Since finding a good Japanese restuarant in the Scottsdale/Carefree area is not a easy task, I was more than a little excited when I saw Ippei first opening up. Even better than that, though, was that my expectations were exceeded during my first visit.
I'm not a sushi person, so I can't tell you anything about that - but everything else that I have tried has been wonderful. The prices add up quickly, just to warn you though. The appetizers in particular are oddly over-priced given the genereal affordability of everthing else. I tried one once, delicious little crab cakes which they unfortunately no longer offer, however and they just might be worth the stab at your wallet.
Aside from that, I actually had the Oriental Salad during my last visit. I usually never want to spend the money at a restaurant to buy something I could just as easily made at home - and for a lot less, but this salad was well worth it. The dressing they used was interesting and tastey and I loved the addition of the finely chopped fried wontons.
The kabobs are so far my favorite thing there. I'm a big beef eater, and I was certainly pleased by the tender and well-flavored steak used. I would also recommend the fried rice, as it has that more buttery garlic sort of taste that you aren't going to find at a Chinese restaurant.
If I would have to complain about anything other than the price I would probably warn you that the accoustics in the restaurant are such that it gets rather noisy without even that many people in there yet. Also, so far there's been at least one error in my order, but it doesn't bother me much because they were quick to fix it.
Just so we don't leave off on a bad not, because this is certainly one I would highly recommend, I shall also comment on the nice atmosphere (noise aside). I'm not typically a fan of modern decor, but they pull it off quite well - giving it a comfortable yet intriguing feel.
Pros: great tasting, ambience, speed of service, menu choices
Cons: price, noise level
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