Soba Izakaya MINAMI — Restaurant in Laguna Hills

I've had this spot bookmarked for a little over 6 years, however long they've been open. I finally had the chance to do lunch here with my husband yesterday (1/18/2025). We came right at opening and sat at the long counter in front of the kitchen. Wanted to check out the action!

The menu has expanded from one page to six which is really exciting. They have great portions, prices, and options from appetizers, dessert, array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, rice bowls, udon, soba, katsu, combination sets, and now sushi (only served on the weekends).

My husband was impressed and quite satisfied with his Nagoya Pork Katsu & Soba (cold) set. Our server Divine recommended the 2-portion over the 3-portion of soba. She was right that 3-portion is ALOT! Pork katsu was perfectly breaded and fried. Crispy and juicy at the same time. His set was like having two meals for the price of one. Delicious and very filling.

My Agedashi tofu was so flavorful, with a thick broth. I especially enjoyed the hint of ginger with the shredded white radish topping. My order of curry udon came piping hot with plenty of noodles and sliced beef topping. I appreciated our server also providing optional chili powder topping on the side too.

Our small pot of genmaicha was just what we needed to round out the rich lunch. I didn't get a chance to try out dessert or their drinks, so maybe next time! Clean establishment, wonderful menu choices, and professional staff. We will definitely be back to try more!

PS - I encourage dining at the long counter. It was so cool to watch chef make the yakitori and add all the finishing touches to every dish. It was almost like watching Top Chef right in front of you. All her kitchen staff moved as one team despite their...

From the moment you step into Soba Izakaya MINAMI, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're embarking on a culinary journey to the heart of Japan. This isn't your run-of-the-mill Japanese eatery; it's a testament to the art of Soba and Yakitori, crafted with passion and precision.

Let's talk about the star of the show: the Soba. Handmade from scratch with a level of care that borders on reverence, each bowl is a masterclass in texture and taste. The Curry Soba is a standout dish, a harmonious blend of spice and comfort that warms you from the inside out. It's not just food; it's a warm hug in a bowl.

But why stop there? MINAMI's Yakitori selection takes you on a delectable detour off the beaten path. Among the jewels in their crown are the Squid legs - grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, succulent experience that leaves you craving more. It's a bold choice on the menu, and it pays off beautifully, showcasing their knack for elevating traditional dishes with a twist.

The ambiance of the place, with its intimate setting and warm lighting, complements the meal perfectly, creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and authentically Japanese. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge of the menu add to the experience, making you feel both valued and enlightened.

In conclusion, Soba Izakaya MINAMI is more than just a dining destination; it's a culinary treasure that beckons to be explored. For the lovers of Soba, Yakitori, and Japanese cuisine at its most authentic and innovative, this is your haven. As you savor each bite, remember: you're not just eating; you're part of a story - a delicious narrative spun with soba...

We didn't expect much of this restaurant as it's tucked away in an obscure shopping plaza. There was only one other table when we came in.

We order soba from their menu. The food is decent, but it's nothing to brag about. Their tempura is actually pretty good. They are crispy and the batter is light and spikey. The portion is a bit on the skimpy side. There's only two pieces of shrimp tempura and a bowl of soba noodles for $16.45.

Now here comes the complaint. For a bowl of noodle soup, I could have a bowl of beef pho, or spicy beef noodle soup for about the same price, with a bit more portion. At this restaurant they also charge for the tea, at $3.45. then without telling me, they also charge me a surcharge without any explanation.

They first show me a bill with the total without the surcharge. I paid on the tablet, and entered the tip. When they handed me the printed receipt, the surcharge showed up.

So if you add the surcharge, and the tea, and the taxes on these, it adds about 20% to the published price on the menu, not counting tip.

It's like they are worried that they will drive away customers if they raise the price too high. So they sneak in all these little charges here and there to up the price on the menu.

This is what's bothering me about this place. It's not very upfront about the prices they charge you for the...