Seemor

TaroB+Worth Trying

Name: Taro
Address: 412 Kennington Rd, London SE11 4PT, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.4

412 Kennington Rd, London SE11 4PT · Japanese restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (630 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Reliable neighborhood Japanese spot with big portions and standout bento and sushi, but ramen and delivery quality are inconsistent and a few safety complaints warrant caution.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Taro delivers solid neighborhood Japanese dining anchored by strong food quality—particularly generous bento boxes and fresh sushi—paired with friendly, efficient service. However, inconsistent execution in ramen and delivery orders alongside isolated but concerning food safety incidents prevent a higher grade. Best experienced for dine-in bento and rolls rather than ramen or delivery.

Restaurant Summary

Taro in Kennington reads as a lively neighborhood Japanese spot where big bento sets and crisp tempura rolls steal the show. Diners talk about fresh fish and quick, friendly service, with one regular summing it up as, "my local for generous Japanese plates." The open kitchen keeps things engaging, though peak hours can slow pacing. Note that there are occasional safety concerns mentioned in reviews (foreign objects and a few illness reports), so approach ramen and delivery orders with care. Overall the mood is casual and welcoming. The cooking leans classic rather than flashy—think teriyaki, donburi, and familiar rolls—so the culinary approach is comfort-forward Japanese: reliable bento and fresh sushi, but ramen feedback is mixed, with a few bowls landing bland or salty. If you want modern fusion theatrics, look elsewhere; if you want a crowd-pleasing spread at fair prices, this fits the brief especially for bentos. For families, the menu has plenty kids will eat: katsu with rice, chicken or salmon teriyaki, edamame, and simple rolls. There is no dedicated kids menu, but portions are generous and prices sensible. Gluten-free diners should be careful—one celiac cross-contact complaint appears—so confirm needs with staff and focus on simpler items. Vegan options exist but are limited, and the vegan ramen has mixed feedback.

At a Glance

Big, filling bento boxes with fresh fish and sides
Friendly, efficient service and an engaging open kitchen
Good value for portion sizes compared to central London
Ramen is inconsistent, with several bland/salty reports
A few safety issues reported (foreign objects, illness) over the years

What Sets It Apart

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large_bento_portions
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What People Love

Generous bento portions that satisfy
Fresh-tasting sushi rice and fish
Friendly staff and fast service off-peak
Open kitchen energy and neighborhood feel

Points of Concern

Ramen quality varies widely; consider sushi or bento if picky about broth
Delivery orders show more overcooked meats and missing items than dine-in
A few safety incidents reported (plastic pieces, illness); frequency is low but notable
Strict lateness policy can cause booking friction during busy times

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£24-34 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose a Bento Box for a balanced meal under ~£13 and add miso if available.
Value pick: Chicken Teriyaki Don (£11.90) or Tofu Steak Don (£9.90) for budget-friendly bowls.
If sharing, pair one bento with a tempura roll for variety without overspending.

Perfect For

Casual weeknight sushi and bento
Quick lunch near Kennington
Group dinners that need shareable variety
Families seeking accessible Japanese dishes

Location Insights

Area: Residential-central mix in Kennington serving locals, office workers, and Vauxhall/Kennington commuters.

Safety: Generally safe, active streets with regular foot traffic; typical inner-London vigilance advised.

Nearby: Near Kennington Park and Oval/Vauxhall corridors; a cluster of casual eateries and pubs along Kennington Road.

KenningtonA historically significant area with a blend of Georgian and Victorian architecture, known for its proximity to central London and diverse community atmosphere. The neighborhood offers a mix of traditional pubs, contemporary cafes, and local dining establishments.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–22:00 Friday12:00–22:00 Saturday12:00–22:00 Sunday12:00–21:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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