Gooi Nara image

Gooi Nara

Restaurant Bar Barbecue restaurant Korean barbecue restaurant

👍 Highly recommend the Bibim naeng myun. Located in the outskirts above a hill, can be quite a walk. Service was fast and the servers were friendly, food was good but the Bibim naeng myun was the real highlight. Few things to note, BBQ required a minimum of 2 people and that sides was not complimen... People often mention Korean, restaurant, staff, recommend, good, ordered, rice, delicious, service, meat,


Address

39 Whitley St, Reading RG2 0EG, United Kingdom

Website

gooinara.com

Contact

+44 118 975 7889

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (516 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Friday: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Sunday: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Korean (15) restaurant (14) staff (12) recommend (11) good (9) ordered (9) rice (9) delicious (9) service (9) meat (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Mahesh T. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend the Bibim naeng myun. Located in the outskirts above a hill, can be quite a walk. Service was fast and the servers were friendly, food was good but the Bibim naeng myun was the real highlight. Few things to note, BBQ required a minimum of 2 people and that sides was not complimentary which is usually available in Korean restaurants. They do give a free dessert as well.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 louisa S. 2 years ago on Google
    This restaurant is run by the Korean, so the foods are really Korea traditional foods. They'll served you a free snack before meal. We've ordered three kind of foods. 1) Stone bowl rice is mixed with many vegetables & one selected meat. They served with Korea chilli sauce separately, just mixed it together the rice what you need. 2) Mixed cold noodle is good taste with chilli sauce, some cucumber, slice of beef & half an boiled egg. 3) Oxtail soup with rice, lovely hot soup with some green onion, & sure you'll like it.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolle I. 1 year ago on Google
    What a gem this restaurant is for Reading. A delicious selection of food, great portion sizes and fantastic service. It really was the best Korean food we have ever had. Thank you to all the staff for the experience, we highly recommend, and look forward to returning soon!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Parastou C. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely dining experience and delicious food. We managed to book for dinner quite easily. The staff were very polite and attentive and catered for all our needs. The food was very delicious and I highly recommend the beef bulgogi! We enjoyed grilling our own food whilst having a chat and it definitely makes you take your time with the meal and enjoy the conversations. I suppose if I had to be picky, I would say perhaps a larger grill would have been nice if you like us order a bit of everything on the menu.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amro D. 2 years ago on Google
    It was my first time trying Korean cuisine. The food was absolutely delicious and staff were v helpful. Food arrived quickly, was fresh and perfectly cooked. Every dish had a different and interesting flavor. I struggle to pick a favorite, kimchi pancake maybe? Will be back for sure!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Ilayda E. 2 years ago on Google
    The first time we ordered the food was really tasty so we ordered two other times but our last two visits were literally disappointing. The portions are small and unnecessarily overpriced. Last time my egg was overly cooked so it was grey I couldn't eat it and my avocado rolls weren't properly done. My friend ordered Katsu Chicken and he was satisfied with the taste but it was small portion again and the special fried rice he ordered was supposed to have prawns in it with chopped vegetables but we couldn't find any prawns in it whatsoever. I am not really sure about ordering again after these.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vera B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely place. Staff really welcoming,kind and caring about their customers. Food was amazing and they showed us how to grill all meat,veg etc. Many options for drinks. Really amazing experience. We will definitely go back. And thank you for birthday present. I really appreciate it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 I'm O. 1 year ago on Google
    We were pleased with food quality and service. The BBQ was yummy and the staff was very helpful and attentive so we didn't burn out food 😁 side dishes were also awesome so were the Korean drinks we tried. Atmosphere is also very nice. It was out firsts time dining at Korean restaurant and we really appreciate advice and suggestions from staff. We will definitely be coming back Keep in mind due to the nature of the restaurant it's quite warm inside so probably avoid wool jumpers
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gigi T. 1 year ago on Google
    Traditional koren bbq ! Warm welcome from waitress! Love this atmosphere, feel like having dinner in Korea, 😂! Love the cool noodle and rice bowl! They are delicious! I will recommend my friends to try this if come Reading .
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 YourFoodTaster 1 year ago on Google
    Favourite Korean bbq restaurant in Reading! Not the first time to be here, not the second, probably not the same third as well. Went here immediately after our trip from Swiss alps, had dinner here after a very long shift at work. The staff (I believe she is the owner - has a very beautiful smiley eyes) and Jack has always been too warm to welcome us! Joo mul luk and samgyup forever and the seafood pancake! Oh and one thing too! They always give like a free sample of one food, we had chicken wings. Sadly, I wasn’t able to take photos (every single time) as we attack the bbq as soon as they serve it. We got: Seafood pancake Chapjae Kimchi Lettuce Samgyupsal Joomulluk + rice (of course!!!) Aloe vera drinks
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheila G. 1 year ago on Google
    Authentic Korean food. Great place for family or large group dinning. Reservation is recommended to secure a table. Basically everything tastes authentic based on what I’ve ordered, the most common Korean dishes, seafood pancake, japchae, cold noodle, ox tail soup, and assorted bbq.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vic 2 years ago on Google
    No reason to not recommend! Really quality food; best portions I've had at a restaurant that wasn't a buffet. They offer a wide variety of meats and a great range of vegetarian options(I think some vegan ones too). Quick service, and very helpful staff. If you choose their group/assorted options, you get waay more for less. Atmosphere/architecture is both casual and elegant. Good for meet ups or birthdays. The tiling and wallpaper is beautiful, so a few nice photo spots
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Naomi L. 1 year ago on Google
    We booked a table and they kindly seated us even though we were 30-45mins early! It was quite busy but service was great. They gave us free chicken to enjoy whilst we waited for our tofu bibimbap - which was absolutely scrumptious. We also ordered pork belly to bbq but I found the slices too thickly cut for my liking. Will be returning for the tofu bibimbap!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 1 year ago on Google
    Exceedingly friendly, prompt and attentive service, truely excellent front of house staff! We went on the 14th Jan at 19:00. There were three of us in our party. We ordered: BBQ; Duck Brisket, Ox Tongue and Fresh Prawns. Sushi; Nara roll, dragon roll. Sides; Kimchi, Kimchi fried rice and fresh lettuce. Food was absolutely delicious, especially the duck brisket BBQ! The sushi is not to be missed either, really quite exceptional. The lost star here comes from the undersized portions. I would have enjoyed more kimchi, lettuce and BBQ meats for the dishes price. Also the fried rice, although delicate, lacked a balanced flavour and was overwhelmed by the sesame oil. Highly recommended restaurant, especially if you're coming as a larger party as they are very accomidating and the atmosphere here is fantastic!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ananya M. 8 months ago on Google
    I love these tiny authentic places and this Korean BBQ place ticks the boxes. The food is so good - cook your own meat - the meat is fresh and the marinations are spot-on. This is called food coma and the good one.

