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Soba and Udon

Choosing between the earthy bite of soba and the thick, comforting chew of udon is a dilemma that only a dedicated noodle shop can solve.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Unassuming exterior leads to a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere with calm, relaxed energy inside. Space offers both bar and table seating with fresh, high-quality sushi prepared by skilled chefs. Music plays softly, supporting quiet conversation and a welcoming vibe.

Savory, addicting broth defines the Duck Nanban Soba, paired with tender duck that finishes fast. Cold soba also features, served alongside tempura and curry for variety.

Homemade cold dipping udon stands out with its thin Inaniwa noodles that feel refreshing. Hot udon servings come in generous portions, making it easy to enjoy more later.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and truly authentic."

"This Soba is so authentic and delicious, it tastes like homemade Japanese food."

"I loved their cold dipping udon; it was so refreshing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.

2

Lunch specials offer great value and are a must-try.

3

Weekly specials feature traditional Japanese dishes.

02
Ichimiann image 1
Authentic Japanese restaurant

Authentic Japanese soba restaurant offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with handmade noodles and ample seating across two rooms. The vibe is low-key and relaxing, attracting mostly Japanese-speaking patrons seeking an authentic dining experience.

Handmade soba noodles offer an amazing texture and a taste far beyond store-bought versions. Popular dishes include the Banbanji with sesame soup and the mentai oroshi soba with a flavorful broth.

Unique udon dishes stand out with thick, flavorful sukiyaki udon and hot, savory broth options. The menu includes tempura don and niku udon, offering authentic Japanese noodle experiences.

People are saying

"I found the soba here to be amazing and incredible."

"I loved the tempura's light, crispy texture."

"I found the udon here to be amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours; arrive early.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider public transport or carpooling.

3

Credit card payments incur a fee; cash is cheaper.

03
Mills Alley image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen and clean, modern decor create a spacious, inviting atmosphere with well-spaced seating and cushioned chairs. Conversation flows easily thanks to good acoustics despite hard surfaces. Extensive sake selection and fresh, flavorful sushi and skewers complement the artistic Japanese cuisine vibe.

Seafood soba stands out with rich flavors. The menu includes ramen and mini poke soba dishes and offers a Zaru Soba set for a cold soba option.

Mentaiko cream udon offers a rich, unexpected flavor while the mini udon kaizen features an exquisite sesame oil infusion. Ordering a side of udon noodles requires clear specification, as servers emphasize saying 'udon noodle' to avoid confusion.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, balanced, and deeply umami."

"The mentaiko cream udon was an unexpected, delightful surprise."

"The seafood soba was out of this world delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations for the omakase experience are recommended at least one week in advance.

2

Expect a short wait time during weekday dinners.

3

The sushi is priced at $7.00 per piece, which is higher than average.

04
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Small, intimate space with cozy Japanese bar vibes and tight seating creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. The place draws a busy crowd often requiring a wait-list, reflecting its popularity. Known for authentic handmade udon and soba, it offers a genuine taste of Japanese hometown flavors.

Handmade soba noodles come freshly cut by hand and cooked to a chewy, bouncy texture. Cold soba dishes feature an ice-cold, savory sauce and pair well with sides like tempura for added texture.

Fresh udon noodles have a perfect texture that pairs well with the broth. The chicken tempura curry udon features a flavorful broth that is not too thick or salty, and the shabu shabu udon comes seasoned with ponzu for the meat.

People are saying

"The udon here is delicious and bouncy, just like in Japan."

"The soba noodles here are house-made and chewy."

"The fried chicken is so crunchy, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

This dish is only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is limited to 10 servings each day during dinner.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant operates on a wait list only, so arrive early to secure a spot.

05
Kotohira Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with wooden stalls and booths creates a cozy, old-school Japanese home kitchen vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, offering a warm, inviting setting that feels authentic and calming. Regulars enjoy large portions and reasonable prices alongside a pleasant music system.

Soba comes with a notably good dipping sauce and shows nice presentation. Options include zaru soba for something light and set menus that let you swap in soba or other noodles.

Broth stands out as simple yet super flavorful across various udon dishes like tanaki and chashu. Options include shoyu udon, spicy udon noodles, curry udon, and tempura sides, all delivering solid taste.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh sushi."

"I found the udon soup here to be amazing and delicious."

