Come early or try to come at a weird time! We went 30 min before they opened on a Saturday and we were the last party that made the first round of seating. The way it works is you have to make sure there's available seating before you order your food at the kiosk. After which you can sit down and wait until they call your number. You might have to share a table with people outside your party. We tried both warm soba and cold soba which were both good. The highlight of the meal was the tempura which was perfectly crunchy. Overall a good meal but I honestly wouldn't wait more than 30-40 minutes in line for this. Worth a try but I probably won't come back until some of the hype dies down and the lines get shorter! read more

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Worth a 2 hour wait? Probably not. But if you can get here early and wait an hour or less, it's absolutely worth it. Delicious noodles, broth, and tempura. In the coziest little shop with the best vibes. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

I arrived 30 minutes before opening and got sat maybe 30 min - 1 hour after but it was soooooooooo worth it. I stayed in NorCal for 2 weeks and hands down this was the best meal I had during that trip. I'd recommend this place to anyone and everyone. The chefs were also very courteous. If you go by yourself then expect to be sitting with/next to another group. read more

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Sobakatsu is a real nice addition to Japantown. It has two four seat tables and a counter that seats 3. If dining here do expect to wait in line for about an hour and share a table with strangers . It might be shorter if you arrive early but I would think you need to be there at least 30 minutes before they open to get into the first seating. The restaurant is run by two Japanese gentleman who know their way around making noodles and frying tempura. The soba is nice and springy and the tempura is crisp and not greasy. The menu items are pretty limited where your main choice is whether you want hot or cold soba and the protein. I opted for the cold with scallops and really enjoyed the dish. You order your food through a clover type touch screen system. Food comes out quick (between 5-10 minutes). Would love to come back when the lines start to become more reasonable. read more

Sobakatsu - Cold soba with scallop tempura - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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When you hear loud *SLURPING* you know you are in the RIGHT place! While some may think it's rude, in some Asian cultures, it's a compliment to the chef that you enjoy their food. Soft opening last week is Sobakatsu, a new resto specializing in Soba, Japanese buckwheat noodles. This is a Japanese owned and operated business.... a unicorn in the city. Open for indoor dining with only 8 seats (3 tables) so come solo or with another person max. Arrived 5 minutes before opening and snagged the last table so def come early. O R D E R I N G Fast-casual service with contactless ordering via iPad. Self-serve water. M E N U Limited soft opening menu with Zaru (Cold) or Kake (Hot) Soba. For proteins, you have a choice of shrimp + veggie tempura, mixed veggie kakiage, scallop + veggie kakiage, surimi, or buta kakuni (pork belly). Prices: $19.25-$21.00. Just an FYI, another reviewer mentioned receiving tamago and mochi but none of the diners received any on the day I visited. And, it's currently not available on the menu. F O O D * Tenzaru Soba: Shrimp + Veggie Tempura w/ chilled soba noodles ($19.25) // 5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/46veu2k5 and https://tinyurl.com/2ha6x5y5 A classic Japanese summer dish, the chilled, stone-ground soba noodles were served on a mat alongside freshly fried tempura, tsuyu: soy and dashi based dipping sauce, and a side of green onions and freshly grated wasabi to doctor your sauce. Tōgarashi (chili peppers) is available for spice. The noodles were smooth and supple with a satisfying grainy chew. Very refreshing when dipped into the chilled tsuyu, it was sweet and savory with a perfectly balanced tang and umami. The tempura was light with an airy crunch (not greasy). You get five shrimp, kabocha, eggplant, and a shiso leaf. S E R V I C E For lunch service, it was a one man show and food is made to order so it may take some time. Order took about 25 minutes which the kind and humble, owner-chef apologized for. This should go without saying but to be mindful of customers waiting, this is not a place to linger after eating. A M B I A N C E OG casual minimalist, compact space with an open kitchen (formerly Sushi Aoba). P A R K I N G Street/metered parking and garage parking about 4 blocks away at J-town Garage. Overall, Sobakatsu is a great addition to J-town serving legit, deliciously satisfying soba. Def come before opening time or during off-peak times to avoid a long wait and get your slurp on! read more

