Bar Azita in St Albans

First time visited, took my husband for his 60th birthday lunch after reading some great reviews. Staff were friendly and service was good. Sadly, this was as far as the compliments go as the starters were overcooked, dry and the main (Lamb Souvlaki) was overdone and incinerated, resulting in dry, tough, charcoal lamb. Not sure how you can go wrong with a sald, but that was also achieved spectacularly with a paltry wilted offering. A real shame as was so looking forward to it. Not worth the bill, that despite advising our server (not that we needed to as half the plate was still there) made no offer to discount the meal or any kind of gesture. Starters of Lamb meatballs and Falafel lacked any flavour. I guess the Hummus was OK, but pitta was hard and not fresh. Surprised at the previous reviews rating this restaurant as certainly did not match our experience. O am not one for giving bad reviews but on this occasion it was necessary, hopefully this was a one off and tye chef was having a bad day!

Bar Azita has offered consistently good service and tasty meze for several years. We are never disappointed and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is buzzing since it is a popular place.

3rd visit. Consistent service ,food & atmosphere. Buzzing but not too noisy, so suits groups or couples. Sharing platter option gives you something to talk about & plenty to eat !

We visited after not having been for well over a year due to Covid, however the food was not as good as we remembered. We were advised a small salad came with the platters but this wasn’t true for the seafood one. The prawns were delicious and the cod squares soft and succulent, however the sword fish was dry, one chunk of the three was inedible. The whitebait heavily breadcrumbed, and again dry. The meat platter looked better it did have some salad, the chicken was nice but the sausage and lamb very over cooked and the first piece of lamb was pure gristle. The lamb was replaced but of course when a dish has to be replaced, it’s brought up when everything else is finished! Overall it was a disappointing evening, food wise.

My friend took me to Bar Azita for a belated birthday dinner! It was amazing! We had booked a table inside but as the weather was fantastic they offered us a table outside! I felt like I was on holiday! Our waitress was so attentive and lovely. We started with the Rose Sangria which was so delicious that we got a second jug! We shared the couples vegetarian platter which was amazing! The food was hot and fresh- and plenty for the two of us! We’ll definitely be returning!

Decided to lunch here as it was close to the train station and the reviews were good. I’m so glad we did! The staff very kindly let us have our table earlier than we’d booked and were all so welcoming, friendly and helpful. The food was delicious, freshly cooked, served quickly and great value. Myself and my three daughters were visiting Harpenden, my mum’s birthplace, to mark the 20th anniversary of her death. The staff and the food at Bar Azita really helped to make this a special visit for all of us.

Had dinner Alfresco tonight despite the dull weather, the welcome and service was warm.Kept warm with the patio heaters. Service from our wine waiter and lovely waitress was wonderful, food good too.It was our anniversary and you helped make it special.Looking forward to our next visit. Thanks a lot.

Wonderful to be back inside at our favourite restaurant. We sampled some of the delicious new cocktails and the swordfish and prawn skewers were amazing Will definitely be visiting again soon

My friend & I needed a special experience for our first lunch together in over a year. Bar Azita gave us just that! Excellence all round; atmosphere, service, cleanliness, delicious food. We will return soon. It was very memorable,Thank you

Always a wonderful ambience and consistently great food and service! The menu suits everyone and nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff!

We have been here a few times and always enjoyed it however on this occasion we was left waiting ages before anyone came to take out order. When we finally ordered the food came before our drinks and that was after a 45 minute wait and us chasing twice. We was told they are busy which I fully understand but 45 minutes is ridiculous to even get drinks. The food that came was either cold or like warm and usually I would complain but didn’t want to be left waiting another 45 minutes to get it replaced. Our table was outside but even so the food should have been served hot. Its not like we left it sat on the table once brought out, we tried it as soon as we got it. The prawns were really cold and no where near as good as they normally are. Honestly it was really disappointing this time which is such a shame. It’s not cheap here and usually we thoroughly enjoy it but on this occasion it was disappointing.I expected it to be amazing and that includes the service with being closed for so long due to lockdown.

