You've likely heard of wagamama already; the Japanese dining concept that brings both fresh food and fast preparation together, offering customers an easy, quick meal that doesn't mean something fried and beige. It started way back in 1992, when the founder Alan Yau became captivated by the noodle bars of Tokyo and their signature style of communal eating. After bringing this same idea back to the UK, the brand has grown all over the country, expanding to Dorset's historic, seaport Poole.
The Poole branch falls into line with the others. Menus are based on Japanese recipes and feature cult favourites like Yaki Soba and Chicken Katsu. Open all week from mid-morning until 10pm, it's the kind of all-day eatery that you can show up anytime - day or night - for a quick, fuss-free bite to eat. While walk ins are very much welcomed, you can also reserve a table online in advance, or order takeout, instead.
Wagamamma in Poole also has disabled access, free wifi and outdoor dining. Braile menus are also available, as are magnifiers for those who need assistance in reading dish descriptions. Keeping things simple, there's just one menu - although a gluten free version is also available - which starts with the set lunch menu, designed to make things even snappier. For example, you might try a grilled chicken ramen or pulled shiitake donburi with sticky white rice and a selection of drinks, spanning cloudy lemonade and peach iced tea, to ginger beer and coke.
Across mains you'll find dishes like curries with a typical katsu including chicken and yasai, or noodles such as teriyaki soba, katsu udon or saku saku duck soba. If you fancy something lighter or to enjoy on the side, get stuck into the likes of gyozas stuffed with duck, chicken or beef brisket and kimchee, or spicy and smashed cucumber, wok-fried greens or salty edamame.