Soba-ya

460

4836

10 years ago

If this is what soba tastes like, then apparently I'm not a fan of soba! Severely disappointed by the sour broth, just wasn't expecting that and it didn't leave a good taste in my mouth. Soba isn't supposed to be slightly bitter, is it? At least, not the kind I've had in the past . . . I had the tempura soba ($25) and the tempura was freaking amazing though. Ridiculously crunchy and flavorful, and surprisingly not tooooo greasy, I had so much fun eating this that I left my soba pretty much untouched and feeling quite hungry after paying a ridiculous bill :( Friend ordered the stamina soba ($20) and I'd say bad choice because it's pieces of fried chicken in your bowl of noodles, which means the fried breaded chicken becomes lumpy and tasteless. Probably doesn't belong in a soba, or at least could've been served on the side, like the tempura? Seating is super tight, I almost knocked over my neighbor's bowls when I tried exiting from an inside seat and trust me, I ain't that fat! read more

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Takeshi S.

3 years ago

It was true Japanese soba noodle. Good food. Service was excellent. And very clean and quiet. I like it here. Feel like back in Tokyo. read more

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Amanda C.

376

650

140

7 years ago

Overall: 4; Food: 4; Atmosphere: 4; Service: 4 Would definitely come back if I were craving soba or udon. Food: 4 Yum yum delicious udon and soba. The hot udon/soba broth was really rich and there was a ton of toppings even in the regular size. Atmosphere: 4 Cute place that has an authentic vibe. Feels intimate without feeling crowded. Service: 4 The severs were really attentive and sweet! read more

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Helen K.

276

803

15911

10 years ago

Hate to say it, but I did not like this place at all... Initially went to Rubirosa but with a long long wait time we decided to give Soba-ya a chance. Soba-ya is located in Japan town and is a tiny restaurant that can fit around 50 ppl. Luckily we didn't have a wait when a party of 2 went at 730 and service was fine but we must had high hopes for the uni soba, or soba in general for what its worth. We ordered an appetizer of mixed veggies/shrimp tempera plate which came with 2 gigantic shrimps and about 5 veggies consisted of broccoli, carrot, sesame leaf, eggplant, and shishito pepper. While bigger than norm, the shrimp didn't have much flavor and temperas overall was overly greasy. Next came our anticipated soba. I predicted that I wouldn't like the yam paste and I was right but had already coaxed the soba with it. At first it was edible but after couple bites, the slimy texture was way too overbearing for us to eat. Not sure what a good soba tastes like but soba itself was nothing special at all either and I would rather eat the prepackaged one where you just boil the noodles. Only reason that I didn't give a 1 star was the uni quality itself and that's the only thing we fished out from our bowls. I'm not sure how this place got such good ratings or many reviews but I can make better soba at home. In the end, I washed down the bad taste with a coke. I spent $100 on a meal that I hated and started off on a bad note on our first night in NY. read more

Soba-ya - Exterior - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Uni soba... Yuck - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Judy L.

144

776

5 years ago

Great food and decent priced. Delicious soba and the sashimi was fresh. Uni ja rice box at $22 is expensive for the amount but everything else was very good read more

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Marco M.

4 years ago

Wonderful spot for authentic Japanese noodle dishes. A few blocks away from the busy astor place, Soba-ya offers a great selection of Japanese classics that happens to be brilliantly executed, while retaining the comforting and familial style of the dishes in question. The dining room ambience is simple and clean, sporting classic Japanese colors and decor. Service is prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive, and the wait for the food is surprisingly short. The food is wonderful, with hearty dashi-based soups that can be topped with a selection of Japanese favorites like tempura, bean curd and fish cakes. The house made noodles (customer can choose between soba and udon) are of the highest quality and complement the rich soups excellently. Absolutely worth a stop! read more

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Jenny O.

285

1008

1297

10 years ago

On a 7 pm on a Friday night, we luckily got seats at the bar. I ordered the curry udon. The $$ signs here are rather misleading as most of the udon bowls start at $15 for the small. I understand that it is high quality soba + udon noodles, but my udon was way overcooked and lost that plump chewiness. Although I enjoyed the velvety texture of the curry broth, it was rather one note. The curry udon is bare bones, with just Japanese scallions and chicken, which did not offer any textural contrasts. I would think for $15, there would be fish cake for a salty element or fresh bean sprouts for some crunch. We also split an uni appetizer with mountain yam. I thought the uni was absolutely fresh and its delicate texture was complemented very well by the porridge-like mountain yam. This was garnished with seaweed - beautiful to the eyes and and taste buds! read more

Soba-ya - Curry udon - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Uni and mountain yam - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Kimberly J.

