Excellent food Excellent service Came in for work lunch. Service is imaaculate from the time you walk in. Waiters are attentive but not too much. Food was great. We had Liver pate and vitello tonato for starters, spaghetti la barca and steak for mains. Everything was well prepared, presented and tasted delicious. Generous amount of seafood in the spaghetti la barca, all fresh and perfectly cooked pasta. Highly recommended read more

La Barca Ristorante - Spaghetti La Barca - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

Exceptional service The food and service were both on point. I had a soup and salad and both were fresh and cooked well.

It was a rainy London day (typical right?) We were a group of 3 adults and an 8 year old on holiday. We were really in the area checking out the Leake Street graffiti tunnel but we had to eat before we spent time soaking in the art. We wandered out the tunnel and started looking for a place to have lunch. I have to say my cousin and husband were lured by the street meat smell coming from a Cuban restaurant across the street but one look at their food (no disrespect) and I knew my daughter and I did not want to eat there (just not for us!) so we were drawn to La Barca. As we entered we were warmly greeted and seated immediately. This is a fancy establishment but as it was lunch did not feel out of place dressed casual. This is the type of place where they drop off thin bread sticks, lush bread and leave oil and balsamic for dipping. My daughter and I LOVE dipping bread! We felt like we won the food choice game immediately and it got better! My carbonarra was DELICIOUS! In the states a lot of places put peas in their carbonarra and that is just not my style. This places skips the peas. Yes! Their egg sauce, the crispy bacon, soft noodles... it was just what we needed. My sometimes picky 8 year old was even tempted to try it and loved it! I ended up passing my leftovers across the table where she nibbled on my order (because she ordered plain pasta like a regular 8 year old would!) The staff- very attentive and friendly. Let me tell you they are lollipop pushers! They kept asking my daughter if she wanted them, so graciously accepted one (she was happy to) but once she was offered again I had her graciously decline and leave some for other kids. Also, we declined dessert as we were full from such a good meal but they then delivers some buscotti to top us off. I am sticking with 5 stars since the food was really a five star review for me. But two areas for improvement: Since I am from America and it's not the regular protocol to charge per person for what I thought was complimentary bread and oils at the table I was a little shocked to see we paid just over $2 Pounds per person! Would have been nice to know that to see if we still wanted it or not. Also, as my daughter and I were treated like royalty here, my husband stopped in to let us know they were headed out for a drink down the street. The staff kind of treated him like an unwanted visitor. He was in for a max of 2 minutes and I could see the staff seamed agitated he was there. Cold shoulder vibe. I would suggest accepting all visitors as they could be potential customers in the future. Overall- great meal! I have to say this was the best meal we had on this trip (and we went to Paris too!) read more

La Barca Ristorante - Carbonarra - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

We were seated super quickly on Monday night. All food was super good, especially the simple alfredo. Super nice and friendlt staff, great service, and overall an enjoyable experience. Will be returning here very soon. read more

Good (but not quite great) food with brusque (but not quite rude) service. Service felt rushed, maybe that's good if you're trying to get to the theater? read more

I am so fortunate. I travel all over. I eat in some amazing restaurants in some of the great cities of the world. Today, I had an experience that was definitely a first. About an hour into our meal (a table of 4 adults and one child), the manager (I believe) of La Barca came to the table and asked if he could ask me a question. I said yes, and then he told me he needed our table in one hour. I said I felt we could comply with his request, and then he proceeded to circle our table. Let me set the stage. We did not under order. In total our bill was around $340 (USD). I am a rather sophisticated dinner guest. I know my way around a menu. We didn't over order, but we didn't skimp on plates either. The food, it was all good - and the sommelier was just perfect, a real gentlemen. But the service was . . . well, I think the best word I can come up with is - impatient. They wanted us out. If I rated La Barca Ristorante on food alone - I would give it a solid 4 stars. However, with our dining experience, I am hard pressed to give it 3 stars. Take this review as you will. And, the city of London is filled with great places to eat. Why not choose a spot where the management doesn't ask you to give up your table 70 minutes into your meal? That's all I am saying. read more

Another great example of the "outstanding neighborhood joint" you find scattered across every big city across the globe. A buddy of mine whose business has an office in London considers this his local, so when we were meeting up for dinner on a recent trip, this was where he steered me. The joint was jumping, but we managed to squeeze ourselves into a two-top in one of the dining rooms. My friend ordered pasta carbonara, and I (Madame Keto) went with a steak, which was prepared beautifully, and exactly to my doneness requirements - I basically ask that the meat be frightened by a propane torch, and then brought to me quivering in terror - so this place is on my London favorites list now. read more

La Barca Ristorante - Isn't this gorgeous!?! And it tasted even better than it looked. - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

