Harden's survey result
Summary
“Truly delicious and masterfully grilled” North African cuisine has won renown for Layo and Zoe Paskin’s counter-style haunt in Neal’s Yard (on the fringe of Covent Garden) – a “compact and joyous scene” with “an unrivalled atmosphere for such a small space”: “intimate and not exposed, despite everyone being seated around the counter/kitchen leading to a cosy escape from the world”. In late 2024 they opened “a great new addition to Notting Hill”: it’s larger (75 covers) and “not as cute as the original” but “the food is just as good and the overall vibe very trendy and spacious”.
Summary
“Stunning in every respect” – this “tiny, dark, smoky, and cool” North African-inspired venue in Neal’s Yard is “a superb place where they really make use of the counter service to engage you in the cooking”. “No matter how many times I go I always need the menu explained” – “beautifully spiced” small plates (“a bit salty at times”) plus “great, unusual wines” all served by “enthusiastic staff”.
Summary
“Everything’s delicious beyond words”, say fans of Layo and Zoe Paskin’s “hugely fun” and stylish North African-inspired small-plates operation in Neal’s Yard, younger sibling of the Palomar. With “excellent bar food at a counter”, it makes the “best pre-theatre spot around”. Top Tips – “the Jerusalem bagels and squid are stand-out items”.
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 The Barbary?
Restaurant details
The Barbary Restaurant Diner Reviews
"It's compact, intimate and joyous, with pop tunes blaring without interfering on conversations. The atmosphere created in such a small space is unrivalled with carefully considered interior design. The octopus and the pata negra are some of the best dishes I have ever had in London. Certainly one of my favourite spots that I will regularly return to."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £31.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
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