After reading so many good reviews we thought why not pop along? Bad mistake it was totally underwhelming... and if like me you’ve visited Spain & the Balearic Islands over 100 times you’ll realise VERY quickly there tapas is mediocre at best! Location great, nice wine BUT 2 out of 10 for there English (Harpenden) version of Tapas, won’t be returning in a hurry. Las tapas deben dejarse en manos de los españoles

We thought we had booked but I had booked the wrong night! The kind staff managed to fit us in on a typically packed friday. Food as good as ever and service very efficient indeed. Thank you so much. Great to be back!

We had an amazing collection from Bar Azita. We had planned to dine there but the weather was very poor (due to covid its currently outdoors only) so they kindly let us switch to collection. Every dish was excellent (particularly the meat dolmeh and albondigas), and the Lychee Martini was delicious. I couldn't recommend more highly!

Love the menu, super cocktails, great staff and delicious food. One of the best restaurants in Harpenden. Thank you!

Went for lunch with my husband on Sunday , we had reserved a table for 13:45 but arrived much earlier, being bitterly cold and seen tables empty at the restaurant I popped in and asked if we could move our reservation forward, the staff could not be more accommodating, we were seated immediately and mocktails or mulled wine was offered free of charge. We ordered a selection of tapas : calamari ( fresh and nicely done) serrano ham croquettes ( tasty and well executed) lamb ( tender and well seasoned) and patatas bravas ( not bad but not the best I have had) The star of the meal was the Spanish blend platter , with grilled marinated chicken , pork , veggies and chorizo sausage... the meat was so tender it would literally melt in your mouth and so flavourful too, the veggies roast just so and the chorizo of great quality. Can’t wait to get back !

I've been to this restaurant a few times and it never disappoints. Food is always delicious - make sure you don't leave with out having a dessert. Even there tea tastes better than I have ever tasted! Mondays are great as they have live jazz music. Staff are always very friendly and you can see into the kitchen which I love.

I won't comment on the food, it's as good as it always is but what I wanted to say was a little thank you for something that made all the difference to our visit. I came with my daughter for a Saturday lunch last week and had the usual dips (Oliveh is just brilliant) and tapas but what stood out was our waitress. I'd joked about a previous customer leaving their chocolate behind when paying the bill (who does that?) and as a lovely gesture she gave us extra chocs on paying our bill. Such a sweet gesture and it really made the visit. To remember us in this way during her busy service, in these really hard times for restaurants was just lovely. Thank you.

Had an amazing dinner with a date, great food, wine and cocktails and our waiter Alex was lovely. However the whole evening started in a wrong note when the host greeted us with a terrible attitude due to an error she made when confirming our booking. We still stayed and had our meal but the were put off by this for the whole evening. Luckily the waiter made up for the host’s bad attitude. If it wasn’t for this we would’ve given this place the maximum rating.

Food is always great, with a great selection of different dishes that suit whatever your current needs are. Nice selection of cocktails (and mocktails for our designated driver!).

I’ve been to Bar Azita many times and have never been disappointed by the food or customer service. Literally every dish is delicious and the atmosphere is perfect. Could easily come for a quiet meal or for drinks with friends - any occasion. Bar Azita is my first choice of restaurant whenever we go out, we visit weekly! The badam dip is the most delicious thing I’ve ever had! Honestly cannot rate this restaurant highly enough. (Sounds like an ad or As if I’m a relation to the restaurant but I’m not! It’s genuinely that good)

What has happened to this restaurant? It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been here and it’s changed for the worse. We arrived on time for our booking and were met by a friendly member of staff who showed us to our table. The Covid precautions were explained to us which seemed very good and well thought out. We ordered out drinks which arrived promptly and then we chose our meals. As per a normal meal, we ordered starters and then our main course selections. This is where it all went wrong as fairly soon afterwards the food started to arrive, all of it ! Bread and dips, starters and mains. We tried telling the waiter we didn’t want it all at once but were told that as we only had a limited time for our 8.30 booking we had to have it all at once????? This was not explained when we ordered the food but as it was piled up in front of us. The main courses of fish and mixed meat were all over cooked and dry and rather than an enjoyable meal with friends it was all rushed. Some dishes didn’t arrive at all which was a blessing really as we didn’t eat all of the food with it not being very good.It was a very rushed evening accompanied by a fairly large bill. Poor service and dry overcooked food. Disappointed is all I can say and won’t be returning any time soon.

