Seemor
ZipbabB+Worth Trying
51 Red Lion St, London WC1R 4PF
· Korean restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (451 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual Korean spot in Holborn delivering standout soups, reliable bibimbap, and excellent fried chicken at fair central-London prices, with occasional service inconsistencies and mixed delivery results.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Zipbab delivers reliable Korean comfort dining with excellent soups that showcase real depth and tenderness, particularly galbitang and yukgaejang. However, inconsistent execution on dishes like tteokbokki and non-stone bibimbap prevents a higher grade, and the modest basement setting lacks destination appeal despite convenient Holborn location. Strong value and quick service make it a solid neighborhood go-to for office workers and students seeking hearty bowls.
Restaurant Summary
Zipbab feels cozy and low-key, the kind of Holborn hideaway where office folks and students tuck into steaming bowls between errands. Service ranges from warm and efficient to a bit brusque at the counter, but the throughline is speed and hearty portions. As one diner put it, "the broth had real depth and the meat fell apart," a hint at where this place truly shines. The cooking leans traditional Korean comfort rather than cheffy theatrics. Soups like galbitang and yukgaejang get the most love, crispy Korean fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser, and hot stone bibimbap delivers that satisfying sizzle. Some diners find tteokbokki or non-stone bibimbap a touch under-seasoned, so order with that in mind and you will eat very well for the money. Families should do fine here thanks to kid-friendly staples like soy-glazed fried chicken, bulgogi, ramen, and mild gimbap. Portions are generous and prices gentle for central London. Note: the spicy tofu soup includes seafood; ask if avoiding shellfish, and be aware of a small takeaway box fee if packing leftovers.
At a Glance
- Deeply satisfying soups, especially galbitang
- Strong value for central London with generous portions
- Quick service and easy for solo or casual meals
- Occasional blandness in tteokbokki or non-stone bibimbap
- Policy friction (service charge removal, takeaway box fee)
What Sets It Apart
- best-in-class_galbitang_for_price
- hot_stone_bibimbap_expertise
- strong_takeout_and_group_catering
What People Love
- Rich, restorative broths
- Crispy soy or gochujang fried chicken
- Reliable, sizzling dolsot bibimbap
- Friendly guidance on spice levels
Points of Concern
- Tteokbokki sometimes watery and under-seasoned per multiple reviews
- Non-stone bibimbap can skew bland without added sauces
- Service interactions vary; some reports of brusque counter behavior
- Review patterns show signs of polarisation (some extreme negatives) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£22-33 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Prioritize soups (galbitang, yukgaejang) and dolsot bibimbap for best flavour-to-price
- Share a large Korean fried chicken and add a gimbap for variety
- Vegetarians: Japchae, tofu bibimbap, and vegan salads are reliable picks
Perfect For
- A warm, fast lunch near Holborn
- Casual weeknight dinner with comfort food
- Sharing plates of fried chicken and gimbap
- Solo diners between museums or classes
Location Insights
Area: Central London office-and-campus corridor serving workers, students, and casual diners; daytime footfall heavy, evenings calmer.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit arterials near Holborn; steady pedestrian traffic and active storefronts.
Nearby: Near legal district, museums, and universities; strong lunch trade, takeaway demand, and small casual eateries.
ClerkenwellClerkenwell is renowned for its trendy dining scene, featuring a variety of modern restaurants, bars, and cafes. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a focus on innovative cuisine and a strong presence of design and creative industries, making it popular for after-work dining and weekend socializing.
Red Lion StreetRed Lion Street offers a slightly more intimate and less tourist-heavy dining experience within Clerkenwell, with boutique eateries and a relaxed vibe that appeals to both professionals and locals seeking quality food in a calm setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00
Friday11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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