wagamama canary wharf

£11 - £25 / Japanese, Asian, Vegetarian options

39, Jubilee Place, 45 Bank St, London

Awards

Excellent Seafood 2024

Opening hours

11AM-10PM

Sunday 11AM-10PM
Monday 11AM-10PM
Tuesday 11AM-10PM
Wednesday 11AM-10PM
Thursday 11AM-11PM
Friday 11AM-11PM
Saturday 11AM-11PM

Exceptional Service and Flavorful Delights!

Strolling into Wagamama, with its infamously bustling vibe and communal seating arrangement reminiscent of a lively canteen, I was greeted less by the usual clamor of a Friday night crowd than by a pleasant hum. The waiter ushered me into this underground oasis where I was immediately smitten with the vibrant murals on bare walls that complement the casual, albeit rather close-knit, eatery experience. Bang bang cauliflower arrived shortly after—a crunchy, tangy little dish that set the tone for what would be a surprisingly delightful foodie venture. Washed down with chirpy fresh juices, the culinary journey continued with yaki soba—mushroom baos and yes, a little katsu drama. But let’s not be deterred by whiffs of cumin colluding against the famed dish.

The team, including standout servers like Harini and Simran, demonstrated service worthy of tips beyond the customary kindness expected in restaurant circuits. Although speed was at times relative, the flow typically flitted back to equilibrium under their supervision. Sure, there was a bit of racket and questionable dimension to the pad thai, but you’d expect the sounds of laughter bouncing off thinly-walled spaces here. It all somehow aids digestion, I imagine. In summation, Wagamama's offers a spirited cultural imitator that intermittently dips below par but consistently finds favor in warming services and flashes of flavor-infused brilliance (we see you tofu raisukaree). As ever, it straddles the fine line between hit-and-miss experiences and sublime accessibility. Pop in perhaps if you're feeling both generous and hungry; it could turn your day just right. — Milo Tastemaker