Soba-ya

3.8 (1.7k reviews)

ModerateJapanese, Noodles

Open • 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Updated a few days ago

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SOBA-YA ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Casual

Dogs allowed

Good for kids

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Reviews With Photos - Soba-ya

Lunch Special- Sake Ikura Don with Soba Noodles (cold)

Lily L.

Came here for the lunch special with a couple of people and it was very enjoyable. It did take a while to be seated as the weather was super nice this day and everyone seemed to be out. Once seated, everyone in the table got a lunch special, specifically the Sake Ikura Don and they really liked it. The only complaint was the rice texture was a little on the softer side. I got to Unagi Don which had a much better and chewier rice texture so I really enjoyed mine. All of us did get the cold soba with our rice dishes as well and the soba dip was very flavorful and the soba noodles had a nice texture. There was a decent amount of seating in the store which was nice because we needed the cold soba on this hot day.

Michael C.

Quick wait of 10 minutes and sat at the bar. It was 94° outside today so I knew cold soba was going to hit the spot. I got the seasonal special Uni Ikura soba and it was phenomenal. All of the ingredients were top quality and very fresh. Servers were very kind and pricing was fair. Definitely will come back again sometime soon.

Ryan K.

It was a spring chilly but sunny morning. I met up with some friends in the city. We weren't particularly hungry but were in the mood for a late lunch. Something light. I arrived at the location around 12:45PM. The line was pretty long and the place isn't massive. Despite the business, I didn't feel overwhelmed or anything. The flux was pretty good, though. Within half an hour, we were seated and given glasses of water. Simple decorations, yellow light, and wood accents line the walls. We pretty quickly found the lunch specials which last every day. I ordered the unagi don but my company got the two other options too. You really can't go wrong with any of them. The eel was grilled. The taste is like a light fish in flavor with some type of glazed barbecue sauce. The sticky rice added good bulk to the meal. The buckwheat noodles were chewy and mild. After dipping in the cold broth, they had a bouncy, salty bite. It paired well with the rice. The lotus root and sweet potato added some variety. Can't really describe what I was eating on the lotus root but it tasted kinda sesame-y and seaweedy. Pretty yummy side dish. The sweet potato was very potato-y. Somehow coated your mouth in a mildly-sweet sweet potato flavor. The for the cost, this place was pretty great. Certainly, can understand the Michelin guide evaluation in recent years.

Megan Y.

Came here on a saturday around 12:30 PM. It wasn't very busy, so we were seated immediately for a table for 2. We both ordered a lunch set with cold soba noodles, one with grilled eel and one with salmon sashimi and roe. My favorite bite was the grilled eel, which was very flavorful and tender. The salmon sashimi tasted very fresh. I found the cold soba very refreshing, with a good texture. They weren't the most flavorful though, and I found the whole meal to be a little too carb heavy. I found the lunch deal to be pretty good, with the whole meal coming out to be $30 post tip and tax. Not the best japanese food I've had in the city, but very solid.

Kei P.

This place was recommended to us by a local shop owner, said this was his favorite place to go when it was cold and rainy. I came here on a Saturday night, wait wasn't terribly long, maybe 15 minutes. I tried the kamo nanban (duck soba) per my friend's recommendation and it definitely hit the spot. The broth was savory and umami without being too rich. The noodles were chewy in a good way, and the duck was tender and juicy. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, even sat at the bar. The staff was quick and friendly. Would definitely come back next time it's a little gloomy outside.

Dennis G.

I've been dining at Sobaya for over 20 years, and it remains one of the East Village's most consistently excellent Japanese restaurants. Longevity like that does not happen by accident--Sobaya continues to deliver on authenticity, quality, and service year after year. On our most recent visit, we ordered several longtime favorites: the agedashi tofu, which arrived silky-soft with a delicate, crisp coating in a deeply savory broth; chicken karaage that was juicy and well-seasoned; and the kamo nanban, featuring sliced sautéed duck and scallions in a rich, comforting hot broth. We also shared the Ten Zaru, with perfectly cooked soba noodles alongside crisp jumbo shrimp and shishito tempura. Every dish was balanced, thoughtful, and clearly made with care. Service is always excellent--attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. It's the kind of place where you feel taken care of whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor. Sobaya is owned by Bon Yagi (Shuji Bon Yagi), a key figure in shaping the East Village's "Little Tokyo" and a restaurateur known for championing authentic Japanese cuisine beyond sushi since the 1980s. That philosophy shows here. This is a restaurant focused on craftsmanship and tradition rather than flash. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with a calm, Japanese-inspired design that works just as well for a quiet dinner as it does for a business lunch. Prices are reasonable for the quality, especially given the homemade soba and udon. If you're looking for authentic Japanese comfort food--especially expertly prepared soba--Sobaya is a New York classic that continues to earn its reputation.

Ally L.

Cozy place with good amount of space that it doesn't feel like a squeeze. Service was friendly, quick and efficient :) Agedashi tofu was a bit firmer than we normally have but still yummy Cold tempura soba set felt pretty big, lots of noodles ~ the tempura was nice and crispy and the shishito pepper was just the right amount of smoky Katsu Don hit the spot, so warm and the rice was nice and flavorful ~ the egg and onions are always a fav, pork katsu was good too, would've wished it was a little bit crispier

Monica L.

Had a bit of a wait on a Saturday but not too bad! Inside is a bit small but has a nice clean cozy vibe. Tried the salmon rice bowl and the cold soba noodles with duck Service was very quick and efficient! Loved the quality of the salmon and soy sauce and rice! The umami of the duck broth was great and the texture of the soba as well. I wish the duck had been more tender but overall a great meal!

Tiffany L.

This is a cozy soba spot in Noho. We came on a weekday evening and it got busy by 6:30pm. The food was decent. I liked the citrus shishito peppers which were $7 as part of the happy hour special until 6pm. I got the sutamina for $23 (Fried Chicken & garlic, Scallions in the broth w/ Hints of Yuzu Citrus Flavor) and really enjoyed the citrus broth! Between both these items, the portion was small and not entirely filling. However, the servers were attentive and friendly so that's the plus.

Their happy hour citrus shishito peppers

Michelle L.

We arrived about 10-15 minutes before happy hour ended and the server was nice enough to get us a happy hour menu and get our order in. We got a cocktail and a few appetizers from HH and we ordered a few of their soba and udon dishes. The food was delicious and the tempura was all fried with perfection. The presentation of everything was lovely and their service was great. Our water cups always were filled and our dishes were cleared quickly.

