Where to eat in London (UK)?

Rikard S. wrote:

>Hi!
>
>I'm going to London (UK) on Wednesday for a couple of days and
>would appreciate suggestions on good places to eat, for example,
>Thai or Japanese. But also other types of food, I have heard that
>"Tom's Deli" is good, any more suggestions?
>

Rikard,

I have a couple of suggestions for Japanese food in London, at
*very* affordable prices:

Tokyo Diner
2 Newport Place
In Leicester Square, on the edge of Chinatown: take a map. London  WC2H 7JJ 071-434-1414 071-434-1415 fax

Owner/operator is Englishman Richard Hills, who's a very personable Japanophile.  It's a lively, noodle-shop atmosphere, and prices run from 3.50 to 8.00 pounds for full meals.  Tea is free, as are refills, service is very friendly, and tips are not allowed.

It's cash only.

Second recommendation:

Wagamaga
4 Streatham Street
London  WC1A 1JB
071-323-9223

Nearest Underground station: Tottenham Court Road.  Again, take a map: it's a hole in the ground, about 2 blocks from the tube station.  Prices are even cheaper than Tokyo Diner, but, mind you, you'll have to queue: a couple of years after opening, it's still one of the hottest places in town, especially for the post-drinks trendy crowd.  It's cafeteria style, and rather noisy, but a great deal of fun.

Purists will scoff that the food is not "pure" Japanese.  Ignore them and enjoy a very filling bowl of superb ramen.  As with Tokyo Diner, the tea is free.

Plastic and local cheques are accepted.

Alternatively, as you're arriving in London on Wednesday, we at the Hashi No Kai language club will be having our Christmas buffet of Japanese food that night.  It's only 5 pounds, and looks to be a very lively event.  Show up at 1900 at the 1st floor (American 2nd floor) of the Clarence Pub, 4 Dover Street, London W1, just around the corner from Green Park tube station on the Picadilly Line.  If you turn left out of the station, and turn left at the Aeroflot office, it's immediately across the street.

You might call ahead to Norman Irving on 071-928-9476 for more information.  If you show up, ask for me by name: Russell Whitaker.

Be seeing you,
Russell

>Many thanks in advance!
>
>/Rikard
>

1. Lively Japanese noodle bar called Wagamamas. Very cheap (about six pounds
   for a good meal). Opens lunchtime from 12-3, and in the evening from 7pm. It
   get very busy, and there's often a queue strecthing up the stairs, but if it's
   not out in the street it's not so bad as it moves quite quickly. They call it
   a 'Non destination feeding station'. My favourite dish is 'Ki Sen Men'.
   It's about five minutes walk from Totenham Court Rd tube station. I can't
   remember the name of the street, but leaving the tube you head down New Oxford
   St and turn left at Morgan Compters. Its in an alley on the right.

2. The Garuda. Malaysian/Indonesian Restaurant. About 20 pounds per head. On
   Shaftsbury Avenue, just north of Cambridge Circus. Very nice Sate.

The magazine Time Out is quite good for reviews and listings of restuarants. If you fancy some other types of food, the best tapas bar is The Gansa in Camden Town. Belgos for good Belgium beers and food, also in Camden. For Tradicional english home made pies, try the Pie Room above the pub called the Newman Arms (lunchtimes only) Just off Goodge Street.