A spicy indie alternative to the Wagamama chain, Ichiban specialises in big bowls of noodles, which might appear in soups, wok-fried dishes, curries and chili-laced specialties. It also serves up nourishing donburi rice bowls and bento boxes loaded with tempura, breaded katsu dishes and the like. Sushi can be ordered by the piece or the platter and there’s a fascinating assortment of appetisers and sides too – note the squid teriyaki, grilled chicken wings with salt, agedashi tofu, and deep-fried gyoza dumplings, to name but a few. It’s all terrific value, especially if you plump for the fixed-price teishoku lunch (a rice or noodle dish, plus a side if you want it). The staff goes out of their way to make everyone feel welcome.