Soba Izakaya MINAMI Introduce
For those living in or around Orange County, the quest for truly authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine often leads to hidden gems. One such treasure, highly regarded by local patrons, is Soba Izakaya MINAMI in Laguna Hills. This charming establishment offers a culinary journey through traditional Japanese flavors, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes every visit a memorable experience. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese food or looking to explore new tastes, Soba Izakaya MINAMI presents a compelling option right in your neighborhood.
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the subtle aromas of freshly prepared dishes and a friendly, professional staff ready to ensure your dining experience is exceptional. This restaurant has garnered a loyal following, with many locals bookmarking it for years before finally having the chance to savor its offerings. The dedication to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods truly shines through in every dish, making it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan.
Soba Izakaya MINAMI isn't just about the food; it's about the entire experience. It's a place where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch with family, a satisfying dinner with friends, or even a quiet meal by yourself while observing the culinary artistry of the chefs. The restaurant's commitment to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment is evident, making it a perfect spot for any occasion.
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Conveniently situated in the heart of Laguna Hills, Soba Izakaya MINAMI boasts an easily accessible location for residents across Orange County. You'll find this delightful Japanese eatery at 24391 Avenida De La Carlota Suite A, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA. The restaurant is tucked away in a pleasant and quiet neighborhood, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, while still being remarkably easy to reach.
One of the significant advantages for local diners is the ample parking available. Finding a spot for your vehicle is rarely an issue, which is a welcome relief in a busy region like Southern California. This convenience allows you to focus on enjoying your meal without the added stress of searching for parking. Whether you're coming from nearby cities like Irvine, Mission Viejo, or Aliso Viejo, the drive to Soba Izakaya MINAMI is straightforward, making it a hassle-free dining destination. Its location, combined with excellent accessibility, makes it an ideal choice for both spontaneous visits and planned outings.
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Soba Izakaya MINAMI offers a comprehensive range of dining options designed to cater to various preferences and appetites. Their menu, which has impressively expanded from a single page to six, reflects a dedication to variety and culinary exploration. Here's a look at the services and offerings you can expect:
- Extensive Menu Selection: The restaurant provides a vast array of authentic Japanese dishes. This includes a wide selection of appetizers perfect for sharing, hearty rice bowls, and traditional udon and soba noodle dishes.
- Specialty Soba and Udon: As their name suggests, soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles) are specialties. You can enjoy these in various preparations, including hot soups or cold, dipping-style sets. Portions are generous, with options like 2-portion and 3-portion soba sets, ensuring a satisfying meal.
- Crispy Katsu Dishes: A popular choice, their katsu is perfectly breaded and fried to achieve a delightful crispiness while remaining juicy inside. The Nagoya Pork Katsu & Soba set is a particular highlight, offering a substantial and flavorful meal.
- Curry Dishes: Experience comforting Japanese curry, served piping hot with plenty of noodles or rice and your choice of protein, such as chicken or beef. Optional chili powder is often provided on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
- Appetizers and Small Plates: Begin your meal with delicious starters like crispy fried tofu, flavorful takoyaki, and agedashi tofu, which is known for its rich broth and delicate texture.
- Weekend Sushi Service: For sushi enthusiasts, Soba Izakaya MINAMI now offers fresh sushi exclusively on weekends, providing another reason to visit during your time off.
- Desserts and Drinks: Round out your meal with a selection of desserts or choose from an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including traditional Japanese teas like genmaicha.
- Dine-in Experience: Enjoy a comfortable and clean dining environment, perfect for individuals, couples, or groups. The staff is professional and accommodating, ensuring a pleasant visit.
- Counter Dining: For an immersive culinary experience, consider dining at the long counter in front of the kitchen. This allows you to watch the chefs prepare dishes, including yakitori and the finishing touches on every plate, almost like a live cooking show.
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Soba Izakaya MINAMI stands out for several key features that contribute to its popularity and reputation among California locals:
- Authentic Japanese Flavors: The restaurant is praised for its commitment to traditional Japanese recipes and preparation techniques, delivering truly authentic tastes that transport diners to Japan.
- Exceptional Food Quality: Customers consistently rave about the high quality of the ingredients and the expert preparation of dishes. From perfectly breaded katsu to flavorful agedashi tofu and rich curry, every item is crafted with care.
- Generous Portions and Value: Many diners note the generous portion sizes, particularly for set meals, which often feel like two meals for the price of one. This offers excellent value for the quality and quantity of food received.
