When a cuisine has been commoditised to the extent that Italian has in London, one is often skeptical about restaurants that profess authenticity. Luckily for La Barca, this label is not one they need to justify. Its owners hail from the quaint town of Lucca, and the standalone restaurant has remained in the family for generations. The waiter recommends the red wine from Montepulciano, which rings a bell from an earlier trip to Tuscany. 

The white tablecloths and dark wooden walls evoke nostalgia from the Italian restaurants that my family and I frequented in my childhood. The dishes are definitely pricier, but for two hungry souls at 11 PM, there’s little scope to be choosy. The wine arrives and it’s well worth its price. 

We settle on the Insalata Tricolore as antipasti, and the Pulcino alla diavola, which is in the Carne section, for our mains.  

The starters are an interesting twist on the Caprese, housing fresh mozzarella, avocadoes, tomatoes and rocket leaves. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil are generously splashed on, because when in Rome. I’ll admit that the dish is uncharacteristic of my usual order choices, since it's fairly standard, but tonight the fresh flavours and light ingredients are appreciated. The chicken too is succulent, and the balance of herbs and chilies makes for a perky sauce. 

For one who is looking for an authentic and traditional Italian dining experience, I would definitely suggest this place. As for myself, it was late night hunger pangs that accidentally brought me here, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.