Tucked away on a side street in Lower East Village, Soba-Ya is a tiny, serene space that is the neighborhood’s perennial favorite for Japanese noodle dishes. Noodles come both hot and cold, plus you can watch the soba and udon noodles being cut and hung to dry like in an old laundry house. Although the noodles make the best impression, the rest of the menu deserves attention as well, like tempura vegetables with spicy curry sauce and an excellent assortment of sakes, organized on the menu to pair up with the food. Bamboo, rice paper, and paper lanterns add to the traditional décor at this cozy, intimate restaurant.

Soba-Ya Information:

• Japanese menu. Lunch, dinner. Casual attire.