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Welcome to Soba Ichi

"Soba Ichi" in Oakland, CA, is a hidden gem specializing in authentic Japanese soba noodles. With a diverse menu offering unique flavors, such as Kamo Miso Aburi and Duck Breast Soba, the restaurant has garnered a loyal following for its elevated dishes and impeccable texture of noodles. The outdoor seating area adds to the charming ambiance, perfect for a casual meal with friends. While the wait time can be long, the quality of the food, like the shrimp tempura and Monterey Squid salad, makes it worth it. With a focus on traditional Japanese cooking techniques and fresh ingredients, "Soba Ichi" promises a memorable dining experience.

LOCATIONS
  • Soba Ichi
    2311A Magnolia St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
    2311A Magnolia St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States Hotline: +1 510-465-1969

Soba Ichi is a hidden gem nestled in Oakland, CA, offering an authentic experience with its traditional Japanese soba noodles. The restaurant exudes a trendy yet intimate ambiance, perfect for a casual outing with friends or a cozy dinner date.

Customers rave about the perfectly chewy noodles, flavorful broths, and delicious appetizers at Soba Ichi. The matcha salt adds a unique touch to the dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

With options for both hot soup and cold dip soba, Soba Ichi caters to diverse tastes and preferences. The Ebi Ten Soba and Ebi Ten Seiro dishes are particularly praised for their flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles.

The menu also features innovative dishes like the seasonal key lime cold soba, offering a refreshing twist on traditional soba flavors. Customers appreciate the attention to detail and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish.

While the prices at Soba Ichi may be on the higher end, the quality of the food and the inviting atmosphere make it a worthwhile dining experience. Whether you're a soba enthusiast or looking to try something new, Soba Ichi is a destination worth exploring.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Soba Ichi
Yesha G.
Yesha G.

Came around 730pm and happened to be the cutoff. Wait was about 30mins on a Sunday night. Worth the wait! Our appetizers were so delectable. The Kamo Miso Aburi has such a unique taste, the small crunches in its texture made it so fun to eat. The freshness of the salad was one I've never had. The sweetness of the tomato with the fresh taste of squid was so exquisite. Every bite with shungiku gave it the perfect balance. I enjoyed the Ebi Ten Seiro, the flavor of the dipping sauce was perfect. The soba was devoured instantly. The Kamo Nanan Soba was so rich and creamy. The duck itself was so tender and soft. This warm meal was so comforting. The ambience is pretty romantic. We enjoyed the chill air outside with warm lighting. It felt very intimate and cozy.

Jason T.
Jason T.

This is the first time I have ever had Soba Noodles (Not including Yakisoba) and I have never felt healthy after eating noodles. The best way I could explain Soba noodles is that it tastes/feels grainy when taking a bite. The Tori Soba was great (seasonal item) - Large mushroom with chicken. The wife and friends got the Kamo Soba - Duck. Both were wonderful and perfect for the cold night of the Bay Area. For dessert, we had the Soba Cha Gelato. The taste is quite similar to black sesame ice cream in my opinion. Nicely decorated inside and out. Parking could be very tough, lines can get long, and if you have a party of 5+, you may have to wait quite a bit as each table usually only seats about 4, maybe 5.

Veronica L.
Veronica L.

Best soba noodles in the Bay in my humble opinion. Been going faithfully since they opened. It was one of my last meals before giving birth to my daughter who is now 5. The noodles are the perfect texture, al dente, and the dipping sauce is perfect. You can ask for the noodle cooking water after you are done and drink it to finish your meal. The shrimp tempura is the best I've had. The matcha salt is delicious and the shrimp are so fresh and perfectly fried. We always enjoy the house made tofu, tamagoyaki egg omelet, cucumber with miso dip, and seasonal salads (this time it was with early girl tomatoes and Monterey Bay Squid). There are no reservations and there is frequently a line but the authentic food is worth it in my opinion. The service is good and everyone I've come across there is kind, especially Chihui who I've known since the beginning of going there. The outdoor seating is refreshing and my kids love the outdoor fountain. The indoor dining is available again post COVID and is nice for intimate parties and dates. Check it out if you miss Japan or like Japanese noodles and food!

