Barrafina Drury Lane
Spanish restaurant · Covent Garden ·
Michelin-starred tapas with sherry, cava, and grilled seafood.
Michelin-starred tapas with sherry, cava, and grilled seafood.
"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
"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
"This is the only Barrafina that doesn’t take bookings – but the one that invariably boasts the best atmosphere – and you can order drinks and snacks while you wait for a seat at the handsome L-shaped counter. The tapas menu is supplemented by an appealing little blackboard of the day’s best produce, which may include mackerel, carabinero or sardines. Sharing a tortilla is always a good start and then, if you look at what your neighbours are having, you’ll find yourself ordering more and more of the colourful dishes." - Michelin Inspector
"London’s most legendary tapas restaurants are still very much 10/10 spots to cosplay being in a sunnier, less passive aggressive, and officially European city. The Covent Garden location is a nice spot for alfresco dining. Make sure you get the pan con tomate and a glass of something chilled and crispy." - team infatuation
"All of the Barrafina restaurants are excellent solo dining spots. So when you know you’re going to get a message saying they’ll be there in 15 minutes, they’re just changing their shoes, don’t worry, because this tapas restaurant near King’s Cross is a fine spot to be alone in. Whether you get a cheeky lone tortilla whilst you wait, or have a gander in one of those bougie shops around Coal Drops Yard, it’s an easy place to lose some minutes." - jake missing