Wagamama

Launched just over a decade ago, Wagamama has since opened outlets in all sorts of useful places, ideal for a cheap pre-theatre meal, a solo lunch or a quick catch-up with friends. The chain is also popular with kids. Many branches occupy cavernous spaces, however, which can result in a loud, echoey din of nattering diners at busy times. The menu has changed little in recent years, featuring reliable noodle- and rice-based staples alongside a compact list of daily specials. Portions are substantial and tasty, though a rice dish topped with a generous amount of sliced chicken breast was a little oily, and the supposedly sticky rice collapsed into the plentiful oyster, ginger, garlic and white wine sauce. Steamed and fried dumplings and edamame make popular side dishes. Tables turn at a furious rate, and on our Monday lunchtime visit service was friendly and speedy – until it came to paying the bill.