Ichiban Japanese Restaurant   

Under the same ownership since 1988, family-owned and operated Ichiban has been a staple on the Orlando sushi scene for years, but the stylish Orange Avenue Japanese restaurant has always managed to keep up with the times. No Mount Fuji-embellished rice paper lanterns and hanging kimonos here. The exposed brick walls are covered with colorful modern art, and lighting permanently dimmed to a face-flattering low glow creates a sexy setting that makes the restaurant a popular date spot. There's a small outdoor patio where black curtains shield tables from passers-by with sushi-envy, allowing some covert people watching at the same time. The sushi here stars, but you'll find plenty of cooked items too, including traditional teppan and tempura, and well-stocked bento boxes complete with two meat items, stir-fried veggies, a potato pancake and vegetable tempura with rice. Wash it all down with a glass of chilled or piping hot sake rice wine.