A cosy, central Korean restaurant with tasty, authentic-leaning food, unusually strong gluten-free provision, and generally quick service, though portions, service-charge transparency, and consistency warrant attention.
Naru delivers solid food quality with praised flavour and freshness, supported by friendly, prompt service that keeps diners returning. Inconsistent seasoning and portion control, combined with modest design polish despite its appealing Shaftesbury Avenue location, prevent a stronger grade. The casual barbecue experience remains reliable and welcoming, though not exceptional enough to approach grade A territory.
Naru is a small, cosy Korean restaurant on central Shaftesbury Avenue, handy for theatre-goers, museum visitors, and anyone suddenly needing a bowl of something spicy. Reviews often describe a calm room with soft K-pop and quick, friendly service; the table-call buttons are a practical touch. One diner summed up the appeal as a warm, conversational place where the food arrives astonishingly quickly. The cooking is recognisably Korean and leans toward comforting, traditional dishes rather than experimental fine dining. Bibimbap, kimchi pancakes, fried chicken, seafood soup, samgyetang, bulgogi, and hotteok all receive enthusiastic mentions, while the current menu adds a broad vegetarian and gluten-free range. Quality is generally good and repeat customers are particularly loyal, though occasional complaints cover bland broth, uneven pancakes, small portions, and variable service. Expect roughly £30-43 for a starter, main, and dessert before drinks, with the £35.50 set menu offering a straightforward shared-meal route. Families can manage well here: the menu includes familiar fried chicken, dumplings, noodles, rice, barbecue, ice cream, and sweet pancakes, alongside milder vegetarian choices. It is not a dedicated children’s restaurant, and many dishes are spicy or strongly seasoned, so picky eaters may need careful ordering. The strongest family bet is sharing a few approachable dishes rather than committing everyone to a spicy stew.
Area vibe: Theatre and nightlife hub with heavy footfall and diverse dining options.
Safety: Busy and well-lit with strong evening foot traffic, but typical tourist pickpocketing risks apply.
What's nearby: Steps from Shaftesbury Avenue theatres, Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus and multiple Tube stations.