Caroline W.

Food tasted decent and felt that the lunch pricing special was fair and had great portion sizes Of the things we ordered I thought the udon was better than the soba The soba did not taste as fresh this day but I'm sure it is better on other days! The interior is well decorated and has cute booths that you can sit at for your meal

Erica T.

This place was very delicious and had a wide variety of food and drinks. I got the chicken katsu don which was very delicious. The egg was well cooked and flavorful and the portion size was very filling. We were a large party and the waitress handled us all very efficiently. The restaurant itself had a very classy vibe that also felt very authentic.

Lalliet V.

The ambiance truly captures the essence of an authentic Japanese restaurant. I was impressed by the food--it was delicious and the portion sizes were very generous for the price point. Additionally, the service was excellent; the staff was attentive, kept our table clear, and ensured we had everything we needed throughout the meal.

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Ellie C.

Elite 26

223

473

2 years ago

Had a great experience here as a party of 6 on a Saturday afternoon! We walked in around 12:30PM and were seated with no wait. Their lunch sets are great value, as they let you try lunch size portions of both one of their sobas (hot or cold) and also one of their rice bowls. Everyone in our party found their sets flavorful and delicious, though those with bigger appetites did consider getting a second portion. I was craving an egg-based meal, so I got the dashimaki tamago, and it did not disappoint. It was so flavorful and authentic. Coupled with the decor and ambiance, I felt like I was in Japan. Service was also very attentive, coming back frequently to fill our waters, clear our plates, and give us the check. A great experience all around! read more

Soba-ya - Dashimaki Tamago and Goma Ae - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Jungwon K.

Elite 26

153

123

234

1 year ago

Hmm, for a restaurant with a michelin recommendation, this was pretty disappointing. The service is really nice, but the food was overpriced and honestly not that good. The agedashi tofu wasn't soft, and when it arrived it wasn't that hot. The soba was fine, but nothing special. I was looking forward to the tempura, but it was not good. The shrimp was overcooked and the breading was too much, so it was soggy and oily. There are better places to get soba or udon. read more

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Cassidy H.

Elite 26

298

692

1 year ago

Excellent soba, friendly service, a bit slow to get our food, overall apps were good/ok, hot soba noodles were good and mild soup had the perfect flavor balance. Would go back again for cold soba! read more

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Vanessa L.

Elite 25

202

793

3236

2 years ago

Heard they had one of the best sobas in manhattan so we decided to come here for lunch. We came right when they opened and we were promptly seated. We each ordered the mini lunch set. It came with a choice of donburi and either hot or cold soba or udon. I got the unagidon with hot soba. My bf got the tempura with cold soba. My bf is a big fan of soba and really liked it. The unagidon was great and the soba was light and helped balance out the meal. Great portions as well. read more

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Kailey N.

Elite 26

247

404

1 year ago

The Soba at Sobaya is amazing! If you're craving noodles, hot or cold, you can get them at Sobaya. Fun fact they're in the Michelin Guide! Super high quality food for a decent price. They also have a great lunch special that changes by the day and consists of soba and Don specials. The salmon Don was also super tasty and fresh. Not to mention, the inside of the restaurant is super cute and cozy! Service was also super nice and sat us at the perfect table! read more

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Dipali G.

Elite 26

336

614

1222

2 years ago

Nice, ambient place with good food! Food: We ordered two bowls, one cold and one hot! Both were pretty good - I preferred the hot noodles over the cold ones but they were both well made. Ambience: simple spot with wooden interior that adds to the ambience Drinks: we ordered a bottle to drink and it was very good! Service: good service! read more

Soba-ya - Nameko Oroshi Noodle, Tan Tan Noodle - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Sophia N.

Elite 26

433

571

2 years ago

My family and I were waiting outside before Soba-ya opened and were invited inside right at open. The shishito tasted great, as did the agedashi tofu. The soba was cooked to perfection, and the tempura came out crispy and hot. My dad ordered the hot duck soba and I felt that it tasted the best. The broth was so flavorful and also tasted great at the end when we mixed in some soba water. The desserts were also tasty and the warabi mochi had beautiful presentation. I will be back for sure! read more

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Brian S.

Elite 26 All-Star

292

522

1 year ago

beautiful exterior and interior soba place but the soba wasn't impressive to me and no different than soba ive made at home in 20 mins. we ordered the ume renkon, ten zaru, and kamo seiro. the cold soba was pretty expensive for what it was and I wish they were a bit colder and larger in portion. i liked the shrimp tempura most even though cold noodles are what i enjoy eating most in the summer. the sliced duck in the dipping sauce seemed overcooked. service was great. read more

Soba-ya - ume renkon (lotus root w plum sauce) - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - ten zaru and kamo seiro - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Will N.

Elite 26

509

272

600

2 years ago

Great location for quality, clean/simple tasting Japanese cuisine. Good for dates, business, or just catching up. Tons of drink options as well. Rating 4 stars because the Uni Soba noodle dish has a disappointing amount of uni for the steep price of $32+, especially when looking back at older uploaded photos which had much more uni. read more

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

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Christine L.

Elite 26

770

656

933

2 years ago

I would pick cold soba over ramen almost any day and I've had this spot on my list for a while! I originally intended to come for their Thursday lunch special (see website for rotating offers) to save $4 from 12-3 but it was rainy out, what can I say? In the end, my hunger won and I made the journey out to this cute little strip of Japanese restaurants to get my fill of cold soba and hot tempura. I was seated right away at 5pm, a tad early for the dinner crowd. The interior is very date-night friendly - intimate with soft lighting and even a small fountain at the entrance! My Ten Zaru (cold soba with 3x shrimp and 1x shishito pepper tempura) arrived quickly and I devoured my meal! The noodles were super chilled and springy, my only complaints are that I wish there was a little more and that there were fewer small broken pieces as I got to the end. The tempura were decently sized and piping hot with a thin crunchy coating, not the BEST ever but no complaints here! Overall service was quick and attentive, my hot tea was refilled promptly and I didn't have to wait for anything. While it was a little pricey ($30ish after tax/tip), I'd return for a lunch special or if I'm craving soba and in the area! read more

Soba-ya - Ten zaru (cold soba with tempura) & hot green tea - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Michelle S.

