To start off with, let me tell you that I am big fan of this restaurant and the only reason Im writing this review is to praise it.
SOBA has been my favorite restuarant in Pittsburgh that has class, good food, flavourful and each food is served with very good presentation. This restaurant has been the restaurant of choice for any occasion- celebration of job, or birthdays.
Being a vegetarian myself, they really dont have many options for vegetarians. but they ae ever so accommodating to make any pasta customized for vegetarian taste buds. let me summarize the experiences-
1) the staff is friendly, polite and explain any dish to you if you ask them.
2) lovely lovely ambience. i love the water fountain inside the restuarant.
3) food is flavorful. a tip- the sides listed on the menu are usually small eats and work marvelously as an appetizer for two-three people. make sure you try them.
4) the presentation of the food is really good. matches with the flavor.
5) not a slow service
6) good selection of wines. again the staff explain the best combination for every meal.
7) desert- is top of the world. my personal recommendation- try the chocolate maki. its a desert that is truly creative and deserves five stars. it has chocolate mouse stuffed inside what is similar to a rice roll, instead its a chocoltae crepe. the wasabi is substituted with paste made of pista chocolate sauce becomes the vinegar and of course, ginger is as is. this is by far the best desert i have ever tasted in pittsburgh at any restuarant.
if you are looking for a romantic friday evening, or your first date or just a classy restuarant for celebration then i would highly recommend this. just be aware that the food is a little pricey and can easily run up for more than $100 for just 3 people including drinks.