Last weekend we were invited to the ‘soft opening’ of the new Wagamama restaurant at the Trafford Centre. It fitted in well with our plans as the boys were heading to Play Expo at Event City. Daughter and I had a lovely few hours shopping, and we all met up again at 3pm. Wagamama is located on the upper floor of The Orient, where you will find a vast array of eating places.
Husband and I had visited Wagamama a few times at Cheshire Oaks, but it was the first visit with the kids. I had pre warned the teen that there wouldn’t be any burgers on the menu. This is ALL he orders when we go out, so I was intrigued to see what he would go for.
We were quickly shown to our table, or should I say bench. We shared a long bench with a young couple to one side, and on our other side was a family. The restaurant also had booth seating, which was more private, and also tables for 2. I guess that if you don’t feel comfortable sharing your eating space with strangers, you could request different seating. The restaurant is large with additional seating upstairs.
Wagamama actually means ‘naughty child’ or ‘one who is wilful and determined’….. hmm who does that remind me of. They opened their first branch in 1992 in Bloomsbury, London. Their ethos has always been about cooking fresh and lively food, and their newest restaurant certainly delivers on this.
As part of their soft opening we received a main course and 2 drinks each, plus 2 sides and 2 desserts between us. Katie ordered from the childrens menu, where she had a main, drink and a pudding. For sides we decided on Mushroom Onigiri and Tori Kara Age which was a chicken dish.
For our mains we had Chicken Katsu, Chicken Ramen and Noodles and Chicken Raisurkaree. Daughter chose the Chicken with Noodles from the kids menu. I didn’t realise we had ordered so many chicken dishes, and next time I will definitely opt for a different meat or fish dish.
Our server warned us that the teens dish would take some time to come out. At Wagamama they bring your dishes out as soon as they are cooked. So they are really that fresh when they land on your table. Funnily enough though, sons dish was on the table in about 5 minutes, as was mine. It does feel a little strange at first, tucking in whilst other people are still waiting for their dishes. Husbands meal came in about 15 minutes, but daughters meal took a whopping 40 minutes to arrive. We had virtually finished all of our meals before she got hers.
We also had to wait an eye watering 55 minutes for our drinks. Despite asking for them on 3 occasions, our drinks arrived when we had all finished eating. I appreciate it was their ‘soft opening’, and this enables the staff to iron out any problems before they open to the paying public. But when you have children eating spicy food, you really need your drinks to be delivered before your meal. I also felt the child’s dish should be delivered first to the table. After speaking with the manager about our concerns, these were taken on board ahead of their opening on Monday.
I can’t fault the food, and the teen leaving a clean bowl should be the highest praise. All of the food was delicious, the right temperature and fresh tasting. I think Wagamama is a great addition to The Orient, and I am sure it will be very popular. Our server Lenny was enthusiastic, and the whole restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere.
Thank you to Wagamama for inviting us to their soft opening and for supplying us with a meal.
I think this is a good review, supporting the brand but highlighting things that need to be addressed, it’s such a good idea to have preview nights. Hope your food tasted nice.
The food was delicious Lorraine and even the teen agreed (and not a burger in sight lol). I agree that its great to have the preview events, and I am sure it will be a huge success at The Trafford Centre x
I have never been to Wagamammas. I really should make the effort to go one day.
Its a different and unique dining experience, and the food was very tasty and fresh. They have branches all over the UK so I am sure you would have one near to where you live x
ooh I LOVE wagamamas! Those desserts look fab I’ve never actually managed to have one as I’ve always been so full. Great balanced review!
The desserts were lovely Karen. It was ice cream in a chewy shell and just the right portion to share after the meal x
I absolutely love Wagamama! We don’t have one round here, so whenever we go to London, Birmingham or Bristol I always insist on Wagamama! We even went in Amsterdam. Impressive to hear that your teen managed it – I think my kids would struggle a bit with it.
I honestly thought the teen would turn his nose up at noodles but he surprised us. Either that or he was just really hungry lol. Love that you went to one in Amsterdam. Bet that was fab x
What a fab idea to have a soft opening, we have never been to Wagamama we will have to try it, we visit Trafford Centre loads so will have to give it a go x
They are the only restaurant I know that operates a soft opening but I agree its a fab idea. The food is delicious Sarah and I am sure it will be really popular at The Trafford Centre x
Oh I do enjoy a Wagammas. Haven’t been for ages, must change that! My children are ok as long as it is a non spicy dish
We will definitely return again with the children as they enjoyed the dishes they had x
I have never been to Wagamama, but every time I read a post about one I want to go so badly! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
You should go Kate. The food is SO tasty and fresh x
I can’t believe you had to wait that long for drinks, although the food does look really good x
Food is delicious and yes I have never waited that long for drinks before x
WOW! That food looks amazing 🙂 Gorgeous meals and we would love those choices. Must go there when we come back home. Thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
Thanks Jess. I must admit you can’t fault the food. Its so fresh and tasty, and if the teen left a clean plate, it must be good lol x
I still have to try wagamama. The food does look lovely though, will have to find our local.
The food is really delicious and fresh tasting. We would definitely go back as a family or just the 2 of us for a night out without the kids x