Elite 21

206

217

677

1 year ago

My husband and I stumbled upon Soba-ya as we were leaving Cha-An, and since we didn't have dinner plans, the idea of cold soba sounded perfect for the warm weather. Although they don't take reservations, the staff kindly suggested we return at 6:30 PM, assuring us it wouldn't be too busy. We came back as advised and were seated right away. Service was prompt -- we placed our order and our food arrived quickly. We each chose from the soba entrée section: the Kamo Nanban and the Ten Zaru. Both dishes were generously portioned and reasonably priced. The soba noodles were perfectly cooked, and the broths were flavorful and refreshing. We'd definitely come back next time we're craving quality soba! read more

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Ruby F.

Elite 26

143

494

2 years ago

Happened to stumble upon Soba-ya because we were around East Village looking for a spot to eat. It was warm super warm and cozy inside and the staff were attentive. Their fresh handmade soba definitely hit the spot on such a cold day. They also serve a variety of Japanese dishes. read more

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Georgiana Y.

Elite 26

158

278

1 year ago

Quick, yummy & affordable. Got the lunch special - $21 as of 4/2025 (available everyday) - combo of a rice bowl (either salmon sashimi, eel or tempura set) + cold/hot soba/udon. I personally got the eel set w hot soba which was flavorful and delicious (and I normally don't like soba). My only critique is that there is too much rice when paired with the somewhat small eel portion. I added the spices on the table to make the soup more flavorful as a tip. read more

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Caroline C.

Elite 26

334

2 years ago

We got the seasonal soba uni and the burdock root. Seasoning was spot on. Soba was chewy in a good way. Service was quick. Ambiance was quiet and clean. Definitely recommend! read more

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

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Karen H.

Elite 26

156

730

2 years ago

I stumbled upon this Japanese restaurant while walking in the East Village of New York. They serve authentic handmade soba and traditional Japanese dishes. This place has been praised for its high-quality, fresh soba. The restaurant also offers a variety of sushi, tempura, rice bowls, and other Japanese comfort foods with seasonal ingredients. You definitely need to come here for their handmade soba. So good! I ordered tempura hot soba noodle, tan tan, and match brulee dessert. I feel cozy dining here with attentive staffs. NYC doesn't really have many places that serves soba noodles, so this is my favorite one so far. read more

Soba-ya - Matcha brulee dessert - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Ordered tempura hot soba noodle and tan tan, - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Gabe D.

Elite 26

166

2 years ago

Super yummy and filling food, lunch special salmon donburi bowl + cold udon noodles was $21. The service was really fast and our waitress was very accommodating. The restaurant is also clean, simple, and homey. The other options for the lunch special were grilled eel and tempura. All of the lunch special items come with choice of cold or hot soba or udon noodles. read more

Soba-ya - D. Salmon Don with cold udon noodles - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Gloria Z.

Elite 26

547

153

320

2 years ago

We were able to get seated immediately on a Thursday night! The Ikura noodles were pretty good but the Tan Tan noodles were soggy and the broth was not too flavorful. The ambiance was very nice though and service was very speedy. I would probably just recommend the cold noodles as the soba noodles get soggy quickly. read more

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Hui L.

Elite 26

862

2352

2 years ago

Came here for a weekend lunch to catch up with friends. We didn't really have to wait for a table but if you're coming in a big group, I would recommend making one just in case. I went with the unaju lunch set which is a small portion of their eel over rice with a side of udon noodle soup (I liked that we could choose between cold/hot soba or udon). The portion of eel was more than enough for me (the regular menu version is probably a slightly bigger portion) and the eel sauce mixed in with the rice was very savory. The eel was grilled nicely and the meat was very tender. The udon noodle soup was a nice addition, the noodles were just the right amount of chewiness with no alkaline taste. The soup that it came in was a simple dashi based soup. I should try their soba the next time I visit! Service was very prompt as the staff would clear our dishes as soon as they noticed someone was finished eating. We never felt rushed to leave and took our time catching up (although the restaurant wasn't too full when we left). Restrooms are just a bit cramped with the door being almost right in front of the toilet but it was clean, well lit and had paper towels. read more

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Jen H.

Elite 26

1023

318

2505

1 year ago

On a chilly winter afternoon commuting to the city to do business, my partner and I were huuuunnnngry. The way Soba-ya hit the spot and was a fun experience really hit it as a home run for us. We learned it was a Bib Gourmand Michelin recognition, meaning good quality, good value cooking restaurant. The 20 minute wait felt like nothing because we were mesmerized by the fresh noodles being made in front of us by the front. We could see the noodles we were going to eat soon be made. My partner is obsessed with the Cold Soba Noodle Salad, which comes with two kinds of special dressing. He's typically inclined to try and make it at home but it looks like we'll be feening to come back to New York City to get this dish and the special sauces. The Hot Tempura Soba with Crispy Shrimp Tempura really warmed our souls as we were coming from wintery weather outside. It felt like we were transported to Japan briefly and we wish we could come back to try more of the lunch combos or other dishes. Soba-ya truly has an art down and we can't wait to come back and see this art and taste again. read more

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Matthew H.

Elite 26

445

1886

3 years ago

I love soba so much and was very excited to try Sobaya after a friend recommended it to me. Our group of 3 stopped by for a weekday dinner last week; we had a res, but there was a decent amount of space available. (They do take reservations over the phone, but up to one week in advance.) The interior is nice, with many touches of traditional Japanese design (esp the washroom!), and generally quite spacious. I ordered the yuba toji soba, which was one of their specials. I loved it! The soba noodles (which I'm told they make in-house?) were perfectly chewy and slurpable, and the broth was very fragrant and not too heavy to drink a little at the end. Also the toji egg on top was so amazing - not overcooked, very light and fluffy, and paired wonderfully with the shichimi powder. My friends ordered the kamo nanban and the kamo seiro, which are similar duck dishes except the former was warm and the latter was cold and dipped. Kamo nanban was well-received: duck was very yummy and the broth was rich and had a interesting subtle citrus flavour. Kamo seiro had a chillier reception (hah) - the broth was a little too heavy/salty, even just for dipping. Overall very yummy and I think it is my favourite spot for soba that I've found in NYC to date. However, for the portion sizes I do think that the food is a little pricier than I would have expected (e.g. why we passed on ordering any appetisers. Although, I did see that they have loads of cheap and yummy lunch special options (!) - I may have to try to come in for lunch someday :) read more

Soba-ya - Yuba toji soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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

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Priscilla O.

