*** 1/2
A quaint little noodle place hidden in the Peachtree Center Mall, the Noodle Cafe appears to be one of those family run hole in the wall type establishments that proves that a book should not be judged by its cover.
The noodle bowls here are fantastic. Oh sure, they can't fully stand up to a fancy noodle restaurant with top chefs but for semi-fast food, the quality is way beyond what you would expect. After all, you're eating out of a plastic bowl, which typically isn't a sign of high quality. What goes into those plastic bowls however it pure heaven.
I wrote semi-fast food because it usually takes ten minutes from the time you order until you receive your food. I guess that's the trade off for better quality. During peak lunch time it might also take you five or more minutes just to get to the counter to order.
Both waiting in line and for your food after you order can be a less than pleasant experience because the cafe is crammed in a little space that it shares with what appears to be a freight elevator. Expect to have to move several times while waiting for janitors to make their way in and out of the elevator.
Despite the less than idea waiting experience, the price and quality makes this a worthwhile way to satisfy your noodle cravings when you don't have time (or money) to go to a top line noodle restaurant.
They also have the standard "rice plus two" offering but it is obvious this is just an add on. Go down the hall to Oriental Express if that's what you are looking for. The Noodle Cafe should be strictly for the noodles.