1046

2172

47321

13 years ago

Freshly made Soba! Upon entering, you can see your noodles being made. What a treat. We took a seat at the bar, our server was very friendly and attentive. Employees here are sweet. Love that the restroom is so clean and they were burning incense inside. At the beginning of your meal, a hot towel is provided. That was a wonderful way to freshen up. I appreciate that our water and tea cups were always full. They serve excellent matcha green tea and it's complimentary. Presentation of dishes are beautiful. The Soy Cured Tuna and Salmon Sashimi were really fresh, cool, and smooth. Simply melts in your mouth. The Cold Soba was lovely. Nice chew and fresh. The dipping sauce it comes with was a bit too salty for us. Towards the end of our meal, we were given a pot of hot water. We were told to pour it into our dipping sauce and drink the mixture as soup. We had a delicious meal here. Everything was light and flavorful. Quality ingredients used. Their lunch boxes are great. The restaurant gets filled up quick for lunch during weekends. Come early. read more

Soba-ya - Strawberry Milk Pudding - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Hot Water (add to Dipping Sauce cup once Soba noodles are done. Drink it like soup) - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Sake Oyako Don: Salmon Sashimi and Salmon Roe over Rice - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Homemade Pickles - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Cold Soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Mini Lunch Set: Sake Oyako Don Salmon Sashimi and Salmon Roe over Rice w/ Cold Soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Shrimp Tempura - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Bret R.

Elite 22

146

150

2048

5 years ago

Flavor and quality is what they serve at Sobaya. The cleanest dashi with intense depth of flavor, smoky and tangy, I haven't had anything like it in NYC. The noodles are the perfect texture and the tempura is flavorful and tender. Curry nanban is a nice change if you want something different from the usual dashi based soup. Amazing authentic experience. Very kind staff. read more

Soba-ya - Curry Nanban Noodle - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Tempura - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Soba dashi - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Tatsuta Age - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Sapporo Black Label - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Cynthia L.

604

988

9142

11 years ago

After cravings for soba noodles, my siblings and I decided to head over to Soba-Ya for our Sunday lunch. We arrived just about 20 minutes before the doors open at 12:00 PM, therefore we decided to look at the outdoor menu in the time being. As each passing minute goes by, there is a line forming right behind us. When we finally looked behind us, it was already twenty-three people (yeah... we actually counted :P). We just happened to be the first party on the line but we really did not expect there to be a line for a Sunday lunch. Be sure you get here early! When we finally walked in, we could not stop complimenting how simple, neat, and modest the decor was. Furnish wooden tables, chairs, and the bar counter. We sat down at our table and we are already ready to order! My siblings and I each got the Lunch Box Set in which only 25 are served each day based on first come first serve for only $19.50. Lunch Box Set comes with your choice of Hot or Cold Soba Noodles, Shrimp or Vegetable Tempura, as well as a box with broiled salmon, various pickled vegetables, ikura rice, and salad. The star of our lunch was definitely the buckwheat soba noodles! Cold soba noodles come on top of a bamboo layer on top of a plate and a cup of soba dipping (tsuyu) sauce with wasabi and scallions - just add everything! Dipping sauce was the perfect flavor companion for the perfect chewy soba noodles. So delicious! Shrimp Tempura was crunchy and flaky. Since it was just lightly salted, I added the red chili pepper powder from the table that added so much more flavor! Broiled salmon was a generous piece and the skin was nicely charred and chewy. Pickled veggies came with cucumber, carrot, lotus root, sweet yam, and this amazing cup of tiny mushrooms, mountain veggies soaked in this yuzu oil! There is also a salad topped with tofu and Soba-Ya's ginger dressing to kick it up the notch! Lastly, our dessert was served - tofu pudding topped with preserved strawberry and a peppermint leaf. This small little dessert was just the sweet perfect ending to our meal! A future visit is just around the corner! On A Side Note: We overheard a Japanese man slurping very loudly and verbally complimented the soba noodles. In Japanese culture, slurping loudly is considered a compliment to the chef. The louder you slurp, the bigger the compliment! Also, slurping also maximize the deliciousness - there's science behind this. That's really cool! read more

Soba-ya - So delicious! Cold Soba Noodles & Shrimp/Green Pepper Tempura. - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Lunch Box Set! Only 25 available per day! - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Tuna Avocado Don - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Salmon Don - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Milk Pudding - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Green Tea Creme Brulee - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Ten Zaru - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Ten Zaru - Shrimp, Shiso Tempura with soba noodles - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Ben L.