155

318

515

11 months ago

On a hot summer day in NYC, cold soba in an air conditioned restaurant called our name. Soba-ya got rave reviews so we anticipated a refreshing summer lunch. Unfortunately our expectations were dashed.We chose nameko oroshi soba, a mushroom-topped soba in a cold broth, and several appetizers. The spinach oshitashi was an ample portion but the sesame sauce was insipid. The dashimaki tamago was unexpectedly hot, instead of chilled, and the egg had a pebbly texture that was off-putting. It was also cut in thick hunks and too large a portion for an appetizer. The soba itself was brittle, the hard daikon oroshi had been squeezed of moisture hours ago and difficult to reconstitute in the broth, and why oh why did they serve prepackaged nameko? Fresh nameko is readily available and for the pricepoint of this restaurant, should have been used. Or if not available or out of season, use other fresh, seasonal mushrooms. It appears the original chef and/or owners of the restaurant are gone and the Japanese language, flavors, execution, and presentation have flown the coop as well. read more

Soba-ya - Nameko oroshi soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Vicki C.

Elite 26

466

1302

2 years ago

Happy to find out that @sobaya.nyc has lunch sets! I got the cold soba + salmon donburi set and it was the perfect amount of food. The dipping sauce could use more kick, but I loved the texture of the soba! read more

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

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

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Steven Z.

Elite 26

260

263

627

3 years ago

3.5, rounding to 4. Pretty solid place, just the appetizers are a little pricey (13$ for a small portion). Service was quick for us, but got slow when they started to fill up. Sake oyakodon: The salmon is fresh. I'm not sure why it's an oyakodon if there's no egg. I like that the rice is warm. Maguro yamakake cold soba: I really liked the broth -- deep and almost smoky, but not heavy. Tuna quality isn't much to write home about. read more

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

Soba-ya - Sake - Oyako Don, maguro yamakake soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Eina D.

Elite 26

155

602

2 years ago

My group of five randomly came across this place on a leisurely Sunday. It was pretty empty in here so we got seated very quickly. The lunch specials looked plenty so I opted for the sake oyako don, which was a great value at $21. It included a small salmon and rice bowl and cold soba noodles. The rice was perfectly seasoned, but the salmon itself was pretty warm. Not my preference for raw fish, but it was still pretty good. The soba noodles were a generous portion. Good combination of chewy noodles and and a dipping sauce that wasn't too overpowering. The space itself was very cute and intimate and the service was attentive. read more

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

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Annie C.

Elite 26

1526

149

475

3 years ago

Lunch special came out to be less than $30pp. The food was tasty and fresh. We went on a rainy day so there was no wait for 6 of us. It's a casual space and usually there's a wait. read more

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Y K.

2 years ago

We love this place and our one of favorites for many years. Soba and tempura is always good here. Unagi was okay though not great to be honest I won't order it again next time. I know real grilled unagi in Japan but that's not comparable of course. We came here for casual brunch this time and they have other delicious Japanese menu and nice Sake - we had before for dinner many times. Dinner time gets busier and crowded as It's so popular. Service was excellent as always. We love comfortable and cozy ambiance too. Looking forward to returning to this place again. read more

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

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connie a.

Elite 26

154

140

2 years ago

My friend got the soba and I got the salmon bowl. The fish was so good, rice was slightly sweet. I'm judging by kazunori/sugar fish standards... great. We got chicken karaage too which was awesome- not too breaded, good amount of meat. Sake was delicious. Servers were nice and attentive. The place was a bit crowded on a Monday night but it wasn't hard to get a seat. It's popping in there but the music isn't too loud so you can still hear each other talk and have a conversation. Overall great experience and I'll definitely be back! read more

Soba-ya - D. Salmon Don and soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Andy N.

1 year ago

Overall nice spot to go eat we got in and were seated promptly. The food came out and we loved how they plated everything. I got the cold noodles soba with salmon sashimi which i would love to have on a hot summer day every week if i could read more

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Kristine L.

Elite 26

155

2 years ago

My bf and I came here for dinner on a Monday night without a reservation. Luckily, we were seated after waiting only 5 minutes and ordered the kamo nanban and the tempura noodles. The restaurant itself is quite cozy and is reminiscent of restaurants in Japan. The food itself was not the best. Because it was still winter, we didn't order any of the soba noodles. Instead we opted for the hot soup noodles. The kamo nanban was on the oilier side and the soup was too citrusy. Although the duck was tender and tasty, the noodles failed to meet expectations. As for the tempura noodles, my bf did like the tempura but was also not a fan of the citrusy soup. The server ended up bringing over some type of spice to give our broths some flavor and that really helped. I would come back to Sobaya later in the spring/summer to try the sobas but I was not a fan of the soup noodles! read more

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Fuang C.

Elite 26

242

634

3 years ago

I was looking forward to this place because I was craving soba for a while now and I heard they had house-made soba. It's also a place I walked by many times but never entered. We came on a Saturday with no reservations and was seated immediately. The space seemed a little tight. The tables were very close to each other and felt like some spacing could've made the area more comfortable. We both ordered the daily lunch special: a mini don plus mini hot/cold soba/udon. We got the salmon don / cold soba and ten don / cold soba lunch special. The portion size was a little small was for lunch and a little pricey at $22. Usually, we have a hard time finishing our lunches but this was just barely enough food for us. The most disappointing thing was the cold soba. It tasted... very very lackluster. Both the noodles and the dipping sauce. Nothing at all good, in fact we both felt like it tasted like supermarket frozen soba. It did not taste fresh. I don't know how salmon don tasted but my friend said that it was fresh enough? The tempura was not bad, the coating was light and crispy and the warm tempura sauce it came with was pretty good. There are two bathrooms in the front, the one on the left is bigger with a bidet and the one on the right is much smaller and a regular toilet. It was really nice to see a bidet in the bathroom. As for the service, it was fast. We ordered quickly and the food came quickly. But just as quickly... they cleared our table and gave us the bill without us asking. And this was just within 30 mins. I don't think I have even ate and left a restaurant that quickly before. It was a little awkward, like they wanted us to leave already. TDLR: Food is not really good, small portion sizes, overpriced and service was quick to give us the bill and send us on the way. Also, I hate the iPads they use to swipe your credit card with the huge screen asking for the tip and it's so awkward to even tip less if you weren't happy with their service. I wouldn't come here again. read more

Soba-ya - Lunch special - salmon don and tendon with cold soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Sherry J.

