Wok Around The World offers a wide selection of fresh Eastern and European influenced dishes in stylish surroundings five minutes from North Action Underground Station. This contemporary restaurant is a great find with an extensive varied menu served by fun and friendly staff. The bright open setting provides an ideal location for a romantic meal for two or for friends to enjoy quality food in an area that distinctly lacks choice for hungry commuters.

The Venue
Wok Around The World is located within the Ramada Encore hotel complex and for this reason does not appear to be a place that locals seek out. However a visit to Wok Around The World should prove a popular choice once experienced. The restaurant boasts an open show kitchen were diners watch their meals being freshly prepared. The elegant seating area contains long pine and glass tables and smaller intimate areas. There is also an outside seating area, although this does look out onto the busy A40.

The Atmosphere
The restaurant leads into a stylish soundproof bar which, while modern and clean with low lighting and simple artwork, manages to create a warm and inviting environment. The bar has Sky TV for sports events and has ample seating on comfortable oversized sofas. The greeting and waiting staff here are extremely friendly and accommodating and this exceptional service does not go unnoticed. Staff are happy to offer recommendations on food and wine and will go out of their way to ensure guests have a memorable visit.

The Food
With many options for each course Wok Around The World should have something to please even the fussiest eaters. Dining begins with large fragrant prawn crackers, which staff will replace once eaten. Starters include a wide range of meat, fish and vegetarian options, including spring rolls and seafood dishes such as prawn cocktail and Rockefeller of Mussels. The spring rolls are crispy on the outside and are not moist or oily in texture. The soft insides contain bright fresh carrots, crunchy onion strips and other colourful vegetables. The accompanying chilli dip really enhances this light dish. This sweet dish is sugary and has a slight kick to it, doubling up as a sharp dressing for the mixed lettuce leaf salad garnish. The Rockefeller of Mussels contains large and fresh Norwegian mussels that smell as if they have just been pulled from the sea. This dish is perfectly presented with the mussels forming a neat semi circle around a substantial green salad drizzled with a clear vinaigrette which has a strong hint of lemon. A thick cheese topping with strong chives form a thick covering for the mussels but is not overbearing.

Main courses range from traditional fish and chips to Thai curries. Pasta options include spinach ravioli and goat’s cheese dish. Accompanied by garlic bread, this rich dish contains a mixed leaf salad topped with a large portion of goat’s cheese. The pasta surrounding the salad is plentiful and is covered in a creamy sauce with a strong pepper and Cheddar cheese flavour. This dish is very filling and while the combination of two cheeses covering a soft pasta works well the dish is stodgy and may be hard work after a fair sized starter. The popular Thai Green Chicken Curry is one of a selection of Eastern influenced dishes on the menu here. Accompanied by a separate portion of fluffy plain white rice the curry is spicy and medium hot. The tender chicken pieces are large and plentiful and are served with onions and crunchy mange tout. A vegetarian option made from similar ingredients can also be prepared.

The desserts range from chocolate mousse to a rich dark and white chocolate cheesecake. This cheesecake of extremely rich with a strong cocoa taste. The gingerbread base is crisp and is flavoured with cinnamon. Garnished with fresh strawberries this dish is large and a perfect sweet to share after a filling main course. A fresh fruit platter with green and red grapes, pineapple and mouthwatering water melon provides a lighter, healthy option.

The Drink
The wine list is extensive and, with a house red starting at around £15, the restaurant does not have a large mark up on drink prices. The Chilean Errazuriz Merlot is a surprisingly light fruity wine with distinctive plum and berry flavours. The restaurant has an extensive range of both fruit and traditional teas in addition to a wide variety of coffee options.

The Last Word
With a relaxed atmosphere and an excellent selection of food and drink Wok Around The World is a great choice of venue for fresh food served in smart surroundings by helpful and attentive staff.

venue information venue map view london review add a review image gallery (4)