1071

1239

3301

12 years ago

I haven't been back in about ten years and I am happy to say the food is pretty much the same. I always get skeptical when a place is open so long that they get used to the popularity and stop giving a shit. The food is as good as I remember and the Japanese staff is still friendly and warm. I was kinda shocked at the abundance of space between tables, I would normally feel cramped in a restaurant, especially in the city, with the table next to us but the tables were properly spaced and I felt super relaxed. Like no accidental butt bump on the next table. =) For the noodle dishes, you have the option doing of Soba or Udon, truth be told I have yet to try the Udon at Soba-ya. I have only done the Soba and it think it's best to be eaten cold. I think the texture differs drastically when it is eaten hot. Udon I have had in Japan hot and cold and I think it could go both ways. The food: Ten Zaru- Shrimp, Shiso and Shishito tempura. I ordered the mini. I think this is kinda the classic soba dish. I think the chew and texture of the soba was fantastic. The dipping sauce was great but does get salty towards the end. The tempura was actually a lot more than I was expecting. The tempura had nice flavor but was greasy. The big ass shrimp had nice flavor and the three was kinda of a surprise. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA&select=HnX92z4BMcLfHL0hHrUh0Q Una Ju- broiled eel over rice. I ordered the mini as well. I thought the flavor of the eel was excellent. It was a nice meaty fish, nice fat content and a good size portion. As much as I liked the eel, I thought the sauce was too sweet and there was too much of it. I guess ask for a little less sauce and it would be fantastico. Sake Oyako Don- sliced Salmon sashimi and salmon roe over rice. I have had this dish many times and it is a solid choice, The salmon is nice and fatty and has a wonderful texture. The roe offers a nice salty note to the salmon. I do wish there was vinegar in the rice. Maguro Yamakake- soy cured tuna & grated mountain yam. I think the flavor of the soy and the tuna are wonderful, but I think the texture of the mountain yam is off putting. The texture is slimy and it doesn't have a pronounced flavor, but the soy does help with flavor. read more

Soba-ya - Ten Zaru- Shrimp, Shiso and Shishito tempura. Una Ju- broiled eel over rice - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Andrea C.

Elite 25

403

119

259

5 years ago

I LOVE this place!! Service and food were both wonderful!! Soba had a great texture and the tempura was so well fried. They are also not skimpy with the shrimp tempuras! I do wish that they gave a little more soba in each portion! read more

Soba-ya - Ten Zaru soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Yuka Y.

548

427

1722

11 years ago

Fairly fancy soba place in East Village. Zero wait time on a Friday @ 12:30pm. Definitely go for their lunch sets; either their "mini lunch boxes" or their "lunch box". Lunch box= exclusively only 25 servings/day. Mini lunch boxes entails a small rice bowl of your choice + small size noodles of hot or cold soba; it's satisfying for those who don't want to be grossly full and get dessert elsewhere in East Village. Rec: ++Sake oyako don "mini lunch" set $14: salmon sashimi + salmon roe over rice. Beautiful presentation with hand made soba. Interesting quirk: With every cold soba ordered, a square wooden pot will be given to you after you finished eating your noodles.The purpose of the pot is to pour the hot liquid into your dipping sauce so you can drink it as a diluted broth afterwards. Service is fairly quick and impersonal. read more

Soba-ya - Sake Oyako Don- mini lunch set - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Outside facade of Soba-ya - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Sake oyako don, pretty! - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Felicia S.

Elite 25

242

653

8 years ago

My favorite things about this place is you can order a lot of the dishes in three different sizes. For me, getting lots of small dishes is a taste delight. I don't see what the big hoopla is about the Soba. I don't love it like my friend. I thought maybe it was because I was ordering the vegetarian option, but our other friend thought so too. We did dig other items though. What we loved was Ten Don, a tempura vegetable rice dish. It was light & with melt in your mouth veggies. Yes tempura is deep fried, so I mean light as in not greasy, just tangy crispy warm goodness. The place gets crowded. If you come early (6:00-6:30) on a non-peak day, like Sunday, you'll score a spot before it fills up. read more

Soba-ya - Ten Don, a tempura vegetable rice dish, Yum!! This is the small (comes in there sizes) - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Doriee L.

443

1074

4390

12 years ago

What's more perfect than a piping hot bowl of noodles on a cold NYC night? NOTHING. Duh! My friend and I decided to eat here for dinner on a Friday night and we came here early. We got there about 10 minutes before they opened because it seems like a really popular place and we didn't want to risk a long wait. Despite being early, there were already people waiting in line in front of the restaurant. Though, once they opened, they seated people one after another in a timely manner. As we were being lead to our table, I noticed that there was an area where they kind of showcase the making of their noodles. There was someone there flattening the dough and probably preparing more noodles for the night. It's great to know that the noodles that they serve are hand made! I actually decided to go with their regular sized Kamo Nanban, which is their sauteed duck with green onions. As for the noodles, I decided on the udon since I like the taste of udon better than soba. This bowl of noodles was piping hot and it was such a great feeling when I'm having it on a cold night. It was wonderful. The sauteed duck was pretty good and what's great bout it is that each slice has a slither of duck fat with it, which gives it great flavor as you chew .. and chew .. The noodles itself was really delicious. It was perfectly cooked. Pure comfort. However, the broth that went with my udon was a little bit too tangy for my taste. And the price is a bit steep for udon. I understand that you're getting quality with the price but a regular sized bowl of Kamo Nanban was almost $17. Yikes! I've been to a restaurant before where they also had hand made udon and their prices were much less than Soba-ya's! Though, overall, it was delicious. It was great on a cold night. And I'd really recommend it. read more

Soba-ya - Kamo Nanban - Sauteed slices of duck with green union udon. - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Michelle L.