"I was surprised by how delicious the soba dishes were."

Good to know

1

The menu offers an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, and izakaya-style dishes.

2

Parking can be busy depending on the time, so arrive early or be prepared to walk.

3

The restaurant offers Japanese set menus with options to substitute udon, soba, or seimen.

06
Yabu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese restaurant with intimate seating and a charming back patio featuring garden-style cover. Atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting with soft lighting, suitable for family meals. Offers fresh, high-quality sushi and soba, with an open chef's prep area where diners can chat during food preparation.

Hand-made soba noodles show amazing mouthfeel and bite with fresh preparation. The sancai cold soba features a refreshing mix of mountain vegetables and broth served separately.

Noodles have a delightful texture and the broth is rich and flavorful. A large variety of soba and udon dishes show exceptional care in preparation.

People are saying

"I found the soba to have amazing mouthfeel and bite."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and expertly sliced."

"The Udon here has such a cozy atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Yabu offers a 10% discount for paying cash.

2

Limited parking is available, especially during peak hours.

3

The lunch special costs $25 and offers good value.

07
Han Nam Udon & Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, unpretentious sushi spot offers comforting Korean-Japanese dishes with well-balanced rolls and rich udon broth. Atmosphere stays calm and family-friendly, focusing on honest flavors rather than trendy decor. Portions come generous and affordable, attracting those who prefer simple, satisfying meals over fancy plating.

Cold soba noodles come out refreshing and pair well with crispy shrimp tempura. The soba offers a quick meal option alongside udon.

Rich, clean broth makes the udon soothing and satisfying. The noodles have a bouncy texture and pair well with fried items like shrimp tempura. The udon stands out as the star dish and a reliable comfort choice.

People are saying

"The udon here has a rich, clean broth that's so soothing."

"The udon noodles are perfectly chewy and satisfying."

"I found the cold soba noodles refreshing on a hot day."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in nearby lots, making access easier.

2

Prices are reasonable, with good value for the portions served.

3

Reservations are not required, but expect busy times during weekends.

08
Kobe Gyukatsu image 1
Restaurant

Small interior with cozy ambiance and candle grills at each table creates a casual dining experience. Background music is limited, contributing to a chill but unremarkable vibe. Tablets at tables enable quick ordering without waitstaff, supporting a relaxed pace.

Buckwheat soba noodles come with small sides of kimchi and edamame. The noodles have a creamy curry udon style and pair with dishes like beef gyukatsu and Haneshita Cutlet.

Thick and chewy udon noodles soak up the sauce well. The creamy curry udon has a rich texture with a strong but balanced curry flavor.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu, is crispy and delicious."

"The gyukatsu here is a comforting meal with great sauces."

"The buckwheat soba here was really good."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough; street parking is available if the lot is full.

2

Each table has a tablet for ordering, allowing for quick service.

3

The restaurant adds a 20% tip to the bill for groups larger than 4.

09
Ducks Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with homey vibes and rubber duck decorations creates a cozy, casual atmosphere. Friendly, family-run spot attracts locals and singles alike. Known for crispy tonkatsu and authentic Japanese comfort food.

Cold soba noodles come with a perfectly seasoned sauce dip and have a refreshing texture. The dish pairs well with tempura and katsu don, making it a tasty choice.

Chicken curry with udon and tempura offers a classic home style taste. Cold soba and udon come with a special sauce that enhances their flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine."

"The service here is amazing and extremely friendly."

"The cold soba noodles were great and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait on Sunday evenings due to popularity.

2

There is plenty of free parking available nearby.

3

Street parking is an option if the lot is full.

10
Pocha Eats image 1
Restaurant

Small Korean restaurant offers generous portions of comfort food with a modern street food twist. Atmosphere feels cozy and energetic, enhanced by a playlist of K-pop songs. Located in a run-down strip mall, it serves as a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe.

Cold soba dishes stand out here, especially the Royal Soba with Perilla Seed which offers a refreshing and unique flavor. The soba pairs well with other items like tteokbokki for a varied meal.

Bulgogi yaki udon comes loaded with meat and offers a surprising meal. The noodles have a notable texture that appeals even to those who usually avoid udon.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the bossam, is so juicy and tender."

"I loved the tteokbokki and the soba."

"The bulgogi udon was filled with so much meat."

Good to know

1

Parking is very easy and available nearby.

