Linda Lee Reinvents KOBA with Modern Korean Flavours in Fitzrovia
Photo: Restaurateur Linda Lee reinvents KOBA with a contemporary take on Korean cuisine, blending tradition and innovation for Fitzrovia’s dining scene.
A New Era Of Korean Dining With Innovative Dishes And Stylish Ambiance
Linda Lee’s KOBA 2.0 transforms Fitzrovia’s Korean dining scene with contemporary barbecue, shared dishes, and a serene wabi sabi interior, offering London a fresh taste o
Fitzrovia’s beloved Korean barbecue restaurant, KOBA, has reopened its doors with a striking transformation, unveiling a contemporary twist on traditional Korean cuisine. Restaurateur Linda Lee, who first introduced London to KOBA twenty years ago, has reimagined the restaurant’s concept, offering diners “a taste of Seoul” with a modern, elevated dining experience.
Gone is the signature table barbecue that KOBA was known for—replaced by a new shared dining style that celebrates abundance and communal eating. The menu features freshly prepared barbecue dishes such as Bosot Bulgogi (grilled soy-marinated beef with mushrooms), Go Galbi (mackerel in sweet soy sauce), and Saewoo Gui (king prawns with fermented shrimp sauce). Each dish is served with mixed ssam—lettuce wraps, soybean sauces, and pickles—allowing guests to create their own flavorful combinations.
Starters like Mul Hwei (sliced raw fish with icy gochujang vinaigrette) and Dakgangjeong (honey-soy glazed fried chicken with rice cake) come with a selection of complimentary banchan—traditional Korean side dishes including kimchi, omelette, and preserved vegetables. Beyond barbecue, the menu highlights hearty braised dishes (Jorim) like So Galbi Jjim (braised beef short ribs with glass noodles) and special pot dishes such as Hwei Dubbab (mixed raw fish, shrimp, and vegetables with rice) and Yeoneo Sotbab (soy-glazed salmon and seaweed pot rice).
For lunch, KOBA offers affordable “super bowls” topped with barbecue, while those yearning for the classic table barbecue experience can still enjoy it in the intimate downstairs dining room, which seats 24 and is available for private bookings.
The restaurant’s refurbishment reflects a serene, refined aesthetic, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi. Neutral tones, textured wood, and stone surfaces create a calming ambiance, while the bar counter, crowned by a dramatic lightbox canopy, offers a casual spot to enjoy snacks and highball cocktails.
Linda Lee explained her vision for the reinvented KOBA: “KOBA was my first Korean restaurant in London, and the past twenty years have been magical. I’m proud of our reputation for serving the best table barbecue, but as an innovator, I’m excited to introduce diners to new ways of experiencing Korean food. The 20th anniversary felt like the perfect moment to honor the past while embracing the future. KOBA 2.0 is a fresh take on Korean cuisine, offering London a true taste of Seoul today.”
With its modern menu, elegant interior, and a commitment to innovation, KOBA 2.0 is set to redefine Korean dining in the heart of Fitzrovia.