989

663

3592

11 years ago

This is one of my favorite soba places. When I can, I come right when it opens at noon during lunch on weekends to get their lunch box with cold soba ($17). Great portions that leaves me full when I am done. Given the price and the amount of food given, I feel that its fair. At the end of the meal, it even comes with a small sweet egg custard. My favorite. Soba is fresh and al dente. Tempura is delicately fried. The Bento box is just a great combination of food. I think the only negative I have experienced there was the uni tororo. It just wasn't to my liking. The grated yam made the dish particularly slimy. Regardless, I will always come back for more of their lunch box special. read more

Soba-ya - Tempura that comes with the lunch box - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Broiled fish lunch box - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Uni tororo - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Sherry L.

1024

1403

1448

10 years ago

Sometimes, I get random cravings throughout the day. This past Wednesday, it was for a bowl of warm soup with udon. Don't ask me why. When I got to the restaurant, I realized that I'd been here several years earlier when I was still interviewing for grad school. I don't remember having been super impressed the last time, but I decided to give them another try. At around 9PM at night (1 1/2 hrs before closing), the restaurant was surprisingly full, although we were probably one of the last parties to be seated for the night. I wanted something simple, yet satisfying, and since it was later at night, I went with a small Kake with udon under the hot noodles menu. It was really simple - a clear broth, a piece of fish cake, and some blanched spinach - but it really hit the spot!! I know that I could have probably made something very similar at home for a minute fraction of the price, but I ate EVERYTHING, drank allll of the soup, and enjoyed every bit. #worthit I appreciate that they offer different sizes of the noodle dishes and a choice between either soba or udon, which helps to satisfy different cravings and makes sure everyone in the party can eat his/her fill! read more

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Nelson W.

487

656

986

15 years ago

Sobaya offers the most consistent soba experience for both beginners and soba lovers. With each hot/cold soba variation, the light broth and chewy soba offers a refreshing, light, and healthy experience. Combining the food with good service and reasonable prices, Sobaya is the standard by which soba restaurants should be measured. The Kamo Seiro (cold soba with hot duck dipping sauce) is the ideal soba dish offering a refreshingly light, soba experience yet providing a filling meal for those with a big appetite. Soba options with tororo (grated yams) or yamakake (tuna) are best for those preferring to have room for dessert. Small plate lovers can have their own fun with a robust delicacies menu offering favorites such as Ika Meshi (cooked squid stuffed with sticky rice), Uni Tororo (Sea Urchin and Grated Yams), and Tuna Yuba-Maki. Not to leave the vegetarians out, the Moriawase offers you a flight of three vegetable appetizers for $11. Personal favorites include Nasu Nibitashi (fried eggplant), Satsuma Imo (sweet potato), and Ume Renkon (boiled lotus roots). Sobaya is definitely a spot made for repeat visits. A new adventure awaits each time you dine. A restaurant that can be relied on for new experiences? I can't remember the last time I used "relied" and "new" in the same sentence... read more

Soba-ya - Shitake with sweet potato appetizer - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Lotus root dumpling stuffed with crab meat - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Kamo Seiro [Sliced duck with Tokyo Negi (green onion) in hot dipping sauce] - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Matcha Brulee - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Joy G.

1638

1571

948

11 years ago

Going along with my theme of refusing to order the one dish that is in the restaurant's name or that the restaurant is best known for, I ordered the salmon avocado rice bowl instead any of the soba dishes. As a general note, Soba-ya's lunch is unequivocally a better deal than any of the dinner items: as part of their lunch set, you get a small noodle AND a small rice bowl, whereas for dinner, you can pay $3 extra for a small bowl of soup and pickles for your rice bowl, and then shell out $20 for the two desserts you scarf down at Spot. Just kidding, I'm especially gluttonous, but for a normal person, the regular-sized salmon avocado bowl is more than enough. They pack in a lot of delicious rice along the bottom, with generous chunks of salmon and sesame-dotted avocado. Drizzle in some soy sauce, and you've got yourself a salmon avocado sushi in a bowl. I tried a sip of my friend's noodle broth, which, though flavorful, tasted bitter and medicinal. If you're (inconspicuously) dining alone, rest assured that Soba-ya has a small bar space in the back. NEXT TIME: lunch deal, broiled eel don, duck soba read more

Soba-ya - Tiny, pretty tuna tartare - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Tuna avo don - bigger, more substantial than it looks! - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Sophie D.

2 years ago

the food is good and service is fast. very quick in and out place. but it's very loud inside so be mindful of that when deciding where to go. read more

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Wenqi Z.

Elite 24

206

361

5 years ago

A good switch up after being on a carnivore diet for a month. The soba was light and refreshing. Heard that it was handmade. Unfortunately my not very delicate palate couldn't taste the difference read more

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Naixin C.

236

795

9 years ago

This is my favorite soba place. I have probably been here more than 10 times and I still enjoy it a lot. This is my first choice whenever I dine alone. I love the food and the atmosphere in the room - it mars me safe. I extremely recommend the cold soba, as it's just so appetizing all the time. Some people complain about the portion but here's a story: so once I went by myself and 2 gentlemen were sitting next to me. We all ordered the lunch set. We basically started at the same time, and one of the gentleman finished almost the same time as me. When he finished, his friend offered him his sides and said "I've never seen anybody finished the whole thing...if you are still hungry eat mine". Hearing that, I looked at my super clean bento box...and went speechless :/ Anyways, a very good place for friends, as well as for a loner. read more

Soba-ya - Lunch set - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Grated yam with rice - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Shishito - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Uni - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Fried chicken - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Jenny Z.

