The food was excellent—we absolutely loved it. The breads, chicken and squid were particularly delicious, and every dish was beautifully prepared. Watching the chefs at work added to the experience and made the meal even more enjoyable.
The only downside was that the portions felt quite small for the price.
Service was generally good, although it sometimes felt a little cold and transactional. On a few occasions, dishes were simply placed in front of us without any explanation, and one of our orders was missed. No one checked-in with us even once on how everything was going. None of the issues significantly affected our evening, and we were happy to let it slide.
We also used a gift voucher, and although we had provided the details when making the booking, there were some issues redeeming it at the end because the system wasn’t cooperating. Thankfully, it was eventually resolved.
A lovely touch at the end of the meal was the complimentary birthday shots, which were a thoughtful gesture and much appreciated.
Overall, the quality of the food was outstanding and the open kitchen made for an enjoyable dining experience. With slightly warmer, more engaging service and smoother handling of the bill, it would have been an exceptional visit.
We came for a birthday dinner and the food and service was lovely! Really made for a special evening and the service was quick, so that it was perfect for a pre-theatre meal.
The atmosphere was buzzy and warm. Sitting at the counter and observing the chefs was amazing. One point deduction as it was a bit loud, the grill smell was intense and people kept bumping into my back due to the tight space.
The food was AMAZING. One of the best pieces of salmon I have ever had. The fish cigars (even if slightly too oily for my liking) and bread were also standout.
Small note: We thought the server recommend bread+2 dips+5-7 plates would have been way too much food. We ordered bread + 1 dip + 3 plates between 2 people and that was the perfect amount so that we could have added dessert if we would have fancied any.
5
What an amazing dinner, the atmosphere is amazing. We enjoyed our entire meal, but our
favorite dishes were the Jerusalem Bagel, and the Squid entree. Our waitress walked us through the entire menu as it was our first time here. 100% would recommend to anyone in London.
5
The Barbary is an absolute standout. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, lively, and effortlessly stylish—exactly what you hope for in a great dining experience.
I ordered the octopus and broccoli, and it was exceptional. The octopus was perfectly tender with a beautiful char, deeply flavorful without being heavy, while the broccoli was anything but ordinary—vibrant, well-seasoned, and the ideal complement to the dish. Every bite felt thoughtfully prepared and balanced.
Add to that the attentive, knowledgeable service and the intimate, buzzing energy of the space, and it’s clear why The Barbary has such a strong reputation. An outstanding meal and an easy five-star recommendation. I’ll absolutely be back.
5
One of my favourite restaurants in London! The food is amazing and the service is great too. Every single dish I tried was delicious. I love the fact that the menu slightly changes from time to time as well so I get to try something new every visit.
