Leichi operates at 246 Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050, specializing in housemade soba with sake and special fish from Japan on weekdays. Established in 2015, this Japanese restaurant seats approximately 26 guests at most, including eight at the counter. The restaurant features cozy intimate setting for Japanese tapas enthusiasts with focus on fresh seafood, traditional Japanese flavors, impeccable sashimi, and unique dishes like broiled salmon cheek and duck cold dipping soba.
What Time Does Leichi Open Today?
Leichi operates with lunch and dinner service:
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
Reservations highly recommended through Yelp booking system
Leichi Menu With Current Prices
Leichi establishes itself as Santa Clara’s authentic Japanese izakaya destination by focusing on housemade soba noodles, fresh fish from Japan, traditional small plates, and intimate dining atmosphere that creates exceptional experiences for guests seeking genuine Japanese tapas-style cuisine.
Why Do Locals Choose This Japanese Izakaya?
Leichi attracts Santa Clara diners with authentic preparation and specialty offerings:
| Restaurant Features | Izakaya Appeal | What Sets Them Apart |
|---|---|---|
| Housemade Soba | Fresh noodles daily | Limited 10 portions per evening |
| Special Fish from Japan | Weekday imports | Authentic Japanese seafood |
| Intimate Setting | Cozy 26-seat capacity | Traditional izakaya atmosphere |
| Established 2015 | Nearly 10 years service | Consistent quality standards |
Housemade Soba and Noodle Specialties
Experience housemade soba with sake as restaurant specialty with limited portions each evening.
| Soba Options | Preparation Style | Signature Quality | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Cold Dipping Soba | Smoked duck, cold noodles | Customer favorite | $16.00 - $19.00 |
| Tori Nanban Soba | Grilled chicken, hot broth | Savory soup style | $14.00 - $17.00 |
| Cold Tempura Udon | Crispy tempura, cold noodles | Refreshing option | $15.00 - $18.00 |
| Curry Udon | Rich curry broth | Hearty comfort dish | $14.00 - $17.00 |
Estimated pricing based on Santa Clara Japanese restaurant standards
Fresh Sashimi and Raw Fish Selections
Discover impeccable sashimi with fresh scallop as standout selection.
| Sashimi Options | Fresh Fish | Daily Quality | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Chirashi Bowl | Assorted sashimi over rice | Perfect lunch size | $18.00 - $22.00 |
| Sashimi Platter | Multiple fish varieties | Chef's daily selection | $19.50 - $28.00 |
| Assorted Sashimi Set | Six types of fish | Fresh daily offerings | $24.00 - $32.00 |
| Premium Selections | Toro, yellowfin, salmon | High-quality cuts | $8.00 - $15.00 per piece |
Bento Box Lunch Sets
Experience bento options featuring dishes like Sashimi Bento, Grilled Mackerel Bento, and Washubeef chuck flap steak Bento.
| Bento Options | Set Components | Complete Meal | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sashimi Bento | Raw fish, rice, miso soup | Fresh daily selections | $22.00 - $26.00 |
| Grilled Mackerel Bento | Citrus grilled fish, accompaniments | Traditional preparation | $18.00 - $22.00 |
| Washu Beef Steak Bento | Premium beef, sides | Protein-focused lunch | $24.00 - $28.00 |
| Leichi Special Set | Seven small dishes on tray | Variety sampling | $24.00 - $28.00 |
Grilled and Broiled Fish Specialties
Try unique dishes like broiled salmon cheek as standout specialty.
| Grilled Fish Options | Preparation Method | Specialty Appeal | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon Cheek (Kama) | Broiled with yuzu zest | Fatty tender specialty | $16.00 - $20.00 |
| Miso Gindara Saikyo | Black cod, miso marinade | Customer favorite | $22.00 - $26.00 |
| Grilled Mackerel (Saba) | Traditional preparation | Classic izakaya dish | $14.00 - $18.00 |
| Grilled Salmon Belly | Fatty rich cuts | Premium seafood | $16.00 - $20.00 |
A5 Wagyu and Premium Proteins
Experience A5 Wagyu Steak with marinated thick pieces, medium rare, juicy, rich, melts in mouth.
