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Yori Banjum RestaurantB-Worth Trying

Name: Yori Banjum Restaurant
Address: 4 Panton St, London SW1Y 4DL, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7

4 Panton St, London SW1Y 4DL · Takeout Restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (287 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Cheerful Korean-Chinese spot near Piccadilly serving jjajangmyeon, jjamppong, and tangsuyuk with friendly service and a vintage vibe; flavors skew comforting more than purist, prices moderate for the area.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

Yori Banjum delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional service warmth and a reliable signature dish in jjajangmyeon, but inconsistent execution on secondary dishes like jjamppong prevents a higher grade. The appealing vintage Korean aesthetic and convenient West End location make it a worthwhile stop for Korean-Chinese comfort food, though tight basement seating limits broader appeal.

Restaurant Summary

Steps from the West End, this spot leans into a vintage Korean look with neon flourishes and comfy booths. Service is a standout, with servers like Paola and Mingi often called out for being warm and attentive. Diners describe it as lively but manageable, the kind of place you duck into before a show for bowls of steaming noodles. The cooking focuses on Korean-Chinese comfort classics: jjajangmyeon, jjamppong, and tangsuyuk. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: polished versions of familiar dishes rather than wild fusion, with occasional chili spins and themed drinks. Most praise the black bean noodles for savory depth and chew, while opinions on the spicy seafood soup range from robust to a touch mild; sweet-sour pork can shine when fresh but sometimes skews tangy. For families, it works well: noodles and fried rice are easy wins, and portions are generous. Do note the stairs to the basement and no changing table reported, so arrive a bit early if you have a pram. Prices are central-London moderate, and the menu is focused, which suits kids who like simple, saucy noodles.

At a Glance

Friendly, proactive service with named staff shout-outs
Jjajangmyeon is a reliable crowd-pleaser
Central location ideal for pre-theater meals
Flavor variability on jjamppong and tangsuyuk
Tight space with stairs; limited pram convenience

What Sets It Apart

focused_korean_chinese_menu
vintage_korean_decor
central_west_end_location

What People Love

Warm, helpful staff who guide the menu
Nostalgic decor that feels like a trip to Korea
Chewy house-style noodles in black bean sauce
Generous portions at central-London prices

Points of Concern

Occasional bland or overly tangy notes reported on soups and sweet-sour pork
Space can feel cramped; basement seating via stairs
Some item-level value gripes (side rice price, small appetizer portions)
Review patterns show signs of potential promotion (staff-name clustering and templated owner replies)

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£32-45 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Build a shareable spread: jjajangmyeon plus tangsuyuk (sauce on side) and a tea or rice drink; add chili jjamppong if you want heat and seafood.

Perfect For

Pre-theater noodles and a drink
Casual weeknight comfort food
First-timers curious about Korean-Chinese dishes
Small groups sharing classics

Location Insights

Area: Central London entertainment district with heavy footfall from theaters, cinemas, and tourists; lively day and night.

Safety: Busy, well-lit streets with high pedestrian traffic; typical central city situational awareness recommended.

Nearby: Near West End theaters, Leicester Square, and shopping; strong pre- and post-show dining demand.

St. James'sAn elegant and historic neighborhood featuring upscale restaurants, traditional gentlemen's clubs, and proximity to government buildings. The dining scene is sophisticated and refined, catering to a discerning professional clientele.

PiccadillyA bustling sub-area known for its iconic entertainment venues, luxury retail, and diverse international dining options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00 Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:30 Saturday12:00–22:30 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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