Sobakatsu - Tenzaru Soba: Shrimp + Veggie Tempura w/ chilled soba noodles | $19.25 - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Following the viral trend I knew I had to try this place! Like many others have said, it's a small shop that only has 11 seats. I went on a Saturday, which of course meant it would be busy. I waited 1 hour before opening which allowed me to be part of the first group to enter. Once inside there's a small kiosk where you'll place your order and seat yourself until they call your number. I tried to cold soba which was absolutely refreshing! The buckwheat noodles were cooked perfectly as it was firm and had an earthy, nutty taste. The dipping sauce was clean, simple, and incredibly light. I thought the inari and warabi mochi was a great appetizer as well! You might as well try it, especially after waiting in line for so long. Lastly I thought the tempura was just okay. It was light and crispy, but it didn't stand out to me as being different from other places I've tried. If it's not too busy I'll probably come back to try the hot soba. Otherwise, I don't think it's worth waiting over an hour for. Also note that the restaurant may close early if they run out of soba, so it's recommended to arrive early if possible. It would be disappointing to wait in line only to find they can no longer accommodate orders. read more

Sobakatsu - Ten Zara, inari sushi, warabi mochi - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is a gem - a transport to eating like in Japan. They sell out by 4-6 pm on weekdays and earlier on weekends so plan accordingly. I've had both the cold and hot sobas and have always cleaned my plate. Probably the best soba spot in the Bay Area right now. read more

What's not to love about a small, Japanese owned soba restaurant with cozy dining and delicious food? As you enter, you're greeted warmly by the staff. The interior is decorated beautifully - I recommend checking out the Billiken statue at the bar seating to rub its feet for good luck! You start with ordering on the kiosk and the food comes out quickly within a few minutes. I tried the cold soba and the noodles have a nice, tender texture as they are gluten-free as well. It pairs so well with the soy sauce-based dip and I recommend you try the Japanese 7-spice dry mix offered at the tables. The tempura had a beautiful crunch to it and also felt light and airy. The shrimp and veggies were nicely fried with a snappy texture. As we were leaving, the staff again greeted us and treated us so kindly! I would love to come here again and continue to support them. read more

Sobakatsu - Cold soba - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food: 5 Decor: 3 Service: 3 Came here for lunch after arriving 1130a on a Wednesday and being the first in line. Get here before 1145a Wed if you want to be seated in the first seating (earlier on any other day). We came here on a Saturday around 1230p and the line was already 50 minutes long (someone even said he waited 2 hours in the sun). Seating for only 11 inside. Opted to try a bit of everything: cold soba with fish pancake, hot soba with shrimp tempura, inari, and mochi. Ten Kake $19.25 Zaru Soba Surimiten $21.00 Everything was delicious - my favorite noodle spot in city. Would highly recommend and can't wait to come back. read more

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I haven't been on Yelp in a while, but I've visited Sobakatsu twice since it opened. Both times, the lines were long, with about a 30-minute to 1-hour wait due to the limited number of tables. That said, once you're seated and order, the food comes out very quickly. Food: Ten Zaru (10/10) - The portions are generous and very filling. I ordered the shrimp and vegetable tempura, and the batter was light and crispy, which I loved. The soba noodles were firm with a slight chew, and paired with the broth, everything tasted perfectly balanced. If you love soba, I 100% recommend this place. read more

I arrived at 11:30am (30min before they open) and I still had to wait 1.75hrs just to get seated for a single person. My heart was racing as I did street parking which was a 2hr limit. By the time I finished my meal my meter was up, but at least I didn't get a ticket. I gotta admit the hot soba soup was worth the hype. Their service was very quick, waited about 8 minutes to get my order filled. It's worth giving this place a shot once, but trust me I wouldn't do it again unless the wait time in line was less than 30 minutes. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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4.5/5 Food The only restaurant I know that specializes in soba! Everything is made to order and there's only two chefs. The pork belly in the hot soba is cooked to perfection, meat is tender and soft and not dry. The soba noodles are fresh and handmade, which is probably why it costs almost $20 before tax and tips. Service 4/5 The restaurant is very small and can fit about 10-15 people at once. Only two chefs serving the customer so the wait is very long. Everything is self service, which includes an order kiosk, water, napkins, and picking up/returning your food. We got a brown sugar kinako dessert on the house too! Ambiance 5/5 It definitely feels nice and cozy inside the restaurant and everyone is just focus on enjoying their soba noodles. A place for all ages! read more