Elite 24

2 years ago

Solid soba noodle place! The vibes were so aesthetic felt like I was in Japan again. The noodles were very good, chewy, tempura was crispy and fresh. The meal took longer to come out but the place itself is super busy, usually there's a line/ wait time. But highly recommend!! read more

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Frances D.

Elite 24

1 year ago

Salmon was fresh but a bit warm. Udon was also good but not amazing. Still fine for the price, nice service, and good ambience. read more

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Pom Il S.

6 months ago

We were just passing by and saw this place and I really wanted to eat here although my kids were not hungry. It was 3 of us but since my kids were not hungry I ordered one starter and a main dish. And the waitress said 'That's it?"with an attitude and pushed us to order more. Ok, I understand so I ordered another starter which was higher price line among the small dish, still she walked off really fast without a word leaving us feeling like we should not have came in. It's not like we were taking up a space when it was so busy either. There was empty tables when we got there and half of the restaurant got empty by the time we finished too. The food was good but the attitude of the waitress was something else. As a Michelin Star rated restaurant, you should pride on the quality of service too. You might've gotten Michelin 1 star in food but you will get a star minus the 'Michelin ' in service. read more

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Sally W.

Elite 26

401

582

2 years ago

One of the best lunch specials in the city in my opinion! They have so many different ways to mix and match foods so I was able to try both a donburi and their soba. Stopped by with a couple of friends on the weekend and we were seated immediately. The service was quick and the vibe was relaxed and casual. Definitely coming back!! read more

Soba-ya - Salmon donburi & soba - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Albert K.

663

1719

32045

2 years ago

Excellent cold noodles and eel rice. The air condition is perfect also on a hot day with the cold noodles. Small venue so book ahead. read more

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Jenny S.

Elite 24

277

424

645

1 year ago

Pretty solid soba noodle and their tempura is fresh. I came on a Saturday around noon and was seated right away. I ordered their lunch special for $21. The portion is just right. I would come back again for sure. read more

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Katey G.

Elite 26

2073

885

3952

4 years ago

It had been so long since I'd had good soba and decided to come to Soba-ya for my fix. We came for lunch on a Saturday and there was no wait for 2 people at 2pm. One of the best parts about coming for lunch is their lunch special. You can get udon or soba with a rice bowl for $20. The portions are large too - definitely a great value for a delicious product. We started with an order of the shrimp shumai. These are house made and covered in noodles. We enjoyed them steamed and they were very tasty and unique. The soba was simple and wonderful. The tempura was perfectly fried - the shrimp were massive and fresh. Very very well made and fried. The side of chicken katsu on the other hand was... very bad. Partially burned, dry, flavorless - it was a little surprising. Overall, Soba-ya is one of the best places to enjoy good, fresh made soba in the city! read more

Soba-ya - House made Shumai - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

Soba-ya - Tempura cold soba set with a side of chicken katsu - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Steven F.

123

1 year ago

Oh yes! The Japanese style soba! They have selections of Soba. My favorite is Take soba with lots of green onion on top. Tororo Soba is another cool Sobe to try. read more

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Samantha D.

Elite 26

1043

2161

3 years ago

Soba is perfect for a light meal. I wasn't feeling all too hungry, so my friend and I split a hot tempura soba. The portion is generous and perfect to share between two people who might not want to eat too much. The shrimp tempura was done well. The shishito tempura was mostly mushy sans the batter. The batter was decently light and airy. However, I thought the soba was a tad overcooked, and the broth was too salty. Staff were friendly and didn't rush us. They even came by to ask for last orders. The soba was pretty average. I might come back for the lunch set because it seems like a good deal, but it wouldn't be my first choice for noodles. read more

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Bryan S.

Elite 26

132

264

1123

2 years ago

The restaurant was fairly nice and quiet. The food was not particularly outstanding, but it's 1 of those spots where if you needed a hot bowl of noodle soup, it will be ok. The chicken katsu was overcooked and chewy. The shrimp tempura was crunchy but the shrimp itself was not which was really disappointing. The soba itself was decent and I got the tempura flakes added into the soup for a little extra texture and flavor. The soup was clean tasting, but lacked some depth besides the salty flavor. I'd only go back if other restaurants in the area had too long of a wait and I wanted noodle soup. read more

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Back

Page 2 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.

More Info

Special Hours

Soba-ya Reviews in Other Languages

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Raku

This location in particular is very small…read more Niku udon - super chewy and flavorful noodles! Broth had a lot of flavor this time too! Meat had one good piece but rest was too dry and/or too fatty 4.5/5 Shrimp tempura - a bit oily but still good! Shrimp is soft and bouncy but wish it was bigger in comparison to the tempura 2.75/5

I was skeptical of this place because I didn't think the price of udon would be worth it. I was…read morewrong. The actual udon noodles themselves are incredible. They're soft but not mushy, and have a nice spring to them. They are genuinely the best udon noodles I've had. Udon and mushroom are two of my favorite things, so it was a no brainer when ordering the seasonal mushroom udon. It comes with all types of mushrooms including maitake, woodear, king oyster, local oyster, and shiitake. It also comes with tororo kombu and tofu. The both is light and flavorful, perfect for a cold night. I wish they would keep this dish permanently because I want to order it again and again. I also liked the frozen grape at the end, it was a nice ending to a good meal. The servers were helpful and the space was on the smaller side. It has minimal decor with wood furniture. The place is tightly packed and busy so just make sure to have a resy booked. Overall, I would highly recommend trying Raku.

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Entrance

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Chicken Tatsuta-Age

Izakaya MEW

There's a reason why people have willpower for the hours-long wait here on weekends. There are many…read morerestaurants with lines that I can't say are worth waiting on, but this restaurant is worth every minute and every ounce of energy left for the wait. I've taken a lot of friends here over the course of 10 years, and without fail, every one of them has walked out mindblown--and why wouldn't they?! The wait times have gotten better over the years (probably because people are waiting for the restaurant next door), but the food and drinks here are still top-notch. Staff is always great, and they all work so efficiently. I am generally a fan of izakayas, but there are very few that offer plates that are designed to be shareable, and this is one of the reasons the food here is so enjoyable in a small group setting. I am obviously biased and think they can do no wrong, but some of my staples that have stood the test of time: Kimchi cream udon, avocado tofu salad, salmon sashimi tacos, and the kani cream croquettes. I was so excited when they opened an outpost in Flushing years ago, but sadly it shuttered during COVID. It is definitely small and there is always going to be a wait, so don't be those people who come in with a huge group during prime time because they like to move (getting customers in and out) very fast.

