SOBAR Introduce
For Californians seeking a truly authentic and distinct Japanese culinary experience beyond the usual sushi and ramen, SOBAR in Los Angeles offers a refreshing and sophisticated alternative. This unique establishment specializes in soba, the delicate and flavorful buckwheat noodles, prepared with meticulous care and served in both hot and cold variations. SOBAR brings a refined yet approachable Japanese dining concept to the vibrant Washington Boulevard, making it a compelling destination for locals and visitors alike.
SOBAR is more than just a soba restaurant; it's a place where traditional Japanese flavors meet a cool, urban vibe. The menu is thoughtfully curated, featuring not only exquisite soba dishes but also a range of intriguing appetizers, sashimi, and delectable desserts, all complemented by a carefully selected list of sake and other beverages. Whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or simply looking for a memorable night out, SOBAR delivers a delightful journey for the palate, promising a fresh perspective on Japanese dining in Los Angeles.
SOBAR is conveniently located at 12404 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA. This address places it in a dynamic and easily accessible part of Los Angeles, serving the communities of Mar Vista, Culver City, and surrounding Westside neighborhoods. Washington Boulevard is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, making the restaurant visible and straightforward to find.
For those driving, street parking (metered) is generally available in the vicinity, as noted by satisfied customers. This is a significant convenience in a city where parking can often be a challenge. The restaurant's presence on a major boulevard also means it's accessible via various local bus routes, offering public transportation options for diners. The "cool vibes for dinner" mentioned by patrons suggest that the location contributes to the overall appealing atmosphere, making it a suitable choice for a relaxed yet upscale evening out.
SOBAR provides a curated and high-quality dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients and expert preparation. Here's a look at their services:
- Dine-in Service: SOBAR offers a stylish and inviting interior space for an enjoyable dine-in experience. Customers often recommend making reservations, especially to secure a spot at the bar, which adds to the cool ambiance.
- Takeout Options: For those who prefer to enjoy SOBAR's cuisine at home, takeout services are available. Their menu is accessible online for convenient ordering.
- Online Ordering & Delivery: SOBAR partners with various food delivery platforms, including Uber Eats and DoorDash, allowing customers to easily order their favorite soba and Japanese dishes for delivery to their doorstep.
- Specialty Soba Noodles: Their main highlight is their "Ju-Wari Soba" – 100% organic buckwheat noodles, served in various preparations including cold (Zaru Soba) with different dipping sauces (Traditional Tsuyu, Shoujin Tsuyu, Shiso, Tororo) and hot (soup) variations (Poached Egg Soba, Kakiage Soba, Spicy Garlic Enoki Soba).
- Diverse Japanese Appetizers & Small Plates: The menu features an array of exquisitely prepared appetizers such as Hotate Crudo Style Sashimi (scallop sashimi), Gindara Saikyo Yaki (grilled marinated black cod), Pork Kakuni (braised pork belly), Chicken Karaage, and a "Special Appetizer Plate" offering a combination of popular items.
- Sake and Drink Program: SOBAR boasts a well-curated selection of sake, including sake flights (e.g., Junmai flight), allowing guests to explore different varietals. They also offer unique cocktails like SOBAR Lemon Sour and Premium Matcha-Hi, along with non-alcoholic options.
- Japanese Desserts: Despite not being a dessert-focused establishment, their desserts, like the Yuzu Ice Cream and MATCHA SOBA TIRAMISU, have received high praise for their unexpected deliciousness.
- Cashless Restaurant: For convenience and efficiency, SOBAR operates as a cashless restaurant.
SOBAR consistently receives high praise for several distinctive features that make it a standout Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles:
- Authentic Soba Experience: Their dedication to "Ju-Wari Soba" (100% buckwheat noodles) is a major draw. Customers commend the perfectly chewy texture of the noodles and the delicious broths, whether original or seasoned, and unique dipping sauces like the shiso sauce.
- Exceptional Appetizers: Dishes like the "Hotate Crudo Style Sashimi" and "Gindara Saikyo Yaki" are frequently highlighted as decadent and delicious, showcasing a high level of culinary skill and fresh ingredients. The "Appetizer Plate" is also a popular choice for sampling a variety of their best small bites.
- Well-Curated Sake Selection & Flights: For sake enthusiasts, the sake flight is a definite highlight, offering a fair price for a quality sampling of different sakes. This demonstrates their commitment to a complete Japanese dining experience.
- Beyond Expectations Desserts: While not the primary focus, the desserts, particularly the "Yuzu Ice Cream" and "MATCHA SOBA TIRAMISU," have surprised and delighted customers with their unexpected excellence.
- Cool and Welcoming Ambiance: The restaurant has a "cool vibe for dinner," combining a stylish setting with a warm and friendly atmosphere that is never stuffy.
- Attentive and Knowledgeable Staff: Service is consistently described as excellent and "beyond attentive." Staff members, including those with Japanese and English fluency, are praised for their knowledge of the menu and their ability to enhance the dining experience.
- Transparency in Pricing: The restaurant is clear about its pricing structure, including an 18% service charge with no additional tip required, which is appreciated by customers.
- Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: With various soba dishes, appetizers, and specific dipping sauces marked as vegan or gluten-free, SOBAR makes an effort to cater to diverse dietary needs.
SOBAR does offer specific promotions, making it even more appealing for California locals. They provide a Happy Hour every Monday evening. While the exact details of happy hour specials may evolve, it typically includes attractive pricing on small bites and cocktails. For the most current information, it's always best to check their official website or social media channels, or inquire directly when making a reservation. Additionally, the transparency of their 18% service charge (no additional tip required) can be seen as a form of value for customers, providing clarity on the final cost of their meal.
