Restaurants

Blink and you could miss Asadal. This sophisticated Korean hides behind a modest doorway next to Holborn tube. We strongly recommend descending into the basement dining room; the ambience and food here put most other West End Korean restaurants to shame. Wooden partitions and mood lighting give the place an intimate, sophisticated feel equally suited to a date or a business lunch. This operation is a branch of the well-regarded Asadal in New Malden and authentic Korean flavours shine through in the food. The menu strays well beyond the London Korean norm, but we opted for the classics and werent disappointed. The house chapchae was one of the best weve tasted: tender beef, fried separately with ear mushrooms and spring onions, then tossed with a huge mound of glassy sweet-potato starch noodles. In comparison, battered tofu cheon was slightly plain on the palate, but the spicy dak galbi (spicy chicken barbecue) was a delight, served sizzling in a stone pan with oodles of chilli and sweet potato. Service is snappy, and theres even a lift for customers with disabilities.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008