Shoryu Ramen Soho

A larger sibling of Shoryu Ramen on Regent Street, this noodle joint is as authentic as they come, with white bamboo lamps in the window, a gong for welcoming guests and a generous smattering of Japanese customers. The dining room, with its muted colours, geometric artwork and communal tables, has an animated yet serene ambience, while warm staff whisk dishes from the open kitchen in true fast-food style. The main event is well-priced bowls of soupy ramen, all brimming with flavour (try the Dracula tonkotsu, a milky, garlicky broth filled with noodles, tender barbecued pork and Asian vegetables), but it’s worth adding perky sides such as pillowy hirata buns filled with tempura prawns if you’re feeling really peckish. The drinks list offers eastern-style cocktails and myriad refreshing teas, plus rare and premium sakés.

Chic ramen joint Shoryu is one of London's early noodle pioneers, and did a great deal to bring slurpy ramen noodles masses in the capital. The Soho restaurant on Denman Street was Shoryu's second ever, and it remains a very popular spot for those in search of something quick, delicious and satisfying on the south side of Soho.

Shoryu sticks to a fairly authentic vibe - you'll still be welcomed through the curtains with a shout of "irasshaimase!” (“welcome!") from the staff. Take a seat at the wooden counter or one of many tables and staff will guide you through the menu, which includes plenty of ramen choice as well as sides, rice dishes and hirata buns (a Japanese equivalent of a bao bun). 

Shoryu specialises in tonkotsu ramen - the creamy, rich, pork broth ramen that has become a staple in London, in large part thanks to Shoryu. The Shoryu ganso tonkotsu is the house favourite - a luscious, 12-hour-cooked pork broth, with ramen noodles made in-house, char siu barbecue pork belly, soft-boiled egg, wood ear mushrooms, spring onion, red ginger and nori seaweed. There are plenty of other options that play on the main theme - the garlic and black garlic heavy dracula tonkotsu is always popular, as is the karaka tan tan tonkotsu which comes with miso-marinated minced pork and chilli oil. Vegans are also looked after here, with a miso, kombu and shiitake ramen made with soy milk.

If ramen isn't your deal, Shoryu is still worth a look. There are a few rice dishes on the menu too - including an ever-popular katsu curry - as well as sides like crispy fried chicken karaage, and soft hirata buns with barbecue pork, chicken and pumpkin croquette fillings. 

On the drinks front, expect a decent offering of Japanese beers and ciders, as well as plum wine, shochu and Japanese whisky, as well as wines.