165

4 years ago

The service was great. The waiter walked us through the menu and was very attentive. Tempura was crispy and fried to perfection. The duck was a little dry and not very flavorful in the Kamo Nanban Noodle. read more

Soba-ya - Shrimp Tempura Soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Avocado Tempura - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Kamo Nanban Noodle - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Sean B.

2678

3481

2520

8 years ago

Mediocre and expensive. Long wait. Crowded. Cramped. So-so service. Really wasn't at all impressed, and I was so hungry that honestly I should have been very easily impressed. It was super meh. read more

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Jina K.

3 years ago

One of the best finds in Little Tokyo! I loved the sensible Japanese decor and ambiance they had. Very tasty food. I would go back. read more

Soba-ya - Pork Katsu Don - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Chirashi Cold Noodle - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Citrus Shishito - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Q D.

4 years ago

Changed owners. used to have interesting dishes like incredibly delicious fried chicken wrapped in shiso w matcha salt. Now dumbed down menu like st marks places read more

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Patricia C.

135

420

2327

13 years ago

The uni soba here just can't be beat... :) Their soba noodles are also cooked extremely well, much better than the sobas I've had at soba totto, weirdly. But to be honest, everything is good here (I try some of the other dishes my friends order), I just can't resist that every time I come! The service is great, and food comes out very fast. Get here early as this place fills up really quickly! read more

Soba-ya - uni soba!!! - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Elsie W.

544

2112

6952

19 years ago

I came here on Christmas day with a friend, but the wait wasn't too long. The waitor was very attentive (and spoke perfect English) and taught all the customers how to eat everything. You'll see what I mean when or if you go there. The only thing I have to say that stood out was the dessert, and not in a good way. We shared the trio of ice cream: Black Sesame, Honey Wasabi, and the Japanese Citrus one. They were made from fresh ingredients and needless to say, homemade. They smelled great but tasted TOO fresh. The orange skin made the citrus ice cream too bitter, and too much, too chewy! Too much grittyness in the ice cream made it... not ice cream-like. Same with the Black Sesame. The Honey Wasabi tasted exactly the way it sounded, which made it too spicy for an ice cream (But hey, if you're into that...). At the end, we had to give up and push away those cute little wads of disappointments away from our faces and get the check. The sake lasted us all night long. Again, typical soba that you can get somewhere else for a better price. But mad props to the waitor who served us! P.S. try the bathroom! I didn't try the special butt-washing function, but uh, you can! read more

Soba-ya - ice cream trio - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - sake - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Olivia S.

Elite 26 All-Star

892

1065

2158

13 years ago

I honestly didn't think I'd be in awe after having a bowl of soba at this restaurant. But I was amazed at how delicious a bowl of warm noodles could melt me. My friend & I ordered the tuna tartare to share. In all seriousness, I didn't expect much of it... I mean, come on, tuna tartare with a mountain of yams and avocado? What's so impressive? But wow, Soba-ya, you have impressed me. The textures played well with each element being cut into fine small pieces. Every bite provided a crunchy fresh taste of yams with creamy avocado and refreshing tuna tartare with a pinch of saltiness of shredded seaweed topping. For my main, I had ordered a small Yasai soba. The soba noodles was so soft and thin that I could've slurped it down quickly without a problem. But I wanted to enjoy this bowl of noodles knowing that it was an extremely cold night. I was delighted to see my bowl filled with edamame peas, thinly shredded carrots, scallion, shallots & a medley of mushrooms. The broth was set to just the right temperature - making my bowl of soba perfect with each slurp! Each spoonful I took in was warm & fulfilling with a slight kick in spice at the end. Deliciously satisfying. Oh yeahhh! For the finale, we got the green tea brulee. A tad more on the expensive side for a small cup of dessert but SO worth it. The green tea brulee was creamy & light (yes, LIGHT - not heavy!) topped with a glazed covering of burnt sugar. The lower half of the green tea brulee had more of a pudding consistency and the top half was more of an extremely moist cake. I was surprised at how light this dessert was & it was the perfect ending. Typical Japanese joint - don't expect anything fancy. But great for a quick grub & drink. Delish. Make my tummay melt! read more

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David L.

101

8 years ago

I was very excited to try out Soba-ya for the first time since I've read many good reviews here on Yelp. I came here on Sunday night with my girlfriend and ordered two bowls of soba noodles. My girlfriend got the Chirashi Soba (regular) and I got the Kitsune Soba (Regular). The portion was underwhelming. We finished our meal as fast as it took to prepare it. At this price point, we were not satisfied at all. Additionally there were issues with the quality of the food. My girlfriend found a piece of tissue in her soba! She made a weird face after taking a bite of the noodles and removed a piece of tissue from her mouth. This is unacceptable. She also mentioned that the fish cake tasted funky. All in all, we are extremely disappointed by the portions and by the quality of food here. There are way better restaurants around here if you are looking for something that gives you a bang for your buck. read more

Soba-ya - The piece of tissue that my girlfriend found in her noodles after taking a bite. Also the funky tasting fish cake is in the shot. - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Lily H.