I've been coming to Izakaya Mew for years and it's still great! The food is solid and the ambiance…read moreis that of a casual bar/izakaya. It can be a little tricky to find as it has a small door on the street level and is located down a flight of stairs on 35th. They have a variety of drinks such as frozen kirin beer and Japanese inspired cocktails. For food, they have a large variety of Japanese classics from sushi, skewers, fried dishes, and noodles/rice. My favorites here are the Omu Soba which has some tasty noodles inside and the salmon don which has some sashimi and sauce over rice!

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Dining area

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Konban

4.4

(468 reviews)

1.1 mi

konban is a modern Japanese restaurant that focuses on creative takes on classic comfort dishes,…read moreespecially katsu, noodles, and small plates. We walked into a stylish, energetic space with a menu designed around sharing, making it a good option for a casual dinner or group meal. The interior has a contemporary, lively feel with an open kitchen that adds energy to the room, and the seating is arranged to accommodate both small groups and larger parties comfortably. Instead of sticking strictly to traditional Japanese dishes, the menu mixes familiar flavors with more modern presentations, creating a dining experience that feels both approachable and exploratory. The standout item is the katsu, which is where the restaurant really shines. We ordered the pork loin and tenderloin versions and found the breading crisp while the meat stayed tender and juicy, the crust holding up well without becoming greasy. The mazemen is another highlight, with chewy noodles and a rich sauce that brought a lot of flavor without feeling too heavy, the sauce coating each strand evenly and the toppings adding layers of texture and depth. Beyond those, dishes like the butter scallops, corn ribs, and seafood options added variety and made it worth ordering multiple plates to share. The scallops were well seared with a buttery finish, and the corn ribs offered a smoky, slightly charred flavor that paired well with the richer dishes. The desserts are also a memorable part of the meal. The corn ice cream is one of the more unique items, with a sweet and savory flavor that sounds unusual but works surprisingly well, the sweetness of the corn balanced by a subtle savory note that kept it from feeling cloying. It fits the restaurant's overall approach of taking familiar ingredients and presenting them in a more unexpected way, and the creativity of the dessert menu feels consistent with the rest of the meal. Service and atmosphere add to the experience, with attentive staff and a lively dining room that feels suited for groups. The team checked in at the right moments and kept the pacing of the meal comfortable, and the open kitchen added a layer of engagement as we watched the dishes come together. Reservations can be difficult to get, especially during busy times, and the small plate format means the best experience comes from ordering several dishes rather than focusing on one entree. The variety across the menu encourages sharing, and the pacing of the meal works well for a longer, more social dinner. konban delivers a well-executed modern Japanese dining experience. While some of the more hyped dishes may not completely live up to expectations, the katsu, noodles, and seafood dishes make it a worthwhile visit. The combination of creativity, quality ingredients, and a lively atmosphere makes it a destination for exploring different flavors and dishes together rather than just ordering one signature item, offering a meal that feels both engaging and satisfying.

For a friend's birthday dinner, we went to konban, which she apparently has been visiting every…read moreyear for her birthday the past three years. The interior is minimalistic with a japanese feel through the zen garden. For drinks my friend and I had the sayonara which I enjoyed, but she thought was too strong. We ordered family style, sharing the corn ribs, zucchini, butter scallops, ebi tempura, pork katsu, mazemen, ube tiramisu , and corn ice cream amongst four people. The ube tiramisu was free since we wrote a google review for the restaurant. Everything was delicious and the zucchini was surprisingly good as well. The pork was so tender. the ebi tempura were huge, and the mazemen was thankfully not spicy. However, the scallops could've been more tender and we we were all unimpressed with the ube tiramisu. Overall, I would come back and would definitely recommend konban! Get the corn ribs, zucchini, pork katsu, and corn ice cream! My friend did notice that some menu items changed from her previous visit (instead of the zucchini they had the eggplant in the past)

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SOBOKU

4.5

(165 reviews)

3.3 mi

I've been wanting to try Soboku for a while and my expectations were met. I loved the welcoming…read moreatmosphere and Asian decor of the restaurant, I can definitely see why Soboku is considered cozy. The staff were wonderful and worked effortlessly. The Ebi Fry Katsudon was the best donburi I've ever eaten, it had a great savory flavor that almost made me want to order a second bowl! If you're ever in Carroll Gardens, give Soboku a visit.

I loooooove Japanese curry and the curry omurice definitely hit the spot. The pieces of fried…read morechicken were super juicy and crispy and the rice was not soggy The curry ramen, was too heavy for me. The flavor was good but wouldn't recommend it as your first meal of the day

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Kimura

Had a great time celebrating a coworkers birthday here at Kimura. Was a large group so got to get a…read moreton of things to try. First thing we got may have been my fav, conveniently called Addictive Cabbage it really was addictive like wow I just couldnt stop it was so good. I also looooved the meatballs the marinade was super flavorful. Other appetizer options were pretty tasty as well, the takoyaki was soft and sweet, gyoza were large, and chicken skewers were delish. Split a shabu shabu hot pot which was pretty good, all the meat and toppings were nice but I wasnt really tasting much of the broth! Loved the sauces that came with it. Also don't sleep on the yuzu hot sauce thats on the tables that stuff was fire.

Hotpot is what they're known for! I really enjoyed the collagen nabe…read more Tried their kiss of fire roll. It was nothing extraordinary. Also, tried their skewer combo (scallop, salmon and chicken/scallion). These were ok too. I would come back for the hotpot for sure

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Interior

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Raku

lovely spot for ramen, very authentic and cozy vibe! i put my name down for dinner around 7 and i…read moreonly waited about 15 minutes to be sat for a table of 2. service was kind and attentive, and the food came fast. i ordered the seasonal mushroom udon and it was full of umami flavors and had so many wonderful components. i particularly enjoyed the addition of the dried fried tofu, which was able to soak up all the delicious savory broth. the servings are quite large and the udon was perfectly chewy and succulent.

I don't visit NYC too often but when I do, Raku is the #1 spot I always make sure to come back due…read moreto its delicious udon and its soup quality that is not commonly seen in most Japanese restaurants I have been. I have been to famous spots in Japan within Kyoto and Tokyo and Raku definitely is on the top of the list in terms of service, food quality, and vibes. I have ordered to-go, DoorDash and dined in and its never been a disappointment.