- Warm and Friendly Staff: The service is frequently highlighted as a major positive, with servers described as friendly, accommodating, and making guests feel right at home. This personalized service enhances the overall dining experience.
- Immersive Kitchen View: The long counter seating provides a unique opportunity to observe the kitchen in action. Watching the chefs prepare dishes with precision and teamwork is not only entertaining but also a testament to their professionalism.
- Diverse and Expanding Menu: The menu's growth from one page to six indicates a dedication to offering new and exciting options, ensuring there's always something new to try, whether it's new appetizers, main courses, or weekend sushi.
- Clean and Welcoming Ambiance: The establishment is consistently described as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable and pleasant dining atmosphere.
- Quiet and Accessible Location: Situated in a tranquil neighborhood with ample parking, the restaurant offers a convenient and stress-free dining experience, a significant advantage in Orange County.
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While the provided information does not detail any current, specific promotions or special offers, it is common for local restaurants like Soba Izakaya MINAMI to offer various deals throughout the year. These might include:
- Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants feature special lunch sets or discounted prices on certain menu items during weekday lunch hours, making it an ideal time to visit for a great value meal.
- Happy Hour Deals: Izakayas often have happy hour promotions on drinks and appetizers, perfect for after-work gatherings or a relaxed evening.
- Seasonal Menu Items: While not a discount, the introduction of seasonal dishes or ingredients can be a special offering that attracts returning customers looking for new culinary experiences.
- Loyalty Programs: Some local businesses implement loyalty programs where frequent diners can earn points or receive discounts on future visits.
- Holiday or Event-Specific Promotions: Keep an eye out for special menus or deals during holidays, local events, or cultural celebrations, which might offer unique dining experiences.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers, it is always recommended to check Soba Izakaya MINAMI's official website, their social media channels, or call them directly. This ensures you don't miss out on any fantastic deals that could enhance your dining experience.
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To plan your visit or inquire further, here is the essential contact information for Soba Izakaya MINAMI:
- Address: 24391 Avenida De La Carlota Suite A, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA
- Phone: (949) 215-5375
- Mobile Phone: +1 949-215-5375
Feel free to reach out by phone for reservations, takeout orders, or any questions you might have regarding their menu or services. Their friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
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For residents of California, particularly those in Orange County, Soba Izakaya MINAMI isn't just another restaurant; it's a true neighborhood gem that perfectly caters to local preferences and lifestyles. Its deep-rooted commitment to authentic Japanese cuisine provides a genuine culinary experience without the need to travel far. The diverse and ever-expanding menu ensures there's something to please every palate, from the comforting warmth of a curry udon to the delicate flavors of agedashi tofu or the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried katsu.
The restaurant's location in a quiet Laguna Hills neighborhood, coupled with abundant parking, eliminates the typical frustrations of dining out in Southern California. This convenience makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous lunches, relaxed family dinners, or even a quick, high-quality takeout meal after a busy day. The welcoming and professional staff consistently earns high praise, making diners feel like cherished guests rather than just customers. This friendly atmosphere, combined with the clean and inviting establishment, creates a dining environment that is both comfortable and enjoyable.
Furthermore, the unique opportunity to dine at the counter and witness the chefs' artistry firsthand adds an engaging dimension to the dining experience, transforming a meal into a form of entertainment. Whether you're a long-time connoisseur of Japanese food or simply looking for a new favorite local spot, Soba Izakaya MINAMI offers consistent quality, exceptional service, and a truly authentic taste of Japan, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone in the region.
Soba Izakaya MINAMI Menu
(All Day) - Appetizer / おつまみ
- Pork Gyoza / ギョーザ US$8.75
5pc
- Karaage / 唐揚げ US$9.25
5pc
- Takoyaki Family Pack / たこ焼きバリューパック US$16.25
12pc
- Takoyaki / たこ焼き US$9.25
5pc
- Karaage Family Pack / 唐揚げバリューパック US$16.25
12pc
- Pork Gyoza Family Pack / ギョーザバリューパック US$15.75
12pc
- Grilled Yellowtail Hamachikama / 絶品MINAMIのハマチカマ網焼き US$17.45
- Agedashi Tofu / 揚げ出し豆腐 US$9.45
New on DoorDash menu. One of the most popular items at MINAMI
- Hiroshima Fried Oyster / 広島産カキフライ US$10.75
- Homemade Japanese-Style Hamburg / 手作りハンバーグ US$11.25
Visit our Instagram account for more information.
