01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Located close to the Yotsuya 3-chome intersection, Soba Imai Yotsuya 3-chome (蕎麦いまゐ 四谷三丁目店) is an easy soba shop to stop by whenever you want a quick, satisfying bowl. While ordering is done through a ticket vending machine, the dining room has a calm, modern Japanese tone, featuring a standing counter near the front as well as table seating in the back. The layout accommodates both a brisk solo lunch and a more relaxed meal when you have time to sit down.
Among the menu choices, the made-to-order tempura stands out, fried fresh once an order is placed. Crisp, substantial chicken tempura and savory chikuwa fishcake tempura go equally well with warm soba broth or chilled zaru noodles. Options like fresh nori tempura with its subtle maritime aroma and classic mixed vegetable kakiage let diners tailor their meal to their preferred combination of fried texture and broth flavor.
For lighter fare, bowls topped with silky yuba and mountain vegetables or refreshing nameko mushrooms with grated daikon radish offer gentle, satisfying options. When a heartier meal is called for, combination sets pairing soba with a mini tempura bowl, mini katsudon, or the shop's soba-style curry provide plenty of substance. Opening at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, the shop is a practical fixture for everyday routines, whether stopping in for breakfast or catching dinner with an evening drink.
