Kanda Yabu Soba, Tokyo

Established in the year 1880, Kanda Yabu Soba stands as one of Tokyo's most longstanding soba restaurants, preserving the flavors of old Edo to this day. In the Kanda district, those seeking soba options have two alternatives. If you prefer a modest and unassuming noodle experience, you can make your way to Kanda Matsuya. However, for a slightly more refined and enjoyable soba dining experience, Kanda Yabu Soba is a convenient choice, located just a few minutes' walk from Matsuya.

The main attraction at Kanda Yabu Soba undoubtedly lies in its slender, hand-cut noodles, which are offered in various forms, including a superb rendition of kamo-nanban (featuring rare duck slices) and ten-seiro (served with tempura and cold noodles). It's also worth keeping an eye out for seasonal specialties, such as kaki soba during the winter season, which features juicy oysters and seaweed in a delicate broth with soba noodles. The restaurant also pays attention to its side dishes, while they may not be exceptionally innovative, they are skillfully prepared. Expect offerings like duck soup, chilled tofu, and tempura.

Not surprisingly, the restaurant tends to get crowded during peak dining hours. To minimize your wait time, consider visiting during off-peak hours.