Popular Soba restaurant in Tokyo

Soba, or buckwheat noodles, is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and Tokyo is home to many fantastic soba restaurants, from historic institutions to modern favorites.
Here are a few excellent recommendations for foreign tourists.

1. Kanda Matsuya (神田まつや)

This is one of Tokyo's most famous and oldest soba restaurants, established in 1884. Dining here is a step back in time, offering a taste of old Tokyo and a deeply traditional soba experience.

• Why it's great: The restaurant is a beautifully preserved wooden building from the early Showa period, and the atmosphere is authentic and classic. They are known for their handmade soba, which has a wonderful texture and aroma.

• Must-try: The classic Zaru Soba (ざるそば), cold soba noodles served with a dipping sauce, is a perfect way to appreciate their noodles. They also have excellent hot soba dishes.

• Location: Kanda, Chiyoda Ward. It's a short walk from either Tokyo metro Shinjuku-line Ogawamachi station, Tokyo metro Marunouchi line Awajicho station, or Tokyo metro Chiyoda line Shin-ochanomizu Station.

2. Honmura An (本むら庵)

Located in the upscale Roppongi district, Honmura An is a sophisticated soba restaurant with a calm, refined atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those looking for a high-quality meal in a modern setting.

• Why it's great: They serve beautiful, delicate soba made with meticulously selected buckwheat flour. The restaurant's design is elegant and serene, offering a quiet escape from the bustling city. They also have an excellent selection of Japanese sake.

• Must-try: Their soba is fantastic both hot and cold. The Tenzaru Soba (天ざるそば), which pairs cold soba with a serving of crispy tempura, is a popular and delicious choice.

• Location: Roppongi. It is conveniently located near the Roppongi and Roppongi-itchome subway stations.

• Website : https://honmura-an.co.jp/info/english/

3. Tamawarai (玉笑)

                                                       
For a very popular and authentic experience, Tamawarai is a top-tier soba restaurant that is often ranked as one of the best in Tokyo. It's located in the trendy and traditional area of Harajuku.

• Why it's great: This is a place for soba connoisseurs. They serve hand-cut soba with incredible flavor and a firm texture. The simple, elegant setting focuses entirely on the quality of the food. It's a small, intimate place, so be prepared to wait in line.

• Must-try: The Seiro Soba (せいろそば), which is just the plain soba noodles served cold, is the best way to taste the purity of their buckwheat.

• Location: Harajuku, Shibuya Ward. It's a short walk from Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo metro Chiyoda line and Fukutoshin line).

Enjoy your soba!