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I had soba Katsu on my list since I first saw it on Instagram. I read the reviews on wait times and kept debating if it'd be best to try to go midday during the week or on the weekend and then Friday opened up for me. At first, I thought it was a good idea to show up at 11 however my plans changed so I got there around 2:30 PM. I figured there wouldn't be as many people since the lunch rush was over but I was wrong lol there were about seven groups ahead of us and we debated, leaving and coming another day before they opened but realized the line was moving so we stayed. It took us about an hour in line because there are only 11 seats available and depending on the groups ahead of you, there may be an uneven number and unless you wanna sit alone, you'll have to wait for a table for your group size. The space is very controlled so the workers will ask you to wait to order until the table is actually available that way your food will come out fresh. We ordered both hot and cold soba with shrimp and veggie tempura and an order of the mochi which came out relatively quick and Was very flavorful. I do prefer the warmth of the hot Saba, but the flavors of the cold broth. read more

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Amazing! We finally have good soba in San Francisco. Broth was light and rich, and complements the subtle taste of the noodles. I loved every bite. Menu says gluten free, but they use a fish broth for everything (not vegan/vegetarian). Prepare for about an hour wait. I arrived as a solo diner at 2:20pm on a Friday, and was seated around 3:10pm. When I left at 3:40pm there was no line outside (but still people waiting to be seated inside). Seating is very limited, and there's only one table for four people (the rest are solo or two-person setups). Expect close to zero service, as it's just two guys busy making wonderful food in the kitchen. Order your food, find a table, grab your own water and bus your own stuff/wipe down your table once you're done. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Sobakatsu is a tiny spot with only 11 seats, so be prepared to wait! We waited over 30 - 40 minutes for an early dinner on a Friday. The restaurant is run two guys, one at the soba station and the other preparing tempura and managing orders. Despite the small team and space, the operation is efficient and organized. You order and pay via a self-service tablet, and they call your number when it's ready--simple, streamlined, and smooth. We tried one cold soba and one hot, both with shrimp and vegetable tempura, plus a plum-flavored chicken tempura (a unique touch!). The soba was light, fresh, and clean-tasting--everything felt well-balanced and not greasy at all. Was it mind-blowing? Not quite--but still very solid and clearly made with care. There's definitely still a bit of hype around this place, but it's worth trying at least once, especially if you're a soba fan or curious about handmade noodles. read more

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Very Good Soba !! small place seats about 11. self service, just like soba noodle shop in Japan, one in the Train station Home. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

got here friday at about 11:30am, by 11:40 the line doubled. was in the first group of 11 people to get in. you order on an ipad and find your own seat. we got the jumbo shrimp zaru soba, citrus scented fish zaru soba, and surimiten (fish cake) side. food took 20 mins to come out. soba is springy with good bite, almost elastic when you pick it up. their tempura is phenomenal, very crisp and the shrimp and fish are just cooked. really liked both the jumbo shrimp and liked the shiso fish over the asparagus rolled fish. fish cake was good as a side but still liked the other tempuras more. will be back to try the scallop kakiage. read more

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Yes this place only has 11 seats and all self service but it's worth the wait! The soba is chewy and the seafood is great! Ordered Shrimp Kakiage- delicious! read more

Soba 5/5 Broth 5/5 Shrimp 5/5 Vegetables 5/5 Food is amazing but restaurant is SMALL. If it's peak lunchtime hours be prepared to wait like an hour. There are only 2 tables (4seats each) and one bar seating (3 stool seats) so please be mindful if you have a big party. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

