wagamama royal festival hall — Restaurant in London

Over 20 years ago, I tried Wagamama and was horrified by how bad the dish was. Coming from an Asian family of talented chefs who deeply value good food, I avoided the restaurant ever since. However, a friend of mine, who has specific dietary requirements, suggested we go because she could eat there. I shared my previous experience with her and later with Iliyan, the manager. I explained that I wanted to try a dish that was popular and unique to Wagamama—not one rooted in traditional Asian cuisine, as I learnt tonight Wagamama is more known for British-Asian fusion.

Iliyan was incredibly hospitable, carefully checked for my food allergies, and made sure we had a wonderful experience. To ensure I didn’t have to wait too long for my dish while he confirmed my food allergies, Iliyan thoughtfully brought us a complimentary side of pulled mushrooms, which turned out to be absolutely delicious. The dish featured pulled mushrooms atop crispy rice, paired with an Asian-inspired cream sauce. I do think Wagamama could benefit from adding photos to the menu because the description didn’t fully do it justice. For my main course, Iliyan recommended the sambal crispy chicken—a modern take on a Malaysian dish I’m familiar with—and it was absolutely scrumptious.

When I thanked Iliyan and shared how impressed I was despite my initial hesitation, he expressed his gratitude to my friend for bringing me in and to me for giving Wagamama another chance. To my surprise, he went above and beyond by gifting me a signed cookbook personalized with my name, one of his favorite desserts (a ginger cheesecake), and a refreshing cocktail called Breakfast in Tokyo—light, sweet, and utterly delightful.

Thank you so much, Iliyan, for taking such great care of us and for showing me how much Wagamama has evolved. Your hospitality truly changed my perspective, and I appreciate the effort you put into making our visit exceptional.

Definitely give the pulled...

Had a busy day with kids on Oxford Street and before taking the last train my family insisted they would like to have some food and I had to look around what restaurant is open, unfortunately I end up here I knew we have limited time so I wanted something quick and leave but as we were shown to the table, no one came to take orders and we have to get the menu from the front desk. After 10 minutes the waiter came and asked what would you like to order, not many option for vegetarian so I asked him do you suggest something..!! He was not interested and told me the kitchen is closing so if we need food then we need to order fast or go hungry. My kids were hungry so I manage to order for them but didn't like to order anything for myself as the guy was rude. I order the food and drinks after waiting for 30 min no drinks and didn't knew what was happing to the food so had to complaint to the other waiter. He was I will check and then he disappeared, we had to take out our own water bottle from the shopping bag and gave to the kids to drink water. I could see the food was on the pass section and no one is picked it up. That's the time I lost it and told a passing waiter that can you at least give the food on the table. Half the food arrived and rest we still waited and as the food finally arrived and we were eating the same waiter came to me with the bill and asked me to pay the bill as they were closing. That's the time I told him to call the Manager as I was not in a mood to even talk to him. The manager came and told me that he will remove few dishes for the bad experience, not the kind of response I wanted but I was to late to make a fuss. Never going to that unit again. Senior management should look into this as a waring sign standards are dropping and staff don't seem to care much. Really...

DIRTY AVOID! Worst Wagamama experience I've ever had! Will never go back to this branch! No one came to order our food for atleast 20 minutes, we ordered our food and large bottle of water and 2 glasses, when our glasses came they were FILTHY! So we kindly ask for new glasses which they brought back another 2 which were just as bad, I then asked for new glasses again and the waitress went to the bar picked up a glass behind the bar and poured the water out of it and brought it to my table, it was filthy again with lipstick marks and oily finger marks, so I went upto the bar my self and said it's dirty can I please have a clean glass and was given another glass with lipstick mark, so I just left it there and I decided I would not drink anything. Food came it was ok but nowhere near the standard of other branches. After paying for the bill we needed to change our baby so went into the baby changing toilet and it STUNK!! The bin was overflowing with nappies and it's was sickening and I was nearly sick! It has really put me off Wagamama! I went looking for a manager but they were all so busy, after about about 5 minutes I finally managed to speak to a manager and asked him to step inside the toilet and as soon as he did he knew what I was annoyed about...the smell! I said when did u last clean this he said it was cleaned in the morning and by this this time it was 6pm on a busy Saturday! I asked him why don't your staff clean it he said that it doesn't look good on them as they are serving which I agree but surely the toilets need to be cleaned regularly, especially baby changing toilets! Honestly the worst experience I've had at a restaurant and will never go to this...