2

The portion sizes are generous, perfect for sharing.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

11
Inaba Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Six-seat space offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with a casual vibe and bustling energy. Japanese cuisine focuses on sushi, soba, and tempura with meticulous presentation and authentic flavors. Cramped, noisy setting suits small groups and regulars rather than families or tourists.

House-made soba noodles stand out with their chewy texture and fresh buckwheat flavor. Serving cold or with tempura, the soba pairs well with a quality kaeshi broth that enhances the taste.

Chewy, cold udon noodles come with tempura that recalls Tokyo flavors. The menu focuses on set meals featuring udon and soba, with options like tempura udon served alongside inari sushi.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is stupidly good."

"The udon noodles here have a wonderfully chewy texture."

"I thought the cold soba here was really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

The Chef's Choice menu costs $70 and includes multiple dishes.

3

Expect a long wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

12
Fukagawa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with dark wood and lanterns creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Japanese decorations and a wall of foliage with neon lights add authentic charm. Music plays upbeat but can be loud, and outdoor dining welcomes dogs.

Cold and hot soba options come with combos that include salad, handroll, and rice. The tempura soba tastes fresh and authentic, similar to Tokyo-style, and the menu offers a solid variety of Japanese set meals featuring soba noodles.

Super delicious udon noodles come in classic styles including Nabeyaki udon. Vegetarian options stand out alongside dinner combos.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with the dinner spots."

"This authentic Japanese spot makes you feel like you're back in Osaka."

"The katsu jyuu combo was so tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 9 pm, with great deals.

2

Parking is easy as the restaurant shares a large lot with other businesses.

3

Cash is needed for some transactions, especially with street vendors nearby.

13
Izakaya Akatsuki image 1
Japanese restaurant

Roomy interior with Japanese floor seating and private rooms creates a cozy, homey vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and inviting, with curtained booths adding privacy. Busy and lively, it draws those seeking authentic udon and a traditional izakaya experience.

Hand-made and hand-cut noodles stand out with chewy texture and a refreshing flavor. The yuzu soba offers a unique citrus twist, while the zaru soba features a balanced dipping broth that is not too strong.

Thick, fresh homemade udon noodles carry sauce well and come in flavorful varieties like curry katsu and spicy kimchi. Nabeyaki Udon features a hearty broth with chewy noodles served hot in an iron pot.

People are saying

"The udon noodles at this Lunch Spot are amazing with thick noodles carrying sauce."

"The Mentai Cream Hot Pot Udon was so delicious."

"I found the soba here to be the best outside of Japan."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

2

Parking is easy even on weekends.

3

Get there early on weekends to avoid long waits.

14
MORI Izakaya image 1
Modern izakaya restaurant

Modern izakaya restaurant offers a spacious layout with traditional Japanese decor and warm lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere. Japanese music plays throughout, enhancing the immersive vibe. The place suits gatherings with friends and features private rooms for celebrations.

Cold soba noodles come in large bowls and taste fresh. The menu pairs soba with yakitori skewers like pork and chicken thigh with green onion.

Bowls come large and satisfying with options like uni cream udon that is rich and creamy, and mentaiko udon noted for its strong flavor. Curry udon with donkatsu also stands out as a hearty choice.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The cold soba noodles were a favorite dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays and Sundays with drinks priced between $5-9.

2

The happy hour menu features a variety of delicious options.

3

Parking is available, but it can be a bit awkward to access.

15
ICHIMI AN image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant offers a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere with a welcoming, friendly vibe. Seating is limited and the interior feels a bit dated but genuine. Known for authentic soba and light, crispy tempura, it draws steady business despite its size.

Chewy noodles come out perfectly cooked with a fresh, cold option that feels super refreshing. Combos pair soba with tempura or sashimi, offering choices between hot or cold versions and udon alternatives.

Broth stands out as light and flavorful, especially in the mushroom udon soup. Noodles offer a smooth texture when hot and a chewy bite in the cold mentai udon. Combo meals include choices of hot or cold udon or soba, often paired with tempura or sashimi.

People are saying

"The soba noodles here are chewy and done perfectly."

"I thought their tempura was light, crispy, and not oily."

"The handmade udon noodles have the best chewy texture."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than 6 due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant can seat around 20 people, so it fills up quickly.

3

Parking is readily available on the street nearby.

