Harden's survey result
Summary
“Old-school Italian” behind Waterloo station (est. 1976) that “never changes, nor should it!” – “I’ve been going for almost 40 years and it has maintained a very high standard of food and service throughout” as “the epitome of what a top-quality family-run neighbourhood Italian restaurant should be”, with a “high proportion of long-serving staff ensuring a warm, friendly welcome”. A minority view finds the cooking “pretty pricey” or “bland” (“being cruel, it feels like a place for Daily Mail readers who want a safe night out”). On the plus side, even doubters reckon “the wine list is sensibly priced”.
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”.
For 34 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
"An easy stroll from Waterloo Station. A much underated Italian Restaurant where the food and the bill will surprise you"
"Very convenient for Waterloo buzzing place with the best old fashioned friendly service - if you want a local Italian that hits the right notes in every way look no further "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.90 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| 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 |
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