East Village Soba #1 -Soba-ya

I know my soba series is out of order, but in my mind there is no doubt, Soba-ya is hands down the best soba restaurant in the area and deserves to be number one. Located on 9th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, this casual, traditionally decorated Japanese restaurant always has a crowd. Both for lunch on the weekends and for dinner all week long, a sizeable crowd of Japanese families and twenty-somethings will be waiting. Don't be daunted though, as the hostess usually overestimates the wait time (she'll say 30-40 mins, but it will really be 15) and they'll give you a call when your table is ready.

The soba is hand made in the front the restaurant, and on many weekends you'll see the chefs pounding and stretching the buckwheat into noodles. I prefer to go to the restaurant for lunch on the weekends to get the lunch box sets. You'll get a serving of soba (either hot or cold), various appetizers, and an entree portion of a don buri (meat, fish or vegetables over rice). The don buri's and sides change, but include salmon sashimi, oyako, tempura, and my favorite combination- unagi. You won't be disappointed with the combination of cold soba and warm unagi over rice.

What makes it good:
- The soba lunch sets always leave you satisfied
- Good food, nice casual atmosphere, quick service
- The variety of dishes you can order with the soba are more appealing than Soba-koh

Know before you go:
- Soba by itself can leave you hungry. Go for the lunch sets.
- There is usually a wait, but it goes quick.
- If its just two people, sit at the bar - it'll be more spacious.
- The sets are not available for dinner so you'll have to order a la carte. You can order a serving of soba and small don buri separately.

Recommended dishes:
- Soba cha cold tea
- Cold soba and unagi lunch set

Soba-ya 229 East 9th Street (bet 2nd and 3rd Ave.) 212-533-6966