Molto bene! We got there early for a 6:30 Saturday reservation and the place was pretty empty; I was a little worried. But by 7:00 it was nearly packed. Excellent waitstaff, all of whom seemed to be Italian (or at least suffered my lame attempt to speak their language). A fairly large and varied menu. My wife had linguine with lobster and I had a veal chop. Linguine well-prepared and tasted terrific. My veal was probably the best I've ever had. Nice wine selection, and pretty standard dessert menu. Reasonably priced for a higher end, white tablecloth, non-red sauce Italian restaurant. We'd certainly go back. Don't be put off by the seemingly sketchy neighborhood; this place is the class of the area. read more

I went here for dinner with my mother on a week night, and it was impressively busy. I was slightly suspicious of the exterior with its model boat and fake terracotta roofing. Turns out its a proper old fashioned Italian (according to my mum who knows these things) and to this end doesn't *do* pizza. The food was tremendous, I had Melon to start (I wasn't very hungry) then Tortellini with ricotta and spinach in a tomato and cream sauce. My Mum had this lovely rocket, Parmesan and some kind of dried ham salad, which smelt of truffle oil and loveliness, and I've no idea what she had for main, because I was paying too much attention to my own. The Coffee was lovely, one of the best I've had in London, and the service was good but not too overbearing, all of the old Italian guys flirted gently (and made me try the wine, though I'm not sure why, maybe I look like I know what I'm doing more than my mother!) The only problem was that the food was rather expensive, I wouldn't go back on my own. 2 courses each with half a bottle of wine, and coffee came to around £80, not really in my student budget. I would describe the place as comforting, the whole experience as comforting. Proper wholesome food in proper portions, in a warm and intimate environment. Perfect if someone else is paying and they want good (and in my mothers words) not somewhere where the menu confuses you, the waitress ignores you because shes too 'cool', and the portions are nouveau. read more

I went for lunch here to celebrate my last day in a much-hated job. I had seen the film Julie &Julia (about a cookery writer and a food blogger) the day before, and all the food porn close-ups had made me desirous of some gooooood grub. I sat outside on a table with a lovely crisp white cloth, and as the only customer, I was treated like a princess. I sat in the sunshine munching on olives and bread, and it really felt like I was on holiday. Mind you, I was on a massive high, so I was able to ignore the traffic noise, and I found the calls of the market veg trader characterful and joyous rather than annoying, as they boomed on a mere three metres from my seat. I agree with the website, which states that this is a 'reasurringly traditional, almost old fashioned restaurant'. I didn't go inside, but from the looks of it I can guess the specific carpety smell - like a reliable, warm bed and breakfast hotel by the coast, a little bit smoky and warn at the edges. It is not cool, or cheap, but it is a real treat. I appreciated the nice little touches - complimentary olives, excellent service, tiny wrapped amaretti biscuit with my tea, a chocolate with the bill. The food: Smoked duck (om nom nom), port (om nom nom), porcini mushrooms (om nom) and cream (om nom nom) with tagliatelle and lashings of black pepper and parmesan (mmmm). Never mind 'could have' died and gone to heaven, this much rich food could well kill you and send you straight up there. Divine. read more

The meal was tasty, and their wine list had a nice selection to choose from, but the staff.... The staff poured on the fake accent for our reception and then proceeded to rush us out the door faster than you could say lemoncello three times. I will not be back. read more

Lovely little place with decent service. The tiramisu was outstanding; eventhough I was bursting from my starter and main, I could not resist the tiramisu. Basket of bread and olives on the house was a very nice gesture. I hear their seafood pasta is their speciality but sadly I didn't get to try it this time. read more

We were introduced to La Barca by a friend about 12 year ago. Since then this has become my go to place for family, out of town guests and clients. Nobody has ever had a bad thing to say. read more

La Barca Ristorante - Date night with a Yelp! elite - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

Very quaint and inconspicuous little italian place on lower marsh that's not very noticeable - probably more popular with the theatre crowd who are regulars in the area. The service is very fine-dining-esque, but then again, so was the price and that's probably what you are paying for. I tried their famous spaghetti a la barca that's got seafood and cooked in a paperbag. They even put on a whole show of ripping the bag a part on a cart in front of you. Honestly, the place isn't very memorable, nor was the food. Okay it's not THAT expensive - about £15-£30 per entree, but i don't see myself coming back because it was great, as it simply wasn't. read more

