Harden's survey result
Summary
This “classic” Italian with landmark status at the back of Waterloo station notches up its half-century this year, still knocking out a traditional menu with a good helping of old-school pizzazz (steak diane flambéed at your table!). “It looks unassuming from the outside, but the cooking will surprise you” (albeit the bill might too…). Top Menu Tip – “their alla Barca seafood spaghetti is delicious”.
Summary
“From a bygone era, and all the better for it!” – this family-run Italian restaurant behind Waterloo station set sail almost 50 years ago, offering “a combination of excellent traditional dishes, lively atmosphere and attentive service from staff, many of whom have worked there for years”.
Summary
This “busy Italian”, whose familiar ship has sailed behind Waterloo station for almost 50 years, has hosted countless pre- and post-theatre meals for audiences and cast from the Old Vic opposite. It’s “unchanged for decades, but actually very appealing as a result”. Though sometimes considered “expensive for what it is”, fans say the cooking is “cracking”.
Summary
This “family-owned Italian restaurant” is a well-known landmark behind Waterloo Station “that feels like it hasn’t changed in 50 years” – it even “seems the same staff has been there” since its 1970s opening. But “they’re friendly and cheerful” and ensure this is “the place to go after performances at the Old Vic”, almost opposite – as thespians including Sir Ian McKellen, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino have done in the past.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at La Barca?
80-81 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7AB
Restaurant details
La Barca Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Expensive, Retro, Charming, Good Pasta, Lovely Service - but somehow not quite as good as I remembered"
"Old school Italian which focuses more on presentation than taste. Table side service, things in paper bags, servings of veal milanese or tuna which cover the plate but are wafer thin. All seems very bland - veal kidneys tasted simply of cream and unexciting mushrooms. Being cruel, it feels like a place for Daily Mail readers who want a safe night out. On the plus side, the wine list is sensibly priced it seems."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.90 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £7.00 |
| Service | 13.50% |
80-81 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7AB
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Best Italian restaurants nearby
Italian restaurant in London
Italian restaurant in Southwark
Italian restaurant in Covent Garden
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Indian restaurant in Westminster
British, Modern restaurant in Covent Garden
Italian restaurant in Covent Garden
