Idoya

The towering heap of soba that arrives at the table is one of the main reasons diners head to Idoya. Even standard servings are thoroughly satisfying, while medium and large portions spill across the bamboo zaru tray with such presence that chopsticks scarcely reach the bottom. Drawing the long noodles through a crisp, deeply flavored Kanto-style dipping broth and slurping them down without ceremony makes for an ideal midday meal when you want to leave fully satisfied.

The breadth of the menu is just as reassuring. Beyond standard mori and zaru soba, there are warm dipping broths such as kamo seiro (duck), spicy duck seiro, and Iberico pork seiro. Rice combinations are equally varied: alongside tendon, katsudon, and gyudon, options include a tanuki don topped with savory sweet-soy-glazed tempura flakes and sets paired with unadorned inari sushi. Adding to the convenience, the mini cold mori soba included with meal sets can be switched to a warm kake soba upon request.

Inside, counter and table seating sit within an easygoing, family-run atmosphere that invites a relaxed meal. Lunch service runs from 11:00 to 16:00, and payments are handled strictly in cash, so it is wise to arrive with a pocketful of coins and an empty stomach.