Sobakiri Imose

The name "Imose" refers to Mt. Imose from ancient verses of Manyoshu — the oldest Japanese poetry collection — as a tribute to the owner-chef's birthplace in Wakayama Prefecture. Nestled in a serene residential area between Tamatsukuri and Morinomiya, this charming joint offers a dining space reminiscent of idyllic countryside life. A sunken hearth adds presence to the interior, providing welcoming warmth during colder seasons, while the woven textures lend a rustic, rough-hewn feel. The soba menu is so enticing you'll want to try everything. The "Imoyama" soba, topped with grated yam, egg yolk, and a dusting of seaweed, comes in a flavorful bonito broth. The "Oseiro" soba is served in a traditional steamer basket, while the iInaka" soba, dark and robust, is made from whole buckwheat flour. No visit is complete without sampling the renowned kakinohazushi, cured mackerel sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf. A Wakayama specialty and a nod to the owner’s roots, eager diners order this along with their favorite soba dish. Sobakiri Imose is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in 2024.