We were nearby, and my boyfriend saw this place with great reviews, decided to try it, and was not disappointed! I highly recommend you go; they have a simple menu and limited seating. Everything came out quickly and tasted delicious. The worker was very welcoming as we were standing outside deciding he was encouraging us just to come in and look inside. Will definitely come back. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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GET HERE EARLY FOR LUNCH!! we arrived at noon & the line didn't look too long, but we severely underestimated the wait time. it took us nearly 2 hours to make it inside to get seated AND that included several parties in front of us leaving the line. there is extremely limited seating inside. this is definitely not a restaurant to visit with groups. as for the soba, it was great!! i ate a lot of soba when i was in japan, and the noodles, tempura, & dipping sauce from here were spot on. but i wouldn't wait 2 hours for it. i was so hungry by the time we got in that i initially thought i wanted 2 orders (ordering extra noodles separately isn't an option), but 1 order was enough to leave me full & content!! as we were leaving around 2:00pm, i noticed the line was considerably shorter than when we had arrived, so do what you want with that info! read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Technically it took me 3 tries to make it here since I can only make it on their Saturday hours, and they sold out of noodles at ~5pm. We came at 3pm and sat down after a 40 min wait. Food was delish! Not sure if I'd wait more than an hour for it though. I liked the cold soba better than the hot. Both were delicious, but the dipping sauce of the cold soba was more flavorful. Noodles were nice and chewy. Eat the tempura first when its fresh and crunchy! Clean interior, self serve hot water, cold water, and soba soup (for mixing with the cold soba sauce at the end of your meal). Relatively quiet and calm like a japanese restaurant. Order at the tablet when you get in (after you find a seat for yourself). If you get the lucky bar seat at the end, make sure to rub the feet for good luck! read more

Sobakatsu - Hot soba, duck breast (no tempura included) - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The chef noticed that my order of individual items was cheaper as an available preset when I didn't notice and lowered my receipt to the cost of the combo. Many places wouldn't catch or act on that. That alone is 5 stars. Food is a matter of preference and I often eat soba as a favorite so I think it's simply great and not too many places offer fish tempura in addition to soba. It's a clean space, but small so it's better to attempt during non peak hours if time is a factor. I've been a few times already and sure there will be more. read more

The food is amazing! The taste of Japan in this little tiny shop just at the corner of Japantown. You line up, and order thru an iPad. Then find a seat and patiently wait for your food. It's a small space with 11 seats, not a place for a party of 4 TBH. One person or two is at best. read more

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Went at 4pm on a weekday so there was a very short line but still quite a bit of a wait due to the small restaurant size. However, it's one of the best soba noodles I've ever had. I ordered the kamonanban, and while it was delicious, I did think that it could be improved with the addition of more toppings. read more

Sobakatsu - kamonanban - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've wanted to try Sobakatsu for several months, and I was excited to finally try it recently. I ordered the hot soba with veggie and scallop, as well as the spicy dipping sauce. Everything tasted delicious and fresh. Especially on a cool day, the hot soba was very comforting. I admire what the owners of this restaurant are able to accomplish: a beautiful, albeit small, space with delicious food...and a long line out the door! Seating is limited to 11, and I was fortunate to show up when there wasn't much of a line. Wishing Sobakatsu great success for many years to come! read more

Went here with a friend after seeing the line outside a few times. We came in the afternoon and ended up waiting for about 3 hours to get in and get our food. I ordered the Ten Zaru with cold soba along with some Warabi Mochi. The soba was good, but nothing special. The mochi was pretty good and the tempura was definitely a standout. There are only a few tables inside, so while people generally seemed to not take egregiously long there still isn't a ton of turnover. Overall, it definitely isn't bad food. That being said, you can definitely get as good or better lunches in SF for what they charge and that doesn't account for the massive wait. Can't say I recommend read more

Sobakatsu - Warabi Mochi - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Visited on a Wednesday around 4:30pm with a friend arrived earlier and was able to grab a table without a wait. There were a couple other guest in the small restaurant but still a few spots available. Would recommend off hour weekdays to avoid waits. Food: Ten Zaru Soba - noodles themselves had great toasty buckwheat flavor, but my order was a bit clumpy, and noodle strands were brittle and broke apart not the best texture, dipping sauce had a nice savory shoyu and bonito flavor salty but paired well with the noodles. Tempura was okay, not the most hot and crisp,slightly soggy, the scallop fritter was nice size and a fun unique tempura worth trying, the assorted fish cakes were also quite tasty and unique. Service was good, quick and prompt. Mostly self serve fast casual but friendly. Overall glad I gave this spot a try, ingredient quality seems good but wish the noodles held together a bit better. Maybe my batch was towards the end of the day. read more

