What can you tell me about Bone Daddies?
Bone Daddies opened its doors just under a month ago and is already fast becoming a name as the go-to place for ramen. The chef and proprietor knows a thing or two about Japanese cuisine - he headed up the kitchen at both Zuma and Nobu Dallas before making the move to open his own premise in the heart of Soho.
Where is it?
Peter Street is a little side street tucked away down at the bottom of Broadwick street and to the side of Wardour Street. It has such an unassuming black and glass fronted face, we actually walked past it twice before realising where it was, such is the minimal branding and signing. A curtained doorway opens to reveal a bright, sparse space with basic tables and backless high stools.
Who's it suitable for?
They take no bookings (which is pretty standard in London to be fair), it is bright and the stools aren’t the most comfortable - so maybe not the place to take your ageing nan. The service is quick and efficient and it's not really the place to linger but that’s precisely the point. This isn’t the kind of settle-in-for-the-night restaurant, it's loud and buzzy and we can imagine a high turnover will be natural for a place like this.
Currently they serve no vegetarian or pescatarian options, so Bone Daddies isn't going to appeal to those folk unless they fancy smacking on starters whilst watching others in envy as they slurp ramen.
Where should we meet for a drink first?
The Endurance is a proper old boozer just a stone’s throw away, and a perfect spot to lap up the buzzy Soho vibe and observe the creative types whilst sinking a pint or two.
If you’re looking for something with a little more edge, The Player bar is located through a doorway just next to Agent Provocateur on Broadwick street. It’s dark, secretive feels a little naughty, and the cocktails and champagne cocktail list made us cackle with glee – who wouldn't want a Player Spring Punch £9 - a combination of Grey Goose Citron, shaken with white peach, Aperol, fresh lemon juice, topped with champagne?
And where should we sit?
Seats are either along the wall or in banks which are better for groups but can be a bit tight as you’re very close to your neighbour. If you’re on your own we’d suggest facing the window so you can watch the Soho crowds mooch on by.
What should we order?
The menu is made up of eight starters and eight mains. We started with the yellow tail sashimi, which came as five super fresh pieces dressed in a light chilli, lime, soy, coriander dressing (£9). The soft shell crab was so good we ordered a second helping - crisp on the outside whilst succulent on the inside, and served with a tangy green chilli and ginger sauce (£8).
We were overwhelmed by our choice of ramen, but the knowledgeable staff talked us all through the options and offered suggestions. In the end we went for Tonkotsu Ramen - a porky delight served with spring onion and the usual accompaniments of bamboo, beansprouts and noodles, with a perfectly cooked egg all floating in a 20-hour pork bone broth.
However, the star of the visit was Tantanmen 2 - a thick and creamy chicken bone broth with a distinctly sesame flavour, topped with the usuals plus chunks of chicken thigh and chicken mince. At £10 for the bowl its must be one of the tastiest and most reasonably priced dishes I‘ve had in a very long time. I enjoyed it so much I’ve been back for it three times. Ask for a less spicy version if you’re not up for strong heat as it packs a bit of a punch.
There are a whole host of additional options to add into or alongside your ramen – we chose the pipette of chicken fat for 50p (novel but didn’t really add to the taste experience), mizuna (a peppery leaf, 50p) or nori 20p). A mix of home made pickles (at £3) was a decent selection including a deliciously fizzy kimchee.
And what about drinks?
Ashai beers seemed to be the perfect accompaniment, but it would be a shame not to try the home-infused sake – check out the bottles lining the back wall and ask the staff to run you through the flavours. There is a decent selection of hot and cold sakes as well as cocktails, and wine starting at £16 a bottle.
How much will this set me back?
We got over-excited and ordered lots of starters, ramen with extras, pickles and a few drinks each and the bill came to approximately £30 a head including service, though having been back since we ordered ramen and soft drink paid less than £15.
Overall thoughts?
Soho has a wealth of great restaurants and Bone Daddies now joins them as a contender of top cheap eats to seek out. Great staff and addictive ramen mean it will frustratingly probably be one of those places soon where you can’t get a seat unless you queue down the road. A top spot for a warming bowl after a day’s shopping or for a quick catch up with pals, we also hear they're licenced to sell booze until 12 currently but are looking to see if they can extend it. Spicy noodles after a night out? We're all over it.
Bone Daddies, 31 Peter Street, London W1F 0AR
Prices were correct at time of writing.
