モンチッチ
There is a soba restaurant located at a corner of the intersection where Yotsuya-Sanchome Station is. It has a beautiful exterior and a unique atmosphere that somehow feels both affordable and a little bit upscale. It seems to be operated by Japan Restaurant System. I have visited other brands operated by Japan Restaurant System such as Tamago to Watashi, Hoshino Coffee, and Goemon. Now, they have merged with Doutor Coffee to form "Doutor Japan Restaurant Holdings," so Doutor is also considered a related store. The menu includes "kake" soba for 370 yen, with the highest price being 750 yen, which is just slightly more expensive than standing soba shops. I am curious about the 630 yen curry at the soba shop. However, since it is my first visit, I decide to go with soba. They also offer udon. The state-of-the-art ticket machine does not have a clear list of the menu, which I do not particularly like. However, it may be beneficial for foreign customers to choose while looking at the pictures. The ticket purchased from the state-of-the-art machine does not need to be handed over. It automatically notifies the kitchen. When the order is ready, they will call your name. The spacious interior extends towards the back. One of the characteristics is the various types of seating available. There are counter seats in the front where you can stand and eat. Towards the back of the counter, on the left, there are box seats similar to family restaurants. On the right, there are semi-counter tables separated by tall walls. Towards the back, there are single-side chairs and sofa-like seats. The variety of seating options is impressive. I arrived at 3:00 pm, and there were only about three other customers. Seasonings, chopsticks, and shichimi are placed at the receiving counter. On the table, there are only paper napkins, chopsticks, and shichimi. They seem to encourage customers to use the table space widely. Since it is operated by Japan Restaurant System, they have thought of everything. I was called after a 5-minute wait. There was a sign outside stating that "all tempura is freshly fried." Therefore, it may take a little time after ordering to fry. However, it only took 5 minutes. Soba with Nori Tempura (500 yen) + Large Size (120 yen) I love the spring chrysanthemum tempura, which was not available, so I chose the closest option, Nori Tempura. The Nori Tempura was certainly freshly fried. It was in excellent condition. Literally crispy. The flavor of the seaweed was lovely. The quality is outstanding for 500 yen for a regular size. Unfortunately, when you get a large size, the soba fills the bowl completely. Although the large size is 120 yen, it would be great if they could add plenty of broth for 150 yen or 170 yen. The tempura absorbs the broth, causing the broth to decrease, and it starts to resemble mixed soba. The broth is light in color, unlike the dark soba broth commonly seen in Tokyo. It has a sweet flavor. The soba is white and on the softer side. It doesn't give the feeling of authentic soba, but it is well done. The portion is decent when you get a large size. The restaurant is like a mix between a casual soba shop and a standing soba shop. The prices are slightly towards the standing soba shop, and the taste is slightly towards the casual soba shop. The atmosphere is a mix of both. It would have been even better if there was more broth. Please note that even though the restaurant is clean and self-service, you need to clear your own dishes. Many people seem to forget about this. === [Order] Nori Tempura Soba 500 yen Large Size 120 yen