Last Friday I visited Wagamama for the
first time. They've been around for a long while, but I'd never been.
There was always some excuse, but last week, when I went to catch up
with a fellow foodie, it provided the perfect excuse to go and check
out my local branch of the self-professed “Japanese Restaurant and
Noodle Bar”.
The Experience
On a Friday evening Wagamama is heaving
with customers. Which is a good sign. It does mean, on the other
hand, that one becomes hoarse within minutes if any conversation is
to be maintained.
Looking past the crowds of families,
teenagers, couples, mates (no demographic is missing from the
Wagamama clientèle seemingly, except, perhaps, the elderly) you are
faced with a modern, minimalist restaurant, simple and stylishly lit,
fitted with rows of solid wooden benches. Again simple and stylish,
but not the most comfortable.
The staff were friendly, and we never
had to wait too long for anything, whether that was a table to come
available or a course to be served. Admittedly I didn't glance at my
watch much, but this is usually a good sign.
