Review on Jinjuu
Just five minutes walk from Oxford Circus station and set in the trendy Carnaby district of Soho, Korean restaurant Jinjuu meaning pearl, opened its doors in January 2015. It was originally opened by celebrity chef Judy Joo but she left the restaurant in June 2019 to concentrate on other projects.
Spread over two floors, the interiors have been designed by UK based Tibbatts Abel, who have created a Manhattan warehouse vibe featuring industrial design elements, contrasting with fine celadon and ornate Korean fretwork. On the ground floor is the illuminated buzzy bar which showcases Korea's famous alcoholic beverage, Soju, with counter seating it serves a menu of small dishes known as anju, which is food that you eat when you drink. A full height illuminated display leads you down to the subterranean restaurant for a more intimate dining experience. Walls are adorned with vibrant street art murals, there are cosy booths or if you want to watch all the hustle and bustle of the chefs at work, opt for the tall bar seats.
The Korean menu with American influences is divided into small plates, larger plates and signature dishes. A popular starter is the Sae-woo Pops, five crispy fried round prawn cakes served on sticks paired with an addictive creamy gochujang mayo. Other highlights are the KFC, Korean fried chicken with a choice of thighs or wings served with white radish or Stone Bass, wrapped in a banana leaf and roasted on the grill, accompanied by Yuja pickled cucumbers and spring onion salad. For a sweet-toothed finale, there's decadent desserts in the shape of Snickers Hotteok, Korean doughnut stuffed with salted caramel and roasted peanuts, peanut parfait, and chocolate ganache or chocolate brownie with poached pear.
To complement the food there's a well-priced wine list, bespoke cocktails and Asian beers.
Jinjuu is also featured in: Hardens
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Korean
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 11.30am through until
Dinner: 12.00am (1.30am Thu-Sat) (11.00pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express