Called in on spec after being let down by another Harpenden restaurant. We were asked to wait outside while they found a table for us (good covid security) We were then shown to our table and the Covid measure clearly explained to us, which were comprehensive and make us feel safe. We ordered Tapas, they were excellent well prepared and presented. As I was driving ordered a soft drink, they had a great selection and my Hibiscus Tonic was beautifully presented. Overall a really enjoyable experience.

I have eaten here hundreds of times since and love it every time. Great atmosphere and great food.Everyone who has been knows that the Bademjansalata is the best thing on the menu! The butterfly prawns and the lamb are my favourite things on the mains, definitely recommend.

Bar Azita is always great, but I think they've really stepped up their game! We ate here on Saturday night and the food was absolutely fantastic. We ordered two platters and some sides to share between four. The whole thing was delicious, especially the tuna. And really interesting cocktails - so nice to have something different, rather than just the classics. Great staff too.

We really enjoyed our al fresco tapas, and made the most of the Eat out to help out scheme too. The staff were very friendly and the food was outstanding, with lots of veggie options. This was our first meal out after lockdown, and we were impressed with the measures taken to keep everyone safe.

This was our third meal out at Bar Azita. We turned up for lunch without having booked but were offered a table outside, which suited us. Azita is very covid-secure and has done a good job setting up to protect customers and staff, with a one-way system, sanitising station, etc.The food is absolutely delicious, home-made tapas. Our kids (age 7 & 9) love sharing the dishes and trying new food, and it's helped them to discover new tastes. The dips - humus and tsaziki - are wonderful and the falafel were the nicest I've had! We also ate chorizo, veg and chicken skewers, filo parcels, tomato salad and it comes with hot pittas. All delicious!I think one dish was mixed up but we didn't notice - I'm sure if we had done and pointed it out, they would have sorted it out.Indoors it's a lovely atmosphere and the service was fantastic, really prompt and courteous. One of our favourite local restaurants - thank you Azita!

Great meal here! Haven’t been in a long time but it appears they are continuing to deliver great-tasting Mediterranean food! We also thought the cocktails we had, while they are less classical so threw us a bit when reading the menu, were delicious! We will definitely be returning soon.

We visited Bar Azita this week for the first time since lock down and it was excellent. The staff were friendly but professional; the Covid precautions were good, and the service was quick but not hurried - overall we felt well looked after. There were six of us, both meat eaters and vegetarians, and there was plenty of choice for everybody. I had a beuatiful salad with avocado, mushrooms and halloumi - fresh, tasty and very good value for money. I also had spanakopita (phyllo and spinach pies), delicious and filling (maybe over ordered abit but it was worth it). I am told the meat dishes were all excellent and the mixed tapas dishes were yummy (especially the feta and honey phyllo wraps). The restaurant was full and felt lively but not noisy - we left feeling like we had had a little mediterranean holiday in the middle of the week. Great night out, definitely would go back.

Fabulous food - fantastic service - great ambiance - brilliant value for money - absolute quality - highly recommend

Went here with the family Great restaurant food is fantastic service is great. Outside seating is a real bonus in the recent hot weather.

Last night I visited Bar Azita with my family. We booked a table inside, but because it was a warm evening, we asked to sit outside which the staff accommodated for us.This was our first visit to Bar azita since lockdown and all staff adhered to social distancing rules well.Norbert was our waiter and was very attentive and friendly. Baklava for dessert was very yummy++++And the cocktails here are always delicious (best in Harpenden). I had pina colada which made me feel like I was on holiday, made by Christian perfectly, who is always very helpful and friendly when I visit.Definitely my favourite place to eat/drink in Harpenden!

