Incredible sushi, excellent selection of sake, and fast service. A bit of a fast food environment inside but good sushi is good sushi. read more

Taro Restaurants - Te-maki rolls - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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The salmon tempura was delicious and so was the mango juice. Service was fast and so glad I came here. Great playlist! read more

Taro Restaurants - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

TLDR: ramen is worth more than the bento Food: (4/5) So this depends on what you get. I got the Eel Bento (~17.50 £) and my SO got the Chicken Ramen. For the Eel bento, it comes with eel and teriyaki sauce (bomb), small sushi (meh), tuna sushi (meh), edamame (unsalted), bean sprouts, but the tuna and salmon sashimi were average. Nothing special. The ramen though, broth was on point. The marinated chicken before fried and into the ramen, also on point. Ambience: 4/5, tables are a bit crowded. You might be sitting very close to others and then gotta squeeze between tables to exit. Customer service: 4/5: no complaints read more

Taro Restaurants - Eel Bento - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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Really good service, came and helped us straight away. Told us great deals and went for a test drive. Really pleased with his service read more

Taro Restaurants - Nice - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

I came here on a Tuesday evening for pre-theatre dinner with 2 friends. We arrived around 6 PM, but the place was pretty empty, so we had our pick of tables. I ordered the chicken katsu bento, while my friends ordered the sushi chirashi and the chicken teriyaki bento. The bentos came out first, but for some reason the sushi chirashi was really slow to come out; we think they might have forgotten it because someone else got their chirashi first even though they ordered after us. My bento was really delicious and a generous portion for a pretty reasonable price, especially for London. I briefly considered asking for curry on the chicken katsu, but since extra curry is listed at £3 on the menu, I decided against it. The chicken katsu did have a nice sauce on it though, so I still really enjoyed it. The sushi, sashimi, and veggies were good too. I didn't get any pickles, which I thought was weird, since it was listed on the menu, but it wasn't a big deal. My friend's chirashi was beautifully presented and my friend said it tasted great. The restaurant is clean and has a good amount of seating. The bathrooms are downstairs; I had some trouble getting down there because there was a group of people sitting on some chairs right at the top of the staircase--not at tables, just some random chairs for some reason. The bathroom itself was reasonably clean but had a lot of random steps, so be careful. We didn't have any issues splitting the bill and I was able to pay with my American bank card. A nice restaurant for some decently priced, tasty, and filling Japanese food. It's very conveniently located near the theatres and Piccadilly Circus. read more

Taro Restaurants - Chicken katsu bento box - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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DAY AFTER EATING I WAS VOMITING AND CRAPPING at the SAME TIME ALL DAY LONG!!!! The rice was compacted, and the gyozas microwaved with a disgusting crust plus everything was just a mush of the same bland -left in the fridge then reheated the next day- flavour, which I know VERY well. The dessert called cheesecake was literally 3mushy balls of mochi paste that resembled a washing machine pod, both in aspect and taste. All in all it was appalling, money down the frigging toilet. Close this cesspool already read more

Have been to Taro many times because it is an okay restaurant with very reasonable prices. I usually go for some chicken and rice dish and some Takoyaki (you don't often find Takoyaki in London! Takoyaki is octopus balls by the way). This time I went back to try Taro's version of Tonkotsu Ramen. It really wasn't bad, maybe above average, but not the best for sure. The broth was nice and tasty, but there were only 2 pieces of pork meat and the boiled egg was really poor. If you enjoy inexpensive Japanese food in the heart of Soho then you have to come here. Usually a lot less busier than Eat Tokyo which is close by, also an inexpensive Japanese Restaurant. read more

Taro Restaurants - Tonkotsu Ramen - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

