Mitaka-an

Diners exploring the area around Mitakadai Station will find an extensive selection of noodle bowls and set meals at Mitaka-an. The restaurant's buckwheat noodles are cut on the thicker side, offering a satisfying chew and a rustic, robust flavour. Choices range from simple chilled mori soba to hot niku nanban with pork, alongside set meals such as the katsuju box, noted by patrons for a balanced broth that is neither overly sweet nor heavy.

The menu also gives serious attention to udon. Among the recommended choices is the Inokashira udon, featuring long, slender wheat noodles dressed with abundant aromatics and dashi, commended in reviews for its generous portion. Another distinct offering is the Kansai-style ume udon, seasoned with a light broth rarely encountered in Tokyo soba shops and topped with a plump Nanko pickled plum; it is served hot, with a chilled version available during summer. For a heartier lunch, the mini set combines noodles—tanuki with fried tempura batter flakes or kitsune with seasoned fried tofu—alongside fried horse mackerel and a small portion of rice, which can also be ordered cold in the hotter months.

From early evening onward, the restaurant functions comfortably for soba-mae, the tradition of enjoying drinks and small dishes before finishing with noodles. Guests can pair cold sake or the shop's own namesake buckwheat shochu with plates like itawasa fish cake, soba-miso cucumbers, deep-fried baby prawns, or mackerel simmered in miso. Seated at the spacious tables, it makes an inviting spot to linger over appetizers before concluding the meal with a chilled basket of soba.