Harden's survey result
Summary
These noodle bars are “great if you need a quick and satisfying lunch” – either in the original Soho branch, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, or its offshoots in the City’s Bloomberg Arcade and Hackney. They specialise in udon noodles, which are fatter than ramen and served in a more refined and traditional Japanese dashi stock.
Summary
“Love the original Koya, sitting at the long counter with a bowl of udon – even if you do have to queue”, say fans of this Soho noodle bar. Top Tip – the “definitive zen breakfast” is well liked, too, both here and also at the Bloomberg Arcade and Hackney spin-offs.
Summary
“Portions are perfect for the price and they don’t ‘cheap out’ on the protein” at these “solid udon places” in Soho (est. 2010), a newer offshoot in the City’s Bloomberg Arcade and now also with the opening of ‘Koya Ko’ in Hackney’s Broadway Market (this last with a slightly different menu). “Very Japanese-chic, super-cosy and cute”, their “staff are kind and helpful with answering questions about ingredients”. Udon are more traditional and subtler than ubiquitous ramen, and arrive in Japan’s famous light dashi stock.
Summary
“Excellent, fresh udon” – the original Japanese noodles – are to be found at the Soho mothership of this small multiple and its offshoot in the City’s foodie Bloomberg Arcade. Other specialities include tempura and kara-age fried chicken. (Udon are more difficult to find in London than the highly popular Chinese-influenced ramen, and are generally considered subtler, lighter and more refined.)
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Opening hours
Monday to Wednesday 8.30am to 10.30pm; Thursday/Friday 8.30am to 11pm; Saturday 9.30am to 11pm; Sunday 9.30am to 10pm
Last orders: 10.30 pm, Thu-Sat 11 pm, Sun 10 pm
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