Barrafina Adelaide Street

Barrafina Adelaide Street is one of several London branches of the Barrafina tapas bars run by the Hart brothers' Harts Group, modelled directly on the classic tapas counters of Barcelona and Madrid where diners eat perched at a bar facing the open kitchen. The restaurant holds a Michelin star, unusual for a counter-only tapas format, reflecting the precision the kitchen brings to dishes such as gambas al ajillo, garlic prawns cooked fast over high heat, and a tortilla de patatas made to order so that it arrives soft and just-set in the centre rather than pre-made and reheated. Razor clams finished with parsley and garlic butter are another dish diners return for, alongside a rotating list of daily specials chalked up based on what the market has that day. No reservations are taken and the restaurant seats only at the counter, so a queue forms on the pavement outside before opening, particularly at lunch and early dinner; walk-ins are the only way in, and there is no way to hold a place other than joining the line. The room itself is narrow and bright, with the entire kitchen visible from every seat, creating an atmosphere closer to a professional kitchen counter than a conventional dining room — conversation with the chefs cooking in front of diners is part of the experience. The sherry and Spanish wine list is chosen specifically to match the counter's fast-paced, small-plate format, with staff happy to recommend pairings dish by dish. Its Covent Garden location, just off St Martin's Lane, places it within easy reach of the National Gallery and the West End's theatres, making the wait worthwhile for many visitors combining a meal with a show or gallery visit nearby.