"Soba Ichi is a West Oakland spot specializing in, obviously, soba. The incredible buckwheat noodles here are perfectly chewy, and available cold with dipping sauce or in a hot broth. Order one of each and grab a seat on their covered front patio. It’s filled with picnic tables, courtyard plants, and string lights overhead. Take your time and soak in the ambient sounds of the bamboo water fountain and the slurping of noodles." - julia chen 1, lani conway