mmm-yoso!!!, an old fashioned food blog. Kirk is too busy to write a post today, so this one is being written by the -slightly less busy- Cathy.
My most recent post about Niban is from 2019, when I linked to all of my previous posts, going back to 2006. It's time for an update.
While standing in line to order, the "Daily Lunch Specials" sign remains. Of course, the prices have changed. 
The Bento lunch($8.75). Inari along with six pieces of California roll, rice and three pieces of fried seafood (fish, squid and shrimp) as well as the seafood side salad. This with a cup of hot tea ($1) is always satisfying.
The regular menu has remained almost the same (sunomono salad has been removed).
The sushi bar is still there, but nobody can be seated. Darn Covid!
We always get some sort of appetizer to share. The tempura vegetables ($6.50) are perfectly fried. 
The potato croquette ($2) is made with bits of carrot and the panko crust surrounding the mashed potato has such great texture as well as flavor contrast. I could make a meal of three croquettes and a side salad. (and I have)
The chicken katsu salad ($7.50) makes a nice meal. The chicken piece is quite large and moist, again with a perfectly crisp crust. The ginger based salad dressing is refreshing.
On the "Combination" portion of the menu, there are several choices. This is the chicken teriyaki with fried shrimp($11.50). Mushrooms and zucchini are mixed in with the chicken and sauce (which is not thick and not too sweet).
The pork teriyaki with fried (or steamed) gyoza ($10.50) is also a good meal. The gyoza are filled with pork and vegetables and, again, perfectly fried. 
Vegetarian Delight ($10.50) is a very satisfying Bento and could even be considered an 'appetizer platter'. Eight pieces of Garden Roll, eight pieces of vegetable tempura, edamame, a salad and some marinated bean sprouts. 
Katsu curry udon (with pork) ($10) was a craving one chilly day. Quite perfect- curry flavored udon soup with a good size piece of fried pork on top. The udon was something I hadn't realized I had missed.
Another survivor of the pandemic!
Niban 7081 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858)268-0465 Open Mon-Sat 11-2:30, 5-9:00 (until 9:30 on Fri and Sat) Sun 4:30-9:00
We get takeout about once a month from Niban, and have since dined in a few times. We tend to get the same favorites (sushi rolls, chicken katsu bento box), and your post is a reminder to branch out more.
glad they survived, everything looks great!
The prices look like a great value and the stuff of pre-pandemic times. Very often I’m finding lunch to be a $20 proposition now for one entree once you’ve factored in tax and tip.
Lots of attractive choices.
I had to eliminate two photos of vegetable tempura when finalizing this post, Sandy- we have some favorites (or things we just don’t make at home) also! Try ordering one ‘known’ and one ‘new to you’ item, it usually turns out well.
We have been happy to see how many places survived, Kat. It has always been good here.
Prices certainly have increased, Joy. Niban is a more ‘basic’/not fancy Japanese restaurant with good quality food. There are also four weekly ‘specials’ behind the cash register to the right (past the kitchen curtain)- two are rolls and usually a Bento and a Bowl ($1 off the regular prices).
There’s always something on the menu that you can order, Soo. It will be fresh and tasty.
Glad they have survived thus far. I like basic Japanese spots. Nice to have places that still serve meals $10 or under.
We have been going to Niban ever since we moved here, cc. The biggest change is that they are now charging for hot tea, which is something always ordered. Basic, ‘blue collar’, Japanese is unpretentious and always really good.