04/01/08

Note-perfect Japanese comfort fare, in a sweetly simple East Village nook.

by Justin Hartung

The Scene
Just when you think you know East Village restaurants like a frat boy knows the rules for beer pong, along comes an under-the-radar gem that reawakens your neighborhood crush. The small space opts for comfort over flash, designed with various shades of wood, and the tiny bar is perfect for chatting up the sweet staff. The best seats, however, are across from the glassed-in booth, where the soba-maker works his magic.

The Food
The Japanese comfort fare tiptoes perfectly between earthiness and elan, peaking with the just-made buckwheat soba in myriad combinations. A richly complex broth anchors noodle soup served with crisp jumbo shrimp tempura, while cold soba cushions supple ground duck and tender eggplant spears. Commanding supporting acts include soba "gnocchi"--lightly fried balls toting ground chicken--buttery, miso-marinated sea bass, and for dessert, dense sesame pudding that's rich but not too sweet.

Hits: The care and quality put into the dishes is equal to restaurants that are twice as expensive.

Misses: What is it with corny jazz at otherwise wonderful Japanese restaurants?

05/15/07

Great Hidden Gem

by NY_Insider

We've been to this place many times and have not been dissappointed yet. The freshly made soba has great taste and texture and the broth is flavorful. I always go for the Ten Zaru Soba and the shrimp tempura is light and tasty. The variety of other cooked dishes is good and they are above average but you should really be going there for the soba. The staff is attentive and the service is good. Portions are a little tiny and may not be enough for big eaters but you can always order an additional serving of soba with your dinner.

• Pros: fresh soba, tasty
• Cons: small servings

09/30/06

Felt like being in Japan

by mtcc

Excellent tasting food, great service, very attentive and pleasant.

Didn't make it there to watch the making of he soba noodles, but it didn't take away from our experience.

The place is small, so seating may be tough at times.

• Pros: Authentic feel and taste.
• Cons: None

08/23/06

Great Soba Great Service

by craig_dobie

I can't decide if I like the authentic Soba or the authentic understated service better. This is what the real Japan is like - food and guests are treated equally well. After going just a couple of times the staff subtly acknowledged their appreciation. It is low-key even when most of the tables are full. I haven't been back to Sobaya since a friend recommended this place.

07/08/05

great casual japanese

by marigold77

the prices don't necessarily scream casual, but this is a great place to get fantastic gourmet soba in a relaxed dining environment. the broths are amazing, the prawns just right, the sake selection excellent.

• Pros: quick service, authentic soba cuisin

07/01/05

User review by trickle

by trickle

IT WAS THE BEST SOBA I HAVE EVER EATEN IN NYC!!