Soba Ichi

This Japanese restaurant is more peaceful than a casual picnic at Mountain View Cemetery (yes, that's a thing, and the city view from there is beautiful). The minimalist space is covered with light wood, and a large glass window lets you look inside the room where buckwheat noodles - Soba Ichi’s specialty - are kneaded, rolled, and cut each morning. This spot is one of the only places in the country that makes soba by hand, and we’re lucky they do so here in West Oakland. The noodles are perfectly soft and chewy, and are served hot in a delicious dashi soup, or cold on a plate with a small cup of dipping broth. When you’re done, your server will pour hot buckwheat water into it for you to drink. If this wasn't already clear: you should be making a reservation immediately.