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Sansai Bukkake Udon

Izakaya Fuku

So this place is small and charming, dark and well I hate to say it (cus it sounds cliche now) but…read moreit's a vibe. For real. From the decor to the music to its surroundings. She's a gem. The service was attentive yet not pushy. Knowledgeable and hospitable without being extra. Just chill and on point overall. They definitely read the room and that's my favorite kind of service. The food: Chicken curry katsu! Perfection! Carbonara udon! Delightful! Black garlic ramen! Delicious! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Honestly. And tbh, literally because of that, we're headed back today! lol. Like for real no joke haha

Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

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Tonchin

On a Sunday afternoon without a reservation, our group of four luckily got bar seating! We ordered…read morean order of the Tebaski chicken wings & classic tonkostu ramen. The tebaski chicken wings had strong soy flavor with a slight kick. Crispy yet not too heavy. The tonkotsu ramen was also delightful -- my favorite part was the thinly sliced chashu pork. It still had the fatty flavor, but the thin slices didn't make the fat too overwhelming. The staff were super attentive and quick. They quickly noticed one of our friends spilled soup on her skirt and they proactively brought a stain remover pen -- super observant!

On the hunt for the best ramen in NYC and this place was definitely top 3. It gives a classy…read moreoutlook on ramen and is more of a night out place than your comfy ramen spot. When I walked in it was pretty busy, it's not the biggest establishment so I would call in advance before going to know how long your wait might be. Once we received our ramen it was so rich in flavor that it made it hard to rate this soup but we did place it within our top 3 spots in NYC. The place overall is a great experience, it's definitely the perfect date night place if you're both ramen fans.

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Katsu-Hama

My husband and I shared: - Berkshire Pork Loin Katsu Curry…read more- Surprise Katsu Donburi Both were delicious! If I had to pick between the two, I'd probably go with the curry. I love Japanese curry and this one is done very well. It's also a ton of food. Two people could probably share one dish. We came in on Friday a bit after 7 and only had to wait a few minutes for a table. The service was quick too.

A friend and I came in after work and we got exactly what we were looking for. This place is really…read moreno frills without sacrificing quality. We each ordered the Chicken Cutlet Curry (B Set) with Cabbage Salad and Miso Soup. This dish is so flavorful without feeling heavy and is large enough to take leftovers home. I would order this again! Took out a star because the place is small and the tables were a little sticky but we will definitely be back!

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Oyster and katsu

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Agedashi Tofu

Yakitori Totto

The skewers were extremely juicy and delicious. My favorites were the galbi (beef short rib) and…read morechicken thigh. The Japanese sausage and chicken skin were also good. The eel rice bowl was also very good. Walked in on a Friday (holiday) at 5 PM with no wait, despite no slots available on Resy at the time.

Still the best in New York. Unique, flavorful chicken skin skewers among many things (see my…read morephotos), though somehow grilled chicken soft bone is a bit tasteless? Fast service. You can order a little and keep adding depending on how big or small each dish is. We came right at 5 pm when they opened. We didn't have a reservation, and after some fumbling they got us four seats at the bar (looking over grilling chefs at work). Not bad, though we were hoping for a table. Great decor and ambiance as always. Wish the grilled shrimps come with shell on, and with salt only (no sauce).

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Chicken meatball

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Adel's Famous Halal Food

oh my god. genuinely best food truck i've ever had…read more i got the lamb and chicken over rice and it was so good. definitely worth the wait and there's so much food. eating outside by the rockefeller center is nice at night.

I feel like this place is a 1 and done - but not something that you have to have... more like, if…read moreyou have FOMO and want to try the hype. I feel like this place is good, but the white sauce is what makes it. Would I wait another 50 minutes in line, again? Heck to the no - but 1 time? Yes, just to say I tried it. I came in line around 9:45pm and waited approx. 50 minutes before being served. the line just grows and grows.... it is crazy busy! I don't get the line concept here. Because while I was in a long line, when I get to the front, there's another line to the left of the truck... and people seem to be getting their food faster, and the line is like 2x shorter. So that's kind of confusing. Ambience in line and ordering = chaotic. The line is quick in terms of when it is your turn, KNOW what you want. Because you have like 5 seconds to order and that's it. I ordered the special (the spicy rice, lamb and chicken combo, extra white sauce, 3 squirts of hot sauce, and a topped with fries). $13 in total. I would like to say, advice to folks to know what you want before you come. I did not look at menu options beforehand and I did fairly little research so I honestly did not know what to order, just looked at some google reviews and pictures. That is going to help you, in case you do not want the typical lamb and chicken combo. To the food - 1st - they don't care how much hot sauce you want. they're making these bowls in the masses and are just giving you a single squirt so they can make 20 bowls all at the same time. I was hoping for more spice in what I ordered, but it was very slightly spicy. I'm not sure if they let you serve yourself to more, but I'd definitely want more of the hot sauce. 2nd - I didn't taste any spice in the spicy rice. I'm not sure if, again, due to the fast production that it all just taste like regular rice? but didn't see what the hype was there. 3rd - I genuinely think the white sauce is what brings it all together. The chicken was OK to me. I didn't think it was anything special, and would give it a 3 out of 5. texture was OK, flavor was OK... the lamb definitely stole the show. The lamb was absolutely flavorful and full of delicious spices. This reminded me of what I've had in Dubai. Very rich in flavor and just the perfect amount of spices. Overall, I think if you wait for your food to cool down like 20 minutes, you'll get to taste the flavors more. Everything hot together, for me, just didn't allow me to really absorb all the food. But the rice was your average rice. Pita was deliciously soft and pillowy which complemented the white sauce. Chicken was ok. had an OK texture; nothing life changing. lamb was fantastic, and fries were just fries (nothing memorable). For a NYC experience, a 1-time, 50 minute wait is acceptable. And, for $13, that's pretty cheap for the amount of food you get. I would eat it again if the line was 5 minutes. Otherwise, I'm positive you will find similar food/better food elsewhere.

Photos

Mix Platter

Combo (chicken and lamb) over rice and fries was well seasoned. Would recommend dranks while waiting with friends in line hehe!

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Chicken over Rice Platter and Lamb Over Rice

L’industrie Pizzeria

Came here after seeing it on a few lists and the hype is real. Tried the L'Industry slice,…read morepepperoni, and margherita. The L'Industry is genuinely one of the best pizzas I've had, maybe the best. The burrata on top is fresh and creamy and takes it to another level. Fair warning: the crust is not the typical crunchy NY slice you might expect. It's softer, more of its own thing. I didn't mind it at all, the dough itself is really good, just go in without assumptions. Plan for a wait. The line is part of the deal here. Worth every minute.

