Baracca in Islington

Lovely little restaurant with very tasty food. Doesn't look too much from the outside but the service was excellent and the staff super friendly. Would definitely recommend pre/post theatre meal!

Just had the most incredible meal here. I had the King Prawns to start which were delicious and fresh, followed by Rigatoni alla paesana which was incredibly tasty. To finish I had the most divine Lemon Pancakes with a double espresso. Incredibly friendly service, wonderful food. I will definitely be returning many times.

Came to Baracca before a show at the Barbican, and fell in love with the restaurant. The atmosphere was nostalgic and reminded me of my Nonna's house growing up. Service was very kind and friendly, and happy to have a laugh. The food was incredible, and came out very quickly following our order. I would highly recommend and will definitely be coming back.

A really lovely Italian with a real authentic feel to it. Small, homely, cosy and personable. Great service from the lady with the fabulous silver belt. Gorgeous food and great drinks.

A very nice restaurant. Unpretentious, tasty fresh food, reasonable prices, and pleasant service. Recommended,

This is a rare restaurant in London where you can enjoy pasta that is not overcooked. The lasagna and carbonara are very delicious, and they also serve after-dinner drinks. It's a very nice store with pleasant customer service.

Food was nice well priced and good portions. The service was excellent and the staff friendly 👌 only downside was the taste of the spaghetti Bolognese was underwhelming and lacked sauce and taste. I think this has been mentioned in a previous review.

Delicious Italian food, reason prices and a lovely peaceful atmosphere on a Tuesday evening. Would absolutely eat here again and recommend to friends/ family

Lovely family run business in the heart of the city!

Had a fabulous meal this evening, excellent service & food . Highly recommend it

Excellent meal. Great food and very friendly service. Recommended. Will definitely visit again

Nice and delicious food with very friendly staff

Made our anniversary quite special True Italian family atmosphere. A great find. We'll be back.

It’s been a while since we had such delicious food at such a reasonable price in London. It’s what we like to call honest food, decent portions and home made taste. The service was warm and friendly. We will definitely come again, and recommend to friends.

Italian classics served professionally with a smile

Overpriced spaghetti bolognese. Hardly any meat or sauce. It was practically flavorless. I asked for a bit more bolognese and they said they would have to charge me extra? Very stingy with the parmesan cheese. Atmosphere is dead. Will never come back. Thanks.

An awesome place. Totally underrated. Find it and eat there x

My favorite Italian in the neighborhood :-) cozy and welcoming with great food always❤️

I've visited this restaurant on many occasions over the past 30 years. It is family owned, genuine Italian cooking and with consistently good service. One of my all time favorites for delicious and unpretentious Italian cuisine

Great food, friendly staff, what more could you want 👍

This Italian restaurant has a great ambience, it has an authentic family feel and the food was delicious. If you're into spice, ask for their chilli flake mix - it added a tasteful kick! Def coming back having enjoyed the food and a lovely service.

Delicious food... Decent portion sizes... Reasonable pricing... I can see why it gets a crowd...

Nice little Italian place for lunch. Good pasta and nice staff, a hidden gem.

Very good and tasty. I went with my parents and they loved it too. The portion are just the right amount. And the staff is absolutely lovely. Very nice family vibe. Highly recommend

Old school Italian restaurant between Barbican and Moorgate stations. Feels like you are in a time warp, but in a good way. Clearly has loyal customers coming back time and again. Steak was cooked perfectly and came with a great sauce. My friend's lasagne was also nice.

Hidden gem. Tasty meals, daily specials.

The staff in this restaurant are so lovely, they were so helpful and friendly, they have such a great menu too, I have had there take away lunch which was great too Their pasta dishes are the best, The atmosphere and decor done with beautiful pictures

Friendly service, tasty food and chilled, unpretentious atmosphere. Brilliant value.

A lovely family run restaurant. Felt very welcomed. 3 courses plus drinks, £60 per head. Acceptable for central London.

Excellent service, fabulous food and drinks and sweets

Went there after concert at the Barbican. Very good value, friendly service. Would definitely visit again

Fantastic little Italian restaurant, we had some great pasta. Ideal before a Barbican concert, quick friendly service and very reasonable prices, thank you!