Overall, I was very pleased with the food and service of Taro. I sat at the bar because I am a lonely foreign traveler and have no friends *tear* but also, I like to watch the cooks in the back do their thang. If you choose to sit at the bar or have no friends like me, you can see the whole assembly process of cranking out a bento box. Lots of premade sauce and veggies from plastic containers to smother boxes full of rice, tempura and the like all at once. On the other hand, there was just one ramen chef (he looked like Mr. Taro but I don't know if it was actually him) so it was nice to see a more slow-paced, personalized attention to my ramen dish versus the whole Henry-Ford-process-bento-box-meal-thingy. I'm sure they are tasty but the assembly line itself reminded me of a fast food joint. What I ordered: Spicy Beef Ramen. (It was just beef ramen and I had to pay about a quid more to add spiciness). So, what you need to know about me is that I am an all-round ramen loverrr. Of the three weeks I've been in London so far, I'd say more than 50% of the time I was out seeking ramen.You know how some restaurants claim a dish is spicy but it's not and there's no kick? This ramen actually came out spicy! There was a lot of beef too, so no skimping on the protein here. It was a bit salty but that's how I like my food and although it was pretty oily (probably from the beef being stir-fried first) it was very very flavorful. Bonus points for the ramen coming out super quick! The service: ...was superb! Even though I sat at the bar, the waitresses, for the most part, took note of when I needed help. There was a point where no one saw me raising my hand for refilling my tea, so one of the two sushi chefs was so kind to ask me what I needed and then waved down a waitress to refill my cup. He could have just ignored me and let the waitresses do their thing but whatta guy! The other sushi chef eventually started a conversation with me asking about my whereabouts and comparing America to London - so endearing! (For what it's worth, if I were ever a sushi chef behind a bar, I'd probably keep a straight face and ignore people eating in front of me - I'd think it'd be too indifferent to give a damn about people coming in and out to eat my food. SO, +1 for these sushi chefs not being like me) read more

Taro Restaurants - Spicy Beef Ramen - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

It was late of a Saturday evening, and we happened to be in the pub just next door, so as a convenient spot to eat this place nailed it. The service, although brusque, was decent and we were seated immediately. It reminded me a little of my favourite Japanese place in Leeds, Fuji Hiro, with the simple diner style tables and a few condiments, but sadly that's where the familiarity ends. The menu is simple, so I went with what I know, and ordered chicken yaki udon. It comes with curry sauce, which isn't the usual so far as I know elsewhere (I only know it from two places in Leeds - we have a dearth of Japanese food) but neither usually curry it up. In any case, it came swiftly, which was grand since I was famished. Sadly, it was not everything that I'd desired in an udon. The noodles were cooked plainly, with only the curry sauce to flavour them, and that was oddly the blandest curry I've ever sampled. I mean, it had a degree of spice, it was dark, but it just lacked any taste. The veg, carrots and such, didn't help to further excite the dish and the chicken wasn't that inspiring. It was all fine, insofar as it meant I was no longer hungry, but the more I tried to shovel it in the more I realised I was eating merely to sate said hunger. I'm not in London often, but when I come back, I doubt I'll make a second visit. Fine if you need a refuel, but I'd try elsewhere for something tasty. read more

Taro Restaurants - Chicken curry udon - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

Fish was so fresh and the ramen was really tasty and filling. Around 10pounds for each dishes. There are bento offers and also sushi plates for less than 15 pounds. I wouldn't suggest it for a romantic date but definitely for a casual night if you fancy great Japanese fresh food. read more

Taro Restaurants - It is very simple place,definitely the care is all in the food. - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday. Instead I got shouted at by an old man saying he's owned the chain for 20 years whenever I tried to tell him anything was wrong. The table was too small to fit us all of us, and I'm pretty sure my chicken was undercooked (despite being terrorised by an old man that he's been cooking for 20 years and knows when chicken is done by just looking at it) the food wasn't bad but I was a bit put off. In the end they did not help us split the bill and treated us like we were trying to rob them. Great experience :) read more

Amazing donburis, on the slightly sweeter side, but definitely will come back for more. The meat portions are huge. Avoid the curry though, which is a bit more watery and oniony than the normal Japanese instant curries. Have no idea whether it's a good thing or not but a fan of the normal, commercial Japanese curries will be disappointed. read more

Taro is a chain of Japanese restaurants serving a good selection of bento boxes and one plate meals. It's not quite canteeen style dining but the ambiance is certainly that of a buzzy lunch crowd rather than somewhere to dither and linger. Their bento boxes are good value and overcome a common problem for the single diner - how to eat a variety of dishes. I've had the special bento box here a couple of times, which is a nice mix of hot dishes and the obligatory sashimi. It's good value, tasty food and I always leave with afull tummy and a smile. They do have some interesting juices but are happy to serve you tap water without a sneer. A little bonus is that Scoop Gelato and Snog froyo are just a few doors down for dessert. read more

Walking in, I reckons mr taro is the guy who is behind the lectern at the back, adding up bills and ordering people about in true Japanese patriarch fashion. I am slightly afraid of him still, but he took my order with a nod of the head, and my lunch was in my hand before I could sit down on the bar separating diners from the kitchen. It's busy, you can see into the bustle of the kitchen and the fluorescent glare kindof gives a shinjuku sheen to everything. My barbecue pork soba noodle was pretty awesome, and a highlight in my latest spate of ramen / soba noodle tasting around Soho. I also had a pokari sweat from the supermarket on the other side of the road, which quenched my thirst rather well. Even stranger was walking outside to the oddly London-like bustle of Brewer Street. Sadly strange was the lightness of change in my pocket, but never mind, a good noodle, is a good noodle. read more

