Shirley Yanez / 14 January 2025 / Categories: City, What to do, Food & Drink, Bars, Restaurants

Wagamama Restaurant High cross Leicester

Located in the heart of the fantastic high cross shopping centre Japanese restaurant

The vibrant beating heart of Leicester's culinary scene, the High Cross Shopping Centre! And nestled within this bustling hub of commerce and gastronomy is a true gem of Japanese cuisine. This restaurant, a delightful branch of a well-known and loved chain, has managed to capture the essence of freshness in every aspect, from the moment you step through its doors to the final morsel that graces your plate.

The ambiance is a harmonious blend of minimalist Zen and modern flair, with gentle lighting that kisses the polished wooden surfaces and the sound of a distant waterfall providing a soothing backdrop to the bustling chatter of hungry shoppers. The chefs are like maestros in their open kitchen, orchestrating a symphony of sizzles and chops, their knives dancing with the grace of a Kabuki performance.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the food! Picture this: a rainbow sushi platter that looks like it was plucked from the sea and placed lovingly before you. The sushi rolls are so fresh, you can almost feel the ocean spray on your face with each bite. The sashimi slices are so delicate and vibrant, you'd think you're at a Tokyo fish market. And the tempura – oh, the tempura – so light and crispy, it's like biting into a perfectly fried cloud of pure flavour.

But the freshness doesn't stop there. The ramen noodles are pulled with the finesse of a master craftsman, plunged into a steaming broth that's been simmered for hours, if not days. Each slurp is a journey through a landscape of umami, where every ingredient plays its part in creating a harmonious symphony of taste. The teppanyaki sizzles and pops, the aroma of teriyaki-glazed perfection wafting through the air, teasing your taste buds as you watch your meal being prepared with the flair of a Broadway show.

And the service? Impeccable. The staff glide around with the agility of geishas, ensuring that not a single need goes unnoticed. They're as friendly as the sun on a spring day, ready to share their knowledge of the menu or recommend the perfect sake to complement your meal. But beware, the popularity of this place means that bookings are as elusive as a unicorn on a moonlit night. You'll have to be swift and decisive to snag a table, because once the word gets out about the freshness and quality of the food here, the queues are known to stretch like a line for tickets to a sold-out concert.

So, if you're ever in Leicester's High Cross Shopping Centre and you're craving a taste of Japan that's as authentic as it gets without the 6,000-mile flight, make a beeline for this little slice of culinary heaven. Just remember to go with an empty stomach and an open mind – and maybe a bit of patience for the wait. Trust me, it's worth it. The freshness of the food and the warmth of the service will leave you feeling like you've just stepped off the plane into a Tokyo food hall.