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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of London at 81 Lower Marsh, La Barca Ristorante offers an authentic Italian dining experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Italy. This charming restaurant is renowned for its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and a menu that celebrates traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. Whether you're a local or a traveler seeking a memorable meal, La Barca promises a culinary journey filled with sensory delights and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

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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.

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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!)

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

La Barca Ristorante in Londonderry: Top Italian Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

experience authentic italian cuisine at la barca ristorante

Explore a diverse menu packed with traditional and contemporary Italian dishes that promise an authentic taste experience.

Savor a selection of expertly prepared starters, mains, desserts, and drinks that showcase Italy's rich culinary heritage.

Indulge in a variety of delectable desserts and enjoy a curated selection of Italian wines and beverages to complement your meal.

Enjoy our expertly crafted starters including fresh antipasti, hearty pasta dishes, savory mains like veal chops, and classic Italian desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Complement your meal with our selection of expertly curated Italian wines, coffees, and refreshing beverages.

Discover authentic Italian flavors at La Barca Ristorante in London! Savor delicious dishes in a cozy setting—reserve your table now for a memorable experience.

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