The Barbary
London
Explore Neal's Yard before or after dining to enjoy its vibrant shops and atmosphere.
Located in the vibrant Neal's Yard of Covent Garden, The Barbary offers a unique dining experience centered around open-fire cooking. With a counter designed in the shape of a horseshoe, diners can enjoy the flavors of the Barbary Coast, which encompass the rich culinary traditions of both Southern Europe and Northern Africa. The menu celebrates the bold, spice-laden dishes inspired by the trading routes that once connected these regions, bringing together an eclectic mix of ingredients and influences. Guests are treated to a front-row seat to the theater of cooking, where chefs prepare each dish openly, adding an interactive element to the meal.
The intimate setting at The Barbary makes it a cozy retreat for those looking to explore a menu filled with Moorish-inspired dishes that are as diverse as they are flavorful. This venue captures the essence of fusion dining, where every bite tells a story of cultural exchange and gastronomic exploration. Whether visiting solo or with a group, each visit promises a memorable experience enriched by the vibrant atmosphere and rich, aromatic dishes.
Perfect for both the curious food adventurer and lovers of Mediterranean and African cuisines, The Barbary offers an enticing escape within the bustling city of London. While seated at the counter, guests can watch as traditional cooking methods blend with modern culinary techniques, creating a dynamic environment that is as educational as it is enjoyable.
Reviews
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.
Another great find in central London! I love being able to watch the chefs as well so this counter top/bar style seating is really good for me - just be aware there is very limited space around the back of the seats due to the size of the restaurant, could be challenging for those with limited mobility but it makes the restaurant feel very close and intimate which I enjoyed. As there is no separate seating areas this is probably best for couples or groups of 3 so you can still see and talk to everyone. Between 2 we shared the hummus and za’aluk with a naan, then the black salmon, bavette, and chicken. All of it was beautiful presented and tasted fab - would definitely recommend and go back!
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.
I really loved having lunch here! Honestly no misses I’m gonna miss this place. The cigars are hot and crispy. Cauliflowers tender but crispy with so much flavor from the sauce. The bagel is soooo soft and puffy and airy. The dip was great with butter and nuts adding a little extra crunch. Pata negra is definitely a highlight because it’s soooo tender and the perfect amount of fattiness. The sauce is date based so a little bit sweeter to balance out the fattiness. Garlic was mushy and placed on top of the meat it was perfect
Small counter style restaurant serving amazing North African and Southern European style dishes in a bustling environment. Friendly staff, who were very flexible in accommodating a walk in for party of two. Cauliflower and octopus dishes highly recommended, but every dish is packed with flavour and delicious. Location right in the centre of London, perfect for before/after theatre. Booking recommended as there are limited spaces. The countertop dining by the kitchen makes for a great experience.