Conveniently located just minutes from the Old Vic, La Barca is something of an institution in the Waterloo area, having served well-healed theatre-goers and businessmen for almost 30 years. I work in the area and had heard many tales of a traditional 'restorante Italiano' behind Waterloo Station, always followed by warnings that the average price per head far outstrips my normal work-lunch budget. So when a special occasion gave the reason I needed to book I table I tried to put the credit crunch out of mind and eagerly headed off. I can't say I was disappointed. Warmly greeted at the door, we checked our coats before being shown to our table. Pictures of La Barca's famous devotees adorn the walls, and although the restaurant is by no means large, the interior is stylish and cosy, without being cramped. I had the distinct impression that the average age of the staff tops 60, but despite this the service was faultless. Prices are indeed high (which is probably part of the reason they aren't mentioned on the website), with antipasti hitting around £10 - £15, meat and fish mains £20 - 25 and deserts all £6.50. A gorgeous Pinot Grigio set us back £28. There is however a very reasonable 2 course lunch special, with a choice of 2 starters and 2 mains for £18. I ordered the ravioli with creamy Bolognese sauce and a braised lamb shank (lunch special). Both were outstanding. My dining partner ordered sea bass (which was enormous). The waiter asked if she'd prefer it off the bone and proceeded to deftly debone it right there! It it's a special occasion (or if you're lucky enough to have the money to burn) and you fancy the very best traditionally prepared Italian food La Barca makes an outstanding choice. read more

Professional waiting and amazing food! I had no expectations and was incredibly surprised by the quality of the food! The tiramisu and Irish coffee are mind-blowing! read more

La Barca Ristorante - Tiramisu melt in your mouth - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

See all

Been here 40 years. That is saying something great Italian menu. Servers are knowledgeable. I ordered the mussels and the server warned me to not order my main course until I had them since the portion was big. He was right. I finished with an another appetizer. Table next to me had a wonderful sea bass and pasta cooked in parchment. Great people watching from the outdoor patio. read more

I went here for dinner with my mother on a week night, and it was impressively busy. I was slightly suspicious of the exterior with its model boat and fake terracotta roofing. Turns out its a proper old fashioned Italian (according to my mum who knows these things) and to this end doesn't do pizza. The food was tremendous, I had Melon to start (I wasn't very hungry) then Tortellini with ricotta and spinach in a tomato and cream sauce. My Mum had this lovely rocket, Parmesan and some kind of dried ham salad, which smelt of truffle oil and loveliness, and I've no idea what she had for main, because I was paying too much attention to my own. The coffee was lovely, one of the best I've had in London, and the service was good but not too overbearing, all of the old Italian guys flirted gently (and made me try the wine, though I'm not sure why, maybe I look like I know what I'm doing more than my mother!) The only problem was that the food was rather expensive, I wouldn't go back on my own. 2 courses each with half a bottle of wine, and coffee came to around £80, not really in my student budget. I would describe the place as comforting, the whole experience as comforting. Proper wholesome food in proper portions, in a warm and intimate environment. Perfect if someone else is paying and they want good (and in my mothers words) not somewhere where the menu confuses you, the waitress ignores you because shes too 'cool', and the portions are nouveau. read more

This place was recommended to me by my colleague and it sure dissapoint. It had a very authentic Italian feel to it, the food was amazing and the staff very very friendly. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the place to anyone. read more

Not worth the £100 we paid for two courses and a half bottle of wine. Starters tend to be £10-£16 and the pasta dishes were £15 - £25. The food was ok but we've had better meals for less in London. read more

My sister and I went here for a treat the other night, but we were shocked by how rude the waiters & manager were to us. The food was quite nice (I should hope so at that price) but the vegetables just tasted strange to us - chemically for want of a better word - as if something had been sprayed in the air and had settled a bit on our food. Anyway I asked the waiter about it, in the most polite, gentle way possible (Im a gentle soul) but all he could say was 'no, we're a good restaurant, we dont use chemicals, no no no' in the most patronising tone. Whatever happened to the customer always being right? Worse even, the manager came to our table to see what was up, and I insisted he tried the veg, so he picked it up with his fingers and he too looked at us and said 'no, it fine, theres nothing wrong with it' before again repeating that they were a 'good restaurant' - as if we're so young, we wouldnt know. No offer to replace the veg, or take the item off the bill, or anything like that, not even a little smile. I couldnt believe it. Im sure had we been with our dad they would have treated us with a bit of respect. As paying customers, that was just ridiculous. Go here if you want to be spoken to like a child & told off for not knowing what 'good food and good olive oil' taste like. Its chemicals, apparently, in case you're wondering. read more

The food is incredible - especially the pasta. If you're going to this restaurant have the pasta - it's their forté. They do the best carbonara but if you're feeling adventurous go for the million other pasta dishes they have on the menu - they are at least 10! The waiters are lovely and the interior feels like a classic, old Italian restaurant with the White table cloths and the wooden beams in the ceiling. They're got hundreds of photos all over the walls of previous famous people that have visited including Bill Nye :). Would fully recommend going here however the prices are steep! read more

It's a wonderful gem hidden behind Waterloo station. Interesting menu with full of variety. Coming from Los Angeles a dining mecca, dishes here were well executed. Definitely coming back before heading home to LA. read more