Barrafina Adelaide Street

The story

Barrafina Adelaide Street: Modern Spanish Dining in Covent Garden

The kitchen and its philosophy

Modern Spanish dining at Barrafina Adelaide Street centres on a marble-topped counter where guests watch cooks prepare food over charcoal grills. Brothers Sam and Eddie Hart established the restaurant in July 2014, drawing inspiration from their family holidays in Mallorca and the bustling tapas bars of Barcelona. The Good Food Guide awarded this Covent Garden outpost a Good rating for 2026, noting how the kitchen relies on deceptively simple techniques that let top-notch ingredients speak for themselves.

Signature plates and daily specials

The cooked-to-order menu highlights seasonal Spanish produce, with standouts including prawn and piquillo pepper tortillas and milk-fed lamb kidneys finished on the grill. A black chalkboard behind the bar updates daily with specials crafted from morning deliveries, often featuring cuttlefish croquetas or smoked calf’s tongue. Diners can start with para picar staples like pan con tomate and pimientos de Padrón before moving to seafood like gambas rojas or chicken thigh served with romesco.

The room and the wine list

Set on a busy corner in theatreland, the space balances energetic service with the calm rhythm of open-fire cooking. The beverage programme mirrors the kitchen’s regional focus, offering an extensive selection of Spanish sherry styles ranging from crisp Manzanilla to rich Palo Cortado. Many bottles are available by the glass or carafe, perfectly complementing desserts such as crema catalana or stacked milhojas pastry.