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Ichimi Ann
Master Critic Review
Ichimi Ann
8.5
Ichimi Ann is a soba-focused noodle shop in Rolling Hills Plaza, praised for springy buckwheat noodles and a focused menu of tempura, rice bowls, and comforting broths. Regulars treat it as a low-key noodle house where quality stays high whether you’re slurping cold zaru soba or warming up with hot kake udon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cold zaru soba, Tempura soba, Katsu-don
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Soba-centered noodle house with consistently praised handmade buckwheat noodles.
Who should go: Noodle lovers craving comforting, unfussy Japanese soba and udon
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before peak slurping hours
What to order: Cold zaru soba, tempura soba, pork katsu-don
Insider tip: Cold soba shows the texture best—pair it with a tempura side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Rolling Hills Plaza has ample surface-lot parking directly in front of the restaurant; availability is strong except during peak weekend dinner hours when the center gets busier.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in everyday wear, workout gear, or simple jeans-and-shirt outfits.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy for conversation even during busy periods, with a mellow noodle-shop atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, especially on colder nights when hot soba is in demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though a short line of 3–5 parties may form right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options available including plain soba/udon, vegetable tempura, and simple rice bowls.
Vegan options: Limited; cold zaru soba without dipping sauce components is possible, but menu is not designed around vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Limited; buckwheat soba may contain wheat blends and cross-contact is likely, so this is not a reliable gluten-free destination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a low-key, casual first date—clean, quiet, and comfortable—but it’s more about cozy noodle comfort than atmosphere or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Ichimi Ann does not rely on reservations; walk-ins are the norm and tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids; the menu is simple, mild, and easy for picky eaters, though the small dining room may feel tight with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Authentic, consistent soba with handmade texture that outperforms broader Japanese cafés or sushi spots trying to cover many categories.
Skip if: You want sushi, izakaya-style small plates, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options—this is a focused noodle house, not a general Japanese restaurant.