To embark on a unique Japanese culinary journey at SOBAR, or for any inquiries, please use the following contact details:
- Address: 12404 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA
- Phone: (310) 439-1029
For Californians, especially those residing in the West Los Angeles area, SOBAR is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese restaurant. It stands apart by offering a specialized focus on soba noodles, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional ramen or sushi-centric Japanese eateries. The dedication to authentic flavors, combined with a modern approach to ambiance and service, creates a genuinely memorable dining experience.
Locals will appreciate the convenient location on Washington Boulevard, with accessible street parking. The transparent pricing structure, including the service charge, adds to a straightforward and pleasant dining experience. Moreover, the diverse menu, featuring not only outstanding soba but also delectable appetizers like Hotate Crudo and Gindara Saikyo Yaki, along with a thoughtful sake program, ensures there’s something for every palate. The consistently praised attentive staff and the "cool vibes" make SOBAR an ideal spot for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration, firmly cementing its status as a must-visit local gem in Los Angeles.
SOBAR Photos










SOBAR Location
SOBAR
12404 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA
SOBAR Reviews
Had a great time here last night. Highlights were the sake flight, zarusoba w/shiso sauce, appetizer plate - basically everything we tried. Joseph was on point w/his Japanese and English fluency too. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2025 · maoli yamaguchiWe made dinner reservations for two on NYE and have no regrets.The soba isn't presented as perfectly as the ones you'd get in soba specialty restaurants in Japan, but it absolutely delivers on taste. The buckwheat noodles were light but just the right amount of chewiness. They provide salt for your preferential flavoring, I didn't use any but I can see people LOVE this option. The broth was delicious - both the original and seasoned versions. My husband loved the sake flight and felt the price was very fair. And we threw in two desserts that we weren't expecting to love, but ended up being very happy with. Staff was excellent and beyond attentive. We will be back!Price wise - after the 18% service charge (they're clear that no additional tip is required) and tax, our bill was $146 for the following.- Hotate Crudo Style Sashimi - $18.00- Gindara Saikyo Yaki - $23.00- Zaru Soba w/ season - $22.50- Zaru Soba - $ 18.00- Sake Flight Junmai - $18.00 (3 glasses)- Yuzu Ice Cream - $3.50- MATCHA SOBA TIRAMISU - $11.00- 18% service charge - $20.52We had no issues street parking (meter) and walking over. Cashless restaurant. I would recommend reservations in order to sit at the bar. The vibes are cool for dinner. (@roaming.eater)
Jan 10, 2025 · Jessica MurataLovely restaurant with minimalistic interiors (bar-style seating) and kind service. The food is presented beautifully and delicious!The dashi omelette was fluffy and light - perfect starter to share. The scallop shiso soba is my favorite dish here - the shiso dressing adds a herby and umami kick, delicious when poured the soba noodles with the scallop and shiitake mushrooms.
Nov 22, 2024 · Yuri JoA sleek, modern space with a rectangular bar at its center, a focal point where all the action unfolds. It is where all patrons gather around. While the portions may lean towards the petite side, the flavors are on point.I kicked things off with the albacore crudo style sashimi. The tender tuna, bathed in tangy blood orange vinaigrette and topped with crunchy chili garlic, was a fresh, flavorful start. The spicy yaki edamame—a semi-unique twist on the classic—was pan-fried and tossed in a citrus pepper paste and soy sauce. It turned a simple side into something I couldn’t stop popping.The shrimp & vegetable tempura was crispy and satisfying—tempura done right. Light, crispy, and perfectly paired with a dipping sauce that hit all the right notes. It’s exactly what you want when you think of tempura, with shrimp that snaps and veggies that add a pleasant variety. Then there’s the mongo ika tempura, where tender squid gets the tempura treatment. If you’ve never had squid tempura like me, this is your chance to be pleasantly surprised. The spiced salt and a squeeze of lemon added a bright, balanced finish to every bite.The gindara saikyo yaki was one of the highlights. The black cod, marinated in saikyo miso, was so tender, the flavor so deep, leaving you only with the wish that it came in a larger portion. The ao-nori bagged potato might just be the most playful dish on the menu. Served in a bag like an elevated snack from your childhood, but better. The novelty of the bag only adds to the experience.Finally, the ribeye ku maze soba—this is the dish you come here for. Cold soba noodles in a savory broth, topped with slices of ribeye and a poached egg, it’s hearty and satisfying. The noodles were cooked just right, and the broth tied everything together. To wash it all down, the lemonade soda and a yuzu soda were refreshingly crisp palate cleansers between bites. They’re like a cool breeze on a warm day—just what you need to round out the meal.SOBAR is a great spot for a casual and delicious meal. The dishes may be on the smaller side, but the flavors are anything but. The service is solid and efficient, ensuring that your dining experience is as seamless as the restaurant’s modern design. If you’re feeling hungry, order a little extra—your appetite will thank you "soba" much!
Sep 05, 2024 · yousefThis is my second visit. This restaurant specializes in soba, and while the soba is delicious, the tempura dishes are also superb! The variety of alcohol is plentiful as well. If you want to experience authentic Japanese cuisine, you must visit this restaurant. You can trust me, as I am Japanese.
Jul 19, 2024 · Miyamoto Haru
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