Baracca is a quiet, family run Italian restaurant hiding in Clerkenwell -- the front door faces the piazza behind its facade on Whitecross Street. I am always greeted warmly by the host, and there were specials like asparagus parmigiana that night. As Dermot and I wanted just a quick meal, we went just for mains. I was delighted that the pieces of lemon veal were incredibly tender, a difficult feat to pull off . And Dermot's grilled king prawns were pronounced great. We shared the mixed veg, a snap at only £3.50 The house whites were fine. So it's affordable and friendly--and I've never had a bad dish

Lovely staff. Nice family feel. Felt like we were transported back in time to the Italian alps. Food wasn’t fancy but was very tasty. So glad there’s a still a joint like this in central London.

Friendly staff, great prices, great atmosphere - so glad there are still places like this in central London

Good food but small portions for relatively costly prices 5.5 for 3 pieces of normal garlic bread

Was taken to this restaurant by a friend. Their treat. I did not have a starter but I had the sea bass, my favourite fish with vegetables. It was absolutely delicious and a large portion. For dessert I had the tiaramasu. Again large portion and delicious. Rounded off with a cappuccino. The ambiance was very similar to restaurants I have been to in Italy. I loved it. Cant wait to go back.

Baracca is an Italian restaurant in Barbican. The food is very good, the staff very friendly.

Delicious, reasonably priced food and friendly service.

Homely place, quick service. Great for a simple pre theatre show at the Barbican.

We have been going to this restaurant for over 10 years, although only once or twice a year with old work colleagues. Food and service are excellent. Never ever had a problem, and this is a hidden gem for great food.

Went here before a show at the Barbican centre, the waiter was friendly and we were seated straight away. I had the Risotto al Fungi, first of all it was made with basmati white rice instead of risotto rice, the mushrooms were tiny and soggy and the whole dish had next to no flavour, it was also topped off with some store bought pre grated parmesan which added nothing to the dish. On the whole I was quite disappointed at what I had just spent £9.50 on. The other dishes my friends had looked slightly more appealing but nothing special, hope the food improves soon considering it's in such a great location and handy for the barbican.

Nice Italian food and a very kind and helpful owner, but there is no pizza on the menu so you have to choose pasta or something else. Food was really delicious and average price per person was £30.00 for a three course dinner.

Great Italian food!! Its not the most modern looking restaurant but the food is delicious 😋

Good, traditional home made Italian food. Great welcome.

Friendly service. Helpful re dietary requirements. Reasonable prices for the location.

Nice family run restaurant near the Barbican

Delicious food and friendly staff, what more could you want?

Popular local Italian Very convenient for the Barbican

This is a gem of an Italian restaurant hidden away in Whitecross Street, Clerkenwell. It is family run, and stays open pretty late, particularly handy if you've been to a show in the Barbican( only 5 minutes away), as I had been. A good test of a kitchen is how they manage veal-- not easy to serve up tender. But their veal in marsala- based sauce was perfect! However, you need to order side plates of veggies. There is no pizza oven, however. My starter of crispy melt-in-the-mouth whitebait was fine, and didn't add much to the bill. I will keep going back.

Really Really nice Carbonara, been here over 10 times now and superb every time. Staff are really nice and friendly and service is good. 5 years later and I can say it hasn't changed, still a great place to eat with great service and food.

Lovely meal before we see the show at the barbican. Makes a great change for us going out on a week night. We Hope to visit again. Xxxxx

I only recently discovered this restaurant, and have been there twice. The food is quite good. I live nearby and had intended going at least once a week. But tonight was a major disappointment - especially since on the last occasion I dined alone there I left a £5 tip in addition to the service charge on the bill, because I was only one 'cover' for them. I arrived and stood by a small table with two place settings, one either side. It took a little while for anyone to look after me, and just as they came up to where I was standing, a couple entered the restaurant behind me. The waitress (I think she is the wife of the owner) told me the restaurant was full, and then proceeded to give the table I was standing at to the couple who had come in after me. It's regrettable, but I will never again try to eat there and risk being treated so badly.

What a find. I loved the spaghetti vongole, decent house wine and good service. I can’t wait to go back.

Such delicious pasta! I had a take away order for lunch - was made fresh and to order - extra spicy and extra saucy! So happy to have discovered this place.

Fantastic food from a treasured team - February 2021 - Baracca doing lunchtime meals to take home Mon-Friday, plus dinner to take home Thursday & Friday evenings - order until 20.15h - it's great! Thank you.

