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Must-goA first-choice LocalBite pick — a place we'd send a friend tonight.DinnerOpen for dinner — the usual LocalBite recommendation.

Barrafina Dean Street

Spanish · Soho

26-27 Dean Street, W1D 3LL

Budget £50 · typically ~£45 pp·3 min walk
84Score
LocalBite score from taste, value, discovery, authenticity, and local confidence — not Google stars.

Taste

8.8

How good the cooking actually is.

Value

8.5

What you get for the money.

Discovery

7.5

How easy it is to stumble on, versus already famous.

Authenticity

8.5

How true it is to the cuisine — not a diluted version.

Local confidence

8.0

Whether locals who care about food actually go.

Counter-style Spanish from the Hart Brothers — impeccable ingredients, short menu, no table service pretension. One of London's reference-point tapas bars; book the counter if you can.

  • Standout orders

    Ham croquettes, tortillas, and Arroz de Carabineros
  • Atmosphere & service

    Lively, vibrant atmosphere and the attentive, friendly staff who provide excellent recommendations
  • Standout orders

    Counter dining experience, where they can watch chefs prepare dishes, is a particular highlight
  • Ham croquetas

    Our pick

    Start here — crisp outside, molten inside, and the order regulars make without looking at the menu.

  • Prawns with garlic

    Our pick

    A curator staple at Barrafina Dean Street — the dish we'd send a first-timer toward.

  • Daily specials

    Our pick

    Ask what landed today — the kitchen rotates this based on what's best in season.

  • Sherry by the glass

    Our pick

    A curator staple at Barrafina Dean Street — the dish we'd send a first-timer toward.

  • The ham croquettes

    From reviews

    Shows up in review after review — worth ordering if you have room.

Something amazingFood + wineSomething adventurous

Counter seats best — book ahead. Dean Street institution.