Nara

We have been to Nara several times before. Mainly because it featured kosaree namul in its menu. The other dishes there are average. Service quality varies depending on who is waiting on you, some can be most helpful and others extremely dismissive of your existence. They do keep tables back for preferred guests who may or may not turn up but we have not been able to make a reservation. So my conclusion is that they do not have consistency in their service.

I prefer the better service provided in other good Korean restaurants. Unless you are desperate for certain dishes like kosaree namul, I would go elsewhere.
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E Chan
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Sunday, June 14, 2009

My sister and I go to Nara frequently for a value for money dinner, their Korean and Japanese set menus are about 7.50GBP for side dishes, main, soup and dessert. Great price for west end dining.

When I read reviews for Nara, I do understand that people find the service non-existent...or rather rude... in my experience in Korean dining - waiters/waitresses to be rather 'direct'...'we just bring you the correct food'... type vibe

I find my experience with Nara varies, one or two waitresses are nice and polite but the others; you won’t get a smile out of them. I think with excellent staff NARA could possibly be one of the great Korean restaurants we have in London… since they don't, we have to just go dining with some great company to enjoy the food they have on offer.
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yellow_trainers - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Loved this place.. I'm not too familiar with how korean food is supposed to taste when it's home made, but I think it's the best I've had in London.

I went with my flatmate who is korean, and so maybe we found favour with them.. not sure. But would definitely go there again.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I first visited Nara in a few year back. The food was good but the headwaitress/ manageress was a very rude woman. I visited the place again last week as my clients preferred it to Arirang. I was bit hesitant but the rude lady was not there anymore.

The food is still good value korean cusine and the new manager who has taken over is a gentleman. I will definitely be going there again...
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luis
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

I use to work at Wardour St and dine at Nara, the food is tasty and value for money in comparison to other Korean restaurants in the area. However, my only comment is that on visiting London during the weekends, they never seem to be open OR they are just about to close for the afternoon!
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K&T
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, April 07, 2008

nara's a regular spot for myself and others. i've been going for about 4 years now and get on with the staff very well, except for the chefs :D they are always hiding...

Food is real good(for London quality Korean) and deffenetly not expencive as prices go...

The atmosphere isn't the best but i say you make your own atmosphere as u go...don't rely on others to make it good for you..

Staff works very hard and always do their best to see to everyone that comes in...

this place fills up very fast so better book a table if u intend to go for lunch or late dinner..

The current manager is a guy, friendly and always attentive to customers.

This manageress that people have eben speaking about have not been working there for many months now, it is obvious why.

They don't favor asians or any kinds of race and you won't get special treatment if you are...that's just stupid, whoever thinks that.

You only get what you give..be nice and they will be nice back..

anyways, very much recomend this place, in fact i'm going there for lunch today..
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CFC employee
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, February 22, 2008

I have been to Nara twice in the past 3 months and never had any problems. However, I never encountered this infamous 'manageress' so perhaps that's why. The head waiter we had was very friendly and welcoming, and made a point of explaining dishes to us, and making recommendations- including some tasty plum wine. The food was quite good, and very reasonably priced. Don't let the negative reviews sway you- it's a good bet.
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Renae Mecha
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Monday, January 14, 2008

This is one of my favorite restaurants and I've been there many times for lunch and dinner over the last year. They have a nice menu and reasonable prices - and delicious food!

I've never had a problem with bad service and I think the service given is good considering the price level. They once got our order wrong (which is something that can happen anywhere), but were quick to sort it out. Absolutely worth a try!
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Sunday, January 13, 2008

i think the restaurant is quite er shall we say 'in favour of asian guests'.

from reading the rest of the reviews im quite shocked because i spent yesterday there and was treated with literally 8 free starters and 2 free deserts, as well 2 free japanese tea! and i am asian.

They favour some people but the atmosphere is quite dull, it is ok though.

lovely food.
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Jnnie
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Monday, December 10, 2007

I've been going to Nara now on and off for a few years so feel I should add my views here based on some pretty strong negative reviews I've read . I've never had problems with the food or service at Nara, but at the same time this is probably becuase I have never expected much . You can tell from the outside that Nara is a 'local' Korean restaurant , the kind of place Koreans who want to get some normal local food would go to , not a upmarket posh rest which serves classy wines ( why you would want to drink wine with a Bibimbap is another question altogether!! ) .

Onto the food - I have always enjoyed my food there and have never had a problem with the staff - generally , if I get food which needs to be cooked at the table I will cook it myself , after all thats half the fun of going to a korean .

And talking of service , - you get free desert - ok its half an orange but after you have just burnt your taste buds with the spicy mains , it tastes good!

In summary , if you are fan of Asian/Korean food who just wants some nice cheap korean food and not for a posh dining experience , then this is a great place , if you are looking for fine dining / smiling waiters etc then this probably isnt the place for you.
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W Clifford
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 26, 2007