Marugame udon

Marugame Udon is a Japanese restaurant chain with a branch in Soho, specialising in Sanuki udon. These thick wheat noodles have a chewy texture, and they are made in-house every day using traditional methods. Customers can watch the noodles being made, which adds a bit of interest to the meal and shows where the food comes from.

Alongside the udon, the menu carries tempura, with both vegetable and seafood options, lightly battered and fried. Other Japanese staples appear too, including onigiri (rice balls) and zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles).

The Soho location brings a straightforward taste of Japan to central London, with a warm enough atmosphere for both regulars and first-timers.