I like this place. Authentic Japanese food, affordable pricing, and an easy choice for dinner on a weeknight. My wife and I normally each order a bowl of noodles (ramen for me, udon for her), and a tonkatsu to share. The noodles/broth/accompaniments are all what I miss from Tenkaippin in Tokyo. The tonkatsu is a bit thinner than what I'm used to, but still very good, and reasonable at eight pounds. The tea is nice, although I will forever resent paying for tea in a Japanese restaurant. Its not fancy, but good, affordable, and reliable. Defintely a fan. read more

There ain't anything better than a hot steaming bowl of ramen on a chilly winter's eve. Well we are not quite chilly yet, but anyhoos. There wasn't anything wrong with the chicken ramen per say, but it wasn't brilliant either. It was salty, msg~y and hot. Noodles were thankfully not overcooked. I did walk away thinking, there goes my govermentally suggested salt intake X10 today. The old lags here will know the thing I am going to complain about is beansprouts. A. NEVER SEEN IT WITH THE HEAD ON AT HOME . B. No need to give us a massive fist full just coz it's cheap (insert cheap sex joke here). Beans sprouts... YUCK. read more

My new favouritest thing in the world is the bento box, and the lovely Mr Taro was the one who introduced me to it. Its such a great way to have a little bit of everything that you want, without having to order half the menu to get it. The restaurant isn't beautiful, the staff are okay, but busy and not so attentive, but who cares, the food is why you should come here. One little problem though...... I asked for the Prawn Bento box, but was told they didn't have it. Okay, no problems, Teriyaki Chicken box was excellent, so my second choice was a good pick. On my walk to the (slightly manky) toilet, what do I see? Yes, another customer eating a Prawn Bento Box. Why couldn't I have it? Its not fair. Never mind, I'm still planning to go back again. read more

Taro oh Taro what can I say?... There are days when Taro is great, and then your leftover with the crappy times! I went with a friend who for some reason gets a special price (I'm not fond of the charge what I feel like policy), then went by myself and got charged slightly more (-5), never mind I'm over it. It looks like the chicken teriyaki don is the most ordered item on the menu without a doubt, and I can understand why, glutenous rice topped with juicy chicken, ya just can't go wrong, plus I love the little box it comes in (+5 very trendy) Then me being me, decided to venture out a little and go for the ramen....hugely disappointed! Overly salty, not enough chicken (come on Mr. Taro), way too much carrots and bean sprouts (love ma veggies but theres a limit)to make up for the lack of meat & noodles! Definitley something I won't be ordering again. Besides the slight downfall of their soups the crowd generally seems to be happy with their food, my guess is that most are repeat offenders (diners) and know what works for them! So to wrap up, go try it, it's an experience none the less... ....I actually enjoyed it, just in case my review sounded a bit harsh. read more

Taro Restaurants - Chicken Ramen - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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I love that mr taro actually works here, and that he actually looks like the simple cartoon that is this restaurants logo, which implies he has a sense of humour, but he was so gruuuuumpy last night! stood next to us and kept pushing our reciept closer and closer towards us across the table; ok, we get the hint, you want us to leave now! in all fairness they were sooo busy. I like the huge amounts of food you get in a bento box, and how its all seperate and fun like a kids meal. I go here to be fed well, always end up getting the same thing, despite perusing the menu for 10 minutes. read more

I want to like it here! But my visit last night was disappointing. My ramen was average. I wouldn't order ramen here again. The sushi was absolutely fine and the Tofu Don looked really yummy. I just wish I'd gone for a bento box! read more

Taro is a Japanese restaurant in the heart of Soho. Friendly, affordable and fun, it has a warm atmosphere and provides good service. If you are eating on your own you sit at the bar overlooking the sushi chefs working their magic. Particularly recommended is the spicy chicken teriyaki Don and the gyozas. The sushi is delicious and the basic, no nonsense approach to dining makes it an ideal place to nip in for a quick bite or meet with friends for a social sit-in. read more

Taro Restaurants - Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Don - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

I felt the place had a lot to live up to, being recommended by my cousin as the spot. It also has rave reviews. I thought it was disappointing. No ambiance, check. Terrible service, again check. Overpriced sushi and tea, "check please!" Instead of giving it one star, (two as you can see) I felt the food was good. Their ramen tasted like crap but everything else was quite decent. I don't think I got food poisoning from it so always a plus. Perhaps I got a bad night? read more

