“From the moment you step into Soba Izakaya MINAMI, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're embarking on a culinary journey to the heart of Japan. This isn't your run-of-the-mill Japanese eatery; it's a testament to the art of Soba and Yakitori, crafted with passion and precision.Let's talk about the star of the show: the Soba. Handmade from scratch with a level of care that borders on reverence, each bowl is a masterclass in texture and taste. The Curry Soba is a standout dish, a harmonious blend of spice and comfort that warms you from the inside out. It's not just food; it's a warm hug in a bowl.But why stop there? MINAMI's Yakitori selection takes you on a delectable detour off the beaten path. Among the jewels in their crown are the Squid legs - grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, succulent experience that leaves you craving more. It's a bold choice on the menu, and it pays off beautifully, showcasing their knack for elevating traditional dishes with a twist.The ambiance of the place, with its intimate setting and warm lighting, complements the meal perfectly, creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and authentically Japanese. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge of the menu add to the experience, making you feel both valued and enlightened.In conclusion, Soba Izakaya MINAMI is more than just a dining destination; it's a culinary treasure that beckons to be explored. For the lovers of Soba, Yakitori, and Japanese cuisine at its most authentic and innovative, this is your haven. As you savor each bite, remember: you're not just eating; you're part of a story - a delicious narrative spun with soba and skewers.“
“FOOD- 5 Stars Service-3 Stars Ambiance-3Stars Don't expect a good service in this Restaurant as they really busy , and sometimes even rude., try to kick your ass out , to serve the nx costumer, Food quality , I should say a place to go around Lake Forest Area. Ambiance- No ambiance.“
“Food is spot on. If you can overlook the Asian waitress' behavior, you will enjoy your meal. I'm not sure if non-service dogs (lap dogs) should be allowed in, but it's not my business. A well-behaved canine is better than a crying baby and parents who let their kid's screaming go on too long or forever.“
“Comfortable dining atmosphere with a great song playlist. The porkchops and stinky tofu dishes are fantastic. Moreover, the garlic sauce is authentically delicious. Ordering in-store had a long wait time, so it's better to order online or phone ahead. Staff is great.“
“I love this restaurant when I am craving vegan food. I always order the Kung Pao Chicken. The food is very fresh and flavorful. I decided to try the soy chicken and vegetables and found it was almost the same as a Kung Pao Chicken, but I did not mind because it tastes so good! I highly recommend it if you are looking for a vegan restaurant.“
“You’ll appreciate this place if you like healthy version of Taiwanese food. My mom in her 70’s and other aunties all enjoyed the lighter flavor and the ingredients. Our favorite was the Blondie porridge with seafood. Instead of rice, they used oatmeal…which is high in dietary fiber and can lower cholesterol level. We also ordered the Asian truffle rice, that was yummy too especially with the Goji berries and kale. I will order even less salt next time. My kids absolutely enjoy the Matcha Azuki bean shake ice. I definitely would return and try other dishes.“
“This has become our local go-to Thai restaurant and we love recommending it to friends.They are always so welcoming to our family, great place to bring kids. We've never gone with more than 5 people, but they have a couple spots where I think you could do a larger group.Everything we've had has been good. Our go-tos are the beef pad see ew and the roasted duck curry.“
“I had the pho with rare beef slices and lean brisket. The noodles were a bit chewy for my liking and the meat was ok. My favorite part about the pho was the broth. I also had the garlic noodles with meat. The noodles tasted delicious but the meat had a weird after taste. Overall, the place was good. Def would recommend the garlic noodles.“
“A&J has been one of my favorite spots for Taiwanese food for the past 7-8 years. I initially came here with my sister all those years ago to get from beef rolls. Over the years, I began taking my friends and they once accused me of "gatekeeping" A&J from them because of how delicious their food is. My personal favorites whenever I come to A&J are the beef rolls, scallion pancakes, and sesame peanut noodles (113 on the menu). The beef rolls are a classic dish with tender beef and green onion wrapped around a crispy scallion pancake. The sesame peanut noodles are great if you enjoy noodles coated in a creamy sauce. My favorite thing to do is to order extra scallion pancakes on the side so that you can dip it in the leftover sesame peanut sauce after you finish your noodles! A&J will always be a staple when it comes to Taiwanese food and I will always find a reason to come back! :)“
“Pho broth tastes great, portion is okay I'm not full after eating large. I've tried large brisket pho and chicken pho. One of the spoons still had food stuck on it...... After I put in all the veggies I noticed one slice is stale or bad jalapeno. I had to pray that God will protect me from getting sick... Imma take detox pill at home... Although I want to continue support business here I don't feel spending $22-23 after tip is really worth my money. Honestly this restaurant team need to try harder to gain more regular customers. I've eaten at so called best pho restaurants in OC and LA. Brisket pho was better than chicken though. However after experience today, I ain't coming back... I even tipped 25%... So yeah I'm not a difficult customer to satisfy. Goodluck Saigon Gem team, you guys have real potential but you guys need to listen to customers and make real lasting positive changes. I first gave 3 star but 4 stars is the maximum I can give. I'm being generous like how much I tip... Sauce bottle was sticky...“