Little gem on the edge of the City - go here if you want a meal with friends/colleagues that won't break the bank and won't have you looking over your shoulder trying to get the attention of the waiter like some of the trendy joints in the area. Perfect for either a three-course working lunch (sit-down to coffee in under an hour) or making an afternoon of it.

Family restaurant with excellent food and service, has been in the same family for generations, quite a rare find now days in the city.

Family run Italian restaurant that's comfortable and fun. Baracca is my guilty secret. You can definitely find "better" Italian restaurants around, but you won't find anything with the same level of welcome, friendliness, and repeat custom. If you have a favourite table the staff will remember and try and seat you there. Plastic grapes, chianti and red sauce - Baracca has a place in my heart.

The Baracca has been a long time favourite of ours when in London anywhere near Barbican. It’s a family run place that has delighted our family for over 25 years. We don’t get to go too often these days, but their food never disappoints us or our friends.It was steadily busy for a Tuesday but the greeting was warm and welcoming.Ray doesn’t change one jot and can’t do enough to see you happy. There were six of us and we sat in the glass atrium which was lovely and warm on a cold March evening. The Baracca has grown over the years and whilst it never resembled its Italian namesake of a “shack”, it is good, traditional Italian fair. Nothing glitzy just because it’s the latest fashion, but always an interesting Chef’s Specials board.We had a sharing selection of appetisers including Parma ham, bruschetta (both tomato and mushroom ones), and calamari all served with baby leaf spinach. The calamari is freshly deep fried and not over cooked. All it needs is their scrummy tartare sauce, a squeeze of lemon and Ray’s big pepper grinder!The bruschetta are like crunchy garlic bread, loaded with salsa. Just don’t get too carried away or you’ll not have room for the next course.No draft beers here, but a Peroni or a Campari always hits the spot, as do the house red and white (available by the jug).We had mains that included steak tartare, various delightful filled pasta dishes and a delicious carbonara and a garlic stuffed chicken breast sorpresa. Pasta dishes start at £8.50 which for London we reckon is very reasonable. Yes, you can splash out on one of their Specialities, like a traditional Tournedo Rossini for £23.50, but a tasty chicken dish for under a tenner can’t be bad. Either way you won’t be disappointed, before or after your show at the Barbican Centre.There are salads and seasonal vegetables on offer. I always think they are a bit basic compared to the latest drive to eat a rainbow and could be larger and more Italian, but so many people just don’t eat veg maybe it’s not worth the effort. I’m just a big salad lover!If you are tempted to eat more carbs, the Sweets will not disappoint! Lemon pancakes (crepes), tiramisu and panna cotta are 3 stunning favourites for around a fiver. You’d pay more for this quality elsewhere. And then there are full flavoured Italian coffees and liqueurs to round off that perfect meal.Service can be slow, otherwise they’d get a well deserved 5 stars ***** but just ask if you feel you need more attention. Nothing is too much trouble.

Family atmosphere.Good food.Reasonably priced.All round great value

Comer bien en Londres a un precio razonable es muy difícil, por eso fue una grata sorpresa dar con este modesto restaurante familiar de cocina italiana. El trato es inmejorable y la comida muy rica.

Delicious! The pasta was great, the staff were friendly and the atmosphere was fantastic!

Gran restaurante italiano con platos clásicos: tuve dos platos clásicos, cóctel de gambas y aguacate y Steak Diane. Ambos estaban deliciosos, bien cocinados y presentados. Terminé con un tiramisú rico y cremoso. Mi invitado tenía entrantes de langostinos tigre y espaguetis a la boloñesa seguido de tarta de manzana y crema.El restaurante estaba lleno pero el servicio fue rápido y eficiente. Definitivamente para ser recomendado.

He comido aquí varias veces antes. Esta fue la comida más decepcionante que he tenido. La salsa con la ternera era insípida en el mejor de los casos y la porción era bastante pequeña en comparación con lo que he probado anteriormente. Pero porque he tenido mejores comidas que esto aquí, volveré otra vez.

Nice and quiet.. Full with customers but cosy place... Plenty of food and tasty too

Remo and his coffee deserves more than 5-star review!

Lovely place. Don't be off-put by the overall look or you'll miss out. Small and family run. My meal was delicious and the staff were attentive without being disruptive. The spaghetti carbonara was exceptional.

