It was late July 2023, on my last day of a several-day stay in Nagoya, when I found myself craving Japanese soba. Nagoya, not typically known for its soba, didn’t set my expectations too high as I began my search.
Among the search results, “Ito” caught my eye. This soba restaurant, housed in a building from the Taisho period and once part of an old red-light district, exuded a solemn and charming atmosphere. Often, great buildings don’t guarantee great taste, but the historic value alone seemed worth a visit. So, off I went in a rushed taxi ride.
Upon alighting from the taxi, I fell in love with the building’s calm, historic elegance. The sun’s rays added a special gleam to its ancient structure, showcasing its chic, quaint charm, and a sense of grandeur that spoke of its storied past.
Inside, the air was slightly humid, mixed with the enticing aroma of soba.
The menu was extensive, leaving me indecisive. Eventually, I settled on soba-gaki and cold soba with sakura shrimp, believing that soba-gaki would be the true test of a soba restaurant’s quality.
The soba-gaki was warm and simple yet delicious – a promising sign for the soba.
After fully enjoying it, the soba with sakura shrimp arrived at just the right moment. It was perfect – firm and flavorful. The tempura accompanying it was light and not overly greasy. It was a soba experience so satisfying that it felt like the ultimate indulgence.
In the sweltering heat of summer, delicious soba offered a moment of cool respite and comfort.
Soba Itou
愛知県名古屋市中村区大門町13
13 Oomon-chou Nakamura-ku Nagoya Aichi Prefecture
+81-052-471-3850 Japanese Only
About reservation
The restaurant has no English-speaking staff. If you would like to make a reservation, I can assist you.
1500 yen per reservation, paypal payment.
*We will contact you within 24 hours of your inquiry.