Barrafina Dean Street

Tapas restaurant · Soho

19

@infatuation

Barrafina Drury Lane Review - Covent Garden - London - The 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

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/reviews/barrafina-drury-lane
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

Nagare Coffee

Coffee shop · Spitalfields

Nagare offers a serene coffee experience in Spitalfields, where minimalist decor meets expertly crafted brews served in charming Japanese ceramics.

3 Postcards

The Photographers' Gallery

Art gallery · Soho

Nestled just off Oxford Street, this three-story gallery is a serene haven for diverse international photography, complete with a cozy café and shop.

4 Postcards

The French Pharmacy

Pharmacy · Marylebone

Step into The French Pharmacy for a delightful, Parisian touch in London, where friendly staff offer expert advice alongside a curated selection of high-quality beauty products.

2 Postcards

Cake & Bingsoo Cafe

Dessert restaurant · New Malden

Nestled in New Malden, Cake & Bingsoo Cafe serves up delightful Korean desserts, featuring their signature, gravity-defying bingsoo that's perfect for sharing.

6 Postcards

Bethnal Green Gardens

Park · Globe Town

A vibrant green oasis near Bethnal Green station, this park buzzes with roller skaters, sports enthusiasts, and friendly squirrels among its playground and library.

2 Postcards

Cafe Murano Bermondsey

Italian restaurant · Borough

Cafe Murano in Bermondsey serves up delightful Italian dishes in a chic yet laid-back setting, perfect for any occasion from date nights to lunch outings.

7 Postcards

The Goring Dining Room

Fine dining restaurant · Victoria

Delve into the elegant charm of this Michelin-starred spot where classic British dishes get a modern twist, all served with impeccable service just steps from Buckingham Palace.

7 Postcards

Ronnie Scott's

Jazz club · Soho

Ronnie Scott's is a legendary Soho jazz club where world-class musicians deliver spine-tingling performances in a cozy, candle-lit basement setting.

2 Postcards

The Jones Family Project

Steak house · Shoreditch

International-inspired meat & steak dishes in a sleek basement restaurant with funky upstairs bar.

1 Postcard

Noble Rot Soho

Modern European restaurant · Soho

Noble Rot Soho is a snug, stylish eatery serving up comforting European fare with standout roast chicken and an impressive wine list, all in a cozy, intimate vibe.

14 Postcards