- Nagoya Miso Chicken Katsu / 名古屋味噌チキンカツ US$11.25
Crispy breaded chicken cutlet topped with rich Nagoya-style miso sauce, served with fresh greens.
- (NEW) Grilled Mackerel / 塩さば US$11.25
Grilled mackerel typically includes shishito pepper, daikon oroshi (grated radish), and ponzu sauce.
(All Day) - Udon & Rice Bowl Combination / うどん・丼物セット
- Udon & Pork Cutlet Curry / うどん・カツカレーセット US$20.25
Extra Noodle +$6.50
- Udon & Okinawan Jyusi Rice / うどん・沖縄のジューシーライスセット US$18.25
Extra Noodle +$6.50
- Udon & Shrimp Tempura Bowl / うどん・海老天丼セット US$18.95
Extra Noodle +$6.50
- Udon & Beef Bowl US$18.95
Extra Noodle +$6.50
- Udon & Pork Cutlet & Egg Bowl / うどん・かつ丼セット US$18.95
- Udon & Vegetable Tempura Bowl / うどん・野菜天丼セット US$18.95
Udon noodles in broth paired with a bowl of rice topped with assorted vegetable tempura.
(All Day) - Rice Bowls with Salad / サラダ付丼物
- Full Beef Bowl / 牛めし丼 US$18.45
- Full Tempura Bowl / 海老天丼 US$18.25
- Full Unagi Eel Bowl W/Soup / 鰻丼(スープ付) US$28.45
New menu on DoorDash app.
- Full Pork Cutlet & Curry Bowl / カツカレー丼 US$20.75
- Full Pork Cutlet Bowl / かつ丼 US$19.25
New menu on doordash app.
- Full Chicken Egg Bowl / 親子丼 US$19.25
- Full Geso Tempura Bowl / MINAMIの賄い飯ゲソ天丼 US$17.95
This is a new item, which is only available from DoorDash. Filled with geso squid legs tempura, grated radish and thinner-cut green onion on top. One of our favorite staff meals!
(All Day) - Snack / スナック
- (DoorDash Only)Fried Soba Noodle Grande US$5.95
Limited Quantity. Good for beers. Yummy and you'll never be tired of the taste!
(All Day) - Soba & Rice Bowl Combination / そば・丼物セット
- Soba & Pork Cutlet Curry / そば・カツカレーセット US$20.25
Choose Cold or Hot Soba in ordering
- Soba & Beef Bowl US$18.95
Choose Cold or Hot Soba in ordering
- Soba & Shrimp Tempura Bowl / そば・海老天丼セット US$18.95
Choose Cold or Hot Soba in ordering
- Soba & Okinawan Jyusi Rice / そば・沖縄のジューシーライスセット US$18.25
Choose Cold or Hot Soba in ordering
- Soba & Pork Cutlet & Egg Bowl / そば・かつ丼セット US$18.95
- Soba & Vegetable Tempura Bowl / そば・野菜天丼セット US$18.95
Soba noodles with mixed vegetable tempura over rice.
(All Day) - Noodles / 麺類
- Vegetable Tempura Cold Udon / 野菜天ざるうどん US$18.95
Extra Noodle +$6.50. Choose HOT or COLD in ordering. If you don't choose, HOT one is automatically prepared.
- Shrimp Soba Salad / ぷりぷり海老のそばサラダ US$18.25
- Duck Dipping Udon / 鴨つけうどん US$19.45
Extra Noodle +$6.50
- Beef Dipping Udon / 肉付けうどん US$18.95
Extra Noodle +$6.50
- Assorted Tempura Cold Udon / 海老天ざるうどん US$18.95
Extra Noodle +$6.50. Choose HOT or COLD in ordering. If you don't choose, Hot one is automatically prepared.
- Beef Dipping Soba / 肉付けそば US$18.95
This is our #1 soba noodle menu. Enjoy our fresh and genuine homemade soba with "umami"-and-"koku" well-balanced dipping soup. You can choose the volume of soba noodle from 1 portion to 3 portion at the same price. 1 portion = 100 grams. Our recommendation is normally 2 portion.
