Christoff.ai

Yori

restaurants•
London
London

Yori

15 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JZ, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Catherine Street in the heart of London's theatre district, Yori brings the interactive Korean BBQ experience to WC2B with table-side grilling and staff who'll actually teach you how to cook wagyu properly. It's the sort of place where you become part of the entertainment, though the compact space means you'll be getting rather cosy with your fellow diners.

Yori: Where K-Pop Meets Korean BBQ in London's Theatre District

Interactive grilling with wagyu and proper theatre timing - if you can snag a table

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The moment you step into Yori, you're hit with the energy of a proper Korean BBQ joint - think dark timber tables fitted with built-in grills, warm pendant lighting casting that perfect glow over the action, and K-pop providing the soundtrack to your culinary adventure. The space itself is decidedly compact and modern, which creates an intimate yet lively group dining atmosphere that scores a solid 7.5 out of 10 on the energy scale. The vibe tags tell the story: this is authentic, interactive, and group-friendly territory. With a social group size score of 8.5 out of 10, it's clearly designed for mates rather than romantic tête-à-têtes. The sophistication level sits comfortably at 5.5 out of 10 - this isn't fine dining pretension, but rather vibrant, casual Korean culture transplanted into London's bustling theatre district. The trendy factor hits 7.0, making it current without being desperately cutting-edge.

Food & Drink

The star of the show is undoubtedly the interactive table-side grilling experience, where premium meats like wagyu, ribeye, and pork belly take centre stage. The menu reads like a greatest hits of Korean cuisine: bulgogi, bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, and kimchi pajeon. They've thoughtfully included vegetarian options and halal chicken, showing proper consideration for diverse dietary needs. The portions are described as generous and student-friendly, which in London's theatre district is no small feat. Traditional dishes are complemented by Korean shaved ice dessert, and the drinks menu features authentic options including soju at £15-20 and Korean beer at £5-7. The claim to fame - interactive table-side Korean BBQ with wagyu - isn't just marketing speak; it's the genuine article where friendly staff guide you through the cooking process, making it as much about the experience as the actual eating.

Service & Experience

The service model here is refreshingly hands-on, with staff actively guiding diners through the grilling process rather than simply delivering plates and disappearing. This interactive approach clearly works well for the pre-theatre crowd, with quick service that respects the timing constraints of London's theatre-goers. The conversation-friendly score of 7.0 suggests the staff strike the right balance between being helpful and giving you space to enjoy your meal with companions. However, the data suggests reservations are recommended to avoid waits, which indicates this isn't a place you can reliably walk into on a whim.

Value for Money

With an average spend of £30-49 per person and a price level of 3 out of 4, Yori positions itself firmly in mid-range territory for central London. The BBQ sets designed for 2-3 people offer a sensible approach to group dining economics. Given the location - just 2 minutes from Piccadilly Circus tube - and the interactive nature of the experience, the pricing feels reasonable rather than exploitative. The combination of generous portions, premium ingredients like wagyu, and the entertainment value of the cooking experience helps justify the cost. For pre-theatre dining in this part of London, where you're often paying tourist prices for mediocre food, Yori's value proposition appears solid.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

The insider advice suggests queuing up at 5:30pm for the wagyu set, which aligns perfectly with pre-theatre timing. Given the daily hours of 12pm-11pm and the recommendation for reservations, avoid peak weekend dinner times unless you've booked ahead. The pre-theatre positioning means they understand the 6:30-7:30pm rush, so timing around this could work in your favour.

What to Focus On

Focus on the wagyu set if you're serious about the premium experience - this appears to be the signature offering. The BBQ sets for 2-3 people provide the best value and social experience. Don't miss the traditional dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap, and finish with Korean shaved ice dessert for the full cultural journey.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book ahead rather than hoping for a walk-in table - the compact space fills quicklyThe 5:30pm wagyu set timing isn't just about food availability - it's about beating the pre-theatre rushThe outdoor-only pet policy means leave your four-legged friends at home

The Final Verdict

Yori delivers exactly what it promises: an authentic, interactive Korean BBQ experience in the heart of London's theatre district. The combination of quality ingredients, hands-on cooking, and proper Korean atmosphere makes it stand out in an area often dominated by tourist traps. Yes, the space is compact and you'll need to book ahead, but the energy level, generous portions, and staff guidance create something genuinely engaging. At £30-49 per person, it's priced fairly for the location and experience, though it's certainly not budget dining. The pre-theatre timing and quick service show they understand their clientele, making this a solid choice for groups looking for something more interactive than your standard dinner.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

theatre-goers needing properly timed pre-show dininggroups of friends wanting an interactive dining experienceKorean food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavours in central London

Quick Details

1

Yori

🇰🇷 Korean bbq
⭐️ Interactive dining
⭐️ Pre theatre
⭐️ Wagyu premium

Interactive Korean BBQ perfection in Piccadilly Circus where friendly staff guide you through grilling premium wagyu and ribeye at built-in table grills. The compact modern space features dark timber tables under warm pendant lighting, creating intimate group dining atmosphere with authentic K-pop energy. Perfect pre-theatre timing with quick service means you can grill your own wagyu and still make curtain call. The £30-49 average spend delivers genuine premium ingredients without the premium London markup you'd expect near major tourist attractions. Traditional dishes like bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi jjigae complement the DIY grilling experience, while Korean shaved ice desserts and soju cocktails complete the cultural immersion. Staff don't just bring you meat - they become your personal Korean BBQ coaches, ensuring optimal cooking and eating sequences. This is hands-on dining that feels educational rather than performative, making Korean BBQ accessible to first-timers and satisfying for veterans.

What's Great

✓ Staff guide you through grilling premium wagyu at your table

✓ Perfect pre-theatre timing with quick service

Keep in Mind

× Compact space gets cramped with larger groups and limited wheelchair access

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue up at 5:30pm for the wagyu set before theatre crowds arrive

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Daily: 12pm-11pm"
📍15 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JZ, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 7240 0005
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

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

Korean Food London: From Hidden New Malden Gems to Soho BBQ 2025 reference image

Korean Food London: From Hidden New Malden Gems to Soho BBQ 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
← More restaurants in London← Explore all of London