Me and my partner came here after the disaster evening at Le Restaurant de Paul. Whilst walking around Soho we noticed the charming sign and decided to eat here. The service was great, fast and efficient. To start with, we ordered the takoyaki, one of my favourite Japanese snacks. We both ordered the sake mojito - which I would recommend, it's both sweet and fragrant, the pairing of sake and mint is delightful. We both ordered the chicken teri don, which was delicious I would recommend this place for anyone who enjoys Japanese food. They have a wide selection of dishes including beautifully arranged sushi bento. read more

Wet nights in London mean walk into the first restaurant you find where everyone in your party can eat something. And sometimes not even that. Having emptied a few glasses at the -house stores down the road, we decided to take a punt on Taro if only because we were cold, wet and hungry. Three good reasons, methinks. The decor is diner- rather than restaurant-style and there is a nice relaxed atmosphere to boot. The sushi was simple but tasty and not over-priced, and the spicy yakisoba was very pleasant, though the seafood was barely visible as it was so small. One bonus is that they serve Asahi, a delightful Japanese beer, and the menu is varied enough for me to happily go back, though only if I'm in the area. When it's raining. read more

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me, fool me three times... well I'm just an idiot aren't I?! Yeah I admit it, I've been to Taro a few times, but tonight was the last time. It's my father's favourite restaurant in London and when he comes to visit, it is no hardship to go as it's cheap and central. But the sushi is so ... fatty. If fish and rice can be fatty, then this is. There is way too much rice enveloping the maki and it's too sticky and stodgy. The fish is average and I hate that they put wasabi inside the rolls. The yaki soba is average, the salmon teriyaki is bad, sliced too thinly and resting on a giant bowl of stodgy rice. And the service, or should I say, what service? We waited an age to order whilst tables who came in after us were getting main courses already. We then waited ages for the food - usually sushi is out to the table in a flash. I had to ask for a green tea refill twice and both times, it was cold tea. Great, thanks for that. Taro, you won't be getting any more of my money. read more

The service is friendly and the decor feels quite Japanese (whatever that means). It does feel quite impersonal though and it is one of quick bite places. Maybe its different if you know Japanese. The first time I went there there were 2 Japanese girls who were deep in conversatino with the chef while gulping down their Ramen. It felt a bit interesting but in general there are Japanese places with better food and better service than this around the same area. Worth a punt if you are tired of the other places - which I was on the day - but a pretty meh experience. read more

I love it here! Bento boxes are fantastic and very filling (I eat like a horse!) Come here for early or late lunch during the week as it's very popular. If I don't have time to eat in I call my order in before I collect. I'm hungry just thinking about this place I think I'll go there for tomorrow's lunch to reward myself for this review! read more

"Welcome to Taro, the best place under the sun where your taste buds get a heavenly treat!" Authentic Japanese food in Soho? this is the place. And what I love is that mr Taro actually works there and walks around the restaurant, making sure everything is ok. And the restaurant logo? yeah- thats him. The place is really small- my opinion- and always busy. I don't think I have ever been there and it wasn't packed. You normally have to wait to get seated but they try and make it quick. The idea is you go-eat-leave. The amount of food you get on your plate is ginormous. So much food and so goooooood! I leave the place wobbling, to be honest. read more

This restaurant was recommended to me for supper last friday and since i'd never been before i thought i should try it out before we went for dinner there. While the outside may not seem preposessing - the food is absolutely fantastic. This is definitely some of the best sushi i've had. The rice was great - but what was really outstanding was the quality of the fish that they used in the sushi dishes. The food arrived quickly and it was very fresh. The prawn tempura roll was still warm and the tempura batter was still crisp when it arrived at our table. Getting a table is harder during lunch than supper. Even at 7 on a friday evening this place had spec to fit in a walk in table of 3. Although its pretty packed the two lunch times i've been there. Highlights: chicken teri-don - 3 different people that i've been with have raved about it and having tasted it, i can only agreed with their opinions. Prawn tempura roll - crispy and tasty - its somethign a lot places cant get right - either the rolls are a little greasy and soggy or rather tasteless - so it was a pleasure to eat these. read more

The Chirashi Don dish provided a nice selection of raw fish on top of a bed of warm vinegared rice. Not too badly price at £9.75, but you can get it cheaper elsewhere (Eat Tokyo around the corner sells a similar dish for £6 which includes miso soup). Friendly owner and wait staff. Open on Sundays, with last orders at 21.20. read more

Krab. Salmon nigiri with rough bits; poorly cut. OK salmon teriyaki. Worn, sad interior. Fine service.

