Nagomi Japanese - Korean Hotpot & Grill — Restaurant in Cheltenham

Nagomi in Cheltenham, recently hosted an event during Cheltenham Food & Drink Week called “Korea Night II”. The evening kicked off with a welcoming shot of Soju and a lively introduction from the owner, who encouraged us to relax and enjoy the night.

The five-course menu, paired with drinks, was a selection of bold and authentic Korean flavours. First, we were served mandu (kimchi dumplings), crispy on the outside and bursting with spicy, tangy kimchi, served with a delicious chili and garlic oil, this was paired with a refreshing Soju Citron Highball.

Next was chimaek (fried chicken with beer), featuring Seoul-style fried chicken—crispy, succulent, in a perfectly balanced sweet and sticky sauce. This was accompanied by a crisp, cold Kirin Draught Beer. The owner who hosted the event jokingly told the room that if we didn’t eat it with our fingers and have a good time she would kick us out and double our bill. It was easy to comply with her request, I really enjoyed the chicken it was a different preparation to what I’ve typically had but it was so tasty and matched great with the Kirin.

Jjampong (spicy seafood noodles) followed, a rich blend of seafood in a fiery and aromatic broth that was the perfect amount of spicy. This was matched with the playful Milkis cocktail. If I remember correctly a ‘Milkis’ is 3 shots: Beer, Soju and Sprite - the owner finished off the theatrical cyclone presentation of the drink at our tables, and it was fun to see and to try the drink.

The table grill was a hands-on treat, with pork, chicken, sweet potato, cabbage - served with lettuce leaves to wrap it all in. Some people apparently don’t see the point in going out to dinner and cooking your own meat, but they should get over themselves. I love the shared experience and fun of sitting around with friends and doing it. It was lots of joy and laughter as we turned the meats and veggies. The range of sauces at the tables made the BBQ flavours and dipping in tangy, umami-packed sauces a great way to finish the main courses.

We ended the evening with bungeoppang (a fun looking fish-shaped pastry), filled with sweet red bean paste and this was complemented with a glass of Makgeolli, a traditional rice wine. Then the night concluded as it started with another shot or two of Soju.

The word “Nagomi” is a Japanese word, the meaning of the word encapsulates several concepts in different cultural contexts. The most common interpretation of “Nagomi” refers to harmony, peace, and balance. It’s about creating a sense of calm and tranquility, both internally and in relationships or interactions with the world. I definitely got a sense of this during the meal from the harmony achieved from the food and drink pairings.

The meaning of the word also includes the notions of balance and comfort: this involves finding balance in life - whether in relationships, personal well-being, or mixing elements like ingredients in cooking. It’s about blending elements harmoniously to create a whole. The dishes like the jjampong and the sharing of the table grill achieved these human connection components for our group.

In certain contexts, “Nagomi” also conveys a feeling of relaxation or ease, often used to describe a peaceful environment or state of mind. The humour and fun of the night, and all the Soju, certainly helped us ease into a relaxing night. As we headed out into the evening, hugging our friends and saying happy goodbyes, we wandered home relaxed and very well fed.

The last thing to be said is that all of this cost £45 a head. It was ridiculously good value for money and I would have paid more for all that we enjoyed. Our friends have been to the restaurant before and rated it, this is why we went to the event. I’d recommend heading in for a fun evening of shared experiences...

We went to this restaurant in January 2023. We went along at 12pm on a Sunday and there were 2 tables filled and the restaurant was pretty quiet. I waited for 5 minutes at the front waiting for someone to come, which wasn't great. But they were able to seat us. It was myself, my girlfriend and my baby boy. Firstly I would say this is not a suitable restaurant style for a 1 year old (he is slightly under that). So there is a stove in the centre of the table. This would've been perfect for us 1 year ago. But we had a needy child who wanted to play with everything. So we ordered yakiniku, which is basically meats which you cook in the centre of the table yourself and you are given sauces and veg. You wrap it in a lettuce leaf. Very simple but hard to do when you have a child in one arm. We also ordered sushi and gyoza for starter which were amazing. Personally we liked it and would like to return to try some other dishes. The restaurant were very friendly towards our child. One member of staff was really friendly (I think her name was Porsche), and she wanted to hold her son! She was great. She took him away for 5 minutes around the restaurant whilst we ate!! Overall I think the experience was good, we will return, just need to find a babysitter first....

A Fantastic, Fun, and Flavourful Experience at Nagomi, Cheltenham

I had an absolutely brilliant time at Nagomi in Cheltenham! From the moment we stepped in, the warm and friendly staff made us feel completely at home. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between authentic and unpretentious—thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the experience without feeling overly formal.

The food selection is impressively fresh, with high-quality cuts and a variety of options to suit all tastes. Their range of soju is another highlight—whether you're after something classic or a fruity twist, there's a flavour to complement every bite.

That said, I truly underestimated just how much effort goes into BBQing! It’s a fun and interactive way to dine, but after a few rounds of grilling my own food, I’ve gained a whole new level of respect for chefs everywhere. The precision, timing, and patience required are no joke—so hats off to the professionals who make it look effortless.

Nagomi offers a dining experience that’s engaging, sociable, and absolutely worth sharing. Whether you’re a Korean food aficionado or just looking for a great night out with friends, this place is a must-visit. A fantastic spot that I’ll...