Wagamama

Loosely modeled on the Japanese ramen (noodle) bar concept, the Wagamama USP revolves around fresh, nutritious food in unfussy surroundings at value for money prices. And while franchised food may cause unrest in the anti-globalisation camp, a chain that has a “positive eating + positive living” ethos at its core can’t be all bad. Indeed, Wagamama is pretty much all good, as long as you’re prepared to be sociable (this is a shared table, canteen-style experience) and don’t expect to linger long after you’ve licked your chopsticks dry. Menus are huge, encompassing multi-variations on side, rice, ramen and noodle dishes, lively salads and zingingly fresh, imaginative juices and blends. The lively atmosphere somehow turns young fussy eaters into brave food explorers, vegetarians are well catered for and, once you’ve endured the frequent queues at the door, service is bright, breezy and super-speedy.