16
Soba Izakaya MINAMI image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with intimate warm lighting and servers in traditional Japanese clothing creates an authentic, inviting atmosphere. Energy builds around the sushi bar, blending casual dining with a lively vibe. Freshly made soba noodles and fish-based broths define the menu, emphasizing genuine Japanese flavors.

Cold soba noodles come chewy and fresh with options to divide servings for sharing. Hot soba and combination sets like Nagoya Pork Katsu with cold soba offer great portions and a variety of authentic flavors.

Curry udon comes piping hot with plenty of noodles and sliced beef. Udon noodles have a nice, soft texture that pairs well with the flavorful broth.

People are saying

"The udon noodles here are chewy and delicious."

"This soba tastes like stepping into a little piece of Japan."

"This lunch spot has delicious, filling katsu and soba sets."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as walk-ins may face long wait times.

2

A 3% service charge applies for credit card payments.

3

Expect a price increase of about 20% when including surcharges and taxes.

17
Matsui Torrance image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, cozy space with an intimate, low-key vibe and outdoor seating added recently. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed on weekdays but gets busy during lunch and dinner rushes. Known for fresh sushi and top-notch tempura, it offers great value with popular combo specials.

Cold soba stands out with its refreshing texture and pairs well with the Go Go Matsui bowl. The lunch special includes a choice of hot or cold udon or soba, offering variety alongside other dishes.

Nabeyaki udon stands out with its warm, hearty broth and al dente noodles. The lunch special pairs udon with tempura and sushi, offering a great price and a choice of hot or cold udon or soba.

People are saying

"The Japanese food combos offer incredible value and generous portions."

"The udon in the combo special was so filling."

"The Manager's Special combo with soba noodles was a great meal."

Good to know

1

The $15 lunch special offers great value and is popular among patrons.

2

Expect to wait during peak lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

Special pricing is available on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

18
Okidoki by Meiji image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with modern Japanese design creates a cozy and bright atmosphere. Tables mostly seat two to four, and waits can be common without reservations. Menu offers handmade noodles and draft Asahi beer, attracting those seeking authentic Japanese flavors.

Soba dishes include a katsu soba curry and options paired with udon. The soba comes alongside flavorful grilled squid and takoyaki as popular choices.

Udon here features chewy noodles cooked just right with broths that are comforting and savory. Options like spicy beef and shabu shabu udon come with tender beef and familiar Japanese dashi flavors.

People are saying

"The salmon belly sushi was my favorite, so delicious."

"The udon broth is clean, flavorful, and savory."

"I thought the soba noodles were the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait around 10-20 minutes for a table if not booked in advance.

2

The restaurant can get crowded, so making a reservation or arriving early is advisable.

3

Parking can be hard to find during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

19
Lasung House 라성왕돈까스 image 1

Spacious Korean restaurant with a clean, modern interior and bright, cozy atmosphere. Tables feature ordering tablets, adding a tech-savvy touch to the casual vibe. Music plays loudly, creating an energetic but comfortable environment.

Cold soba noodles come in generous portions and offer a refreshing taste, though they can be a bit bland. The menu pairs soba with spicy sauces and chewy noodles like jjolmyeon.

Udon stands out with its delicious taste and variety, including a spicy noodle option and a stone pot version. The pork cutlet pairs well with the udon dishes.

People are saying

"The pork cutlet here is thick, huge, and fried to perfection."

"The pork cutlet udon here is huge and so flavorful."

"The pork cutlet here is large, thick, and crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-40 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

You must order at least one menu item per person.

3

Parking is available, but can be hectic due to limited space.

20
Katsumura image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an authentic vibe with cozy, intimate atmosphere and detailed interior decor. Guests cook meat on charcoal grills at their tables, creating a unique dining experience. The place suits family meals and date nights with a welcoming, relaxed energy.

Soba here stands out with flavor surpassing Japan's. The Karu Soba offers a solid, authentic taste alongside other dishes like curry udon and takoyaki.

Full-size udon comes with a delicate broth that highlights its flavor. The udon combo offers a generous portion, nearly two meals, and pairs well with the interactive gyu katsu grilling experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is perfectly crispy and juicy."

"The kids udon was a great addition to the katsu."

"The soba here is even better than what I had in Japan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Happy hour runs every day with five-dollar beers until 11:30 PM.