Service is lightning fast, occasionally bringing you the boxed food before the sushi. Prices are good (around £1/sushi roll slice). And food is very yummy. I really like their teriyaki salmon box. Mostly because the chicken occasionally has fat and skin, and pork often has fat, and I don't like the taste of that. Visited in late May (bank holiday weekend, in fact) as both Kulu Kulu and Ten Ten Tei (on the same street) were shut on the bank holiday monday. Shame. But we still ate good food. Just less sushi. Despite eating sushi for nearly 12 years now, I'm still not familiar enough with combos, names and recipes. Maybe because restaurants aren't too consistent amongst themselves. In any case, it results in slow and confused ordering when I can't pick my sushi off a blush conveyor belt. read more

The problem with most Japanese places is that they are either overpriced, pretentious nonsense or run by foreigners trying to sell Sushi. This place -which has existed for about 14 years- is suprisingly authentic, low key and absolutely delicious. The interior is simple and they have an open kitchen whereone can sit at the bar and watch them work while you wait. Mr Taro, who ironically put his on face in the logo, adds his own spirit to this place and can often be found running around and is sometimes even available for a little chat. Also I am not a big meat eater and i certainly appreciate the numerous veggie options on the menu. The tofu steak, which I only initially tried because it came as part of a bento box, is bound to convince any meat eater and tofu hater. read more

This is a no frills joint in terms of ambiance, but we've been pleasantly surprised by the service as well as the food. Granted, we've only tried two vegetarian dishes, but we were very pleased with them on several occasions. The Vegetable Curry with rice is quite delicious. It comes with broccoli, potatoes, and carrots with a side of steamed white rice. It's a generous amount of food and hardy enough to fill you up without being heavy and unhealthy. The cucumber roll and hand roll are also as you'd expect. No complaints there and the hand roll is a good portion. The cucumber roll only has 4 pieces and for some reason they make it with wasabi. It's an extra charge to make it without wasabi because apparently they have to then make you an individual roll, which can only be six pieces and therefore more expensive. But the wasabi is only on one side and is quite a small amount, that it isn't really a problem. The price and quality of the food make it worth coming back here. On Saturday nights it's pretty busy, but we've never had to wait for a table for two. There's also a back room that serves for overflow or is good for privacy if you want to be more secluded. Service is good and prompt. Waters are refilled quickly upon request. read more

If you want to have a Japanese food experience that comes very close to what you have in Japan, then come to Mr Taro in Brewer Street. If you come alone and you are lucky and interested in something like that, you will get a seat in front of the cooking area where you can watch these skilled cooks do their magic. There's nothing to complain about the food. It's just fantastic, the service could be better though. The restaurant is only 3 min from Piccadilly Station on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly Line and 4 min from the bus stop Piccadilly Circus served by the buses (N)3, 12, 88, 94, 159, 453, N109 and N139. read more

There's a few of these knocking round London now. They're pretty cheap and the food is decent and well-presented. Taro offers a range of Japanese treats. Their menu contains a number of great sides (the gyoza is terrific - not too greasy) and some fantastic looking mains. They also serve a handsome assortment of sushi and sashimi. Best of all, their set bento boxes contain sushi, sashimi, edamame and a choice of main. The Beef Teriyaki bento is fantastic. This place isn't fancy. But it felt pretty authentic and the food is as good as its equivalent restaurants in Tokyo. read more

Japanese restaurant in Soho. I've been a couple of times and have found it to be just average. It's got all the usual items: sushi, noodles, gyoza, etc. It's a better choice than the Yo! Sushi novelty-type places and cheaper than Wagamamma, but it's unlikely to be a meal to change your life. The interior's plain, almost spartan. Very bright and white, with light wooden tables. The service and atmosphere can be a bit rushed when they're in need of a table. read more

A really great place for a quick meal, the restaurant is has really minimum decor and is almost canteen style. Food is reasonably priced and super quick. Wasn't overly impressed with the gyoza side dish we ordered. Mains on the otherhand were gorgeous. Had the Chicken Teriyaki which was scrumptious. Would definately call in again. read more

What immediately made us go inside this canteen type restaurant was the amount of Asian people eating there which is always indicative of the good stuff. I had a chicken teryaki on rice and my partner had crisp pork on rice covered in egg. Both served in chunky, rectangular dishes that reminded me of a house brick. Eaten with chop sticks and we both enjoyed it immensely. To drink we had a Hot Sake each and green tea. The total bill was £22 which I think is fantastic for a Soho meal for two with alcohol. Highly recommended and we will be back read more

Yummy food, very good value for money. Quick and easy, great quality fast food. I usually go here for a decent eel rice bento, pork or seafood ramen. The gyozas are pretty good too. read more

Taro Restaurants - Teriyaki chicken bento box - Japanese Near Me - London, XGL

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