Barrafina Drury Lane

"When the temptation to snap a selfie stick takes hold, find refuge in Barrafina. Suddenly you aren’t weaving in a stream of people-traffic in Covent Garden, you’re sitting at a counter in Barcelona. The rioja is flowing and a delicate, stuffed courgette flower is being placed in front of you. The West End’s great and all, but the Iberian Peninsula is objectively better. This tapas restaurant is the ideal place to grab a stool and surrender to the powers of razor clams and octopus. " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak

"You bring someone to Barrafina when you want to pretend that you’re more successful than you actually are, and to experience some of the best tapas outside of Spain. This particular Barrafina is our favorite outpost of the mini-chain, in no small part due to the lovely pavement terrace that's one of London's top-tier spots when it isn’t raining. The food’s on the pricey side and there’s always a wait, but there are definitely worse things in life than hanging out with a glass of cava and a plate of ham." - sinead cranna, jake missing, rianne shlebak, daisy meager

"Maximum Capacity: 24 Minimum Spend: Set menus from £55 per person Barrafina’s trademark sleek stool seating and counter eating aren’t usually conducive to big groups. But some locations of the Spanish tapas mini-empire have a secret weapon in the form of private dining rooms for big birthdays, team dinners, or just bringing a crew together to toast over pan con tomate. Our favourite is the basement space at Drury Lane. It’s warm, intimate, and classy, with an open kitchen where chefs will prepare your group’s set feasting menu of Barrafina classics." - heidi lauth beasley, sinead cranna

"Barrafina – a tapas kitchen on Drury Lane – doesn’t take reservations, so it’s best to head there early with only one or two people in tow. However, waiting in line goes fast when you’re greeted by friendly and knowledgable staff recommending wine and bar snacks to nibble on – think Marcona almonds rather than Bombay mix. Everything feels authentically Spanish, from the white marble decor and napkins in dispensers, through to the loud buzz of happy diners and incredible moreish food smells. Open for lunch and dinner most days, try their Adelaide Street branch around the corner if things get too hectic." - Assembly

"Of all Barrafina’s London locations, it’s the Covent Garden one you want to be at when the sun is shining. The swish Spanish tapas spot has a pavement-side terrace that suits lunchtime cava-drinking and pan con tomate-inhaling. Inside, an elegant marble-top counter buzzes with conversation from dates, after-work dinners, and smiling chefs alike—it’s a restaurant more casual than some of its prices suggest. Once upon a time, Barrafina was a put-your-name-down, cross-your-fingers-and-pray type place, but these days the Drury Lane restaurant is bookable. The food is all still very nice: the tortilla is gooey, the bravas saucy, and the fish and meat are perfectly cooked. Pay attention to the specials as there's usually a razor clam or a skate dish that screams summer and a rioja too many. There are few more buzzy bars for a great meal in London that fit the brief of impressive, but not overly special-feeling. And for that reason Barrafina should always be in your back pocket." - Jake Missing