The food and drinks are unreal! Bar Azita is favourite tapas restaurant ever (and I’ve visited many!) Friendly staff and lovely atmosphere!

Been going here for years, excellent food and service. Would highly recommend then the bademjamsalata.

Lovely food, great atmosphere and good service. This venue never disappoints. Love it. Highly ecommended

Hate off to you guys for a smooth first day reopening! Food was amazing! Thankyou, good luck for next few weeks!

We had a takeaway service on Friday. The online booking was easy, collection is arranged to minimise any CV risk. The food was absolutely amazing and the portions were very generous Can not praise it enough

So glad you are open for takeaway, we've missed your lovely food. Pick up was easy and straight froward and the food was excellent. Thank you for my night off cooking!

My go to restaurant - Always amazing food and amazing service ! Really is the best restaurant around !! So pleased with the takeaway service it’s made our lockdown a little easier ! Thanks guys !

Used the online order and collect during the lock down. Food was excellent and food ready at time we arranged for collection. A great option during these difficult times. Definitely recommend>

Had a great takeaway during these Covid-19 times. Order in advance (online), at collection time, wait in your car, attract attention of staff member and they bring the food to you. We really liked the Hummus and Pitta bread

Visited Bar Azita for a bite to eat. It was Tuesday night so I wasn’t expecting anything special but Bar Azita delivered in spades. The place was packed but the service was excellent. The food was simple but very good and both food and drinks we’re reasonably priced.

We’ve been to Bar Azita numerous times and the food is always excellent. Very good service and nice atmosphere too! Definitely one of the best restaurants In the area.

Great food, superb service with a warm and friendly atmosphere. My family and I really enjoyed our time at Azita. I also found the staff to be friendly and welcoming. I would recommend this restaurant, as good place to eat and enjoy good food.

I’ve eaten here a few times, the staff are always friendly and very quick to help you. Brilliant choice of tapas.

We dropped in after work for a lovely quick meal. A great selection of cocktails and beers, tapas was very good. Very nice atmosphere. Explains why it’s always busy and fun to visit.

The live music was really good. The food was perfect as always. Food and drinks are ready so quickly, never waiting for a drink. The staff are so professional and friendly. Visit regularly.

Have been numerous times but they never fail to disappoint. We were sat in the bar, had booked two weeks in advanced. We had about 8 tapas dishes, all delicious and the cocktails were lovely as well. My favourite restaurant in Harpenden.

I love eating lunch here with friends. The set menu is great value and I also enjoy ordering small plates and sharing and experiencing different dishes.

Excellent restaurant,stunning food, great service & ambience.Great atmosphere in the bar while you wait to be seated.Book early to avoid disappointment.Stunning.

Beautiful food, super quick service, with very friendly staff. The atmosphere is cosy and warm. The only thing I would change is the music as I am not a great lover of jazz.

Bar Azita top drawer as always. Great service great food and good location. Will always be recommended by me.

Needed a restaurant that served an evening meal early enough to take two grandchildren aged 11 and 9 for their 'tea' but also my husband and I to eat. Bar Azita were able to offer a table at 5.30 and the food was delicious both for my husband and the children who appear to have very sophisticated taste!! Much healthier than burgers!!

Nice atmosphere and food was nice. I can't fault this place. I recommend if you like Mediterranean food. Staff are also friendly

The food and cocktails were amazing as always. Service was great, the staff are always so lovely. Will be going back again soon!