207

5 years ago

We revisited Sobaya as a family to eat our family's favorite tuna uni and yam soba. Where did the old menu go?? Now they only offer like 5 variations of Soba. We were very disappointed. No restaurant should choose to make such a drastic choices. What the hell happened???? read more

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Helen C.

128

208

362

17 years ago

In the search for good Japanese food, Soba-ya fits right in. It's not everyday that you find a soba shop with such variety. If you're new to soba, don't be intimated. Every menu item comes with a picture to help the newbies along. The bento boxes and the daily specials are great options. You have a choice of hot or cold for most soba dishes. Hot for the winter. Cold for the summer. Prices are reasonable given the quantity and quality of the food. Lunch entrees range from $12-$20 and you won't leave hungry. Oh, also remember to try the desserts here. The ice cream trio comes with yuzu, black sesame, and honey wasabi. It's a lot creamier than the ice cream from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and melts quickly. I didn't get to try the green tea brulee, but if it's anything like the one at Gochi in San Jose, then it will be delicious! Just another reason to return. read more

Soba-ya - seasonal special for Sat/Sun - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Nabeyaki - udon w/ shrimp tempura, chicken, egg, fish cake & mushroom - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - seating at the bar - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Yuzu, Black Sesame, and Honey Wasabi $6 - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - dessert menu - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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FakeFoodBabyNY C.

525

635

1802

8 years ago

#I've been craving the Unagi Don. So came here for the lunch set that came with #Soba noodles. I had to watch a YouTube video on how to eat cold Soba. Turns out the video was at this place. So I knew just what to do. #Spoiler alert: You're supposed to pour that hot liquid in the red kettle into your Soba sauce when you're done to drink like a soup. The eel was good. read more

Soba-ya - Unagi Don - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Unagi Don lunch set - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Orion large beer - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Ethan D.

2 years ago

Favorite spot in the east village to grab some comfort Japanese food. Bonus points if you come for the lunch special (12pm-2pm 7 days a week) read more

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Tung D.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

517

717

3239

9 years ago

I thought the food was ok, but it was much more expensive that it deserved. I had the medium-sized Chirashi hot udon with 2 tamgo pieces, some fish cakes, and veggies (no meat/fish in the bowl at all!) for over $20 before tips Besides the overly expensive price, the taste was decent. The udon noodles were fresh, and the texture was just right. Not too chewy or too soft. The tamagos and veggies were kinda sweet. Broth was ok. We also ordered the Uni with yam, the Uni didn't have any flavor, while the yam texture was kinda weird. It was like congee, but it was sticky, drooly, not grainy like congee, and was cold. Just quite weird. read more

Soba-ya - Hot Chirashi udon - more than $20 (before tips+tax) for this medium, with no meat/no fish. Quite expensive. - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Yam and Uni. Kinda bland - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Page 6 of 42

229 E 9th St
New York, NY 10003
East Village
Directions
(212) 533-6966
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.sobaya-nyc.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Soba-ya open?

Soba-ya opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Soba-ya close?

Soba-ya closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Soba-ya closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.Soba-ya closes at 8:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Thu 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 12:00 PM - 10:00 PMSun 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Soba-ya take credit cards?

Yes, Soba-ya takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Soba-ya have catering options?

No, Soba-ya does not have catering options.

Does Soba-ya have a happy hour?

Yes, Soba-ya has a happy hour.

Does Soba-ya serve alcohol?

Yes, Soba-ya serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Soba-ya allow dogs?

Yes, Soba-ya allows dogs.

Does Soba-ya have TVs?

No, Soba-ya does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Soba-ya have bike parking?

Yes, Soba-ya has bike parking.

Does Soba-ya have outdoor seating?

Yes, Soba-ya has outdoor seating options.

Does Soba-ya have parking?

Yes, Soba-ya has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Soba-ya have free WiFi?

No, Soba-ya does not have free WiFi.

Soba-ya Reviews in Other Languages

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4.0(3 reviews)

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Nick S.

1787

6993

2 months ago

Sobaya is a traditional Japanese restaurant specializing in handmade soba noodles, offering a calm and understated dining experience in the East Village. We walked into a space with a simple Japanese atmosphere that felt removed from the busy streets outside, the kind of room where the focus stays on the food rather than a large or complicated menu. The interior had a quiet, serene energy with a layout that accommodated both small groups and solo diners comfortably, and the traditional design elements added a sense of authenticity to the meal. The soba is the highlight, with noodles that had a pleasant texture and paired well with the carefully prepared broths and dipping sauces. We ordered a few options and found the tempura soba standing out as a classic choice, combining the clean flavors of the noodles with crispy fried toppings that added a satisfying contrast. The duck soba offered a richer, more savory option, with the duck adding depth to the broth without overwhelming the delicate noodle flavor. The rice bowls and other dishes added variety to the menu, each arriving with attention to presentation and balance. Service was attentive and the overall experience felt relaxed, though the restaurant could get busy during peak hours, so planning ahead could be helpful. The menu was focused and not overly large, but the attention to traditional preparation made each dish feel intentional. The team moved through the room with a quiet efficiency, and the pacing of the meal kept the experience smooth and unhurried. Overall, Sobaya is a solid choice for anyone looking for authentic Japanese soba in NYC with a comfortable atmosphere and well-executed dishes. read more

Sherry B.

