My first visit to this place was after a trip to Asia -- great, fresh tasting food in Taiwan/Hong Kong left me very wary of state-side Asian restaurants since. Soba-ya proved to be a delightful surprise.I also have some friends who are finicky eaters. This place has always pleased. After one visit, they keep going back, introducing others too.A cozy, homey type of place. The staff are always friendly and helpful. As you are seated, you will be greeted warmly and served with hot (finger burning) cups of richly, brewed green tea. Restaurant specializes in hand-made cold/hot noodles. Though they do offer a nice selection of healthy rice entrees and appetizers too. Loved the presentation: simple yet elegant serving bowls and spoons. If you can find the time, drop by for lunch, where they serve special lunchboxes (changes daily). On one particular visit, we were each served with a tray filled with:- a megabowl of soba: 3 different types of intensely flavored mushrooms, veggies, rich broth. And my, how good their soups are!- 2 plates of condiments: seaweed strips, marinated sweet potatoes and cucumbers- plus a generous bowl of marinated mackeral over rice.Of course, save room for dessert! They have a decent menu, specializing in:- home-made japanese ice cream (including honey wasabi)- sobaya ammimi: almond tofu served with tiny tapioca, fresh kiwis, oranges, persimmons and a tiny scoup of vanilla ice cream- pumpkin mousse- milk tofu- warm coconut and red bean soup with buckwheat rice cakes If lunch is not an option, dinner is excellent too. Personal recommendations: abalone appetizer and udon with duck breast. Be warned, the place is always crowded but usually the wait is not long.One can be sure to leave the place satisfied and content with liquid filled, sloshing bellies.
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