Often go to this wonderful place for evening dinns. Quality of good and attentiveness of staff is quite excellent.- Highly rocommend. It is a MUST to book 2 - 3 weeks in advance but its really a high qualtiy and good atmosphere

Enjoyed the New Years Eve special menu for the 3rd year. Arranged slightly differently yet with all the usual favourites and some imaginitive cocktails. Usual excellent service and quality of food

We are never disappointed here with the food, cocktails or service. It’s one of our favourite restaurants.

a stalwart in Harpenden ---this place has been there more years than i care to remember and why ?? because it consistently good in the service that you get there and the quality of the food the sharing platters are particular good

This is a great place to meet up with friends, we had Tapas: 2 cold dips with Pitta bread, 4 hot plates and a portion of chips plus 3 medium glasses of wine and water £47 and we were full. Staff are very attentive and friendly had a great night thank you lovely atmosphere.

Went on a whim quite late on a Saturday evening. Place was buzzing and good food. Reasonably priced and good red wine.

Very nice food and very good service. Went on a Monday night but should think on a busy day it would be noisy and possibly slower service. Certainly a place I would revisit.

Oh my...how cute is this tiny little restaurant... and the tapas...O.M. G...Loved it. My favourite was the cold tapas and the pork albondi...something. yumm yumm. Grest place for quick lunch

Bar Azita is a friendly and welcoming restaurant whose cuisine is based on southern Mediterranean food, and as such is eminently suitable for vegetarians. A range of cold and hot tapas makes for an excellent choice of starters. Mains are fish, salad and meat based. The staff are attentive without being in your face and the whole dining experience such good value for money.

We have been here a few times previously and had good experiences. However, my husband arrived prior to my arrival and asked if he was able to sit at the bar for a drink and I would join him shortly. Despite the restaurant being half empty the waitress refused. She said they were full. She was extremely rude and refused to say if whether there may be any availability within say the next hour or two. In future we will go elsewhere where the staff can be civil. The restaurant can obviously survive being half empty on a Friday evening.

I have been to Bar Azita many times as the atmosphere is great, the staff very friendly and always helpful, and most importantly the food is amazing. Especially being able to eat tapas in the bar area with no pressure to order main full size meals.

lovely food, visited many times and never had a bad meal. Friendly team. Great bar area as well as restaurant area.

Food is always delicious, service is fantastic and the whole place is buzzing with activity. It feels like you've stepped into a London restaurant, until you see the prices which are such great value!

Haven’t been for a while, food is good but service remains ‘rapid’ and still aimed at turning tables (for lunch we were allowed a two hour slot). Wine at £35 a bottle for the Italian offering was, for us overpriced for the quality- in summary, nice food for a quick snack.

Was visiting relative in area so choose to go hear as good reviews on trip advisor. Taxi service was fantastic compared to home. Nice place for cocktails and tapas. I Had a Vodka based cocktail that came in a cactus shaped mug which was very nice. We ordered an array of Tapas dishes to share which were delicious. Very good evening!

Love the tapas dishes in here, but they also have great Mediterranean dishes. Can get busy and a bit noisy.

Was here last Friday night for a birthday place was quite busy but the service was very good,ordered tapas to start with very nice followed by a couple of platters fish and meat. There was so much food we was unable to eat it wont order so much next time we come the food was superb loved the sword fish only cripe was the beer bottles so small for 4 pounds a pop . Saying that will deffo be back thanks for the free birthday cocktail cheers

Ate here on a visit to the area to go to the Spire hospital in Harpenden. Shame I don't live local as i would definitely return! The food was delicious and varied, thoroughly enjoyed the food and the drinks also. Recommend the Sangria.

We went for a mid week visit and it was busy even on a tuesday!

Lovely quality tapas, cooked to perfection! Best tapas place I've been to in the UK yet, only downside is it was a little uncomfortable to sit on the stools.

I love this restaurant. Great food, great value and great staff. It was our anniversary today and we received two complimentary glasses of prosecco. I'm also recovering from knee surgery and the staff were so helpful to make sure my leg was comfortable. We live in St Albans but it's worth the short drive to one of our favourite restaurants. Perfect.

Now this is a restaurant to enjoy Relaxing lunchtime with friends after golf The food was excellent Great value Thoroughly enjoyable

Amazing choice of hot and cold tapas, everything was delicious! We will be back many times I'm sure. Chilled atmosphere.

