Christoff.ai

Ippudo

restaurants•
London
London

Ippudo

Villiers Street, Charing Cross, London WC2N 6NJ, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away in a basement on Villiers Street, Ippudo brings genuine Hakata tonkotsu ramen culture to one of London's busiest transport hubs. This compact 38-seat Japanese outpost serves silky, slow-simmered broth that's worth the inevitable queue, though timing your visit becomes an art form in itself.

Ippudo: Authentic Hakata Ramen in a Charing Cross Basement

Where 18-hour tonkotsu broth meets central London convenience

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Descending through the narrow corridor entrance feels like discovering a hidden Tokyo ramen-ya beneath the chaos of Charing Cross. The basement space embraces minimalist Japanese design with navy banquettes and smart, understated décor that lets the food take centre stage. With just 38 seats split between counter and table arrangements, the energy level hits a solid 7.5 out of 10 – there's a bustling, authentic vibe without feeling overwhelming. The semi-open kitchen adds theatre to the experience, and the slurp-friendly environment encourages proper ramen etiquette. It's refreshingly solo-friendly, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal whether you're catching a train or exploring central London. The basement location does mean stairs only, so accessibility appears limited.

Food & Drink

The 18-hour slow-simmered tonkotsu broth is genuinely exceptional – achieving that coveted silky texture and depth that defines proper Hakata-style ramen. The signature Shiromaru Classic showcases this beautifully, while the Akamaru Modern adds miso-garlic oil complexity. For heat seekers, the spicy Karaka-men delivers, and vegetarians aren't forgotten with seaweed broth options. The melt-in-mouth chashu pork and perfect noodles demonstrate serious attention to technique. Beyond ramen, the Hirata buns (available in pork, chicken, or vegetarian versions), gyoza, and kara-age fried chicken round out a focused but comprehensive menu. The kaedama noodle refills honour authentic ramen culture, while rice bowls provide alternatives. Optional £1 starter add-ons offer good value customisation.

Service & Experience

Service operates with Japanese efficiency – fast and precise without being rushed. The staff understand ramen culture and can guide newcomers through the menu and eating experience. During peak times, expect queues but appreciate that turnover moves quickly thanks to the streamlined operation. The system works well for both solo diners at the counter and groups at tables. A discretionary 12.5% service charge applies, which feels reasonable given the attentive approach. The quick-service model suits the location perfectly for commuters and tourists alike.

Value for Money

At £10-13 for ramen and starters ranging £3-9, Ippudo offers solid central London value, especially considering the quality and location. The lunch sets at around £6 represent exceptional value for authentic Japanese cuisine in Zone 1. With an average spend under £30 per person, it sits comfortably in the moderate price bracket while delivering genuine quality. The portion sizes satisfy without being excessive, and the kaedama refills add extra value for hearty appetites. Given the 18-hour broth preparation and quality ingredients, the pricing feels fair rather than cheap.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Arrive at 11:30am sharp for lunch or 5:15pm for dinner to avoid the worst queues. The 7pm dinner rush should be avoided entirely if you're not prepared to wait. Daily hours run 12pm-10pm (Sunday until 9pm), and note that takeaway isn't available after 8pm.

What to Focus On

Start with the Shiromaru Classic to appreciate the pure tonkotsu experience, then graduate to Akamaru Modern for added complexity. The Hirata buns make excellent starters, and the lunch sets offer unbeatable value. Don't miss trying kaedama noodle refills if you're still hungry.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The basement location means no confirmed wheelchair access – call ahead if mobility is a concernMultiple London locations exist at Central St Giles, Canary Wharf, and Westfield Stratford if this one's too busyThe venue operates a no-takeaway policy after 8pm, so plan accordingly for evening visits

The Final Verdict

Ippudo delivers authentic Hakata ramen experience in the heart of London, with genuinely impressive 18-hour tonkotsu broth that justifies both the reputation and occasional queues. The basement setting creates an intimate, authentic atmosphere that transports you from busy Charing Cross to a proper Japanese ramen shop. While the limited seating and basement location present some constraints, the combination of quality, value, and convenience makes this a reliable choice for serious ramen appreciation.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

ramen enthusiasts seeking authentic Hakata-style tonkotsusolo diners wanting quality quick meals near transport linksbudget-conscious foodies looking for central London lunch value

Quick Details

1

Ippudo

⭐️ Authentic ramen
⭐️ Basement hideaway
🥗 Lunch deals
⭐️ Central london value

This compact basement near Charing Cross serves silky 18-hour tonkotsu broth that rivals anything in Hakata. The 38-seat space creates communal energy with counter and table seating, while the semi-open kitchen lets you watch the precise ramen preparation unfold. Signature Shiromaru Classic and Akamaru Modern with miso-garlic oil showcase authentic regional variations, while lunch sets at £6 offer incredible value for central London. The navy banquettes and minimal décor focus attention on what matters most , the perfect marriage of house-made noodles, rich broth, and melt-in-mouth chashu pork. Fast, efficient service keeps the energy buzzy without feeling rushed.

What's Great

✓ 18-hour tonkotsu broth creates unmatched silky texture and depth

✓ Lunch sets at £6 offer incredible value for authentic ramen in central London

Keep in Mind

× Basement location with stairs only - no confirmed wheelchair access

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive 11:30am for lunch or 5:15pm for dinner to skip the 7pm rush entirely

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
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Venue details

🕐"Daily: 12pm-10pm (Sun: 9pm)"
📍Villiers Street, Charing Cross, London WC2N 6NJ, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7925 0500
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Ippudo has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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