Barrafina Dean Street

Tapas restaurant · Soho

19

@infatuation

"When I was growing up in a small village near Scotland, everyone listened to trance. The kids at my school in Newcastle were obsessed with Oakenfold and Judge Jules, and as someone who spent most of his time learning guitar in his bedroom, I didn’t get it. The first time I went to a club though, that changed. Loaded up on enough Smirnoff Ices to down a small (huge) dog, as soon as I walked into Baja Beach Club, I got trance. I just needed to experience trance first hand. We at The Infatuation had a similar reaction the first time we visited Barrafina. This has long been one of the most celebrated restaurants in London, and having walked past this original Soho location for years and watching people queue up for hours just to eat tapas, we were initially skeptical. But then we finally went, and we got it. We just needed to experience it first hand. Quite simply, the food at Barrafina is superb. This small Spanish restaurant doesn’t seem particularly special at first glance, but it most certainly is, thanks to perfectly executed Spanish dishes that will make you feel like you’re sitting at a counter in Barcelona instead of squeezed into a seat in the middle of Covent Garden. The communal setup, open kitchen, and free flowing Rioja add up to an energy that you really can’t find anywhere else in London, let alone outside of the Iberian Peninsula. There are now three Barrafinas, and the Drury Lane location feels a little more spacious, and there’s a small terrace outside with tables for the summer months. But any location will be of stellar quality, so head to whichever’s closest. When you do finally try Barrafina, having a strategy is essential. Go with one friend, not three. Side by side dining doesn’t work for more than two. Put your name in and grab a glass of sherry and olives and almonds to hold you over while you wait, but don’t eat too much as you’ll want to cover a lot of ground on the menu once seated. Once you do sit down, a server will be both you cook and your spirit guide through Barrafina’s menu of Spanish classics and super fresh specials. Check our Food Rundown below, but generally know that you want to go for a mix of both. Then again, do it however you want, but just do it. Barrafina isn’t just a London gem - it’s one of the crown jewels, the proverbial Ministry of Restaurants. And to get it, you just have to go." - David Paw

Barrafina Drury Lane Review - Covent Garden - London - The Infatuation
John Carey

26-27 Dean St, London W1D 3LL, United Kingdom Get directions

barrafina.co.uk
@barrafinadeanspecials

19 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

The Grazing Goat Pub & Boutique Hotel Marylebone

Gastropub · Marylebone

Spacious gastropub with contemporary country house-style interior, for traditional British cuisine.

3 Postcards

Hunan

Chinese restaurant · Belgravia

At Hunan, dive into an inventive dining adventure where a personalized tasting menu showcases delightful small plates crafted with your spice preferences in a cozy setting.

20 Postcards

KOL

Mexican restaurant · Marylebone

Trendy restaurant serving innovative Mexican-British fusion food, plus mezcal & cocktails.

20 Postcards

Santo Remedio - Casona & Cantina, Marylebone

Mexican restaurant · Marylebone

"Our Marylebone Mexican Casona & Cantina is where we serve our favourite Regional Mexican dishes in one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in London. We will offer a selection of some of our classic dishes like our Tuna Tostadas and Pork Belly Tacos as well as new regional specialities highlighting the best of Mexican flavours, cooking techniques and ingredients. We have an extensive selection of Mexico’s best Tequilas and Mezcals served in our speciality cocktails, those looking for a place to celebrate any occasion we can host private parties and events in our exclusive Private Dining Room for dinner and for lunch upon request."

1 Postcard

The Original Maids of Honour

Tea house · Kew

Chintzy family-run bakery and tea shop serving pies, sandwiches, salads and cakes since 1860.

1 Postcard

Apricity Restaurant

Modern European restaurant · Mayfair

"Apricity, is a Michelin Green star, low-waste restaurant from chef owner, Chantelle Nicholson and team. Apricity symbolises regeneration, warmth, generosity and light which reflects in both the menu and the space. The restaurant continues Chantelle’s commitment to running a socially conscious endeavour with her team of innovative and like-minded people, who also share her values of a sustainable lifestyle. Menus are created using regenerative produce at the height of season from small-scale farmers, with a low-waste approach to cooking. The restaurant is perfectly located in the heart of Mayfair for shoppers or theatre goers and is situated in a haven just off Oxford Street. Dogs are warmly welcomed."

9 Postcards

Cafe Helen

Restaurant · Paddington

"Cafe Helen 105A and 107 Edgware Road London W2 2HX Halal Food Open all night"

6 Postcards

Locanda Ottoemezzo

Italian restaurant · South Kensington

Nestled on a quiet Kensington street, this charming Italian restaurant boasts vintage decor, vibrant fabrics, and a menu of exquisite pizzas and comforting classics that make every visit feel like a family affair.

2 Postcards

Four Seasons (Chinatown - Gerrard Street)

Chinese restaurant · Chinatown

Unpretentious restaurant serving Chinese comfort food classics, plus its Peking duck signature dish.

4 Postcards

Kova Patisserie South Kensington

Patisserie · Earl's Court

Premium Japanese-French patisserie offering birthday cakes, bubble tea & coffee.

9 Postcards