Wagamama is a London institution. In fact, I should say it's a European institution since I've also seen locations in Amsterdam and Dublin.

For a quick meal at a good price, Wagamama can't be beat. But this also means there are often lines out the door. Fortunately, with the cafeteria-style tables and quick service, the lines move fairly quickly.

When you come in, you'll be directed to a place at one of the long tables, usually sitting next to people you don't know. But there's still plenty of space, and room underneath the table for your bags.

Waiters use a little machine to type in your order and write the number of what you ordered right on your placemat.

A lot of the menu consists of soups, but there's also the cha han (rice with vegetables) and my favorite, the soba (7 or 8 pounds), which comes with those Japanese noodles. My husband always opts for the soup with pieces of steak since it seems like one of the few places in London where you can get a decent piece of meat! Wagamama also offers smoothies which look really interesting.

Wagamama is a great place to go with friends if you want something quick—or a great place to go before the theater given locations in Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Just be prepared to feel like you're back in your high school cafeteria!

This noodle bar was one of my favorite dining experiences while visiting London. I saw many of these in other locations during my stay. It’s a very clean, modern, upbeat restaurant with the slogan
Positive eating – Positive living. The young man who served us was experienced, savvy and efficient. I chose ramen: a "big bowl of noodles in soup" with nice big chunks of chicken. It looked like so much that I didn’t think I could possibly eat it all, but I did, probably because it was so light and tasty. Served with big pitchers of ice water or peach iced tea. £6.60

Wagamama is my favorite restaurant chain in London! (It really needs to expand into the States.) A very chill, hip Asian noodle bar, Wagamama is as welcoming to lone diners and couples on dates as it is to larger parties. Seating is at long tables, where different parties sit side by side to enjoy their meals. The wait staff types your orders into hand-held devices, so everything is processed efficiently and accurately. With a wide mix of noodles (udon and ramen soups are the best), rice, and meat dishes, there is always something new to try on each visit--I was never disappointed! The price is very affordable (for London) too, so it is a popular spot for the younger crowds.

I hate to recommend a successful chain, but this food is fantastic, the atmosphere is loud and fun, and you will remember it. High chairs happily provided, which is sometimes unique in hip places to eat.

For locations before you go, look at www.wagamama.com. The one listed is around the corner from the British Museum.

For special prices, sign up in advance for their email list, or look for 2-for-1 coupons, often available in Time Out. The green tea is free.

Wish I could go there right now.

You may have to wait for a seat at one of the long communal tables, but that just means it's good. These trendy, funky restaurants popping up all over London serve good pan-Asian dishes at reasonable (for London) prices. Once you've selected a dish from the extensive menu, the waiter will punch your choices into his/her hand-held keyboard, magically sending your order into the kitchen. The food is served to you when it's ready, not necessarily at the same as others in your party. But don't sweat it, man, everything's cool - you're at Wagamama, baby! Eat up!

Yes, this place is so hip, it even has a cool website... Check it out.