Soba Ichi

This Japanese restaurant is more peaceful than a casual jog in Mountain View Cemetery (yes, it’s a thing). The minimalist, counter-service 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, make sure you grab one of the incredible, seasonal mochi from the Mochi Koubou pop-up.