
Marugame (The Strand) - Japanese Udon Noodles & Tempura (丸亀製麺)
Marugame on The Strand is the London branch of the Japanese udon chain built around fresh noodles and tempura, served canteen-style with a self-serve condiment bar. Its own site describes udon made from scratch every 20 minutes in-store, in the Sanuki style known for a chewy bite. Bowls start under £5, making it one of the more affordable stops on this list.
What people praise
- Fresh, hot udon and tempura praised consistently across reviews
- Fast, self-service format suits a quick lunch or pre-theatre meal
- Friendly, welcoming staff called out by name repeatedly
- Affordable pricing relative to the other names on this list
Worth knowing
- One reviewer familiar with the Japan originals found the udon less authentic than expected
Our take: The most-reviewed name on this list and the pick for a fast, budget-friendly meal near the West End. Go in expecting canteen-style service, not a sit-down sushi restaurant.


