Review: Robin’s Ramen Holland Park, London
Robin’s Ramen Holland Park Review: Inside London’s Most Exciting New Ramen Residency at Supermarket of Dreams
A Cult Comfort Dish Lands in West London
As London’s appetite for ramen continues to surge, diners will need to move quickly to experience Robin’s Ramen in Holland Park, a limited-time residency running only until the end of March. Housed inside the design-led luxury grocer Supermarket of Dreams, this evening concept transforms a premium retail space into one of the capital’s most compelling dining destinations, complete with a pink-neon glow, communal seating and the lively energy of a Tokyo-inspired ramen bar that appears nightly, then disappears again with the season.
On a dark and freezing London night, with my guest in tow, I headed west to experience it for myself. Within minutes of stepping inside, the cold felt irrelevant. The atmosphere was magnetic, somewhere between 90s downtown New York and old Soho vibes. Low lighting, a single dramatic central table rising high in the room, stools wrapped around its perimeter, and a hum of anticipation that made you lean in just slightly closer to your neighbour. This is ramen as theatre and as comfort.
From Dorian to Holland Park: The Culinary Pedigree Behind Robin’s Ramen
The project is led by Robin Kosuge, formerly junior sous chef at the Michelin-starred Dorian Restaurant in Notting Hill, and backed by Chris D’Sylva and chef Max Coen. That same producer-driven philosophy that has defined Dorian, precise sourcing, integrity of ingredients, and clarity of flavour, is translated here into something more casual but no less considered.
Kosuge’s cooking draws beautifully on his Japanese and Polish heritage, alongside years spent travelling and working internationally. References surface subtly: pierogi-inspired dumplings, rosół-style broths, Yorkshire tea eggs, quiet personal nods that add emotional depth without distracting from the core craft.
Even the noodles carry a story. Made from a distinctive wheat-and-rye blend for a lighter, more textured bite, they are hand-pulled in Manchester by specialist noodle workshop Komugi an attention to detail that serious ramen lovers will appreciate.
The Atmosphere: Intimate and Electric
Seating just 36 guests, Robin’s Ramen feels deliberately compact. The large central communal table encourages conversation and yes, you inevitably catch snippets of others’ delight but that only adds to the energy.
Music hums at the perfect pitch. Staff are attentive yet discreet, clearly proud to be part of something exciting. Within moments, we were happily lost in Robin’s world. For a neighbourhood like Holland Park, often associated with quiet affluence, this injection of playful, neon-lit energy feels fresh and entirely welcome.
What We Ordered: A Standout Menu Worth Returning For
The menu centres on signature bowls designed to balance accessibility with technical precision. But it was the starters that truly stole the show.
Starters & Sides
We selected three to share, though sharing quickly felt like an act of restraint.
Tuna Tartare, Shoestring Fries, Egg Yolk Sauce (£9)
Delicate yet playful. The crunch of the fries against the silkiness of the tuna, lifted by the richness of egg yolk, created a dish that was both comforting and quietly indulgent.
Cornish Squid Tempura, Green Curry Mayo (£9)
Perfectly puffed and impossibly light. The tempura batter shattered delicately, revealing sweet squid within. I could have ordered a second plate without hesitation.
Prawn Katsu Bao, Ginger Tartare (£8)
Crunchy, moreish and deeply satisfying. The ginger tartare added brightness to the crisp prawn, making this one of those dishes you immediately start planning to revisit.
Mains
Pistachio Matcha Ramen (£18)
Pistachio matcha broth with spicy mushroom and candied elements. I was immediately drawn to this bowl. It’s deep green hue both theatrical and comforting. The broth was warming, complex and unexpectedly indulgent, while the rye-blend noodles added depth and structure. It felt hearty yet refined, a signature dish in the making.
Charshu Pork Belly Ramen (£10)
Basque chicken broth, ajitama, classic toppings (+£4 additional pork neck charshu)
My guest ordered this dish and felt it was an exceptional expression of value and flavour. The broth was clean yet deeply savoury, the pork belly rich without heaviness. It didn’t last for long.
Dessert
Okinawa Black Sugar Ice Cream, Kinako Crumble (£5)
Light, textured and gently sweet. A refined finish that balanced the richness of the meal. A small dish, but a memorable one.
Drinks & Design Details
Drinks lean into Dorian’s respected cellar, with a curated wine selection alongside rotating sake and beers on tap, including Okinawan favourite Orion. It reinforces that this is not simply a pop-up, but a carefully considered extension of serious culinary talent.
Each evening at 6pm, Supermarket of Dreams shifts from luxury grocer to neon-lit ramen bar, a dual identity that makes it one of the more interesting hospitality concepts currently operating in London.
The Verdict: One of London’s Most atmospheric New Openings
In a city saturated with ramen launches, Robin’s Ramen Holland Park stands apart. It pairs Michelin-level pedigree with genuine neighbourhood warmth. It delivers technical precision without pretension. And crucially, it understands that comfort food can and should still feel exciting.
For Holland Park locals, West London diners, and destination food lovers alike, this residency is one to book before it ends. Enjoy.
Robin’s Ramen at Supermarket of Dreams
Holland Park Avenue, London
Lunch: Mon–Sun, 12pm–3pm. Dinner: Wed–Sun, 6pm–11pm
Residency currently scheduled to run until 31 March 2026
