Marugame Udon - Japanese Noodles & Tempura (High Street Kensington) — Restaurant in London

I really don’t understand the hype about this place.

Confusing ordering system. I placed on order on one of the ‘takeaway’ self ordering screens. I was given a receipt and told to go to the collection point by the screen. Conveniently there is no sign saying ‘collection’ so I just lined up in the same place as everyone else ordering. Entirely defeating the point of me using the screen.

When I get to the counter no one says hi to me and I had to get the worker’s attention. I told him I ordered on the screen and he seemed confused and asked for my receipt. Upon checking, he tells me they’re out of stock of the broth I ordered (why is it available for purchase then??).

I pick an alternative broth and then proceed to watch him pick up the noodles with his bare hands (no gloves or hand washing in place) and place them into a takeaway bowl.

Fast forward to me arriving home to eat my meal, I see there is a comical amount of broth given (I actually laughed) upon opening the container.

I started eating my food just to find a BUG crawling all over my food… It’s clear hygiene is not a priority for this business. At the time of writing this review, there has been no inspection from the food standards agency, so I really hope they inspect promptly.

I will never return to any branch of...

I gave 4 stars for this branch . After witnessing something unprofessional to another customer. This was happening today around 17:40pm. The customer was having his meal facing at the back of where you put your used trays. When the staff was taking out the trays behind the gentleman back, she broke the bowl, the sauce spilled everywhere and it was also accidentally spilled on the gentleman's trousers, the staff who broke the bowl just called another staff to clean up the mess together BUT NO ONE at least hand tissues to the gentleman. That was absolutely sick. At the end I handed out my own pocket tissues to the gentleman, he wiped his face and trousers and sat on the other side. I'm not sure if he made a complaint but just wanna make my personal comments on this to make sure staff are well trained. The food was delicious and I will definitely come again...

I’m usually quite wary when ordering food from a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, yet there are not many Japanese people in the venue itself. Perhaps it was the location, that said I had a really enjoyable meal. I predictably went for the katsu chicken curry with Udon noodles. The curry did lack a little punch and wasn’t as flavoursome as I’m used to. The portion size though is more than adequate, I really enjoyed my meal and I think I’ll definitely come back to try some of the other dishes on the menu. This isn’t Wagamama by any stretch (in a good way) it’s much better. Although not many Japanese people, the food tasted good enough, then again I’m not Japanese so perhaps I am indeed the target market. Super friendly staff and really clean too. Nice drop in spot for a bit of lunch or a sit down before a night out...