Sobaya Japanese Bistro serves food that is a blend of art, culinary skill and preparation techniques dating back centuries. It stands apart from other local Japanese restaurants, as it’s small and not geared to serve throngs of tourists. Sobaya, which opened in September, is owned and operated by the chef, Takashi Miyazaki, and his family.

You’re likely first to be struck by Sobaya’s charming locale at St. James Square, near the corner of 38th Avenue North and Grissom Parkway. Diners can choose from appetizers, small plates, soba or udon noodle dishes (soba is a buckwheat noodle; udon is a wheat flour noodle), along with seafood, beef, chicken and pork specialties.

With enough pizazz to wow any foodie, Sobaya serves shrimp and vegetable tempura, seared Ahi tuna, Asian BBQ ribs (tea-smoked pork spare ribs with hoisin sauce), Kappa Kappa (thick sliced cucumber with crawfish salad), and three dozen additional items rarely found anywhere else on the Strand. The fork-tender charcoal-grilled beef and green onion Negimaki rolls had layers of flavor complementing one another in ways that only come from fresh ingredients and skilled preparation.

For lunch, try the traditional Bento Box-combo with soup and salad and your choice of one of the daily specials for around $10.  

The small bistro seats 20 or so inside, and maybe another 10 to 14 outside on the sidewalk café tables. The inside is cozy, with plenty of windows and a bright décor.

Sobaya is well worth the visit and is a fine addition to the growing gourmand-on-a-budget landscape.

Sobaya Japanese Bistro
3590 St. James Avenue
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 839-4899
Hours: 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon–9:30 p.m. Saturday.