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Sobaya
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sobaya
8.4
Michelin Bib Gourmand soba specialist where buckwheat noodles are made daily in-house. Hot and cold soba shine, and the kitchen handles izakaya sides with equal care. A cornerstone of the East Village’s Little Tokyo stretch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade cold soba, Duck nanban soba, Soba-yu finish with dipping broth
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Daily housemade soba backed by years of Michelin Bib praise.
Who should go: Noodle purists and anyone new to soba.
When to visit: Weekend lunch when noodles are freshest.
What to order: Cold soba, duck nanban, tempura side.
Insider tip: Try seasonal soba varieties; they rotate beyond the main menu.
Sobaya
8.4
A soba specialist with a calm, traditional feel and a serious noodle program. Buckwheat soba comes with clean, layered broths and excellent tempura, making this a quietly dependable neighborhood favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kamo Seiro (Duck Soba), Zaru Soba, Shrimp Tempura
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: One of the city’s most focused soba houses, done traditionally.
Who should go: Noodle nerds and quiet dinner seekers.
When to visit: Early dinner before the rush.
What to order: Duck soba, zaru soba, shrimp tempura.
Insider tip: Try both hot and cold soba in one visit to compare texture.
Sobaya
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A dependable East Village soba house that delivers clean flavors and quick, workday-friendly service. The room is simple, but the handmade noodles and broths keep locals returning for lunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cold Zaru Soba, Duck Soba, Tempura Soba Set
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: One of the city’s most reliable soba specialists at lunch speed.
Who should go: Soba lovers and efficient lunchers
When to visit: Weekdays around 11:30 for no wait
What to order: Zaru soba, duck soba, tempura set
Insider tip: Cold soba on warm days is the sleeper best order.