TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant

For Californians with a nuanced appreciation for authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly the comforting and intricate world of noodles, TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant in Tustin offers a unique experience. As its name suggests, TANAKAYA specializes in soba (thin buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles), prepared with a dedication to traditional methods. While reviews suggest a mixed bag of experiences regarding wait times and certain dishes, this establishment holds a distinct appeal for those seeking genuine Japanese noodle artistry. If you're looking to dive into the subtleties of freshly made soba or udon, complemented by well-executed fried dishes, TANAKAYA provides a casual yet focused culinary journey right here in Orange County.

TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant is located at 654 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780, USA. This address places it conveniently in Tustin, a city in Orange County, making it accessible for residents throughout the region. El Camino Real is a well-traveled street, ensuring that the restaurant is relatively easy to locate.

The restaurant is situated within a strip mall, which typically offers ample parking for customers. This is a common and appreciated feature in Southern California, as it helps alleviate the stress of finding a parking spot. Its location near Cream Pan, another popular local spot, means it's part of a vibrant culinary stretch in Tustin. However, it's important to note that while physically accessible, the restaurant's popularity can lead to significant wait times, with some customers experiencing waits of "2 hours for us to get a table with four tables ahead of us." Despite this, the presence of parking ensures that once you arrive, parking won't be an additional hurdle.

TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant focuses on providing a specialized noodle experience along with a selection of popular Japanese side dishes.

• Dine-In Service: Customers can enjoy their meals in a "casual yet cozy ambiance," experiencing the traditional Japanese noodle shop setting. Be prepared for potential waits during busy periods.

• Specialized Soba and Udon: The core of their menu revolves around soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (wheat noodles), served both hot and cold. They offer a "soba sampler" that includes various soba types like Ume Shiso (pickled plum), Nameko Oroshi (Nameko Mushrooms), Sansai (Veggies), Tanuki (Tempura flakes), and Matcha soba.

• Hot Noodle Dishes: A variety of hot noodle soups are available, including plain Kakesoba, noodles with stirred egg (Kakitama), Kitsune (with deep-fried tofu), Ankake (thick starchy soup with vegetables), Kara-Age (with fried chicken), Curry Noodle (with pork and onion), and more.

• Cold Noodle Dishes (Zaru Soba): For a refreshing experience, they offer cold soba and udon, often served with dipping sauces. Options include Zaru (with dried seaweed), Oroshi (with grated radish), and various cold noodles with vegetables or tempura.

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): TANAKAYA also offers a selection of rice bowls, such as Niku Don (teriyaki pork), Curry Don (homemade curry), Sauce Katsu Don (pork cutlet with special sauce), Oyako Don (chicken and egg), and various tempura donburi like Ebi Tenjyu (shrimp tempura) and Vegetable Tenjyu.

• Appetizers and Fried Foods: The menu includes popular Japanese appetizers like Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Agedashi Tofu, Tempura Assorted (Shrimp/Vegetable), Korokke (potato croquettes), Takoyaki, and Edamame. Fried dishes, particularly Karaage, are frequently highlighted as excellent.

• Curry Dishes: Besides curry noodles, they also offer Curry Rice (homemade chicken curry with rice) and various curry donburi options.

• Lunch Combos: Available Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, these combos offer items like Vegetable Tempura Combo, Karaage Combo, Yasai Tenjyu Combo, and Tonkatsu Combo, all served with rice, salad, and a mini noodle (soba or udon).

• Gift Cards: TANAKAYA offers gift cards through platforms like Giftly, allowing customers to give the gift of an authentic Japanese noodle experience.

TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant has several distinct features and highlights that draw in customers, despite some noted inconsistencies.

• Authentic Soba and Udon Focus: The restaurant's primary highlight is its dedication to traditional Japanese noodles. They specialize in soba and udon, with a transparent view into their "peek noodle room" where noodles are reportedly made fresh daily. This focus offers a more authentic experience than general Japanese restaurants.

• Outstanding Fried Foods (Karaage & Tempura): Consistently, the fried items receive high praise. The Karaage is a "must-order dish," described as having a "light but crispy coat that retained the juices of the chicken thigh" and being "delicious." The Pork Katsu and Shrimp Tempura are also noted for their "equally light coating of batter but fried just right," with the tempura being "not very oily at all" and tasting "clean." Many reviewers highlight these as the best dishes.

