Sojibo

A quick dip in the broth, then a satisfying slurp of Shinshu soba, chilled firmly in cold water: it is an easy way to fill up between shopping or on the way home from work. Inside Oimachi Ito-Yokado, 信州そば処 そじ坊 centres its menu on pleasantly chewy soba, with a range of set meals pairing it with tempura or rice bowls.

The classic zaru soba comes with fresh wasabi or grated wasabi, bringing a fragrant, refreshing touch. The large prawn tempura zaru soba is a popular pairing: its generously sized prawn stands out, while the crisp, light batter complements the smooth texture of the noodles. For a more substantial meal, add another serving of zaru soba, or pair the noodles with sansai kayaku rice, seasoned with broth.

There are also plenty of set meals for days when soba alone will not quite fill you up. Choose soba with katsudon or tendon, both finished with a sweet-and-savoury sauce, or opt for a seafood bowl set such as hon-maguro don or salmon and ikura don. There are options to suit the mood of the day. The soba served with set meals can be ordered hot or cold, making it easy to choose according to the season or how you feel.

With mostly table seating, the dining room works for anything from a solo lunch to a family meal, with room to settle in around the table. For a relaxed meal, order small plates such as satsuma-age or edamame with draft beer, then finish with cold soba.