Seemor

Seoul90 Korean RestaurantB+Worth Trying

Name: Seoul90 Korean Restaurant
Address: 90 Old St, London EC1V 9AX, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

90 Old St, London EC1V 9AX · Korean restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Chicken shop · 4.6/5 Google (385 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout

Cozy Korean spot with standout fried chicken and homestyle stews, good vibes and friendly staff, but small portions and pricing can feel steep for the casual cafe setting.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Seoul90 delivers competitive quality on par with respected local favorites through strong food quality highlighted by crispy fried chicken and satisfying pork dishes, paired with genuinely friendly service. However, inconsistent execution—occasional bland tofu, sauce-heavy profiles, and notably small portions—prevents a higher grade, while the cozy but modest casual setting lacks destination appeal. Worth visiting for Korean comfort food in a warm neighborhood spot, though pricing skews high for portion size.

Restaurant Summary

This corner spot feels warm and cozy with playful comic details and a laid-back cafe vibe. Service is often described as genuinely friendly, with little moments like staff recognizing returning guests. One diner summed it up neatly: "A relaxed room where the chicken crunch and chili warmth make you forget the drizzle outside." The cooking leans elevated traditional Korean with a few modern nudges: crisp KFC with a seed-studded sauce, homestyle kimchi jjigae, and a well-loved pork jeyuk that brings sweet heat. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: familiar Korean comforts, tidy plating, and a sauce-forward profile rather than culinary theatrics. If you like clean, punchy flavors in a casual setting, you will likely leave happy—just know the portions skew modest and prices are more central London than mom-and-pop. Families will find a few easy wins like dumplings and steamed rice, plus milder takes on chicken and noodles. There is no dedicated kids menu, but sauces can often be kept on the side. Adventurous kids may love the crunch and sweetness of the fried chicken, while pickier eaters can stick to plainer sides. If spice is a concern, ask to dial it back or keep sauces separate.

At a Glance

Crispy, flavorful KFC and satisfying pork and stew mains
Friendly staff and cozy, casual decor
Portions run small relative to price
Sauce-heavy or occasional bland notes on tofu and soups
Parking is difficult and costly; plan for transit

What Sets It Apart

house-made sauces with balanced heat
cozy geek-chic decor
weekday lunch value menu

What People Love

Crunchy-sweet KFC that hits the spot
Homey kimchi stew on chilly days
Staff who remember regulars
A relaxed room with playful details

Points of Concern

Portions feel modest, especially compared with pricing
Occasional dry pork or bland tofu on off-days
Older reports of card minimums and variable service attentiveness
Review patterns show some polarized value perceptions; expectations matter

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£32-44 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Build a balanced meal: KFC or Jeyuk (£14-15) + Japchae or Dumplings (£7-12) + Rice (£3.50).
Vegetarians: Dragon Tofu + Japchae + Seaweed for texture contrast.
Spice-sensitive diners: request sauce on the side and choose milder options like teriyaki chicken on rice.

Perfect For

A quick but satisfying workday lunch near Old Street
Casual date night with comfort Korean flavors
Small groups sharing fried chicken and sides
Solo diners wanting a warm, low-key meal

Location Insights

Area: Busy central corridor bridging the City and Shoreditch; a mix of office workers, tech startups, and after-work diners.

Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical central London vigilance advised at night.

Nearby: Near Whitecross Street market and Old Street Station; offices, casual eateries, and bars nearby influence lunch and early dinner trade.

ClerkenwellA trendy, historically industrial area known for its vibrant dining scene, innovative design studios, and adaptive reuse of historic industrial spaces. Characterized by a mix of converted warehouses, contemporary restaurants, and cutting-edge creative businesses.

Old StreetThe heart of London's 'Silicon Roundabout', a dense hub of technology innovation and startup culture with a dynamic, entrepreneurial atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Friday12:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 Saturday17:00–22:00 Sunday

Available: Reservations, Takeout

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