• Diverse Noodle Options: TANAKAYA offers a wide variety of hot and cold soba and udon dishes, allowing diners to explore different flavor profiles and preparations. The "soba sampler" provides an excellent opportunity to try multiple types, including unique ones like Matcha Soba.

• Homemade Curry: Chef Tanaka is noted for making his "own Housemade Japanese Curry from scratch," which is described as "wonderful" and "one of the best we have in So Cal at the moment," offering tender chicken and a flavorful base.

• Generous Portion Sizes: Customers often remark on the substantial portion sizes, especially for the noodles. They are noted to give "about ~20% more Soba Noodles per order," with options to add "additional full servings per order for only $2 more," allowing for very filling meals.

• Cozy and Casual Ambiance: The restaurant offers a "casual yet cozy ambiance," making it a comfortable spot for a relaxed meal.

• Attentive Service (when not overwhelmed): While wait times for tables and food can be long, the service itself is described as "excellent" by some, with staff directing guests efficiently when doors open.

TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant provides several value-driven options, particularly through their lunch combination meals.

• Lunch Combination Deals: Available Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, these combos offer a comprehensive meal at an attractive price. Options include:

  • Vegetable Tempura Combo: Assorted vegetable tempura with rice, salad, and a mini noodle (Soba or Udon).

  • Karaage Combo: Japanese-style fried chicken with rice, salad, and a mini noodle (Soba or Udon).

  • Yasai Tenjyu Combo: Assorted vegetable tempura served on rice with salad and a mini noodle (Soba or Udon).

  • Tonkatsu Combo: Fried pork cutlet with rice and a mini noodle (Soba or Udon).

• Noodle Portion Customization: While not a direct discount, TANAKAYA allows customers to increase their soba noodle portion size at a very affordable rate. For instance, you can get "Oh Zaru ('Two Layers' (2 Full Servings!) for only $2 more!)" and "Toku Zaru ('Three Layers' (3 Full Servings) for another $2)," providing significant value for noodle lovers.

• Gift Cards: TANAKAYA offers gift cards through platforms like Giftly, which can be purchased and redeemed at the restaurant, making it a convenient gifting option.

While the reviews highlight some mixed experiences regarding wait times and specific dishes (like the curry), these promotions, particularly the lunch combos and flexible noodle portions, offer compelling reasons for locals to try TANAKAYA and experience its strengths, especially its highly praised fried dishes. For the most current promotions, checking their official website or third-party delivery apps is recommended.

To experience TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant, or for any inquiries, here is their contact information:

Address: 654 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780, USA

Phone: (657) 231-6245

Given the potential for significant wait times, especially during peak hours, it is highly advisable to call ahead or plan your visit strategically, perhaps going at "opening time on a weekday to avoid any wait." Their menu is also available online via their website and various delivery platforms.

TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant holds a unique place for locals in California, particularly those in Tustin and Orange County, who appreciate a specialized and authentic Japanese noodle experience. While it may require patience due to potential wait times for both seating and food, its core strengths make it a compelling destination.

The true highlights lie in their fried dishes, with the Karaage consistently praised as "delicious," "crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside," and "outclassed any popcorn chicken we've had elsewhere." The Tempura and Pork Katsu also receive high marks for their light, perfect batter. For noodle enthusiasts, the restaurant's dedication to making soba and udon (even if sometimes overcooked) offers a taste of traditional Japanese comfort food, with a variety of hot and cold options and the flexibility to customize portion sizes for excellent value. Their homemade Japanese Curry, despite a reviewer's mixed opinion, is often noted as a standout.

For locals seeking an authentic culinary niche, focusing on handmade noodles and exceptional fried items, TANAKAYA provides a distinct and often rewarding experience. Its casual, cozy atmosphere and the availability of appealing lunch combos make it a suitable spot for a dedicated visit, especially if you plan to go during off-peak hours to avoid the waits. For those who prioritize fresh, specialized Japanese noodles and truly outstanding fried chicken and tempura, TANAKAYA remains a noteworthy option in the local Japanese dining scene.

TANAKAYA Japanese Soba Restaurant

654 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780, USA