Barrafina

Barrafina is quite possibly the best tapas bar in London at the moment. Being the little sister of Fino, the same exceptional quality and passion is in the atmosphere, kitchen and food. Being able to watch the chefs cook each dish is great eye candy and really sets you up for the delicious tastes and great ingredients served.

Compliments to the head chef, Nieves Barragan. You can see he is meticulous and serious about his food which enabled us to experience a culinary delight.

My only qualm about this place however is... the manager.... to be quite honest he was simply just irritating. A lack of managerial skills much needed in a place where it is first come first serve and the bustling popularity means waiting times of up to 45 minutes in a queue. He seemed to flop around like a fish out of water aimlessly.

Having said that, that will definitely not be stopping me from frequenting Barrafina. I am back there tonight and looking greatly forward to it!
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Kitty
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, December 28, 2007

It is currently my favorite restaurant in London, I love it! Food is supreme and the atmosfere is truly fantastic!
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Francesca
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Monday, November 19, 2007

Quite simply the best Tapas Bar in London. The whole idea of a Tapas Bar is such that people can come in and out without booking for a drink a couple Tapas before moving on to a proper dinner, bar, theatre, home, etc and I think barrafina enveloped this idea completely.

Well done!
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JHon
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, October 22, 2007

Went here on a Wednesday night (2 of us) mainly because of various reviews. Generally happy with it and would recommend, but slightly disappointed that it wasn’t as amazing as some say. Was particularly attracted to it as it resembled a place in Barcelona called Cal Pep which had maybe the best food I’ve ever had, and would call this a good imitation.

We had a very reasonable 25 minute wait, with some nice beer to help. Bit squashed as people walked by but everyone very friendly. Menu is a little limited, not as much choice as I would have expected, but not too bad. Started with ham croquettes which were very tasty, good start, but the sardines were pretty tasteless. We then had some tasty chicken in Romesco sauce, a decent tortilla and good chrizo.

Price ended up as £25 each which is pretty good. Service was fine and atmosphere pretty good. Generally I’d recommend as a decent place to go and would be happy to come back.
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Stephen H - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, October 18, 2007

Barrafina is superb - my favourite restaurant in London! I've been there at least 6 times and keep going back for more. I've dined at Barrafina's sister restaurant, Fino, a number of times but the relaxed atmosphere at BF's gives it 10/10. Don't be put of by the wait, with a glass of sparkling rose cava in hand the time will fly by. The staff are very friendly and very attentive, esp. Za Za. Favourites include the ham croquettes, quail, pork chop, lamb cutlets, jamon iberico ....... the list could go on for ever!! The food is consistently delicious & fresh - an unbeatable restaurant in an area where they're 2 a penny!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, September 19, 2007

I went to Barrafina a few weeks ago for a birthday celebration with a couple of girlfriends. It was a spur of the moment decision, made on the basis they don't take bookings, and boy did it pay off.

We arrived at 8 and probably had to wait 45 minutes for seats. But with a lovely bottle of spanish red and some peppers to snack on the time flew by.

The food was fabulous - highlight was the razor clams, although we also branched out and tried the pigs ears. Tasty, but I wouldn't recommend it. The lamb cutlets were succulent, the gamberas sweet and fresh, and the peppers so good we ordered another plateful.

All in all we had a fantastic evening. The wait staff were attentive, and the food was truly delicious. And for good food and wine, the bill was very reasonable.

I also like that you can turn up on a whim and get a table, although I wouldn't recommend for groups of any more than 3 - it would make talking at the bar difficult.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, September 02, 2007

Barrafina has a buzzy atmosphere and good quality food. My over all feeling is that it is misses something in terms of a true relaxed tapas bar feel. Maybe too trendy or too stylistic. I also got the impression that the staff were overwhelmed in terms of being able to provide an adequate level of service. Just two of them for a) a bar full of people eating b) tables outside and c) those ordering drinks whilst waiting. The prices were also rather steep. Brindisa in Southwark St, though not by any means cheap, offered better food, better service and a better atmosphere all at lower prices.

Next time also, do stock some limes. It seems ludicrous that a high priced tapas bar can't knock up a lime juice and soda because they had no limes !
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Enoki
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Friday, August 10, 2007

Love this place! Yes - it is pricey ... but is there a real good dining expereince in London that is cheap?

The food is yummy - and very fresh, wine list which nicely complements the food, fun atmosphere, and AMAZING SERVICE!

I went there opening night, and have been back many times since - happily it is still just as great as the first time.
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, August 06, 2007

Introduced to Barrafina 2 nights ago and what a pleasant surprise. Tapas is popular but good tapas in a modern buzzy atmosphere is not as common. Professional staff, a decent wine list, and outstanding food. Pimientos fried up sprinkled with sea salt, razor clams (wow), wafer thin chorizo and grilled prawns. Perfect if you go as a pair. No bookings but fun to stand along the bar, order some cava or wine, a few nibbles, and people watch. If you want a quiet meal probably better to head to the main restaurant Fino..
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Kyoko
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, May 25, 2007

I had lunch there last Saturday. Great place. Friedly knowledgeable staff. Fresh fish. It resembles original style Tapas in Barcelona (and I imagine elsewhere in Spain), which you can find in market places and where everything is cooked in front of you. Definitely going back (to Barrafina and to Barcelona).
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emmanuel
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, May 20, 2007