Wagamama
(617) 742-9242
250 Quincy Market Bldg
Boston,
MA
02109
42.3602
-71.0546
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central
What People Are Saying About Wagamama
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
The Scene
Already familiar to intrepid travelers who have visited one of Wagamama's numerous locations in London or elsewhere, this unique noodle bar has finally set up shop on domestic shores. As with all other locations, diners sit at long, communal tables in stark, minimalist environs. Black-clad servers flurry about the naturally-lit main dining area (there's also a smaller subterranean room) and outdoor patio, sending in orders via hand-held devices. Drink options include fresh juices and a limited assortment of beer, wine and sake.
The Food
Wagamama's menu--a fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian dishes--includes ramen, chili men, teppan and kare noodles served in soup, curry or fried. Popular dishes include chilli chicken ramen, tariyaki beef soba and ginger chicken udon. Sides include ebi katsu (deep-fried king prawns in panko), duck gyoza and Japanese-style pickles, and to ensure freshness, everything is delivered as soon as it's ready.
Hits
With people-watching at a premium, there are few inexpensive options among Quincy Market's outdoor bars and restaurants. Wagamama's one of the few spots where patrons can escape for under $20 a head.
Misses
The kitchen's practice of sending out dishes as soon as they're ready ensures that when there's a big group, some will receive their meals minutes before others.
User Reviews
elizabear16
February 18, 2009
We love Asian food, so we wanted to give this place a try. People have mentioned the decor - a great touch was a shelf under the table where you can put your bags or purses and have them safe as well as out of the way. There's an open kitchen along one wall, and each station has a big monitor where they receive the orders from the wireless handhelds used by the wait staff. As we were seated, we were warned that all of the food was made fresh to order, so things would not all arrive at the same time or in a specific order. It was pretty clear that what this meant was each station was working independently, so if you ordered something everyone else wanted too, you were going to wait longer than you would if "your" cook wasn't busy. The menu clearly labels all of the ingredients, including shrimp paste, which is useful for people with allergies or kosher issues. In looking at the menu before choosing the place, we thought "plain chicken and noodles or rice, apple juice - that will be an easy sell to the kids". It wasn't quite: the mini chicken katsu (grilled chicken with a sauce on the side) was dry without the sauce, the corn on the side was unexpectly chilled, and the noodles were gummy. The kids hated the apple juice, which seemed to be foamed from some sort of base. Gyoza - the veggie ones were bland, and the chicken ones tasteless. Even the dipping sauce didn't help. I started with the ginger chicken udon - fine, not fabulous. I was already nearly half done by the time my husband's chicken chili men arrived, so we swapped and he started on the udon. He found a flavor in it that he really didn't like, so we swapped back. The chicken chili men came across as spicy chicken cacciatore. Dinner took over an hour, mostly due to time spent waiting for the check and then waiting for someone to take payment. The food is not worth returning for, and the service was erratic - bad when you're there with three kids 6 and under. Look elsewhere for umami.
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HTC
January 26, 2009
I first got hooked on this place in London. This fun and upbeat restaurant uses handheld devices to shoot your orders directly to the kitchen as soon as you make them and ensures the freshest of food. The Japanese style noodles are delicious and guilt-free as all food is non-gmo. The group-dining is great. Two thumbs for Wagamama!
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Anonymous
November 25, 2008
This is a restaurant that originated in London and is making its way around the world. Thankfully it came to the US!!! It is a fun time, good food reasonably priced. Try the chicken katsu curry, my favorite thing on the menu!
read full reviewThe Details on Wagamama
The Extras:
Complimentary green tea is available.
What to Drink:
With most bottles costing around $20, Wagamama sports one of Quincy Market's most affordable wine lists.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check, Debit Card
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Outdoor Dining, View Dining, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Cheap Eats
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
