Wagamama (Soho) (Closed Permanently)

in 1992 Alan Yau not only put Japanese noodle soup on the map, but set the tone for affordable, healthy and inventive excellent-quality food in stylish but accessible spaces. Shared tables might not be to everyone's taste, but well into the 21st century Wagamama still tastes good, with branches across the UK and further afield. This Lexington St. branch was among the first. Recommended favorites include ebi kare lomen (ramen noodles and prawns in spicy coconut soup) and chilli ramen. Efficient, friendly, quick and kind to vegetarians. Warning: dishes are served when they are kitchen-ready, regardless of whether everyone at your table has something in front of them. Yau sold Wagamama in 1998, but it continues to thrive, even if certain dips in quality (outsourcing of sauces, change in noodly quality etc) do not quite gel with Yau's original vision. In mid-April 2015 this 20-year-old branch will close, with a new Soho outlet opening around the corner in Great Marlborough St on 11 May 2015. Other London branches include near Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Royal Festival Hall (Southbank), Holborn, Victoria, Fleet St, Knightsbridge, Wigmore St and the first ever Wagamama, located in Streatham St in Bloomsbury, just a minute from the British Museum. This branch closed April 2015 to make way for a new Soho outlet at 42 Great Marlborough St [see entry].