Can't book, the line was an hour.
However the staff were excellent at ensuring we had sufficient wine while waiting ... The food/experience is about as good as you could hope anywhere in the world.
Staff attentive and helpful, relaxed and enjoyable...
Would not recommend coming here with much more than a couple. No groups.
However, the have a private dining room (for groups) which I intend to enquire about booking!
G
Wonderful tapas restaurant near convent garden. No bookings available for this restaurant and although the queue can look long, people tend to finish food around the same time so we were seated quite quickly. The food was fresh and delicious. The ox tongue was beautiful and the octopus met our expectations. The big surprise was the aubergine on the toast which we had at the end and I would highly recommend it - such a wonderful and refreshing explosion of flavours.
A place for fresh sea food and it's amazing
Ambience mind blowing words are less for it
And food explain more then ambience
Enjoy a overall service
Impossible to go wrong with anything you order at Barrafina, everything is so absolutely tasty and the staff is happy and fun. The tortilla is a must order as well as their croquettes.
First thing is that this place is not for more than 2 person. The reason is two fold: one tapa is small in size, two they literally only have bar chairs and small tables outside. (There seems to be larger seating place in the basement but not open to use at lunch time) We were a group of four and we eventually made it work by pulling two tables outside together in a rainy autumn day.
Foodwise it's above average. A bit on the heavy side because of the heavy cream and butter in the rice and mashed potato, but you know who will say no to comfort food on Sunday? The grilled fish was deliciously! Crispy outside and tender inside, perfect! The Arroz negro is also delicious. Creamy and flavorful. Other dishes are also good. Overall we had a good time with the food, relatively long serving hour, nice service. Seating is the only flaw.
Isn't it funny, how life can suddenly take a wrong turn? All the plans became a blow of a dust and you are left unknowing what to do or what is ahead. Then there are some people that wants to ruin your life for some unknown selfish reasons. Along the way, you lose some friends as well, that used to be your so called "best friends". When life hits your hard, it may not be easy to keep your head above the water. The storm is rough, but it does not last forever. After a storm comes a rainbow, one would say one would become stronger afterward. But what I would say is fake being strong till you make it. It's the only way not to drown.
I’m ashamed to say that Barrafina has passed me by till now. Not deliberately, I’ve intended to go for a while, but I don’t like queues and if I’m honest I generally prefer sitting at a table to sitting at a bar. So, on occasions when the queues at the two better established outlets have been reasonable, I’ve passed on the opportunity and hoped that perhaps my waistline will benefit a bit. Being asked to review Barrafina on Dury Lane, the latest of the group was enough of an incentive to accept I might need to queue (which I didn’t) and I asked The-Hedonist, a long time fan both of Barrafina and Quo Vadis, along for the ride.
Last week my friend Charlotte and I had the most fantastic meal at the new Barrafina on Drury Lane, Covent Garden. We initially tried to get into the Adelaide Street branch but with the wait being over an hour, they directed us to the Drury Lane branch which had a smaller queue, so we hot-footed it down the road to Covent Garden. As we walked in, we were immediately greeted with smiles from the staff behind the counter who said we’d have a short wait. Sure enough, 10 minutes later we were ushered to our spot at the bar.
I’ve passed the Barrafina in Adelaide Street many times. It’s on my frequent route from Waterloo, via Hungerford Bridge and Villiers Street, as I cut up Adelaide Street from The Strand and into Covent Garden. It always looks inviting and I’ve always been on my way somewhere else. The second of three Barrafinas in the capital, it won Best Restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards earlier this year so I knew I’d have to go sometime and last night provided the perfect opportunity. I was on my way to meet some friends from the London Italian Meetup Group at the Royal Opera House to see La Nozze di Figaro. We were meeting at 6.20pm and the opera was to finish at 10.35pm. There was no way the Single Gourmet Traveller would manage a whole evening without food! A couple of plates of tapas early evening seemed ideal. I wouldn’t want to eat a lot … but I would want to eat something!
