Zaru soba is the perfect summer dish, and new Kinome Japanese Kitchen (2511 West Broadway) is the place to try it.

Chef and owner Ryoma Matarai makes his own buckwheat noodles on a mezzanine overlooking the small restaurant. A cold dashi dipping sauce is served alongside the noodles in the zaru version ($10.50), while the sauce is poured over Asakusa soba ($12.50), which is topped with green onions, tempura bits, julienned radish, and seaweed. The soba is also part of the $50 omakase tasting menu.

Call ahead to reserve (778-379-1925), as seats are limited in this tiny, excellent spot.