Naru — Restaurant in London

London's culinary scene boasts a vibrant chorus of cuisines, but Naru's Korean symphony stole my heart (and stomach) with their sizzling rendition of grilled pork and sesame. Stepping into the warmly lit space, I was immediately enveloped by the fragrant promise of bold flavors. The menu, a delightful tapestry of traditional Korean dishes, made the decision difficult, but the grilled pork belly called my name like a siren.

And what a delicious call it was! The pork arrived, a gleaming, glistening masterpiece. Each bite was a revelation: the caramelized exterior, a sweet kiss of honey and sesame, gave way to tender, juicy meat.

The dish wasn't just a one-note wonder. Thinly sliced onions, sautéed lightly, added a refreshing burst of sweetness and spice. And then there was the rice, fluffy and warm, absorbing every drop of that heavenly sauce like a culinary sponge. Each spoonful was a perfect marriage of textures and flavours, a testament to the meticulous care put into every element.

Beyond the dish itself, Naru's charm lies in its atmosphere. The friendly staff, eager to guide me through the menu, made me feel like a welcome guest in their Korean kitchen. The cozy ambiance, with its exposed brick walls and warm lighting, was the perfect backdrop for sharing stories and laughter over steaming plates.

So, if you're looking for an escape from the ordinary, a place where every bite is a journey to the heart of Korean cuisine,...

I ordered a bibimbap (£13) and a Milkis (£3) for dinner. The bibimbap is up to my expectation - the rice is the right texture, the ingredients taste decently fresh, and the sauce is tasty. Not so authentic, a bit pricey, but good enough.

I however found the service to be underwhelming. The servers did not check on me for ordering food, and I can tell from their attitude that they're inexperienced. I ordered a Milkis to go with my food, and they simply provided a ROOM TEMPERATURE glass to go with the can. No ice, no chilled glasses, for a barely chilled soda. I was let down.

The final blow was to find out that THE £2 SERVICE CHARGE IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE MENU. They just charge you like it's normal, like they deserve it. £2 for lack of eye contact and a room temperature glass. Humiliating.

My overall opinion of this restaurant is that it's just fine. The food, the service and the ambience are all just not outstanding to me. I don't think I would come back unless I just happen to be there. There are better options out...

We ordered 4 mains between 2 as my daughter had eaten there before and wanted to have extra to take home for both of us. Was enough to totally stuff 3 people! We had rice cakes (bit like dumplings, delish) fried chicken (delish) pork belly (omg soooo delish) a beef dish and 2 bowls of rice.. This was my first experience of Korean so I cannot comment on its authenticity but I can (ignorantly) say it was like the most delish Chinese iv ever had!!! "I didnt know your mouth could water whilst actually eating the food" was the exact phrase I used.. It came to about £70. I dont eat out often but would easily spend £35 on a take away of that size on the outskirts of London - so double the cost but with lovely service - in a super expensive to run part of town - is very acceptable in my book! (Those who think otherwise should look into the cost of rent/running costs in central London!) My new fav...😍 (Dishes:Yangnyeom Chicken, Tteokbokki, Steamed rice,...