Beginning life as a confectionery shop in 1465, Honke Owariya is now arguably the best soba restaurant in Kyoto. Head to their original outlet just 2 minutes walk from Karasuma Oike station for freshly made soba noodles, or their more convenient branch near Pontocho.

My Rikyu Soba was homely comfort in a bowl - firm and slightly chewy buckwheat noodles in a light dashi broth accented with a hint of lemon. Slurp the noodles like the locals do to simultaneously cool them down and show your appreciation.

Taste: 3.5/5