Sobakatsu - Ten Zaru top with fish cake, bottom with assorted veggies and scallop fritter - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

After hearing or reading about this corner eatery, I drove by several times on my way to J Town, vowing that I'd try this place. Each time in driving by, I saw lines ranging from six to ten or more people. I drove on and ate elsewhere since they were work days. On an unusual Thursday overcast afternoon, the stars aligned as I approached coming from downtown. I didn't see anyone standing at the corner and, a SF rarity, saw a non-meter parking space a half block before the restaurant. When I reached the door, there was a gal walking out but who then stood to wait in line as there were two guys waiting to the side of the counter. About 5-8 minutes later, as diners left, the gal ahead of me walked in and I joined her as the two guys were placing their orders to take the empty seats at one of the two four-seat tables. The gal, waiting for her husband, offered to let me order and eat first since he hadn't arrived yet and I kindly accepted and appreciated it. I did a loose study of the menu, not knowing whether it was a rotating menu. I saw a specials sign (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=48&select=lWn0Wn_DRWJQNtxWTtdkOg) which added to my brainstorming for my lunch. I first looked at the posted menu (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=48&select=U11QIcp527e5SKfPt-OOZA) before typing on the order IPad. Just when I decided what to order, my eyes widened in seeing something that was not on the posted sign. Without a full description and just the price, I rolled the dice and clicked that item along with one other for my meal. There is a water station with cups to the right of the entrance so I got a cup of cold water and brought it to an open seat by the window after I ordered. Listen for the chef/owner in calling numbers for ready orders. When you hear yours, go to the expediting station where your meal will be on a tray. When I reached my seat, I started on the limited menu item, the chicken tenderloins with pickled-ume and shiso (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=UWNG1OqbRoAZjHK8aFVjfQ). Though not visually impressive, the tenderness of the meat (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=fSzCCahD41orMZ2JHilahg) and the flavors shined. I would get this again. For my meal, the non printed item was the hot scallops Kakiage and vegetables with soba (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=7IdG33bTCddkJDthdgEdUQ); the hot scallop Kakiage (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=P3J7fVH30x3sykNxQPsF8A), again not particularly pretty, the textures, the chewiness and slight crunch of the baby scallops with the chewy batter (mochi like ) with an outer crunch, and the edamame center paired well with the soba and broth. The noodles had a prominent flavor and the broth... let's talk about that broth. As mentioned in our local newspaper, the broth and the noodles are the stars. The noodles have a clean flavor and the texture is hard to describe other than as being perfect. The broth which I later learned is a fish based one had a deep umami to it, not sure whether from using kombu. The portions are perfect for a meal. Be warned, that there is no takeout here so there are likely no containers to take unfinished food home unless you bring your own. I learned this when a potential customer walked in as I was preparing to leave to ask about getting a takeout order. The atmosphere is cozy and communal with the napkins, utensils, and togarashi already provided at the tables and likely on the counter. The water station offers a choice of hot or cold water. While waiting for my food, I saw a counter diner bring back a tray with two bowls, both likely noodles. I am looking forward to coming here again to try other menu items. I hope that perfect storm comes again soon. read more

