Minatoya

This slickly decorated stand-up soba joint is always packed with diners, and you can expect a wait if you're going at lunchtime. With good reason, too: the portions here are enough to satisfy even the heartiest eaters, while the flavours will tantalise more curious palates. The warm chicken soba is a popular option, though during the summer you'll want to opt for the cold niku (meat) soba, topped with nori, spring onions and sesame seeds and given added punch by a generous dousing of rayu (chilli oil). Once you've polished off the noodles, grab an egg from the bowl on the counter and crack it into the broth to produce a mellower taste that'll keep you slurping until the last drop.