This time, I’d like to introduce Ishiusu Soba, located just steps away from the mountain-side exit of Zushi Station.
“Have you ever felt that truly good soba restaurants are surprisingly hard to find, even near major stations?”
This is one place I genuinely want you to know about.
The most distinctive feature of this restaurant is that the soba is stone-milled and hand-made by a foreign-born owner.
But behind that single line lies a much deeper story—and unmistakable quality.
Attraction ① Truly Dedicated Soba, Rooted in the “Three Fresh Principles”
At Ishiusu Soba, they place great importance on the classic soba philosophy known as “freshly milled, freshly made, and freshly boiled”.
The owner, Mr. Chowdhury, begins his preparation late at night the day before service, carefully milling buckwheat for the next day using a stone mill.
Using pre-milled flour would certainly be easier.
Still, he chooses the more labor-intensive path, saying he doesn’t want to use flour if he doesn’t know exactly when it was milled.
The soba itself was smooth, pleasantly firm, and surprisingly bold for a classic ni-hachi blend.
The dipping sauce is clean and slightly sharp rather than sweet, perfectly highlighting the soba’s aroma.
“Be honest—did you wonder what soba made by a foreign chef might be like?”
That hesitation disappeared after the very first bite.
Attraction ② A One-of-a-Kind Curry Soba with Real Spice Depth
This time, I ordered the curry soba.
Unlike typical Japanese-style curry soba, it delivered a bold, layered spice profile with a gentle heat that lingers.
The sensibility of the Bangladeshi-born owner comes through naturally, blending seamlessly into the soba dish rather than standing apart.
Instead of clashing, the Japanese dashi and the spices come together as a single, well-balanced dish.
If you’re starting to feel bored with ordinary curry soba, this is one bowl you should absolutely try.
Attraction ③ Crispy Kakiage and the Overall Balance of the Soba
The other dish I ordered was the kakiage soba.
Lightly fried and crisp kakiage paired with fragrant soba.
Many reviews mention this as well, but you would never question its quality even if you were told it was made by a Japanese soba master.
That makes sense, as Mr. Chowdhury trained seriously in Japan, learning the fundamentals at long-established soba restaurants.
“Who makes it matters.”
This bowl made that idea feel very real.
Attraction ④ The Owner’s Deep Commitment to Soba
The owner of Ishiusu Soba, Mr. M. R. K. Chowdhury, is originally from Bangladesh.
After coming to Japan nearly 20 years ago, he became deeply drawn to Japanese cuisine—especially the world of soba.
According to Town News (Zushi–Hayama edition),
he reopened his restaurant in Zushi with the desire “to cherish local customers and let them truly enjoy soba.”
His path has not been easy, including relocating the shop after the earthquake,
yet his words remain steady: “I can keep going because I truly love this.”
Some customers once left simply because of the assumption that “a foreigner makes the soba.”
Even so, he now says that the number of people who support him is overwhelmingly greater.
“Believing in what you love and continuing forward.”
That belief is clearly reflected in every bowl he serves.
Reference: Town News Zushi–Hayama Edition (March 21, 2014)
Baby & Family Note
The restaurant welcomes families with children, including infants, preschoolers, and elementary school-aged kids.
The seating is relatively spacious, so visiting slightly outside peak lunch hours may work well for casual mom meetups.
Its location right near the station also makes it easier for parents traveling with strollers.
Dog Information
Pets are not allowed inside the restaurant.
Information about terrace seating is unconfirmed, so if you plan to visit with your dog, it’s best to check in advance.
Access Information
Address: 1-1-31 Yamanone, Zushi City, Kanagawa
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Line Zushi Station, West Exit (Yamanone side)
Business hours: Unconfirmed (please check official sources before visiting)
Closed: Unconfirmed
Parking: None
Phone: 046-871-5822
Website: https://sobatohalal.jimdofree.com/
Instagram: @ishiususoba_bd
Summary: A Sincere Bowl Worth Going Out of Your Way For
Ishiusu Soba is
an authentic soba experience that gently overturns assumptions.
The dedication to the three fresh principles, the spice-driven curry soba, and above all, the owner’s genuine love for soba.
Each element makes this a place worth visiting intentionally.
Rather than “just convenient because it’s near the station,”
this is a restaurant that proves “being near the station can still mean exceptional quality.”
If you’re looking for soba in Zushi, this is a place I truly recommend experiencing for yourself.
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