Joanne S.
Joanne S.

Food: Best soba place I've found outside of Japan! The noodles were perfectly chewy. Definitely try the appetizers - the matcha salt that came with many of the items was such a fun touch! Ambiance: Outdoor seating area is super cute, lots of of little lights and perfect for a fun dinner out with friends. Service: Quick and friendly.

Megan L.
Megan L.

I really liked everything we tried at Soba Ichi! We shared the Monterey Squid salad and the duck breast soba. Both were delicious and comforting, but not something I would go out of my way for. I would definitely come back if I'm ever in the area since the food is solid and the ambiance is great!

Ashley I.
Ashley I.

I realized once I started eating that I've prepared the duck breast soba at home within the last year. I thought I made a very tasty meal and then I had this one and was like what was that trash I cooked? This one was flawless. I could instantly tell the noodles were house-made and they didn't take any shortcuts on the broth. It was pricey but I would definitely go back. I'm not sure if you're able to order extra noddles but if you're hungry, I would do that. Parking wasn't terrible but I also went on a weekday for an early dinner.

Maddie W.
Maddie W.

This is tucked away in a very non assuming location across from a cute apartment complex! My partner and I got there a little before 5pm and thought the entrance was on the other side since there's a gate The food was super yummy but a little pricey. * (5/5): nectarine & duck salad Super refreshing, sweet nectarines, and the perfect flavor combination! Would definitely order again. * (4/5): cold soba with shrimp and shishito pepper tempura noodles were chewy and super different from past soba I've had! Broth was savory, refreshing, and tempura were crispy without feeling too greasy. * (3/5 for me but partner liked this a lot): seasonal key lime cold soba ‍ The broth changes flavor over time, with more bitterness from the rinds near the end! You order first and then sit down. Servers were attentive and friendly! I'd come back to try the hot soba and their corn tempura

Amelia H.
Amelia H.

A hidden gem that's tucked away on the sidewalk! You start by lining up to place your order, then decide between sitting indoors or enjoying the fresh air outside. One of the things I really love about this place is their seasonal menu--it always gives me a chance to try something new! For lunch, I went with the Ebi Ten Soba (hot soup), and my boyfriend opted for the Ebi Ten Seiro (cold dip). Both dishes were fantastic in their own ways. The hot soup was incredibly flavorful, with just the right amount of saltiness, light broth, and a hint of yuzu. The cold soba noodles were perfectly cooked, with a firm and chewy bite that reminded me of their handmade freshness! I also love their green tea salt to dip with tempura as it's something more unique than what you typically get at other restaurants.

Doreen C.
Doreen C.

Came here for dinner with a group of 5 for dinner on a Saturday - the wait to order wasn't that long, but the wait for food must have been almost an hour. So taking off a star because of that because an hour is just too long for soba :') Otherwise the food itself was really good - soba was chewy and cooked just the right amount. Definitely order the corn fritters! So good. Anyways, not sure if I'd come back again just cause the wait is soooo long but would try at least once

Cyn C.
Cyn C.

This place reminds me why Oakland is so charming. It looks like a warehouse from the outside, but once you enter, you're greeted by a spacious, open dining area with a window where they take your order. Be sure to know what you want to order ahead of time--I couldn't find a menu, so we had to use our phones. We tried the cucumber and meatball appetizers. I wouldn't recommend the cucumber--it's just sliced cucumber with a spoonful of miso, which is easy to make at home. However, the meatball is a must-try; they serve it with a raw egg for dipping. The soba is simple and refreshing, and the tempura is lightly battered and delicious. They also have natural wines if you're into that!