It’s not the first time I’ve mentioned Barrafina and it won’t be the last.
Because I looooooove tapas and Barrafina is quite simply the best tapas restaurant in London.
The only problem?
How good Barrafina is is London’s worst kept secret.
And of course, there’s no reservations, which means you will have to queue.
Yes, even if it’s late and even on Sundays.
But worry not, for there’s a small selection of nibbles to eat while you wait – including Barrafina’s fantastic croquetas.
That time around, they were squid croquetas, with ink, little pieces of cuttlefish and a potent-but-sublime spicy aioli on top.
100% the way to keep little hangry me happy!
Nibbles, drinks and good company are a great combination to make time fly by.
Before you know it, you’ll be led to your recently-vacated seats…
… for yet more croquetas!
This time, ham croquetas.
Just as gorgeous as their squid sisters, with a rich, indulgent, creamy ham & cheese filling and the thinest, crispest of exteriors.
If you love croquetas (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), you have to have Barrafina’s.
Ham or squid, whatever you pick, you’re in for a whole new ball game!
Since we visited at what was technically brunch time, the classic tortilla was a must order.
… and I can happily report that it is indeed a classic at all times of the week and day!
Potato slices, sauteed in olive oil, then topped with eggs and cooked to golden perfection…
Simplicity at its very best.
Chargrilled artichokes with aioli, dressed in a shallot and chives vinaigrette.
And spectacular Arroz de Marisco.
A bit of a cross between a risotto and a seafood paella, with incredible depth of flavour from a saffroned bisque and topped with just-grilled seafood.
On the sweet side, we couldn’t resist the crema catalana bites.
Basically cheesecake, wrapped in crisp filo pastry, deep-fried and served with a tart berry coulis.
Berry indulgent indeed!
And –of course– a serving of obligatory cinnamon doughnuts with chocolate sauce. Light, almost brioch-y, they are something special in their own right!
Now, the million dollar question – when to go so you don’t have to queue for hours?
We went on a Sunday for a late lunch (around 1pm) and waited around 20 min for a table. Late dinner is also quite a good bet, making it a great post-theatre option, especially on weekdays. But then again, I went a few years back on Easter Sunday and it’s the only time I’ve ever been seated right away…
So if your bank holiday plans allow it, go, go, GO!!
Barrafina, 10 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ
(there’s another Covent Garden branch on Drury Ln, and a Soho one on Dean St, all equaly good and hard to get into)
And at 10-something PM, we didn’t even have to queue for a couple of seats at the counter! #WinWin
Cake and Whisky 