2 years ago

Stepping into Sobaya truly felt like embarking on a culinary journey to Japan. The cozy, serene ambiance immediately set the tone for an authentic dining experience, with its traditional decor and soft, soothing lighting creating an inviting atmosphere. I decided to try the Nabeyaki Udon, which arrived in a beautiful, steaming hot pot brimming with fresh vegetables, tender pieces of chicken, and a perfectly poached egg resting on top. The combination of ingredients was nothing short of exquisite -- the savory, rich broth had a comforting depth of flavor that complemented the well-cooked udon noodles wonderfully. The chicken was tender and flavorful, while the fresh vegetables added a delightful texture and balance to the dish. Breaking the poached egg and watching the creamy yolk blend into the broth was a satisfying touch, enhancing the already comforting flavors. The portion size was generous and satisfying, perfect for a hearty, soul-warming meal. The attentive service provided by the staff further elevated the experience; they were friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient without being intrusive, always making sure everything was to my liking. Sobaya is truly a hidden gem in the East Village that delivers an exceptional dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a beautifully crafted meal, Sobaya will not disappoint. I can't wait to return and try more dishes from their impressive menu. read more

Alissa F.

1 year ago

Dining at Sobaya offers a peaceful retreat from the nonstop energy of New York City. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly transports you to a traditional Japanese eatery. The serene setting, with its minimalist decor and soothing ambiance, creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal. What truly makes Sobaya special is the authenticity and quality of its dishes. Every item on the menu is carefully crafted, from the delicate appetizers to the rich and flavorful bowls of soba. Whether you're craving a steaming hot bowl of broth-infused noodles on a chilly day or a refreshing cold soba dish during the warmer months, Sobaya delivers with excellence. The textures and flavors are spot on, showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into making their house-made noodles. Beyond the food, the experience is enhanced by the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who are always happy to recommend the perfect dish or sake pairing. It's a place where every detail, from the ingredients to the presentation, is handled with care. Whether you're dining alone, enjoying a quiet meal with a loved one, or sharing plates with friends, Sobaya provides a comforting and memorable escape--one that keeps you coming back for more. read more

Raymond L.

7 years ago

Came here two years ago and the experience was great. So we came back on Sunday afternoon. I ordered a hot udon. It came with a piece of fried shrimp, a piece of mushroom, two pieces of egg, two pieces of tofu skin, and two pieces of fish cake and it costed me $24! We also got a regular size cold soba with fried chicken for $19 and the size was good for my 5 yrs old daughter. If you don't care about the prices this is the place you can go but there are plenty choices around the corner and cheaper than this. The other problem was the servers kept asking which bowl was done and taking our empty bowl and stuff out in every single minutes! That is so annoying and we felt like they want to kick us out but there was no one waiting for table. We finished our lunch in 30 minutes and paid $75 with tips for 2 noodle dishes and 1 chopped tuna bowl that was really overpriced. I think I'll not come back anymore. read more

Deann C.

9 years ago

Love this restaurant but sad they raised their prices so even the mini items are at the least $19. They have an early bird special. Impeccable food and service with some of the staff having been their since its opening in 1996. I think that says a lot! You can't go wrong here, but if you don't like squishy, don't order the mountain yam. All I can think is bukkaki. The salmon oyako-don, eel, the sobas, homemade wasabi ice cream, tuna with avocado, yuba sashimi, uni no jelly yose are my faves. Delicious genmaicha tea and soba beer. One of kind authentic Japanese for America. I took a star off because of the price going up but from what I understand, this is the case with all NYC places due to the minimum wage going up. As I'm all for that, I shouldn't complain about price. But I am. read more

Felder C.

8 years ago

There are a ton of Japanese restaurants that line this stretch of the East Village, so why Soba-Ya? Why not Soba-Ya, its ultra-dedicated patrons would argue, for the buckwheat soba as well as the hearty udon on tap here are consistently off-the-charts good. Co-owner and mini-mogul, Bon Yagi, favors authenticity over flash in his establishments. And here he employs that traditional aesthetic to sweet perfection--along with a graceful, but simply appointed dining space; and quiet, well-timed service. A meal might begin with uni and grated mountain yam, kissed with wasabi and crispy, toasted nori. Then, transition to a seasonal noodle dish like warm soba mingled with plump, pickled oysters, mountain yam, cilantro and tempura root vegetables. read more

Hannah V.