- Assorted Tempura & Cold Soba / 海老天盛り US$18.95
- Shrimp Tempura Hot Udon / 海老天うどん US$17.25
Extra Noodle +$6.50
- Vegetable Tempura Cold Soba / 野菜天盛り US$18.95
- Beef Udon Hot Regular / 肉うどん US$17.75
Imported from Fukuoka, Japan, which is famous for one of Japan's Udon mecca. This is our #1 udon noodle menu. Extra noodle +$6.50.
- Duck Dipping Soba / 鴨つけそば US$19.45
- Beef + Burdock Hot Soba / 肉+ごぼう天そば US$20.25
- Beef + Burdock Hot Udon / 肉+ごぼう天うどん US$20.25
- Spicy Chicken Hot Soba Regular / ピリ辛チキンそば US$17.75
- Beef Hot Soba / 肉そば US$17.75
- Spicy Tonkatsu Udon / ピリ辛とんかつうどん US$18.95
Kamaboko Fish Cakes not included for to-go order.
(All Day) - Weekend Sushi Rolls Menu / 週末の美味しいロールメニュー
- California Roll / カリフォルニアロール US$10.95
Sushi rice and crab meat wrapped in seaweed, topped with avocado and sesame seeds, accompanied by pickled ginger and wasabi.
- Spicy Tuna Roll / スパイシーツナロール US$13.95
A maki roll filled with seasoned tuna and crisp cucumber, accompanied by pickled ginger and wasabi.
- Crunchy Roll / クランチーロール US$14.25
A maki roll with crispy tempura shrimp, topped with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of savory sauce.
- Valued MINAMI Weekend Sushi Rolls Trio / お得なMINAMIのロール三兄弟 US$38.50
Combination of California, Spicy Tuna and Crunchy Rolls
Soba Izakaya MINAMI Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Soba Izakaya MINAMI Photos










Soba Izakaya MINAMI Location
Soba Izakaya MINAMI
24391 Avenida De La Carlota Suite A, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA
Soba Izakaya MINAMI Reviews
I had such a lovely lunch with my niece! Our server was super friendly and made us feel right at home—if only I could remember her name! She was so accommodating. I enjoyed a delicious chicken curry with udon soup, and for appetizers, we shared some crispy fried tofu and tasty takoyaki. Plus, the restaurant has lots of parking and is tucked away in a nice, quiet neighborhood. Perfect outing!
April 07 · Teena MalicsiI've had this spot bookmarked for a little over 6 years, however long they've been open. I finally had the chance to do lunch here with my husband yesterday (1/18/2025). We came right at opening and sat at the long counter in front of the kitchen. Wanted to check out the action!The menu has expanded from one page to six which is really exciting. They have great portions, prices, and options from appetizers, dessert, array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, rice bowls, udon, soba, katsu, combination sets, and now sushi (only served on the weekends).My husband was impressed and quite satisfied with his Nagoya Pork Katsu & Soba (cold) set. Our server Divine recommended the 2-portion over the 3-portion of soba. She was right that 3-portion is ALOT! Pork katsu was perfectly breaded and fried. Crispy and juicy at the same time. His set was like having two meals for the price of one. Delicious and very filling.My Agedashi tofu was so flavorful, with a thick broth. I especially enjoyed the hint of ginger with the shredded white radish topping. My order of curry udon came piping hot with plenty of noodles and sliced beef topping. I appreciated our server also providing optional chili powder topping on the side too.Our small pot of genmaicha was just what we needed to round out the rich lunch. I didn't get a chance to try out dessert or their drinks, so maybe next time! Clean establishment, wonderful menu choices, and professional staff. We will definitely be back to try more!PS - I encourage dining at the long counter. It was so cool to watch chef make the yakitori and add all the finishing touches to every dish. It was almost like watching Top Chef right in front of you. All her kitchen staff moved as one team despite their dedicated stations.
January 20 · Michelle ViengvilayVisited another old haunt we used to go to… @soba_izakaya_minami still loving the ambience there though some things have changed. The food is a little heavier in taste… I guess maybe some people prefer it that way? The servings are still reasonable though. 😊
April 21 · Pet NTasty Japanese dishes. Tempura was spot on and beef gyudon was delicious. Excellent service provided by the hostess.
December 29 · Mike CarmonaI had the beef and burdock soba, three portion serving. I must say I could have stopped at the 2 portion serving. Also ordered a spicy tuna roll. The roll came with fresh ground wasabi, which is excellent and a good representation of a high quality restaurant. Normally sushi restaurants just make the wasabi from powder.
May 25 · Richard Y
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