Had a really lovely meal to celebrate our wedding anniversary, a complimentary glass of fizz got the meal off to fine start. We had a mix of tapas dishes, all of which were delicious. Service was again excellent, attentive but not over bearing. In the crowded restaurant market in Harpenden, I would throughly recommend Bar Azita.

Fairly small with a dining area at the back of a cocktail bar, food can be eaten in both. Busy partly due to special deals for early dining but on the whole tables are turned around fairly quickly. Hot or cold Tapas along with other items, care must be taken not to order too much as the portions are generous.

Busy atmosphere. No low alcohol bitter. Tables are close together. Friendly efficient service. We will continue to visit from time to time when looking for something a bit different.

Great place for a quick bite and cocktails or full meal. Your nicest got off the train and need a drink stop. Loyalty rewards too! 👍

One of my favourite places to go. Food is consistently fantastic and all of the staff are lovely and create a great atmosphere. Great selection of gins, wines and cocktails plus many other drinks.

We use Bar Azita for Both Tapas and main meals always great food and service never lets us down and our friends and family all say they wish they had a Bar Azita where they live

Good choices - well presented fresh Mediterranean food. Plates they serve food with rather small so rice etc spills over edge. Pleasant atmosphere = friendly waiting staff. Been a few times now - consistent

Fabulous - Couple of decent beers but the Seafood Platter was fantastic will be back next week - nice layout and high ceiling with good a/c

We’ve been to bar Azita lots of times and it’s always consistent, delicious food. The cocktails and wine list are great and their tapas is delicious. Can’t go wrong!

Amazing food amazing drinks and atmosphere at bar azita, it’s consistent with all of the above which is why it’s always booked up.

I'd chosen to eat here without previous knowledge. We were staying at Aubrey Park Hotel and decided on this place to have a meal for my wife's birthday. It was the best place I could have picked. The staff were great and the food was brilliant. For a Thursday night, it was very busy. Highly recommend it if you're in the area.

Bar Azita is by far my favourite restaurant. Not only is the food absolutely incredible, but the interiors and mood of the whole place are really wonderful. The service is great and the food is undeniably irreplaceable. I highly recommend the couscous and also the falafel, as those are just a few of my favourites. I have been here many times with both my family and my friends, and it has never failed to impress!

Good service, made my daughter feel special on her birthday. Lovely food, have been there twice, good experience. Would recommend

I regularly visit Bar Azita with friends - the food is consistently good and there is a great atmosphere. Great choice of drinks and the sangria is lovely. Would definitely recommend.

I’ve always loved the food at bar azita but the service declines on every visit. Even on paying the bill the table was left full of dirty plates, photo attached.

I love Bar Azita - the food is nice and the service is consistently good. Whether it’s just for a drink or tapas - it’s one of my favourite places in Harpenden.

Nipped in here for a glass of wine whilst waiting for an Uber. The wine list was excellent and the Barman new the wines well. I didn’t eat but did browse the menu which looked really good. People around me eating looked happy and the place was busy for 6pm so must have got something right! The staff were great also.

A very pleasant restaurant, nice ambience with excellent food & plenty of it! , staff great who are very attentive. You will want a repeat visit for sure!

This is a firm favourite with the family. My son always asks to go here when we suggest a family meal out. The food is always up to a great standard and the staff are welcoming. Highly recommend if you want a chilled and easy meal out.

We ate here again recently for a birthday meal - Bar Azita never fails to be an excellent experience - the food is fantastic and good portion sizes for tapas - also great service and atmosphere - definitely one of the best restaurants in Harpenden and it's not hard to see why it is always busy

Went mid-afternoon for something light to eat before heading into London and left stuffed! We got 2 of the 4 cold tapas for £7 between 3 of us and ended up leaving a fair bit as there was just so much food!

Really lovely food. We asked the waiter to bring a selection of food which was excellent. Great cocktails and good quality wine.