Elite 21

281

293

979

9 years ago

I'm sorry but soba just isn't my thing. The broth is just plain bland. I had the duck hot soba and the broth was just weirdly sour soy sauce. Plus the duck slices were so so greasy. My bf had the chilled soba with fried baby sardines and that was even weirder. The sauce was exactly the same thing as mine except it was cold. And hello since when sardines became tangled up veggies thingy not fish?? Can somebody educate me on this cause I really can't understand soba. p/s: just found out they have matcha creme brulee, maybe I'll come back just for that. read more

Mayu G.

15 years ago

I know this place for 10 years. One thing I don't like is waiting for long time to be seated because it is always busy. But I am soba noodle lover what can i do ! There are 3,4 soba places in new york city but here is the best ! Price is little expensive but it is valuable if you try this you will see it make sense.My favorate is tanuki soba this is about $12 and desert is wonderful, try satsuma puddiing which is flan with sweet potato, you will like homemade ice cream with yuzu taste,house radish taste, etc. green tea ice cream is pure taste! read more

Un L.

10 years ago

I love this restaurant. I don't love soba...but their soba is so fresh, I can eat it all day! Everything on the menu is delish! Only thing that makes me not give it 5 stars is... really pricey. BUT it's worth it if you want to treat yourself to a good clean delicious japanese meal! The staff is so friendly. The restaurant vibe is good. But it does get packed after 6:30! Friend and I went for dinner on a wednesday at 6:30 to avoid the crowd....but as soon as we sat...it got packed! read more

Mark J.

8 years ago

This is probably my favorite soba noodle place EVER! They serve hot soup in the winter to warm ya up. And cold in the summer to cool ya down. Both are served all year round. The lunch box complete with caviar which is not real but still are fish eggs[just not from stirgen]. I reccomend the hot traditional vegan soba. OR a lunchbox with cold noodles a few sauces and fish. Can't wait for my next time at Soba-Ya!!! read more

Meg K.

8 years ago

I have been eating Sobaya's soba since probably right after they open. The soba is much better than before. Soba is strong now and has subtle flavor. I like t very much. Only thing I don't like there is the hot soba sauce. It is too salty sometimes so I choose cold soba always. I like the lunch set. It is reasonably priced and very satisfying. I would recommend. read more

Amanda Z.

7 years ago

When you expect something high and it doesn't meet your expectations it very disappointing. The food was very salty and defiantly overpriced. I feel that this restaurant is overhyped. The food is authentic but not worth paying so much money for. The staff was rude and very unpleasant. I wouldn't want to come here anymore. Was very disappointed in this place. read more

Laura S.

13 years ago

This place is pretty nice! Staffs are friendly, decor is quite authentic, and space is not small at all for a Japanese place. I tried uni soba, the sea urchin thing, it wasn't bad but thought it could be better. I like sea urchin sushi but it was a little different than I thought when it was on the soba. I'd like to go back and try something else. read more

Mariko Y.

15 years ago

Same owners as Decibel and Sakagura same food pretty much as well. I would drop by in a heartbeat for some cold soba. Not too pricey for their combo soba boxes. Its very tight space but fun to go nonetheless when you are craving soba. My favorite soba is from Nobu who does a wicked cha soba but Sobaya is pretty good in and of itself. read more

Garrett M.

18 years ago

Soba-ya introduced me to Japanese food that wasn't sushi. Go. Watch the soba noodles being made. Eat the soba or udon, hot or cold. Try vegetables like lotus root that you never even knew existed. Perhaps avoid the salted squid guts, or man it up and try them out! Decent saki choices available as well. Kampai! read more

Re E.

17 years ago

100% authentic. Tempura soba. The tempura was perfect--crisp and light--and included shrimp, shiso, peppers and more. The soba was a really good example of a perfect Japanese noodle, precisely cooked to hold up well in a delicious bowl of steaming soup. Good price. Comfortable atmos. Very clean washroom. read more

Jenna M.

10 years ago

One of the rare Japanese restaurants that actually serves soba. I love the exterior and interior of this place, it really sends out the authentic Japanese vibe. They serve you green tea upon seating. Their broth was sooo good! It is a little on the pricy side but trust me, it is worth the trip over. read more

Daniel W.

11 years ago

Love this place, comes a lot, basically tried everything here, it's ALL GREAT, it's crazy how good this place is. And every time if I do not come to this place before they open I have to wait for a long time. the salmon avocado rice bowl and soba are especially good, I order them every time! read more

David B.

8 years ago

Not many soba shops and even fewer make great soba! At any given time you will see the chef in the window making it fresh from scratch! Lunch special is best bang for the buck. Love the quiet block right in the heart of east village. Try the tempura set, and also order extra noodles!! read more

Idit E.

8 years ago

Quiet and unassuming, Soba-ya is the real deal. Get zaru soba with the pricier soba option -- is there a better summer meal? The atmosphere is appropriately humble, quiet, even serene. This place doesn't get the attention it deserves and is all the better for it. read more

Soba-ya - japanese - Updated September 2026

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•$$$$

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