With its Frith Street branch gaining a Michelin star last year, it's become the tapas joint of choice for most Londoners (and tourists). I actually prefer the Adelaide Street branch, with its menu exclusives (suckling pig, arroz de marisco, etc) and downstairs private dining area but when I stepped into their newest addition on Drury Lane, I was rather smitten.
I've been dying to try the crab bun (£8) for yonks (I'm blaming KS_Ate_Here and Angela Sam) and it is insanely delicious. The crab meat is rich in a super comforting flavour that reminds me of buttery bisque, with a full load of it embraced in a soft but firm brioche bun. This is the holy mother of sliders and you MUST order it when you go. Seriously. YOU MUST GET THIS.
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What else can be said about Barrafina that hasn't already been said? Headed by Spanish chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, the menu is inspired by classic tapas dishes from all over Spain using the best ingredients money can buy and prepared with supreme skill. But don't just take my word for it; read the list of National Restaurant Awards' best restaurants and you'll quite quickly find Barrafina...sitting comfortably at number 1.
The reasons why are countless but for me, there is only one; the crab bun.
A small slider filled to the brim with what my limited mind can only describe as a pulled crab meat chowder, it is pure heaven and so rich in flavour, every bite is a gastronomic roller coaster. If you come for nothing else, order the crab bun - you'll regret it if you don't.
Moving on to other dishes of the meal, further small plates of deep-fried nuggets of monk cheeks, chicken wings with harissa aioli and lightly battered broccoli tempura were all faultless and pure quality. Like I said previously, what else can be said? I'm running out of adjectives...
That is until we get to the next highlight; the rack of roasted milk fed lamb ribs. It was an absolute triumph; meat draping off the bone was so succulent and juicy it seemed impossible that lamb could be this good. But good it was to the point that I was shamelessly gnawing at bones by the end of it. I regret nothing!
However, the meal wasn't without its disappointment and this came in the form of the patatas bravas which was essentially chips with a side of bravas sauce and aioli. As far as chips go, they were great; however, they were not the tasty cubed patatas bravas I'd come to love from my Spanish travels. A small mark to a meal which was, in aggregate, incredible.
Operating a no booking policy though, a seat at the intimate restaurant is hot real estate so an early visit is required to guarantee a table. Otherwise, prepare for a lengthy wait but it will be well worth it.
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Food was extremely tasty, presented elegantly, arrived quickly and the place was vibrant and friendly. I'd highly recommend it and go again for sure.
Barrafina is legendary for how long the queues are at each of the group's 3 restaurants.
I’ve only heard rave reviews from anyone who visited, so I knew I’d eventually have to cave up and see it for myself.
As we got out of the Lyceum Theatre after having seen The Lion King the other day (best musical I’ve ever seen, in case you were wondering!), dinner at the newly opened Barrafina Drury Lane seemed to be the perfect way to finish off the evening.
And a fantastic dinner it was indeed!
Where to take a first time visitor to London? When you have an out of town guest, the pressure is on to deliver on the restaurant selection. Barrafina Drury Lane is the new, Covent Garden outpost of the popular Spanish casual dining restaurant and as we’re big fans of the other 2 Barrafinas it seemed like an obvious choice.
Another day, another excellent dinner - this time at Barrafina's new outpost.
Recently opened on Drury Lane, it’s in the same vicinity as the Covent Garden branch on Adelaide Street, and really not too far from it’s michelin-starred sister restaurant on Frith Street in Soho. Brothers and co-founders, Sam and Eddie Hart, clearly have a recipe for success on their hands.
With tapas taking London by storm, it makes sense for Sam and Eddie Hart to open their third Barrafina (they’ve a Michelin starred one in Soho and another one on Adelaide Street in Covent Garden) and for me, this one is easily their best. Like the others, it’s a simple set up; a large counter with stalls overlooks the bustle of the kitchen, giving the place a surprisingly serene atmosphere. It’s not always everybody’s cup of tea, but watching chefs preparing the food before your very eyes has always rather excited me.
