One of the most incredible places we have eaten in London. The minute you walk in you get the smell of hot coals. Service was gorgeous, the food was exceptional, and I can’t wait to go back!! The combination of flavours that they use in their food is beautiful .
The Place
Adding some diversity into Covent Garden's heavily saturated dining scene is North African restaurant The Barbary, featuring food from the Barbary Coast. To say you've probably had nothing like it is an understatement. No gimmicks here—just tried-and-tested recipes and food made with tender loving care.
Insider Tips
The Naan e Bebe is a hot, fluffy bread dotted with charred spots from being cooked in the tandoor over—delicious. The Mashawsha Octopus is aromatic, tender and juicy, boiled then thrown on the grill, and is bursting with smoky sweetness. Go early for dinner (they do accept reservations for lunch service on weekdays).
Things To Order
The Naan e Bebe is a hot, fluffy bread dotted with charred spots from being cooked in the tandoor over—delicious. The Mashawsha Octopus is aromatic, tender and juicy, boiled then thrown on the grill, and is bursting with smoky sweetness. Go early for dinner (they do accept reservations for lunch service on weekdays).

Remy Naidoo
2 Mar 2020
Nicole Balram
27 Jan 2020The Barbary has been on my list for some time and we finally made it! We wanted to say a huge thank you to Tomas, Jo & Freddy💞 for one of the best meals and experiences we’ve had in London to date! And we’re there quite often. The food was amazing🤯, one delicious plate after another. We put our trust in Tomas and he did not steer us wrong. We felt very taken care of! We cannot wait to come back! Cheers!🍾🥂

Freya Rhia
20 Apr 2020One of my favourite restaurants in London, without a doubt. Fantastic salmon and wonderful hosts, with a great understanding of what is and is not gluten free.

Andrew Hartman
1 Mar 2020Not what I expected at all but was more than impressed. The restaurant is a large horseshoe bar with the kitchen as the main attraction in the middle. Staff 5+, venue 5, food 5... A fun atmosphere for dinner which matches the mood of the area.
Bernadette Tuazon
7 Mar 2020Had a very memorable lunch for 2 at The Barbary. The food was high quality and full of flavour. The staff were knowledgable about the details of each dish and were able to explain the menu really well so we could make sure we got the best options for our taste. Lively atmosphere and it really added to the experience being able to watch the chefs at work on our dishes (be prepared to order an extra something that you didn’t initially plan to order as you see another delicious-looking dish being prepared for another customer! We were tempted, as was the couple next to us). Would highly recommend and will definitely be back. We visited in early January 2020 (late review but the dining experience is still fresh in my memory and it deserves applause).