KOBA

"Koba is a swish Korean spot that’s perfect for giving friends an intro to the joys of Korean barbecue, bubbling stews, and pajeon. The seats at the bar are nice, but the sleek restaurant at the back is where the real action is. And the induction fans at each table make sure you don’t smell of smoke after a few rounds of sizzling short ribs and seafood. Koba’s a little pricey, but for the experience it’s worth the cost and it’s especially good for a small group hang." - team infatuation

"Gathering a few friends for Korean BBQ is always a good idea, because little truly says ‘friendship’ like trusting each other with several rounds of hard liquor and an open fire. To that end, Koba does the best one in central London. Compared to the average barbecue spot, the higher prices are justified by the fact that you’ll eat food that’s better, and in a space that’s been kitted out with futuristic induction fans so you don’t go home smelling of smoke. The seafood BBQ is excellent, and don’t miss the pajeon pancake and the spicy beef stew." - jake missing, david paw

"Bibimbap gets all the attention, but Korean pancakes never fail to please. Golden and lacy-edged, Koba’s seafood versions are an elegant delight, as well as being an excellent delivery system for kimchi. They’re on the lunch menu alongside rice and noodle dishes, and come the evening there’s a kind of pancake mix-tape on offer in its own right: a selection of tofu, prawn, kimchi and vegetable squares." - Emma Hughes, James Hansen

"If you’re looking to eat Korean food, Koba is where you should be doing it in central London. This is a swish spot that’s perfect for giving friends an intro to the joys of Korean barbecue, bubbling stews, and pajeon savoury pancakes. The seats at the bar are nice, but the sleek restaurant at the back is where the real action is - you’ll feel like you’ve been seated at a high-tech art installation with futuristic induction fans at each table that make sure you don’t smell of smoke after a few rounds of sizzling short ribs and seafood. Koba’s a little pricey, but for the experience it’s worth the cost, and it’s especially good for a small group hang." - David Paw