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Park on the side streets, if not available, then park at a parking structure in JapanTown. Expect to wait 45 min to an hour. There are about 3 booth seats and 8 seats (paired as 4 people for 2 tables) so expect to be intimately close to a stranger. The food is actually spectacular and authentic. They even offer broth for your soba when you are done. The price is decent, I still found myself hungry for what was given. Expect to clean after yourselves. Oh and there is a restroom. The food is really good, and there is no other soba place. It's not the best soba place I've been to, but it's the only one that's this good within the Bay Area that I've explored. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My friend discovered this place through Tiktok and suggested we come for lunch. Despite what some of the reviews say about the wait time and lines, it can be a mixed bag. We arrived at 11:15ish on a Friday and there were 5 people in line already. Given that they only have 11 seats in the restaurant, I was delighted to know we made the first round. The restaurant opened promptly at 12. A good to know, there are no table services here - you order at the POS system, pick up your food when your number is called and bus your own table. This place as the name hints only sells soba noodles and they've expertly crafted the perfect bowl. Each soba order also cones with a side of tempura that is light and crispy that complements the soba perfectly. I ordered the hot soba and it came in a light, yet richly flavorful fish broth that went so well with the al dente, chewy soba noodles. It really reminded me of eating home cooked food because of how flavorful and light everything was. I would say the price is decent, the serving is on the smaller side but you won't leave hungry. Prepare for a wait, this is a smaller restaurant that really gives Japan vibes. Parking isn't too bad, if you circle around you will eventually find a spot. read more

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Went Friday of Labor Day weekend: 11:48 26 people in line (opens at 12) 12:08 10 people go in (there's a four top, 2 two tops, 3 individual bar tops) 1:29 front of line 1:37 inside at counter Note: they ask that you wait to order until they are ready for you, which is why it's confusing when you're outside/if the line moves/you see empty seats. 1:43 ordered on a tablet and paid with a card (they don't accept cash) 1:43 sat at bar 1:48 our number was called to grab our food We both ordered cold soba, but the thing that "takes the longest" is the tempura 1:59 done eating (albeit we ate faster than necessary because of an appointment) I love this place. It's very reminiscent of waiting in line for good food in Japan. Two older Japanese men making your food and calling out your number. Eating great soba with a tasty dipping broth, perfectly fried tempura and calling it a day. It does take long if you don't show up 30-40 mins before open or probs at an off time like Tuesday at 3pm. Though I will call out that the problem isn't speed of service. It's inconsiderate people sitting at their table talking after they are done eating and not being cognizant of the 20 people in line outside (and there not being a host to tell you to gtfo). My friend and I finished eating in 10-15 mins once we got our food and two Japanese men took about the same amount of time. Whereas a group of three sitting at the four top who got in before us were still sitting and talking. read more

Sobakatsu - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Got to try the newly opened Sobakatsu and it was definitely worth the wait! My party of 2 arrived there around 11:18am on a Friday and there was already a line of 4 people in front of us. There is limited seating since it is a small shop ( 3 counter seats, 1 table for 4 and 2 tables for 2). You place your order on their tablet and then grab your receipt (which has your order number). Food Ordered: Cold Soba - Ten Zaru with veggie kakiage (10/10): the dipping broth was AMAZING to the point where I could drink it straight up. The soba noodles were also chewy and had a good bite to it. The portion size was good for one person to be filled up just enough without being too full or too hungry. Cold Soba - Ten Zaru with shrimp & veggie tempura (10/10): the tempura had a delectable crunch and was the perfect addition to the broth. Even the shrimp tails were good! It was similar to the kakiage, but easier to eat since they were smaller individual pieces. Sobawarabimochi (10/10): found on the same tab as the inarizushi and can be ordered separately from the soba. I normally like my warabimochi slightly chewier, but as this is made with the same flour as the soba (I believe), the texture and bite was different. It was still incredibly delicious as they gave plenty kinako powder on top! There is a slight pressure to eat faster as other people are waiting for your seats (so they have somewhere to sit once they order), but I definitely look forward to going back and trying their other items as well! read more

Sobakatsu - Ten zaru with veggie kakiage and ten zaru with shrimp veggie tempura (back) and sobawarabimochi - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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On this sunny Saturday afternoon with the wind blowing cold wind.. We waited in line since 12pm we finally got our feet in the door at 2pm to just find out we still need to wait some more.. there a note by the register saying "Please secure a seat before placing your order" ONLY 11 people can fit in this tiny little place.. while everyone blocks the door way. The Ambiance is a nice a cozy place.. if your claustrophobic this place is not for you.. you will need to share table with strangers guarantee if you have more then two people in your group..the Soba noodles depending on what you get hot or cold.. has different taste to them. The noodles were very yummy and it ONLY took us 15 min to eat.."Till next time my food lover till next time" read more

