Sobaya

A Taste of Japan in East Village

We visited Sobaya, a soba specialty restaurant tucked into the East Village, on a rainy weekend afternoon. The moment we saw the exterior, it felt like we were walking past a small alleyway restaurant in Japan. The wooden facade, the white noren (curtain) hanging by the entrance, and the gentle lighting all gave it a distinctly Japanese charm. It didn’t just look the part-it felt like a little slice of Tokyo had been dropped into Manhattan.

Right near the door, there was a small yet eye-catching plaque proudly displaying their Michelin Guide recognition for both 2023 and 2024. That immediately raised our expectations - anytime a restaurant gets consecutive nods from Michelin, it usually means they’re doing something right.

First Impressions

When we arrived, the restaurant wasn’t full yet - probably thanks to the weather. But by the time we were halfway through our meal, it had filled up completely and people were already lining up at the entrance. Inside, the space was small but thoughtfully laid out. Warm wood tones dominated the decor, and the soft lighting added to a cozy, tranquil ambiance.

We love sitting at the bar in Japanese restaurants, especially when it faces the kitchen. It always reminds us of scenes from Japanese dramas or Ghibli-style moments - the chef silently preparing meals while guests eat quietly with warm sake. This time, we got lucky and were seated right at the bar.

The Menu

As the name suggests, soba (buckwheat noodles) is the main attraction here. There are various hot and cold soba options, and we decided to try both. The menu also includes seasonal items, rice bowls, and sides like tempura and tonkatsu.

What We Ordered

Yuki Otoko Nigori Sake

We started with a bottle of Nigori sake, simply because it was on sale—originally $35, but marked down to $20. Can’t say no to that!

Nigori is a type of unfiltered sake, which gives it a milky-white appearance and a creamy, slightly gritty texture. It’s also sweeter than filtered sake, making it an excellent pairing with lighter Japanese dishes. This particular one, Yuki Otoko (meaning “snow man”), was super smooth with a subtle rice finish—refreshing and satisfying.

Zaru Soba + Tempura + Tonkatsu

I went for the Zaru Soba, the most classic cold soba dish. The soba noodles were chilled and served on a bamboo mat tray with a cold dipping sauce (tsuyu), freshly grated wasabi, and chopped scallions.

We added shrimp tempura and tonkatsu on the side. The tempura was light, crispy, and not greasy at all—truly well-executed. However, the tonkatsu was a little dry compared to other places we’ve tried. It lacked that juicy interior that makes a tonkatsu unforgettable. Not bad, but not a repeat for me.

Kitsune Soba (Hot)

My partner chose Kitsune Soba, a warm noodle soup topped with sweet marinated tofu pouches called aburaage. The broth was lighter than expected—clean, with a more salty-forward profile than sweet. That said, the dish was comforting, and the tofu’s subtle sweetness helped bring balance to the flavors.

It was also the perfect dish for a rainy day—something about warm soba noodles in a delicate broth just hits differently when it’s drizzling outside.

Salmon Rice Bowl (Seasonal)

This was a seasonal item that had just returned to the menu, and we couldn’t resist. We were expecting slices of salmon sashimi on rice, but instead, it came finely chopped and lightly dressed - similar to what you’d find in a salmon hand roll.

The rice underneath was warm and lightly vinegared, and there was a hint of yuzu kosho (a spicy citrus paste) that added a zesty kick. It wasn’t what we imagined, but it was still a delicious surprise.

Overall Experience

Every dish we ordered was prepared with care, and nothing felt overly heavy or greasy. The soba noodles in particular stood out - firm but not chewy, with a gentle nutty flavor that only good quality soba can deliver. It felt like eating home-style Japanese food with just a touch of elegance.

The restaurant itself was peaceful, with friendly staff who were attentive but never rushed us. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time and actually enjoy your food.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

If you’re someone who appreciates Japanese cuisine beyond just sushi and ramen, Sobaya is an absolute gem. The prices are on the higher side (our total with sake and sides was around $90), but the quality justifies the cost.

It’s not a trendy or flashy place - it’s subtle, quiet, and focused on doing one thing well: soba. And that’s exactly what makes it so worth visiting.

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🗓️ Location: 229 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
💰 Budget: Around $35–$45 per person
🌧️ Best Time to Visit: Rainy afternoons or early dinner hours
🍜 Must Try: Zaru Soba, Kitsune, and Nigori sake if available