One of the only soba specialists in Melbourne, Shimbashi has been serving their handmade soba in Melbourne for almost 4 years now. The soba here is made from Tasmanian buckwheat groats which are stone-milled in the restaurant to make the flour for the hand kneaded noodles. These are the same buckwheat groats that are also exported directly to Japan as well for their soba.
Small and busy restaurant
The restaurant can get quite busy on some nights, with only only a few tables inside and outdoors as well as one large communal table, it can be quite hard to get a table sometimes.
Complementary potato starter
The complimentary potato starter is a mix of mashed and chunks of potato with some onions and black pepper, quite a nice appetiser.
Seiro $10
The seiro is my favourite dish at Shimbashi, a simple dish of a plate of cold noodles and their own special dipping sauce, which can be garnished with spring onions and wasabi. The epitome of perfection in simplicity, the light flavours of the entire dish along with the firm noodles blended together perfectly.
Okawari Seiro - Extra noodles $6
Soba Yu
Soba yu is the water in which the soba is boiled in, it contains many of the nutrients that were in the buckwheat before it was cooked. Served in a small pot, it can be mixed in with the remaining sauce or simply enjoyed by itself.
Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar is a cosy little restaurant and a long time favourite of mine. With handmade noodles, simple flavours, a great atmosphere and lovely staff, it is a perfect place to relax and transport yourself away from the busy city atmosphere.
Food Rating 8/10
Overall Rating 8.5