Soba Ichi

뚜래블러

A genuine Japanese soba place in Oakland, a bit away from downtown. It may seem odd to come here for soba, but it's a local hotspot and too good to pass up. Arrived about an hour after opening and there was already a long line outside. This incredible place only operates Thursday through Sunday evenings. The restaurant, slightly resembling a temporary building, is made of Japanese wood. There are a few seats inside near the kitchen and several tables outside. An outdoor table seems essential to fully experience this place, which feels both shabby yet strangely free and hip. The main offerings are soba, with various cold soba and hot soba options available. Aside from soba, there are appetizers and desserts. Ordered Tenseiro soba, Yamagata Daishi soba as summer menus; Tamagoyaki, herring stew, pork belly chashu, and tuna dishes as appetizers. The sweet and chewy taste of Tamagoyaki, the non-fishy, perfectly seasoned herring stew were all outstanding. The soba noodles, claiming to contain about 80% buckwheat, have a pleasantly firm and chewy texture. The accompanying tempura featured fresh ingredients and a clean taste. However, considering the price, it might feel a bit expensive. Ah! The plum wine served alongside was exceptional. Ended with caramel vanilla pudding, which was satisfying. Missed trying the highly recommended mochi.