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Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar - CollingwoodB+Worth Trying
140 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
· Japanese restaurant, Gluten-free restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (622 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Handmade soba and a fully gluten-free-leaning menu shine, with thoughtful broths and calm service; prices trend high for casual, and tempura execution divides opinion.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong handmade soba with clean, balanced broths and quietly attentive service, but inconsistent execution—mushy noodles and seasoning lapses on repeat visits—prevents higher grades. The warm, understated setting and excellent gluten-free coverage appeal to devoted soba and dietary-conscious diners, though tempura reliability and higher casual pricing limit broader appeal. Worth visiting for soba enthusiasts seeking authentic handmade noodles and reliable gluten-free options.
Restaurant Summary
A calm, understated room on Smith Street where handmade soba takes center stage and service feels quietly attentive. Diners describe broths as clean and balanced, with one noting, "the noodles had a nutty bite and the broth felt deliberate." Prices run high for casual, but many leave satisfied and light rather than stuffed. The cooking leans classic soba shop with a few modern touches—think the creamy-spicy Red Dragon broth and multigrain sushi bowls—more elevated traditional than fusion fireworks. Fans love the firm noodle texture and precise seasoning; detractors mostly call out tempura as too thick or oily. If you are here for soba, you will likely be happy; if flaky-light tempura is your benchmark, experiences vary. For families, there are accessible options like karaage chicken, assorted tempura, salmon bowls, and plain soba, making it kid-manageable even without a formal kids menu. Portions skew sensible, not jumbo, and the fully gluten-free-leaning menu helps those with dietary needs eat with confidence.
At a Glance
- Handmade soba with clean, balanced broths
- Strong gluten-free and vegan coverage
- Tempura execution inconsistent and sometimes heavy
- Pricing on the higher side for casual Japanese
- Expect sensible portions, not oversized plates
What Sets It Apart
- handmade_buckwheat_soba
- coeliac_friendly_menu
- calm_modern_setting
What People Love
- Nutty, firm handmade noodles
- Clean, comforting broths
- Coeliac-friendly confidence
- Calm, modern room
Points of Concern
- Tempura can be thick or oily according to multiple diners
- Pricing feels premium for casual; some find portions modest
- Occasional service lapses with slow ordering or order issues
- Older reviews mention weekend surcharge and card fees
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Red Dragon soba with Agedashi Tofu for textural contrast
- Choose Seiro for pure noodle focus; add Tempura as side only if you like richer batter
- Gluten-free diners can order confidently across soba and bowls
Perfect For
- A focused soba night with sake
- Gluten-free diners seeking safe variety
- Casual date in a calm setting
- Solo slurp-and-go lunch
Location Insights
Area: Lively inner-north strip with creative venues, casual dining, and nightlife; attracts diners seeking quality Japanese.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked evenings; standard urban vigilance applies.
Nearby: Surrounded by bars, cafes, and boutiques along Smith St; close to Fitzroy arts scene.
CollingwoodCollingwood is a trendy and dynamic neighborhood characterized by its industrial heritage, converted warehouses, street art, and a strong café and dining culture. The area attracts a mix of hip locals and visitors seeking innovative and casual dining experiences, with many venues offering craft beers, artisanal foods, and international cuisines.
Smith StreetSmith Street is a well-known strip within Collingwood famous for its vibrant nightlife, diverse eateries, boutique shops, and a youthful, energetic atmosphere. It is a popular destination for dining out, with a focus on contemporary and international flavors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:00, 17:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–15:00, 17:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–15:00, 17:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–15:00, 17:30–21:00
Friday11:30–15:00, 17:30–21:00
Saturday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Sunday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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