I was quite surprised by an IG post early yesterday morning.
Well, this one was quite unexpected. And wouldn’t you know it a few minutes later “CC” send me a message via IG mentioning this as well! Wow, so many places closing these days. Just illustrates the current state of our economy……
Anyway, I just thought I should go ahead and get lunch there….just out of respect and appreciation for such a long running business. And while I’ve never done a post on the place, Cathy has done six posts between 2006 and 2024. Niban used to be a fairly regular stop for Calvin and I when our office was in there area. Though like Mom and Dom’s, Soup Plantation, and the Gas Station Deli, I just never did a post on the place. And I basically stopped visiting when our office moved locations.
After seeing the IG post, I decided one last lunch was in order though. And since they had outdoor seating….guess who my lunch companion was?
Arriving just after opening time for lunch, I noticed how quiet the strip mall was. Now that Soup Plantation and other businesses are gone there was ample parking available.
There was an older Asian couple walking to the entrance to Niban and they were drawn to JJ! They mentioned that their son who lives in SJ sent them a text mentioning that Niban was closing. He grew up eating here, so the place has some nice memories for the couple. And they drove from North County to have one last lunch.
It’s been over a decade since I last visited; but the place looked the same. And the prices are still so reasonable as well.
I ordered, paid, and had a seat outside.
After Katsu Cafe opened close by; I stopped ordering the katsu, and you know me……I’m just not into California Rolls and such. In fact, Calvin and I had a code word for going to places like Niban, Choptix, and even Katsu Cafe. We’d say, how about some “SDJ” today? Basically, “San Diego Japanese” cuisine. Which I think, much like “ABCDE” is it’s own style/regional food.
Prices here are still so reasonable. I got the lunch special Teriyaki Chicken; just $13.95.
Which was fine and worth the price.
I had forgotten how sweet the teriyaki sauce here is.
And like previous visits; I enjoyed the mushrooms and zucchini in the sauce the best. The rice is a must!
But this isn’t a post about my meal here per se……
It’s one to show appreciation and respect for a place that’s been in business for decades; whose reasonable prices kept the masses fed.
And for those who are really missing the food at Niban; the PB location is still open. Also of note; the Hillcrest Ichiban has different owners….just in case you’re wondering.
Wishing the best for the staff here, as they’ve always been one of the reasons, along with the price, that we used eta here when our office was close by.
Niban Japanese Restaurant
7081 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111