  • 5/5 Hannah W. 7 months ago on Google
    The food is very tasty we ordered jjajangmyun and kimchi fried rice. The toilet is also very clean and the atmosphere of the place is lively but not too loud. Also very warm inside.

  • 4/5 Guitars & T. 7 months ago on Google
    An experience worth trying. This Korean bbq restaurant provides tables with integrated grill where you can grill the food yourself. We tried different types of chicken, beef and prawns and everything was very good. The service was very friendly, with the waiter giving us advice and cleaning the grill when necessary.

  • 5/5 Kaltrina P. 8 months ago on Google
    We visited this place tonight. And the food was AMAZING! Everything was sooo good. You have to try this. I think it is run by a family and the staff was so nice. The traditional Korean alcohol drinks are soooo good. We will go back again.

  • 5/5 Kondogh G. 7 months ago on Google
    Lovely food, lovely owners, lovely service . They grilled our BBQ meat for us AND a gave us a plate of delicious honeydew melong on the house. They even gave us a bag of complimentary sweets !!! Best Asian / Korean restaurant in READING. 10/10 would recommend.

  • 5/5 Stefani G. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious food and amazing customer service from this traditional family led Korean BBQ restaurant. The place is very stylish and comfortable to sit down for a quiet meal with a friend or family. The food is top quality with the restaurant being very considerate of any allergen needs and asking prompt questions about food preferences. The alcohol was very refreshing and unique in taste but also offered a choice of sweet beverages for customers that might prefer that. Prices were very reasonable. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!

  • 5/5 Tony C. 8 months ago on Google
    one of the best korean bbq that i have ever got. extremely helpful staff. staff came to our desk to clean the grill plate every 15 minutes. and they even cooked the meat for us. i didnt expect such service at this affordable price. the spicy soup is also above my expectation. thanks for the hospitality

  • 5/5 Paul E. 6 months ago on Google
    Edit: the cost of the meal is not reflective of the great value. The reason it was high is that I think we ate and drank enough for 4/5 people :-) One the best dinners out I have had for years. Food was out of this world, Service was amazing and the experience was one that I will keep going back for. 100% recommend this restaurant as worth the short walk up from town and you will enjoy the walk back as I need it after eating so much delicious food.

  • 5/5 A G. 9 months ago on Google
    So pleased to have found this hidden gem. Frequented by locals, it’s always a good sign that the food is good/authentic. Staff were attentive, helpful and accommodating of our six month old baby. We had the small platter of meat for the bbq, soup and side dishes which was more than enough for the two of us. Great value for money and rivals some of the KBBQ’s we have visited in London. We will be returning. Free parking across the road which is handy but it’s small and often full. Alternative paid parking available. Accepts card and cash.

  • 5/5 Paul H. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutley incredible place, our favortie cook your own BBQ place ever. All the dishes were full of flavour and the staff were super helpful. Could not recommend this reasturant more.

  • 5/5 Sam S. 11 months ago on Google
    A hidden gem of a restaurant for locals; authentic Korean food that is tasty and at a fair price. Friendly family establishment that is welcoming. Recommend getting their naengmyeon (cold noodles) during the hot days and the bbq to hot pots are great too. I would recommend booking if you have a large gathering; it can get quite busy. Another tip is there is free parking directly opposite. Overall I would recommend to others to try this place. No need to travel all the way to New Malden for similar levels.


Call +44 118 975 7889 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Last updated:
()