3

Lunch bento is available on weekends for $15 starting at noon.

21
Joon Katsu image 1
Tonkatsu restaurant

Cozy tonkatsu restaurant offers quiet ambiance with a comfortable, welcoming vibe. Guests enjoy crispy, juicy katsu with Korean-style influences and generous portions. The place fills up at lunch and provides meticulously prepared takeout options.

Soba comes as part of a donkatsu combo that pairs well with other dishes like spicy mixed noodles and Tokpoki. The soba serves as a solid base for this takeout-friendly meal.

The Katsu + Udon stands out with flavors that photos don't capture well. The udon itself offers a satisfying texture and taste.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is perfectly fried and crispy."

"The soba here is delicious with a nice crunch."

"The katsu here is so nice and crispy."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait during lunch hours, especially between 12 pm and 2 pm.

2

Parking is available in the Korean market plaza, but it can get busy.

3

Takeout options are available, and they prepare everything with care.

22
Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers cozy, clean interior with a traditional vibe and quiet atmosphere. It draws a crowd quickly due to its authentic tempura, praised for its light, crisp texture and fresh taste. Staff often speak Japanese, enhancing the local, authentic feel.

Cold soba noodles come out authentic and refreshing. The zaru soba features large prawns packed with ocean flavor. The bowl version stands out with a taste that is hard to replicate.

Thick udon noodles come in a rich kasou broth that tastes fresh and wholesome. Options include a satisfying udon and gyudon set or a combo with tempura or soba.

People are saying

"I found the tempura to be delicious and crisp."

"The tempura here is so light and crispy."

"The udon and tempura were fresh and wholesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and on the street.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a tip machine that only offers 18%, 20%, and 25% options.

23
TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant image 1

Japanese restaurant offers authentic soba noodles made in-house with delicate preparation and top-notch quality. Atmosphere is cozy and quiet, suitable for conversation but with plain decor and no background music. The place often has long wait times due to popularity and fresh noodle preparation.

Cold soba sampler offers fantastic flavor and great texture with well-portioned, delicately made noodles. Hot duck soba tastes rich and satisfying, with noodles made in house and cooked to perfection.

Udon here is excellent and fresh, served both hot and cold. The hot soup with duck and udon offers a very flavorful experience, matching authentic Japanese quality closely.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the soba, is fresh and delicious."

"I found the soba here to be delicious and fresh."

"I thought the udon noodles were fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of up to 40 minutes during dinner hours.

2

Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on busy days.

3

Parking is readily available near the restaurant.

24
Yoko - House of Donkatsu image 1

Small space offers a cozy traditional atmosphere with a special grinder bowl for sesame seeds enhancing the dining experience. Known for crispy, flavorful katsu and unique udon noodles, it draws consistent lines during peak hours. The setting feels like a local favorite with a clean, efficient service pace.

Soba comes in a hot soup shared with udon, differing only by noodle type. The combo offers a choice between udon, soba, or sushi, but soba can be an extra charge when ordered separately.

Udon noodles have a distinctive natural sweetness and a nice bite and chew. Combo plates with katsu, especially currykatsu pork or tonkatsu, pair well and offer flavorful, satisfying meals.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the katsu, is crispy and delicious."

"The food here is amazing and always delicious."

"I loved the tonkatsu and soba combo in the summer."

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours without reservations.

2

The restaurant charges a fee for takeout boxes without prior notice.

3

Menu prices may differ from what is charged at checkout, so verify before paying.

25
Musashiya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant inside a market with a shared common eating area offers healthy portions and crispy tempura that consistently impress. The atmosphere is quiet with few customers, and the place closes early at 8 pm. Dishes like yuzu soba and niku udon stand out for their refreshing and savory flavors.

Yuzu soba offers a refreshing chewy firm bite that stands out. Cold Zaru soba comes in small portions and lacks shredded daikon radish, with a sauce that tastes unbalanced to some.

Niku udon stands out with its incredibly good flavor and chewy firm bite. Yuzu soba or udon offers a refreshing twist while tempura pairs well with the authentic Japanese-style noodles.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"The yuzu soba had a nice, refreshing, chewy bite."

"I found the niku udon incredibly good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a military discount for service members.

2

It takes about 20 minutes for the soup to be ready.

3

The portion sizes may be smaller than typical American standards.

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