

Ichiban Sando Reviews

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