Seemor
Marugame (Brent Cross) - Japanese Udon Noodles & Tempura (丸亀製麺)C+Worth Trying
Unit S2, Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Brent Cross, London NW4 3FB
· Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1074 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Fast-casual udon with great value in-house options but inconsistent delivery; expect cafeteria-style ordering, solid noodles, and mixed execution across visits.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
Marugame delivers reliable fast-casual Japanese comfort with fresh, chewy house-made udon and friendly, helpful staff, but inconsistent execution—particularly delivery errors and portion disputes—combined with food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. Dine-in experiences outperform delivery significantly, making this a solid choice for quick, affordable bowls when visiting the mall, though not a destination worth traveling for.
Restaurant Summary
Inside the Brent Cross mall, Marugame runs like a polished canteen: trays, a swift udon line, and a self-serve toppings bar that adds punch to broths. The vibe is fast and efficient, with staff often described as friendly and helpful. One diner summed it up: "Grab a tray, watch the noodles fly, and eat in minutes." The cooking leans classic and comforting rather than showy: chewy house-made udon in clear or creamy broths, katsu over rice or noodles, and teriyaki bowls. Specials like creamy vegan or kimchi yaki udon keep it interesting, but the appeal is straightforward, value-first Japanese comfort. In-store bowls draw the best feedback; delivery has had wrong items and portion quibbles. For families, this is an easy win. There is a kids bento path (udon or rice) and many child-friendly picks like katsu curry, teriyaki chicken, and plain broths. If you need very plain food, choose kake or veggie broth and skip the spice; picky eaters should avoid limited-time spicy or sesame-heavy bowls.
At a Glance
- Chewy, fresh udon with fast counter service
- Multiple vegan and vegetarian options
- Delivery accuracy and portion size disputes
- Hygiene and undercooked chicken allegations in several reviews
- Cashless payment reports frustrated some diners
What Sets It Apart
- freshly-made_udon
- self-serve_toppings_bar
- kid_bento_options
What People Love
- Chewy noodles made quickly
- Watching the open kitchen in action
- Customizing bowls at the toppings bar
- Comforting katsu and teriyaki flavors
- Clear value when dining in
Points of Concern
- Delivery issues: missing/wrong items and upsizing confusion mentioned repeatedly
- Food safety concerns: several reports of undercooked chicken and messy counters
- Inconsistent seasoning: some bowls praised, others bland
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some generic superlatives, templated owner replies) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£14-20 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a mid-range udon (£7-9) with 1-2 tempura pieces to keep total under £13
- Add an onsen egg (£2) to basic broths for richness
Perfect For
- Quick mall lunch between shops
- Casual family meal with kid options
- Solo dine-and-dash before a movie
- Affordable comfort-food fix
Location Insights
Area: Large suburban shopping centre hub with high footfall and family traffic; convenience-focused dining.
Safety: Busy mall environment with security and good lighting; generally safe during trading hours.
Nearby: Inside Brent Cross Shopping Centre near national chains, cinema/retail; heavy weekend and holiday crowds.
Brent CrossThe dining environment in Brent Cross is largely centered around the shopping centre, offering a variety of casual and fast dining options catering to shoppers and workers. The atmosphere is bustling during shopping hours, with a focus on convenience and quick meals rather than fine dining.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–20:30
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–19:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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