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Such a cute little corner near Japantown. The menu is simple and the man at the register was so welcoming. You get your own water and order at the register first. This is great for SF, especially if you are looking for more casual meal and don't want to pay high % of tips. I thought the tempura across the cold and hot dishes were just delicious. Probably some of the best tempura I've had whether it was the fishcakes or scallops. I like the cold noodles better for the texture of the soba, however I felt that the flavor on both the hot and cold noodles were all right could be a little bit more flavorful, but I also have a salty pallet that most. The prices are pretty average for SF. The food came out decently fast. I would go if I was craving some noodles. read more

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This tiny noodle shop tucked away in San Francisco's Japantown has people lining up for hours. Sobakatsu is the first and only restaurant in SF dedicated to fresh handmade soba noodles. They specialize in cold and hot soba, but the cold version is the way to go. The chilled buckwheat noodles are perfectly chewy, served with a gluten free soy dipping sauce and your choice of tempura or kakiage. I went with the vegetable kakiage and it complimented the soba incredibly. I also tried the inari which are plump fried tofu skin pouches stuffed with sushi rice, and the soft Warabi mochi for dessert. There are only 11 seats and they don't take reservations, so I highly recommend lining up before they open. It's so worth it though and I cannot wait to come back here read more

Food is good, owners are very professional, but the wait makes it not worth it imo. The restaurant is quite small, only can accommodate 11 seats. The rule is you have to secure a seat before ordering from the kiosk. So whether you get seated immediately or you have to wait for hours is completely up to your luck. We arrived around 2:30 on a Friday when there was no line. But everyone before us was seated all around the same time. So the two of us ended up waiting for 1.5 hours before being able to enjoy the soba. While a girl who showed up by herself 20 minutes after us only had to wait for 5 minutes. She actually finished eating before we started our meals. Not the owners fault but that's just the quirk of this type of restaurants. This is definitely a unique dining experience. I honestly couldn't tell the difference between their soba and the soba I bought at Nijiya. Maybe my pallet is not sophisticated enough. read more

Super clean tasty meal. Service is fast once you are able to be seated; however, the wait outside beforehand can take around an hr or more if going during busy hours. Otherwise I think 3:30-4pm may be a sweet spot to go as I noticed less of a line then. Be aware though, they close once they sell out. Overall the katsu is super crispy and the soba hot soup was super refreshing. Loved the umami taste to the soup. Would definitely go again if the line isn't too long. read more

Sobakatsu - Hot soba with shrimp tempura - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love soba noodles so much. So for San Francisco to finally have a place that locally specializes in soba made me want to come here. The lines here are long, and the place is very small, so you will definitely have to come early if you don't want to wait for a while. I tried this place during Japantown's Cherry Blossom festival, and unfortunately they didn't have their standard menu items that I wanted to try. But instead they only had two items which were their Warabi Mochi and their Special Cold BK (bukake) soba. The warabi mochi was soft and delicate with a nice added sweetness from their syrup. The soba noodles were delicious. I honestly could have had another bowl of that. The noodles were cooked to perfection. It had such a nice chewy texture and it was so refreshing to slurp up to eat. On top of that, they had shrimp, scallops, veggie kakiage, green veggie tempura, kamaboko, and shiitake surimitempura added in the bowl as well. After eating that bowl, I immediately felt drawn back to Japan and how reminiscent it made me feel. The tempura was light, the veggie kakiage was crispy and tasty, and I loved the shiitake surimitempura addition. It's like this fishcake with a mushroom tempura but it was a unique touch to add to the bowl. This wasn't the experience that I personally wanted but I was still happy I got to try their new selection for this season. Loved the food, the service from the workers, as well as the theme of the restaurant. It's small but it's worth it. read more

Sobakatsu - Warabi Mochi - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The tempura is the highlight of the soba set. I went during the weekday and it was still around an hour wait so plan ahead if you want to go here. I'm glad I was able to try it once but don't feel the need to go again. read more