IKKO II Japanese Sushi & Steak House

Not safe for celiac

No GF menu or GF info on menu. Called ahead before dining and during ordering server assured the Spicy lobster maki rolls (sushi) I ordered were gluten free. They were not. They have a crunchy wheat based flake in the lobster meat that I recognized as panko which is straight up bread crumbs. If I didn’t recognize it from having it before I knew I was celiac, I would have eaten it all.

Ikko Portsmouth, NH is NOT CELIAC SAFE!

I have other life threatening allergies. If they had made this error with my other food sensitivities it could have killed me. Server assured me what I ordered was GF. It had lobster and when asked if it was real or imitation said it was real shellfish. If it hadn’t been (like with the GF/panko mix up) , I might be dead. Imitation crab and lobster meat is usually made with a fish I have anaphylactic reaction to. After a call ahead and speaking with them while ordering, I was mislead about safety. I made it clear that my food sensitivities/allergies and celiac are severe.

It wasn’t enough to dine safely. Although they made me another roll without the wheat flakes, I no longer felt safe to dine. The mistake was barely acknowledged. I will not return and warn celiacs it is not safe. They assure it’s GF, then serve straight up wheat flakes. Celiac beware.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average