| Premium Protein Options | Quality Grade | Preparation Style | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 Wagyu Steak | Japanese premium beef | Grilled medium rare | $45.00 - $55.00 |
| Beef Tongue Steak | Thick cuts | Hot stone grill | $22.00 - $28.00 |
| Smoked Duck | House smoked | Chewy juicy flavorful | $16.00 - $20.00 |
| Kalbi on Stone Grill | Short rib, self-cook | Interactive dining | $18.00 - $24.00 |
Izakaya Small Plates and Appetizers
Experience traditional Japanese small plates perfect for sharing:
| Small Plate Options | Tapas Style | Sharing Appeal | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Edamame | Garlic seasoned | Flavorful starter | $6.00 - $8.00 |
| Hamachi Carpaccio | Yellowtail, ponzu | Fresh raw preparation | $14.00 - $18.00 |
| Cucumber Salad | Fresh seafood topping | Light refreshing | $10.00 - $13.00 |
| Taro Mozzarella Balls | Fried crispy exterior | Unique fusion appetizer | $9.50 - $12.00 |
Housemade Tofu and Traditional Dishes
Discover housemade tofu as revelation, best ever had including renowned tofu places in Japan.
| Tofu & Traditional Items | Housemade Quality | Authentic Style | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housemade Leichi Tofu | Silky texture | Signature preparation | $8.00 - $10.00 |
| Chawanmushi | Egg custard | Savory steamed dish | $8.00 - $10.00 |
| Buri Daikon | Yellowtail, radish stew | Flavorful braised dish | $16.00 - $20.00 |
| Spinach with Sesame | Blanched greens | Cold dashi broth | $10.00 - $12.00 |
Hot Stone Grill Items
Experience dishes served with hot rock to cook at your table as fun interactive dining.
| Stone Grill Options | Interactive Cooking | DIY Appeal | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Tongue Grill | Thin slices, lemon | Cook to preference | $20.00 - $25.00 |
| Kalbi Stone Grill | Marinated short rib | Table-side cooking | $18.00 - $24.00 |
Sake and Japanese Beverage Program
Try housemade soba paired with sake as restaurant specialty combination.
| Beverage Selections | Japanese Style | Pairing Appeal | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sake Selection | Various temperatures | Soba and sashimi pairings | $8.00 - $18.00 per serving |
| Sake Flight | Multiple varieties | Tasting experience | $18.00 - $25.00 |
| Japanese Beer | Imported selections | Classic accompaniment | $6.00 - $9.00 |
| Housemade Ginger Ale | Fresh preparation | Non-alcoholic specialty | $4.00 - $6.00 |
Desserts and Sweet Finishes
Experience soba pudding, hojicha panna cotta, and green tea desserts as amazing finishes.
| Dessert Options | Japanese Style | Sweet Appeal | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hojicha Panna Cotta | Roasted green tea custard | Signature dessert | $7.50 - $9.00 |
| Soba Pudding | Buckwheat dessert | Unique specialty | $7.50 - $9.00 |
| Green Tea Crepe | Ice cream, fresh fruit | Light refreshing | $7.50 - $9.00 |
How Much Does Leichi Cost?
Leichi maintains moderate upscale pricing with most meals ranging $30-60 per person:
| Menu Category | Average Cost Range | Dining Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Soba Noodles | $14 - $19 | Housemade daily, limited portions |
| Sashimi | $8 - $32 | Fresh fish, daily selections |
| Bento Sets | $18 - $28 | Complete lunch, traditional sides |
| Grilled Fish | $14 - $26 | Specialty preparations, fresh daily |
| Premium Proteins | $16 - $55 | A5 Wagyu, smoked duck, stone grill |
| Small Plates | $6 - $18 | Izakaya tapas, shareable portions |
| Desserts | $7 - $9 | Housemade specialties, Japanese style |
Pricing reflects authentic Japanese izakaya standards with quality ingredients
Why Choose Leichi Over Other Santa Clara Japanese Restaurants?
Leichi distinguishes itself through authentic izakaya focus and specialty offerings:
- Housemade Soba Specialty: Limited fresh noodle portions demonstrate commitment to quality over quantity.
- Special Fish from Japan: Weekday imports of authentic Japanese seafood ensure genuine flavors.
