SOOM, Covent Garden

Nestled on the vibrant street of St Martin’s Lane, SOOM brings a polished, contemporary edge to London’s ever-growing Korean dining scene. The interiors strike a balance between sleek minimalism and sensual warmth: soft lighting, sculptural wood details, and glowing textures create a space that feels both intimate, sexy and quietly luxurious.

SOOM describes itself as “a place to breathe, a place to gather,” and that ethos really comes through. Designed as a sanctuary from the pace of Covent Garden, the space blends traditional Korean influences with a modern, almost meditative calm. Every curve, material, and detail, from stone tables to soft paper lighting, feels modern yet traditional, creating a warming environment that really allows you to focus on the food.

At the centre of the experience is the Korean BBQ itself, and SOOM executes it beautifully. We opted for the SOOM BBQ platter, which offers an impressive selection of beef, pork, and chicken cuts including ribeye, pork belly, chicken thigh, LA galbi, and bulgogi. It wasn’t too intimidating as the helpful team help you cook everything at the table. The meats were fresh, well-marinated, and full of flavour, particularly the galbi, which was tender with a perfect sweet-savoury glaze. The accompanying seasoned spring onion salad, crisp lettuce leaves, and trio of Korean pickles added brightness and balance, while the three house sauces allowed you to customise each bite.

We also tried the Gogi Mul Mandu – soft, delicate dumplings filled with pork and vegetables. Light yet comforting, they were a great way to start the meal. The Haemul Pajeon was another standout: a crispy seafood pancake generously packed with prawns, squid, octopus, and mussels. It was a tasty and delicious traditional dish we had never tried and definitely would order again.

The drinks menu complements the food well, with a thoughtful mix of Korean-inspired cocktails and classics. The Yuja Highball was refreshing and citrusy, with the yuja adding a fragrant twist to the Jim Beam base, while the Matcha Bliss leaned more indulgent – smooth, creamy, and almost dessert-like. Prices for cocktails felt super reasonable for the area, especially given the quality and creativity on offer, and the range of soju added an authentic touch for those wanting to explore further.

What really sets SOOM apart is how it combines atmosphere, food, and philosophy into something cohesive. Rooted in Korean tradition but reimagined for modern London, it captures that communal spirit of gathering around the grill while offering a space that feels calm, elevated, and thoughtfully designed. There’s a sense of occasion here without any pretension.

All in all, SOOM delivers a refined yet welcoming take on Korean BBQ. With excellent food, stylish interiors, and a strong drinks offering, it’s a standout addition to Soho. For us, it was the perfect send-off before a trip we were taking – memorable, exciting, and full of flavour.

Find out more > www.soomkorean.com