Sobakatsu

I arrived right at opening and was still looking at about an hour wait, which honestly seems pretty standard for this place. If you're hoping to minimize the line, I'd recommend getting there at least 30 minutes to an hour before they open. The shop itself is very small and cozy, maybe 10 to 15 seats total, which gives it an intimate, almost old-school Japan feel that I really appreciated. I ordered the cold soba, while others in my group tried both the cold and hot versions. You can absolutely tell the noodles are homemade; the texture and freshness really stand out. That said, while the cold soba was very good, it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. When I order cold soba, I expect something that really pops in flavor and simplicity. This came close, but not quite all the way there

Very uniquely Japanese, you look at menu, choose and pay for thr items you want, then wait for a seat to become available, and by that time, you be able to sit and enjoy your bowl of perfectly temp noodles... 😍. I do understand about what others stated about the waiting situation. However, you have to see each placendifferently and why it took longer for you to be seated here than other spots inside Japantown. Smaller more intimate location equals to limited seating. People still come because the food quality and taste are excellent. Then if you all didn't know, the owner and chef is also the owner of Belly Good Cafe & Crepe's! First time I came here and i was like, wait, that's and i immediately recognized him. And I said to myself, no wonder i haven't seen him for a long time! Me and my

On a Wednesday, arrived at 11:55am and there was a line of maybe 10-15 people and waited until 12:45pm until we got inside at which point we ordered and got seated and waited until a bit after 1pm then we got our food. There is one table of 4, two tables of 2, then three counter seats. The food is prepared pretty quickly but the line just moves pretty slowly. The food is SO GOOD!! The cold soba is better than hot soba so I recommend that but hot soba is still so good. The duck tasted great. The tempura and other fried foods are super crispy so eat them fresh instead of waiting til the end. The warabimichi is incredibly soft and delicate. There is self served soba-yu to drink too. Overall loved it and I want to come back despite the long wait.

Listen up, dumplings, because Mama’s got a story for you about Sobakatsu. Two words: TWO. HOURS. That’s right, I stood in that line longer than it takes to glue down a full lace-front wig in a hurricane. Was it worth it? Well, keep your wigs on and I’ll tell you. First, the drama: This place is self-service chaos, kitty cats. No host, no busser, just you, your hunger, and a kiosk with instructions that might as well say “May the odds be ever in your favor.” You’re supposed to secure a table BEFORE ordering, but in a space with only 11 seats packed tighter than my corset on a Saturday night, that’s easier said than done. Picture this: cramped quarters, people clutching receipts like golden tickets, and a musical chairs situation that would make RuPaul gag. I may or may not have ordered bef

This place serves soba that rivals or even surpasses, most of the soba restaurants I’ve tried in Japan. It’s easily one of the best restaurants in all of San Francisco. Made with 100% buckwheat, the noodles have that perfect, slightly firm texture and a wonderful aroma that comes through even in the noodle broth. The hot soba’s broth is absolutely exquisite, a flawless balance of flavors. On the palate, not sure but there’s a delicate touch of yuzu in the flavor. Aside from the price, everything about this place is top-notch!