- Intimate Izakaya Setting: Small 26-seat capacity creates authentic traditional Japanese tapas atmosphere.
- Housemade Signature Items: Tofu, ginger ale, and soba showcase dedication to from-scratch preparation.
- Strip Mall Hidden Gem: Inconspicuous location provides refined authentic experience beyond typical appearance.
How to Order from Leichi
Experience authentic Japanese izakaya through reservation system:
| Service Method | Contact Information | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Yelp Reservations | Online booking system | Guaranteed table seating |
| Phone Reservations | (408) 320-2725 | Direct booking assistance |
| DoorDash Delivery | Online ordering available | Takeout convenience |
| Walk-In Counter | Limited bar seating | Without reservation |
What Makes This Saratoga Avenue Location Special?
Leichi distinguishes itself through authentic focus and community presence:
- Pruneridge Shopping Center: Located at end of larger shopping complex with easy-to-find parking available.
- Intimate Capacity: Maximum 26 seats including eight counter spots create cozy izakaya atmosphere.
- Japanese Expat Favorite: Packed mainly with Japanese expats enjoying drinks and sharing small plates.
- Chef Nobu Kashima: Dedicated chef brings authentic Japanese preparation techniques.
- Teishoku Lunch Sets: Traditional Japanese lunch service offers different experience than dinner.
Real Customer Reviews and Experiences
Customer feedback reveals genuine experiences from Leichi visitors:
“The seafood is so fresh. Every time my wife and I go there, we can always find something to explore. The sashimi is very good, especially the scallop.” – Yelp reviewer
“House made tofu was a revelation – best I’ve ever had (including in renowned tofu places in Japan). Tai chazuke was extremely good too.” – Foursquare reviewer
“I didn’t know soba could taste so delicious! We ordered the duck cold dipping soba. It was very flavorful. I was actually bummed we had only ordered one to share since it was so tasty.” – Restaurant review
“After eating most of the dishes, we were still a little hungry so we asked our server to make a recommendation and he suggested the Buri Daikon. It was sooooo flavorful and delicious. The cuts of tuna were so fatty, I want to order it again.” – Customer review
“The dishes served with a hot rock to cook at your table were a lot of fun and just delicious. Their house made soy sauce is worth the trip alone.” – TripAdvisor review
“We had a wonderful time at Leichi! From the moment we walked in seeing the cute decorated interior, to the final bite of dessert sad that our meal was ending.” – Customer testimonial
“Leichi is a hidden gem in a Santa Clara strip mall that feels way more refined than it looks from the outside. The cozy space is perfect for a date night or a small group.” – Recent review
“The dishes here are a bit pricy but they are definitely tasty.” – Yelp reviewer
“For a $30-50 per person price range, the quality and authentic experience make it worthwhile.” – Restaurant Guru review
Most Asked Questions About Leichi
What time does Leichi open and close?
Lunch 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, dinner 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM weekdays and Sunday, until 10:30 PM Friday-Saturday.
Where is Leichi located?
246 Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050, at the end of Pruneridge Shopping Center.
What type of food does Leichi serve?
Authentic Japanese izakaya featuring housemade soba, fresh sashimi, small plates, and specialty fish from Japan.
Does Leichi require reservations?
Yes, reservations highly recommended due to small 26-seat capacity. Book through Yelp.
What are the signature dishes at Leichi?
Housemade soba (limited portions), duck cold dipping soba, housemade tofu, fresh sashimi, salmon cheek, and A5 Wagyu.
Essential Information Before You Visit
Leichi creates authentic Japanese izakaya experiences through housemade specialties, fresh fish from Japan, traditional small plates, and intimate atmosphere. This Santa Clara restaurant maintains quality standards through limited production and dedication to authentic preparation methods.
Pro Tips for First Visitors: Make reservations well in advance for dinner. Arrive early to request housemade soba (only 10 portions per evening). Try housemade tofu as signature starter. Order duck cold dipping soba as customer favorite. Perfect for intimate dinners and date nights. Small portions designed for sharing multiple dishes. Budget $30-60 per person for full experience. Located at far end of shopping center with ample parking. Allow time for leisurely izakaya-style dining. Request counter seating for kitchen views.
If you enjoy exceptional signature pastas then look at our Seneca Trattoria Menu.