With tapas taking London by storm, it makes sense for Sam and Eddie Hart to open their third Barrafina (they’ve a Michelin starred one in Soho and another one on Adelaide Street in Covent Garden) and for me, this one is easily their best. Like the others, it’s a simple set up; a large counter with stalls overlooks the bustle of the kitchen, giving the place a surprisingly serene atmosphere. It’s not always everybody’s cup of tea, but watching chefs preparing the food before your very eyes has always rather excited me.
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Despite visiting 900 odd food & drink places in the last two and a bit years, my London restaurant wishlist still has some big hitters on it - The Clove Club, Typing Room, Restaurant Story, Kitchen Table and Gymkhana to name a few.
And then there's Barrafina. Not only have I not been to the Michelin-starred Soho institution, the Barrafina boys have kindly added two more to my list with outposts on Adelaide Street and Drury Lane (which opened last Friday). All three have entirely different menus full of tempting tapas plates (except for their Classic Tortilla) so I can't even claim a hat-trick in one visit! In order to stop the rot, I went along to their latest opening for a light lunch with Dad The List.
To cut a long story short, it was excellent. The service was friendly with Eddie Hart milling around in the background, and the plates were superb. You can't really go wrong, but you shouldn't leave without getting something from their Tortillas Y Huevos section. Our Pheasant Egg & Morcilla de Burgos (flavoured with cumin) on Toast (£6.50) was outrageously tasty - perhaps the first sign of #BarrafinaBrunch? Order it.
Elsewhere Courgette Flowers stuffed with Cream Cheese & Goat’s Cheese (£7.80) and Baby Gem with Botarga, Walnuts, Pancetta & Manchego (£6.80) impressed, whilst Raba de Toro / Oxtail stuffed with Pine Nuts, Walnuts and Leeks (£9.50) and Milk Fed Lamb Sweetbreads (£12.80) kept my nose-to-tail fan of a father happy.
Ordering an extra dessert is standard Dad The List practice. We diplomatically shared Leche Frita (Fried Custard) with Plum Jam (£6.50) and Torrijas (French Toast) soaked in Cinnamon & Orange with Pistachios & Creme Fraiche Ice Cream (£6.80) before diving in to Cuajada - a pot of milk curd served simply with hazeulnuts on top and honeycomb on the side. Glorious stuff, if not as memorable as Ollie Dabbous' curd creation.
It's the usual no reservations stuff I'm afraid, but the Drury Lane site is your best bet for avoiding queues currently. Get over there for lunch (Monday to Saturday) when it opens at 12pm and take whatever seats are going! Alternatively, email events@barafina.co.uk to book a private dining area on the lower ground floor for up to 28 guests. I'm to visit the other two before they open another one...
This restaurant serves Spanish tapas, and they do it very well! Came here for lunch, and it got busy very quickly. From what I’ve observed, it’s mostly counter seating which makes the whole experience extra special.
Every tapas was better than the last, evidently using fresh ingredients and excellent chef skills. The service was friendly and attentive, with severs just over the counter.
Fantastic, fresh food served in a cosy setting. Book in advance as there are relatively few seats available in the restaurant.
You may observe the chefs preparing the dish while at the bar. The menu offers many excellent choices. It is too difficult to pick just one :)
Service will blown you away,too!
Very tasty, highly recommended ham croquettas and prawn&piquillo tortillas 👌🏻
All food is fresh and delicious! The atmosphere here is very cool. I truly want to go back sometime. Totally recommend it!
Came here before the opera. Very good selection of food, but it does come at a price. Too expensive? Moot question for London. Great selection of wine. Notice they, like many restaurants, just plop the rubber cork in and do not draw out the air so don’t be shy to return your glass if oxidation is an issue. Nice service and great to see chefs at work. Price might put me off retuning as think Caminos does similar fare at a more reasonable price. I would only sit at the counter as downstairs looks pretty grim so check before you book.
