We Tried the New Wagamama at Tower Park – Here's What We Thought

To give our readers a good overview of the menu, we decided to try a selection of dishes rather than just ordering our usual favourites.

 

 

 

 

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We sent our Business Journalist Emma Collins and Digital Marketing Coordinator Layla Foster to Wagamama at Tower Park on their very first day of opening.

This is Emma's review ... 

From the moment we arrived, it was clear the team were proud of their newest restaurant. We were warmly welcomed by General Manager Ryan, who showed us to our table before introducing us to our server, the lovely Leah, who looked after us throughout our visit.

Wanting to fully appreciate the flavours Wagamama is known for, we both opted for water rather than soft drinks and prepared ourselves for a proper tasting session.

A Feast of Flavour

To give our readers a good overview of the menu, we decided to try a selection of dishes rather than just ordering our usual favourites.

After my morning 5K run, I convinced myself I was making a healthy choice with the Beef Brisket Teriyaki Donburi. Served on a bed of sticky white rice and topped with tender beef brisket, sweet teriyaki sauce, pickled vegetables and fresh salad, it felt like the perfect balance of comfort food and something a little more nutritious. The brisket was melt-in-the-mouth tender and packed with flavour, while the freshness of the vegetables stopped the dish from feeling too heavy.

Layla opted for the Chilli Chicken Ramen, a warming bowl of noodles served in a rich, spicy broth with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables and a satisfying kick of heat that quickly became one of her highlights of the afternoon.

Alongside our mains, we shared Wok-Fried Greens and Duck Gyoza, both of which complemented the larger dishes perfectly.

One thing that immediately stood out was just how filling everything was. Wagamama's portions are really generous, meaning you don't need to order half the menu to leave satisfied. In fact, it simply gives you an excuse to come back and try something different next time.

Dishes That Stole the Show

The launch also gave us the opportunity to meet Area Head Chef Joey, who had travelled from Wagamama's Brewery Square restaurant in Dorchester to support the new Poole team.

Having worked with Wagamama for 14 years and now overseeing restaurants across the South, Joey's passion for food was impossible to miss. He genuinely loves creating dishes and introducing guests to flavours they may never have chosen for themselves.

And that's exactly what happened with us.

First came the Bang Bang Cauliflower.

It's probably not something I would have ordered myself, but Joey was determined to showcase it, and I'm so glad he did. Lightly battered, crispy and coated in a sweet-spicy sauce, it delivered far more flavour than I expected and quickly became one of the surprises of the afternoon.

Then came the Wagamama x Buldak Fire Wings.

Layla loved these. My spice tolerance, however, is almost non-existent, so I happily watched her tackle them while I admired them from a safe distance. If you're someone who enjoys a proper kick of heat, these are likely to become a firm favourite.

Another standout was the Beef Brisket and Kimchi Gyoza.

Joey personally came over to show us the best way to enjoy them, pouring the zingy yuzu sauce over the gyoza at the table. Even before tasting them, the aroma was incredible. The combination of rich beef brisket, punchy kimchi and citrusy yuzu created a dish that felt both comforting and exciting at the same time.

And finally came the brand-new Signature Seafood Ramen.

If you're a seafood fan, then you’ll love this one. A generous bowl filled with charred butterfly king prawns, tender squid, clams and perfectly cooked salmon fillets, all sitting in a beautifully fragrant yuzu broth. The salmon was topped with crispy onions and chilli, while the prawns and squid had been marinated in gochujang and miso, creating layers of flavour that worked incredibly well together.

Served with ramen noodles, pea shoots and samphire, the dish felt fresh, vibrant and packed with texture. Every mouthful brought something different, from the citrus notes of the broth to the richness of the seafood and the gentle warmth of the chilli.

 

Meet the Team Behind the New Restaurant

We also had the opportunity to meet Adam, Area General Manager, who explained why he believes the new Tower Park location will be such a success.

With families visiting Splashdown, friends heading to the cinema and bowling, and locals looking for somewhere different to eat, Tower Park already attracts thousands of visitors every week.

Adam spoke passionately about creating a restaurant that appeals to everyone, whether that's families enjoying a meal together, friends catching up over lunch, or groups celebrating birthdays and special occasions. When I asked Adam about the age range the loves to visit, he said that Wagamama is attractive to all ages - it’s the perfect place for quick but really delicious food which is different. He wasn’t wrong! Our food came out quickly - as soon as it was cooked, it was on our table and we weren’t the only ones in the restaurant - this is what they aim to do!

For larger gatherings, tables can be pre-booked for groups of six or more, while smaller groups can simply walk in and join the queue.

 

Our Verdict

A must visit! Wagamama adds another exciting dining option to Tower Park.

With plenty of free parking, a welcoming atmosphere and a menu packed with dishes that cater for every taste, it's easy to see why the team are confident this restaurant will become a popular addition to the area.

We'll definitely be back.

There are still plenty of dishes left on the menu that we want to try.