Soba Ichi

Name: Soba Ichi
Address: 2311A Magnolia St, Oakland, California, 94607, US
Telephone: (510) 465-1969
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.3

$$ • Noodles, Izakaya, Pet Friendly

Hours:
2311A Magnolia St, Oakland
(510) 465-1969

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About Soba Ichi

Soba Ichi is a Californian-style Japanese restaurant that serves handmade stone-ground soba noodles in Edomae soup. The atmosphere is comfortable and connected to a garden, providing a relaxing environment. The staff is warm, welcoming, and attentive, making diners feel at home. The menu features special dishes like duck and tempura appetizers, with the cold soba noodles with shrimp tempura being a popular choice. The hot broth soba with sliced rare duck breast is flavorful, although some find the noodles slightly overcooked. The broth is well-balanced and comforting, not too salty. Customers have praised the fresh and delicious sashimi appetizer, as well as the tasty omelette, hot soba with shrimp tempura, and hot soba with duck dishes. The grilled duck and meatballs are highly recommended. The nanban with rare duck and an exquisitely balanced broth was a standout. The soba cha at the end was the perfect touch. Visitors also appreciate the well-executed soba, with some ordering both cold and hot soba to share, noting the rich flavors and subtle differences. The homemade tofu with garnish and shiso is also a highlight, offering a nice texture and refreshing taste. The tempura, including sizable shrimp and pumpkin, is crispy and satisfying, served with dipping sauce that is more like room temperature. The hot soba with roasted duck breast has a rich soup with tender duck and grilled spring onion that adds a sweet smoky flavor. While the difference in quality soba can be subtle, those who enjoy noticing all the little details in their food will have a delightful experience. The restaurant operates with a system where orders are taken at a window, and guests are guided to outdoor or indoor seating. It tends to fill up, so arriving early is recommended. Parking can be tricky, but street parking about two blocks away is available. Overall, Soba Ichi is a hidden gem with great service and delicious Japanese cuisine, especially appreciated for its appetizers and well-prepared soba dishes.