Delicious food with an intimate atmosphere. The restaurant only sits 24 diners so be sure to make a reservation. At the bar you can watch the chefs prepare the food with care. There some great options on the menu and I would recommend the pork ribs. The tortilla is also pretty good. Overall a very nice dinner!
All the food we tried was really delicious. The atmosphere here is very cool. I truly want to go back sometime. Totally recommend it!
AMAZING! amazing vibe, amazing food and service, everyone is so nice there (Adele was THE Best! Just the right amount of service to make you feel taken care without being too much, beautiful!)
Go eat there
Great place for tapas, food was very good and the waiters did explain many items on the menu to us. However, the whole thing felt quite rushed because of another booking. Price is $$$
Food was amazing, and so was the service! Went there for a business lunch and will make it back next time I'm in London. Highly recommend the fried peppers and Gambas Rojas!
This is a very good place to enjoy Spanish food, plus the service is outstanding. Totally recommend this restaurant to enjoy a great meal and wines. I almost forgot taking the picture of the food because was so tasty and, we were enjoying the experience.
Great selection of tapas sitting at the counter and watching every piece of our meal being prepared to order. Wonderful experience although hard to chat with such an interesting show going on!
A fun spot to visit for beautiful small plates that are tasty and a good range in prices. Staff are welcoming and made my experience special.
Amazing food, friendly staff and great seeing the chefs working harmoniously together. Ordered some specials: Sea bream rice in crab bisque (they ran out of sea bream and substituted with mixed seafood), Grilled cuttlefish with black ink potato mash herb oil, Monkfish in a citrus sauce.
Great restaurant to enjoy food in an original way. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Every dish we had was delicious. The rabbit was perfect, we really could not fault anything. Would highly recommend. Always book in advance although they might try to help if you just show up.
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Would’ve been a 5 if there had been 10 seconds of interaction at the start when we arrived 8 minutes early, 4.52pm for our 5.00pm booking. As I opened the door we got we’re not open, we open at 5 can someone lock the door …. it was abrupt and did not set us up right. We went to the bar across the road and then at 2 minutes past 5 got a text asking if we still wanted the table and it would only be held to 5.15. If they’d have taken 10 seconds to converse with us, none of that would be necessary.
We made it back for 5.12 after a swifter than normal drink at the Prince of Wales pub.
The setting was not what we expected. The ‘at the counter’ seating was not our 1st choice and then to be sat by the door, because it was better for us to be on the corner as a 4 (according to the waiter), and it was a cold evening only exacerbated a poor opinion that had started with our punctual arrival.
The waiter was right, it was better, the counter seating is perfect for this food and experience AND the food was amazing..!! Proper Tapas and flavours and combinations that were stylish and good for people with an appetite. We had ordered 5 dishes. We had 4 because they forgot the prawns, but 4 was enough and it was lovely. The lemon sole was perfect, the chicken and the scallops so well cooked.
I would certainly go back especially as I can make allowances for a 50/50 service because the food was so great.
Very impressive for all, foods are as expected, they are so good for all dishes. Staff are very friendly and well-trained, one of them, he explained all special menus with details made me want to try all. We asked advise on wine list and staff even gave best suggestion. Manager is very well-organised, we did ask for table outside and he can arrange it perfectly. We had a great night at Barrafina, Covent Garden. Summer time, even better for seat outside. Next time I will sit counter and get octopus, can’t wait for next visit.
My hotel recommended this restaurant and I decided to go on the first day I was in London on this trip. I was not disappointed! They have traditional Basque Country dishes, which are hard to find, and do them correctly.
The atmosphere is great since everyone is sitting on barstools around the kitchen, and service is on top of everything. The food is top notch and I wish I would've been hungrier and ordered more than 3 things. Every item on the menu sounded delicious.
Do yourself a favor and make a reservation to go to this restaurant and try some new food!
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