Hello dear
Welcome To The Barbary
At The Barbary, situated in London's vibrant Neal's Yard, a passion for North African cuisine comes alive. The restaurant thrives on a shared dining experience, featuring an open kitchen where guests can witness culinary artistry in action. With a menu rich in flavors—like the savory Chicken Shawarma and unique Mechoui Octo Hummus—each dish invites exploration. The lively ambiance, accentuated by the hip decor and friendly staff, creates a communal atmosphere perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Reservations are essential, as this trendy spot soon becomes a go-to for delicious, unforgettable meals served with warmth and hospitality.
About
The Barbary
Welcome to The Barbary, a vibrant Middle Eastern eatery nestled in the heart of London’s Neal's Yard. This unique culinary gem invites you to experience an explosion of flavors that celebrate the rich tapestry of North African cuisine. With a reputation for being hip and trendy, The Barbary is buzzing with energy, perfect for casual dining or special occasions alike.
At The Barbary, reservations are strongly recommended, as this cozy establishment accommodates around 22 guests around a horseshoe bar that provides an intimate glimpse into the bustling kitchen where the magic happens. As you settle in, prepare for an unforgettable dining experience marked by warmth and camaraderie. Patrons rave about the friendly staff, who are always eager to guide you through the thoughtfully curated menu.
- Must-Try Dishes: Delight in standout offerings like the Black Salmon Dukkah (€21.00), celebrated for its unique blend of spices, or the richly flavored Mechoui Octo Hummus (€22.00), a dish that will redefine your expectations of hummus.
- For a vegetarian adventure, don't miss the Grilled Halloumi (€9.00) or the Fattoush Salad (€12.00), both of which capture the essence of Middle Eastern flavors beautifully.
- And for dessert? You must indulge in the enchanting Baklawa (€8.00) and the sophisticated Knafeh (€10.50). Each sweet treat is a delightful ending to your culinary journey.
Former diners, like Robert H. and Eric W., have praised the exceptional quality of the food, while others like Katie S. have applauded the friendly environment that makes every visit memorable. The unique ambiance is enhanced by lively music, although it can get somewhat loud; it's part of the charm that adds to The Barbary's buzz.
The inclusion of outdoor seating and bike parking further enhances its appeal, inviting groups and families to gather and savor a meal in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you are pigging out on small plates with friends or sharing joyous moments with family, The Barbary assures that everyone leaves with a happy palate.
With good vegetarian options, free Wi-Fi, and even dog-friendly seating, it’s no wonder that The Barbary is celebrated as one of London's must-visit restaurants. So, gather your friends, make those reservations, and get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure at The Barbary!
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“ Amazing food. Wasn't sure what to expect from North African cuisine, but it was all delicious and truly unique. Service was excellent. All counter seating around the open kitchen. ”
“ Every single time I come here it's always the best. The staff are so friendly and I love the overall environment. I take absolutely everyone here and they always end up having the best time - it's a crowd pleaser. This time I took my friend here for her birthday and we just had the absolute best time! ”
“ Love to come here when in London but make your reservations early. Ambiance is interesting all diners are crowded around a horseshoe bar. High energy and warm is what I would say but some of that warmth is generated by the person on the stool right next to you. You go get to see the whole kitchen at work which adds to the experience. Staff is very welcoming and will walk you through the entire menu, although my advice is to order as much as you can because it is all delicious. Started out with cocktails, for which the menu is limited but all are tasty. Some nice nonalcoholic choices for those so inclined. Had the fried artichoke hearts to go with the drinks-very tasty. Then when to the must order breads. I personally prefer the naan, but the Jerusalem Bagel is also good and most people get both. All the dips are great. We had the hummus, the yogurt dip (labneh) and the tarama (the fish dip), the latter of which is my personal favorite. Had the chicken, lamb and octopus as proteins with the carrots and cauliflower as sides, all were excellent. For dessert went with the chocolate baklava. An unusual preparation as made with sesame wafers as opposed to filo, but all good. All in all, just love this place. Great take on food from the region. ”
“ Quite possibly one of my favorite meals! They really got the perfect blend of salt, fat, acid and heat in every dish. I loved how each component complimented the others and were always present. The chef was also so friendly and chatted with us throughout the meal. Can't recommend this place enough! ”
“ A reservation for the restaurant is a must. I believe they open it up a month before and should you have the calendar reminder, then do checkbook. The space is small, counter seating of about z22 people. The service. Is wonderful and food above average. All are small plates to share so if you come hungry, maybe 3 plates per person is filling. While the music was 80's, it was full blast loud. If you want to carry out a conversation with companion, this is not the place for it. ”
“ The greatest pork dish of my life. What is going on here?! Doesn't even taste like pork, infused with a date sauce and, I don't know, angel's breath? Heavenly. The Jerusalem bread and spreads are delicious, too. Kind and generous chef and cooks. Intimate and sexy atmosphere. Recommending this spot to everyone and cannot wait to come back. 5 stars!!! ”
“ This spot is a stunner! Wow! The food is incredible! Secure a reservation for sure. We saddled up at the bar seating with direct views of the bustling kitchen. We asked our server to completely take the wheel on food decisions and she gave us a perfect star showing of the restaurants treats. Everything was booming with flavor. I highly recommend the pork neck. It's legendary. You won't be disappointed! Absolutely incredible restaurant making a mark! ”
“ Fun atmosphere, incredible food and flavors, impeccable service! North African / Mediterranean influenced food delivered to perfection! Must-try! I found Barbary on the Michelin app as a recommended Bib Gourmand, and it fits! I loved EVERYTHING! This is the perfect stop pre-theatre / before a musical or theater performance. I came between Harry Potter showings of the cursed child and could not be happier -- fun atmosphere, singing and juggling to the music, delicious food, well balanced drinks, friendly staff. I totally was satiated while I sat and ate despite no reservations. This is a small round restaurant where the chefs and bartender are in the center stage to show you their magic. Highly recommend this unbelievably fantastic restaurant. I loved the cauliflower Jaffa Style and Pata Negra (star of my meal - tender with charred crunchy edges and sweet savory garlic sauce). The Naan was excellent and fried violet artichoke were served on a bed of delicious dip. ”
“ Our favorite meal in London was situated in the iconic Neal's Yard in Covent Garden. The dishes are inspired from the Barbary Coast, identified by 16th century Europeans as the area settled by the Berbers in the Atlas Mountains. The menu focuses on the culture + heritage of countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East. Fire is at the center of everything they do. *| what we ordered Spinach Borani Ikra Whipped Feta Naan e Barbari Beetroot Tzatziki Octopus Pata Negra Hashcake - pistachio tart ”
“ The Barbary is in located Covent Garden and the food is absolutely delicious. It serves flavorful and fresh tapas right in front of your eyes with the open kitchen concept. The vibe is casual. There is limited seating so make a reservation! The menu is divided into land, sea, earth, and heaven (dessert). I tried the prawns, mushroom, naan (two servings), pork, and 3 dips. Almost every dish (I kid you not) gave me a wow factor. My only gripe is the pork was a tad too salty at times. (I didn't choose this dish). I would totally recommend this restaurant to anyone. It served us well the first night. Loved watching my food being made. Excellent experience. ”