Loved this pizza! Perfect thin crust , fresh ingredients and the staff is super efficient. There…read moreseems to always be a line but it goes pretty fast Typical place where you make a line , order your pizza , grab it and go. They have a few standing tables but more than likely you won't have space to eat there. I really loved all the pizzas i tried , and they have hot honey as a side which goes perfect with L' industrie (my favorite ). I also loved that there is a bar 2 doors down that allows you to take your pizza inside, it was perfect!

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Open kitchen interior

IG: @nom.noms.only | fig jam & tartufo

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L'Industrie Slice

Mama's Too

Had several slices at Mama's TOO!, including the Angry Nonna, Cacio e Pepe, House Pie, and Upside…read moreDown pizza, and every single one was amazing! What makes their pizza special is the focaccia-style crust--super crispy on the bottom while staying incredibly soft and fluffy in the middle. The texture is just perfect and unlike most pizzas I've had before. The Angry Nonna was packed with flavor, the Cacio e Pepe was rich and cheesy, and honestly, all the slices were fantastic. Everything tasted fresh and well-made. Definitely worth the hype and absolutely worth a try if you're in New York. One of the best pizza spots we visited!

Disappointed that this pizza place got so much hype, and felt it did not live up to my…read moreexpectations. Long line out the door- which they did move QUICKLY (churning and burning)! Crowded store but a few tables and a long bar (standing room only) along the back. I ordered a slice of the "Angry Nonna" Detroit-style pizza- hot soppressata, mozzarella, Calabrian chili oil, and hot honey. The slice tasted like it lacked seasoning, and had been sitting out for awhile. ALL of the ingredients were dried out, as well as the crust. One bite and the bottom of the pizza was breaking apart into crumbs. Not impressed by this place and quickly moved onto the next.

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Golden Diner

5/27/2026 What could I say about this place that everyone…read moredoesn't know about..... absolutely nothing lol. Always recommend getting a reservation weather calling or walking to the booth. Our wait was at least an hour and a half and were texted when our table was ready. They have indoor and outdoor seating with one bathroom for all to use. We got the viral pancakes and they were everything you'd dream they be and then some for sure very filling and buttery. I got a "pick me up" and it was perfect gave me a beautiful caffeine kick to start the day I recommend for sure. Weather you come for the viral moment this feels like a solid staple in the community with bright music playing everyone kind of everywhere and just a relaxed feel that you can't wait to enjoy after you get seated. Bathroom rating 5/5 very clean for how busy the place is :)

I've been wanting to try this place out since 2021, but never got the chance. I got here on Monday…read moremorning at around 11:00 am to put my name down for a table of 2 and there was already an hour and 45 minute wait. After running a couple of errands while waiting for the table to be ready, we were seated outside at the patio after an hour and 45 minutes. We ordered the famous honey butter pancakes, the korean wings, and the breakfast sandwich with hash brown, scrambled eggs, and sausage. The honey butter pancakes were pretty good but kinda drenched in the butter that made it hard to finish. The korean wings were also alright but the batter to me was kinda thick and heavy and lacked crispiness. The best item we ordered was the breakfast sandwich with hashbrown, scrambled eggs, and sausage. I think the eggs are cooked with cheese, and as someone who typically does not eat cheese, I didn't mind it. I don't know if I'll be back again - I think the concept of an asian twist on the classic diner does sound intriguing but difficult to execute. I also wasn't a big fan of the wait time. If you typically like heavier, diner food then this spot might be the place for you!

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Inside space

Honey Butter Pancakes

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Korean Fried Chicken Wings

Szechuan Mountain House

The food was delicious and so FAST! Our waiter Frankie was so nice! Will definitely be coming back!…read moreThe vibe inside was relaxing and the seats were comfortable.

We had a lovely birthday dinner here. The Szechuan fried noodles, and the stir-fried cabbage were…read moremy favorite, but everything was so good. The mapo tofu, green beans, twice cooked pork, and spicy (lazi) chicken were very flavorful. I thought the mala levels were just right, but it may be on a bit on the lighter side compared to authentic. The lamb spine came in a delicious broth, but it was a bit hard eating the lamb from the bone for not a lot of meat. The house steamed fish was also amazing. They don't take online reservations for groups over 5, so we called to make one for our group of 6. It was pretty busy Friday night, so would recommend. The service was great; they drew the cutest card when they found out it was my brother's birthday and let us bring a cake. And they also offered hair ties to the people with long hair. You order through an iPad which has a beautiful menu.

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Swing Pork Belly - IG @bougiefoodieboi

Mapo Ma-Po Tofu 麻婆豆腐

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Mala prawn

Very Fresh Noodles

One of the main reasons I went to Chelsea Market was to try Very Fresh Noodles, which is very good…read more The line was long but moved very quickly and despite the number of orders, the wait for food was not super long. It's one of the larger stalls in the market and has some seating, but not enough, and the market seating is very limited as well. I ordered the hibiscus lemonade and the very spicy Dan Dan Mian. I loved watching the staff prepare the noodles while waiting. My bowl was huge and absolutely delicious. It was very spicy as promised, but not too spicy that it was rendered not enjoyable. I looked at other orders and everything looked delicious, leading to only semi-regret of my choice. My lemonade was very good. I'm very much looking forward to returning.

Considering this place is inside of a food hall, I wasn't sure how it would taste but I was happily…read moresurprised!! The noodles are freshly hand made and the beef was super tender. The broth was too salty for me but I just didn't drink it and it made all the other ingredients taste good. Pretty good portion for the price too. My bf got the lamb version and they didn't give him much lamb so I'd go with the beef. If you're looking for a quick tasty bite this place is it!

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Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

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These both weren't mine....but I did eat both.

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78 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Sherry B.

1 year 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.

14 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.

17 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.

16 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.

9 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.

7 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

John D.

10 years ago

The food here was delicious. My family and I had a womderful dinner . The location was very busy which caused a delay in our meal, but overall it was delicious! I would deffentily come back here again in the future! Also the prices are not bad and very fair read more

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78 Soba-ya reviews that are not currently recommended

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78 reviews that are not currently recommended

Soba-ya - japanese - Updated July 2026

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