This simple bar in Soho (there are bar stools plus a few tables outside on this summer day) serves very good tapas. Best was a single scallop, sweet and very nicely timed, served with a few salad leaves with balsamic dressing (15/20). Also excellent was a prawn and pepper tortilla (omelette) which had terrific texture (14/20). Roasted chorizo with watercress served on a piece of toast was pleasant but no more (12/20) while prawns with garlic and a hint of chilli were cooked in their shells and served hot, making it hard to eat (too hot to use your fingers to prise off the shells) though they were well cooked (12/20). Dishes range in price but are mostly £5 - £10. Wines by the glass include the excellent Rioja Alta 904 at £10 a glass (£50 a bottle).
This is a sister restaurant to Fino in Charlotte Street.
Alex Chambers
I enjoyed Barrafina but would debate whether it is either better or more enjoyable than Fino. The hams are in better shape but I found the shellfish to be no better than average- certainly no match for the Tellines (minature clams) at Fino. The wine list is strong though, and I do prefer the "as and when it's ready" approach at the Soho venue. Both are good additions to the London scene.