Soba Totto

- 211 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017

In the vibrant and often overwhelming landscape of New York City's dining scene, Soba Totto stands out as a genuine sanctuary of authentic Japanese cuisine. Located in Midtown East, this establishment masterfully combines the traditional artistry of a soba noodle shop with the lively, social atmosphere of a classic izakaya. The name itself, "Soba Totto," is a nod to its primary specialty: handcrafted, fresh soba noodles. However, to consider Soba Totto as just a soba shop would be to miss the full scope of its culinary excellence. It is a place that brings the true flavors and dining culture of Japan to the heart of Manhattan. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is designed to be both casual and cozy, offering a peaceful and relaxing escape from the city’s constant motion.

Soba Totto has earned a reputation for its commitment to detail and authenticity, a fact frequently highlighted by patrons who feel the food tastes "exactly like the food I ate in Japan." This is a significant testament to the quality and traditional techniques employed by the chefs. The restaurant's identity as both a soba noodle shop and an izakaya allows it to cater to a wide range of cravings and occasions. Whether you’re seeking a simple, comforting bowl of noodles or an extensive meal of small plates and drinks, Soba Totto provides a multifaceted experience. The meticulous attention to detail is evident not only in the food but also in the service, which customers consistently praise as excellent. It’s a destination that promises a high level of quality, a chill vibe, and a taste of genuine Japanese hospitality, making it a valuable addition to the New York dining scene.

The restaurant also identifies as an Asian-owned business, adding to its authentic and community-focused ethos. It is a welcoming space for a diverse crowd, proudly identifying as family-friendly, group-friendly, and LGBTQ+ friendly, with a transgender safe space designation. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that all guests feel comfortable and valued, making Soba Totto an ideal spot for a wide variety of social gatherings. From a quick lunch with colleagues to a celebratory dinner with friends, the versatile atmosphere and comprehensive menu make it a perfect fit for any occasion. The combination of its authentic offerings and its welcoming environment establishes Soba Totto as a truly unique and cherished spot in the city.

Soba Totto is conveniently located at 211 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017, a prime spot in the bustling Midtown East neighborhood. This central location makes it easily accessible for a variety of patrons, including office workers looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, tourists exploring the city's landmarks, and residents of the surrounding area. Its proximity to Grand Central Terminal and other major transit hubs ensures that getting to the restaurant is a breeze, regardless of where you are coming from in the city. The central address also makes it a great meeting point for groups.

In line with its inclusive and welcoming ethos, Soba Totto is committed to ensuring accessibility for all guests. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, allowing for easy entry for individuals with mobility needs. In addition, wheelchair accessible seating is available, ensuring that all diners can enjoy their meal comfortably. While the restaurant can be very busy, especially during lunch and dinner hours, its central location and thoughtful accessibility features make it a reliable and accommodating choice for any visitor. The availability of Wi-Fi also makes it a convenient spot for solo diners who may need to work or browse while they enjoy their meal.

• Dine-in and Takeout: The restaurant offers a traditional dine-in experience for those who want to savor their meal in a cozy and authentic atmosphere. For those on the go, both takeout and curbside pickup are available.
• Delivery: Customers can enjoy Soba Totto's delicious food from the comfort of their home or office, thanks to the convenient delivery service.
• Reservations: Given its popularity and the possibility of a wait, Soba Totto accepts reservations. It is highly recommended to book a table for both lunch and dinner, especially for larger groups.
• Private Dining Room: For special events, corporate gatherings, or more intimate celebrations, the restaurant offers a private dining room. This provides an exclusive space to enjoy the full Soba Totto experience.
• Happy Hour: Soba Totto provides a great happy hour with both food and drinks, making it a perfect destination for after-work gatherings or a casual pre-dinner treat.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring the authentic flavors of Soba Totto to your next event or party.

• Authentic Izakaya & Soba: As a fusion of a traditional soba noodle shop and an izakaya, Soba Totto provides a diverse menu that captures the essence of Japanese dining culture. Customers can enjoy handcrafted soba as a main course or as part of a larger meal of small, shared plates.
• Extensive Menu: The menu goes far beyond just soba. Highlights include a wide variety of "Yakitori" (grilled skewers), "Donburi" (rice bowls), "Spoon Sushi," and a selection of small "Otsumami" plates and "Obanzai." This variety ensures there is something for every taste and preference.
• Great Beverage Selection: The restaurant features a full bar onsite and is noted for its "great beer selection" and "great cocktails," in addition to a "great tea selection" and wine. The beverage options perfectly complement the flavors of the food.
• Comforting and Healthy Options: The menu is rich with comfort food, healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options, making it a flexible choice for various dietary needs.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a crowd that is family-friendly, good for groups, and openly inclusive. It’s an ideal environment for a quiet, relaxing meal or a lively get-together.
• Fast and Attentive Service: Customers consistently praise the fast and attentive service, noting a "high level of attention to detail" that enhances the overall dining experience.

When you visit Soba Totto, the sheer variety of the menu might feel a bit overwhelming, but certain choices stand out for an exceptional experience. The most highly recommended item, according to satisfied customers, is the 5-tier New Totto Soba. This is more than just a dish; it's a delightful tasting journey that allows you to sample several different flavors and toppings, making it both "fun to eat" and a great introduction to the soba experience. Trying the soba, which is available in both hot and cold preparations, is a must-do, as it is the very heart of the restaurant's identity. The noodles themselves are handcrafted and made with care, offering a level of freshness and authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Beyond the soba, it is highly recommended to explore the Izakaya side of the menu. The Yakitori selection is a fantastic choice, offering perfectly grilled skewers of meat and vegetables that are a perfect companion to a beer or cocktail. For those who enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, ordering a selection of small plates, such as the Spoon Sushi or some of the Otsumami appetizers, provides an authentic and communal dining experience. Dishes like the Katsu Don, Una Ju, or a Sashimi Platter also provide excellent representations of classic Japanese comfort food and seafood artistry, proving that Soba Totto’s expertise extends well beyond noodles.

The unique fusion of soba and izakaya truly makes Soba Totto a destination worth choosing. It provides a peaceful and delicious spot for a solo meal, a great place to bring a group for a fun and sharing-oriented dinner, and a reliable option for a late-night bite. The added conveniences of a full bar, happy hour specials, and a private dining room for special occasions only solidify its place as a top-tier Japanese restaurant in New York. Ultimately, you choose Soba Totto for its dedication to authentic flavors, its high-quality ingredients, and the professional service that ensures a memorable and truly enjoyable dining experience that feels like a trip to Japan itself.

Address: 211 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 377-8947

Soba Totto

211 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017, USA