
Soba Totto
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Soba Totto New York City elevates the ancient art of soba-making into a contemporary culinary experience, where master craftsmen transform buckwheat into silken strands before your eyes. This intimate Japanese sanctuary has earned Michelin recognition for its unwavering dedication to authenticity and exceptional technique.
Founded by Ryuichi "Bobby" Munekata, the visionary behind acclaimed establishments Yakitori Totto and Torys, Soba Totto represents the culmination of decades spent perfecting traditional Japanese culinary arts. Munekata's philosophy centers on transparency and craftsmanship, evident in the restaurant's open kitchen where diners witness the meticulous preparation of Ni-Hachi soba—a precise blend of 82% buckwheat and 18% wheat flour that achieves the perfect balance of texture and flavor. This commitment to traditional techniques has established Soba Totto among New York City's most respected Japanese restaurants, earning praise from critics and securing its place in the city's competitive fine dining landscape.
The menu showcases handcrafted soba in both hot and cold preparations, each designed to highlight the noodles' distinctive earthy character. Signature offerings include the luxurious Sukiyaki Soba, featuring premium washu beef with mushrooms and poached egg, and the innovative Bibin Soba, a Korean-Japanese fusion creation with braised pork belly and spicy gochujang. The Kakuni Soba presents melt-in-your-mouth pork belly alongside tempura crunch, while the Mixed Tempura Soba celebrates seasonal vegetables and pristine shrimp. Beyond soba, the kitchen excels in yakitori artistry, grilling premium cuts like chicken oysters and hatsu over binchotan charcoal. Each dish reflects Munekata's commitment to sourcing exceptional ingredients and honoring time-tested preparation methods.
Soba Totto's serene interior, crafted from natural wood and earth tones, provides an oasis of calm amid Manhattan's energy. The minimalist design philosophy allows the culinary theater to take center stage, while the open kitchen creates an intimate connection between chef and diner. Service follows Japanese hospitality principles—attentive yet unobtrusive, knowledgeable without pretension. The carefully curated sake and Japanese beer selection complements the menu perfectly, with knowledgeable staff guiding pairings that enhance each dish's subtle complexities.
For discerning diners seeking authentic Japanese craftsmanship in New York City, Soba Totto offers an unparalleled experience where tradition meets contemporary refinement. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak lunch hours when the restaurant attracts devoted regulars and curious newcomers alike, all drawn to witness soba mastery in its purest form.
CHEF
Shuichi Kotani
ACCOLADES
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(2025) Michelin Plate
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(2024) Michelin Plate

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Casual in North America Ranked #320
