Seemor
Xi'an DaGe 陝A大哥B?Proceed Cautiously
28 Torrington Pl, London WC1E 7LY
· Pan-Asian restaurant, Chinese noodle restaurant, Chinese bakery
· 4.8/5 Google (50 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Hand-pulled biang biang noodles and Cantonese-style roast meats shine; expect generous portions, fair prices, but service rough edges and occasional reheating complaints.
Why it gets a B? for overall quality
Preliminary Grade: This restaurant has only 95 reviews, which is below our 50-review minimum for reliable grading. This grade should be considered preliminary until more reviews are available. Xi'an DaGe delivers excellent hand-pulled noodles with satisfying chew and rich sauces, supported by generous portions and fair pricing. However, inconsistent execution with occasional reheated meats and variable seasoning, combined with minor food safety concerns and cramped, functional space, prevents higher performance. Best for diners seeking authentic, bold Shaanxi comfort food who can tolerate occasional quality dips and peak-time service chaos.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels no-frills and bustling, the sort of spot where bowls thud onto tables and steam fogs your glasses. Reviews praise staff as kind and helpful when it is calm, though at peaks things can feel scattered. One diner put it simply: "The brisket noodles were rich, meaty, and the bowl could feed two." Cooking leans traditional rather than flashy: wide hand-pulled biang biang noodles in fragrant oil, plus classic roast meats over rice. When on form, the chew and heat are deeply satisfying; a few diners did hit lukewarm or reheated meats and uneven seasoning, so expectations should be for hearty comfort more than polish. Those who love spice and texture will be happiest here. For families, the menu has kid-friendly anchors like roast pork or chicken rice and simpler noodles without heavy chili. There is no kids menu, but portions are big and shareable. If your crew avoids chili or strong flavors, ask for mild seasoning and consider rice plates.
At a Glance
- Excellent hand-pulled biang biang noodles with deep, satisfying chew
- Generous portions and fair pricing for central London
- Service can be chaotic at peak times; occasional rushing reported
- A few reports of reheated or lukewarm meats and dry rice
- Expect chili oil and bold flavors; ask for mild if sensitive
What Sets It Apart
- hand_pulled_biang_biang_noodles
- big_bowls_value
- student_area_convenience
What People Love
- Chewy hand-pulled noodles made in view
- Rich brisket sauce and meaty toppings
- Big bowls that feel like value
- Friendly moments like napkins appearing before you ask
Points of Concern
- Peak-time service delays and mix-ups reported by multiple diners
- Reports of reheated meats or lukewarm rice dishes on some visits
- Rushed payment or curt interactions noted by a few customers
- Pricing mismatches vs. posted menu mentioned in one case; clarify before paying
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£18-26 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For milder palates: Hainanese Chicken Rice (£13.80) or Oil-Splashed Noodles with reduced chili
- For value: Noodle combos or Two Meat Combo Rice (£15.80) to share
Perfect For
- Casual noodle cravings near UCL
- Quick solo meals at the counter
- Budget-friendly group dinners sharing big bowls
- Spice lovers seeking hearty comfort food
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy, academic quarter with casual eats and fast turnover; practical more than scenic.
Safety: Generally safe, busy daytime footfall from universities; typical central London vigilance at night.
Nearby: Steps from UCL, SOAS, Birkbeck; near Gower Street and Torrington Place cafes and quick-service spots.
BloomsburyBloomsbury features a refined dining scene with a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants catering to university students, faculty, and visitors. The atmosphere is generally intellectual and relaxed, with many establishments reflecting the area's scholarly heritage and proximity to institutions like the University of London and the British Museum.
Russell SquareRussell Square is a well-known garden square within Bloomsbury, surrounded by educational institutions and hotels, attracting a steady flow of students and visitors. Dining options here tend to be casual and international, supporting the diverse and transient population.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–21:00
Tuesday10:30–21:00
Wednesday10:30–21:00
Thursday10:30–21:00
Friday10:30–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:30
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →