Despite being right in the middle of a busy Myrtle Beach intersection, SoBaya is a little hard to find but well worth the search. Located in a tiny urban village at the corner of 38th Avenue North and Robert Grissom Parkway, Sobaya is a small diner with an even smaller sign, adding curb appeal to the corner cafe. Serving affordable Asian fare for lunch and dinner, owner/chef Takashi Miyazaki has created a niche following of food-savvy locals who consider SoBaya their little secret.
Try the Thai Seafood Salad or the Miso soup to tune up your taste buds for a flavorful choice of appetizers and entrees. Starters include Char-grilled Salmon or Mackerel, Asian Barbecue Ribs, Edamame, Gyoza, and Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura and Gyoza. Lunch and dinner specials focus on Japanese dishes designed by Miyazaki, as are many of popular entrees like Teriyaki Chicken, Shrimp in Soy Sauce with Mushrooms and Panko Crusted Pork. Complimenting the main courses are an assortment of stir-fried vegetables, noodles or rice and a side salad with housemade yuzu dressing. Among the Pan-Asian options is the Spicy Korean Bibimbap. Wash it down with a nice selection of Japanese beers or enjoy some hot sake at the bar.
Located in the corner unit of brownstone-style building, SoBaya has a tiny patio deck and an appealing storefront. The dining area is small but cozy and the theme is Asian cuisine meets French cafe. The crowd is made up almost exclusively local, particularly regulars who live in the residential units that adjoin the small commercial district. There’s a two-hour break between lunch and dinner and rarely a wait for either.
3590 St. James Avenue, Unit A, Myrtle Beach, SC
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