Mi esposo y yo estábamos en Londres para un concierto en el Barbican el sábado por la noche y el viernes decidimos orientarnos en relación con nuestro hotel en Old Street. En el Barbican le preguntamos a un miembro del personal si podía recomendar algún lugar bueno para comer y nos contó sobre el lugar italiano local en el camino.No se veía espectacular, pero estaba bastante ocupado, lo que siempre tomamos como una buena señal. Nos saludaron rápidamente y nos dieron una mesa para dos. El servicio fue rápido y la lasaña fue la mejor que hemos tenido en muchos años. Realmente sabía a la lasaña que mi madre solía hacer en Brooklyn, y no se puede dar más elogios que eso. Si estuviéramos de nuevo en esa zona de Londres, no dudaríamos en volver a ir allí.

Can't say the food is bad, nor can I complain about the service that was good. It's just not really traditionally Italian. But prices are honest.

The carbonara has too much cream which tastes quite sweet which is not typical Italian taste. And it's my first time to have carbonara without any eggs! The service was after all not bad but I wouldn't go back...

Nice family style Italian. Decent food and service. Unfussy.

Nice cosy family style Italian restaurant. Decent food and very friendly service.

Really enjoyable dinner here. They were able to sneak us a walk in table during a busy Christmas seating. Pasta carbonara was amazing. Very solid and reasonably priced table wine. Child friendly. Gluten free friendly. Big and pleasant surprise. Will definitely return.

We visited this restaurant for the first time this evening. From the first moment we entered the building til we left we were made to feel very welcome. The food and service was excellent. We will certainly go back. Thank you so much for a lovely evening Simon and Caroline.

Food was very good. A bit minimalist for my tastes.

Very nice place and the food is delicious, I think the best I ate so far in a restaurant in UK 👍👍👍💯

Had a very ordinary spaghetti Bolognese and tasteless tiramisu. There are better Italian restaurants in London

Really loved this restaurant. A hidden gem near Barbican. Not overly expensive either.

Visited this restaurant at the invitation of friends. The menu is not vast but the quality of food and service could not be faulted. This restaurant is not over expensive for the area and I would thoroughly recommend it.

Nach Besichtigung der Banksy's in der Nähe und des Barbican-Centers fanden wir einen sehr schönen Tagesabschluss in diesem kleinen, ruhigen, gemütlichen Lokal. Das Personal war sehr freundlich, die Speisekarte bot umfangreiche Auswahl und das Essen war lecker. Etwas abseits gelegen ist dieser Italiener mit familiärer Gastlichkeit auf jeden Fall zu empfehlen.

Good Italian food. But expensive

Came late on a Monday night after an event at the Barbican. After not having eaten for hours, my friends and I order several dishes to share. Absolutely delicious. All the servers were friendly, polite and very welcoming. Hope to become a regular!

Have not been to Baracca for many years but returned today with a long standing friend, who is a regular. Delightful service and excellent food. Highly recommended and hope to return in the not too distant future.

I always try to have a nice dinner here when I visit London. The staff is always helpful and friendly, and the food is excellent. My friends that joined loved the escargot and I thought the carbonara was delightful.

Family meal here yesterday. Quality of food was very good and the service from staff was excellent. Highly recommend

Staying at the hotel around the corner I really wish I had know about this little place sooner, especially the early bird/pre theatre menu. I just ordered takeaway tonight but the lasagne was delicious

Encontré este lugar por accidente después de salir de la cercana Cote debido al ruido. Este era un lugar pacífico en comparación donde uno podía tener una conversación sin gritar. La comida era excelente, al igual que el servicio y el vino de la casa es agradable y tiene una buena relación calidad-precio. No nos sentimos presionados y disfrutamos el ambiente relajado y el personal amable. Voy a volver.

Friendly service, great food, reasonable price.

Decent priced Italian restaurant with decent food. The 4 cheese pasta is good.

Service good staff pleasant spag bol / Ragu pretty lifeless can make better in my kitchen at home.

A quick bite after work, the specials Aperol Spritz on a warm day was just what I needed and a small dish of fresh spaghetti in a Bianco sauce with clams, a touch of garlic, chilli and parsley was very delicious

If it's good value Italian you're looking for this is a good place. Pleasant surroundings tho a bit worn. Friendly helpful staff. Tasty food for the price.

The restaurant was very well laid out, the staff were attentive, friendly. The food was very great and of good value.

Small family run restaurant, excellent friendly staff, nice food at a very reasonable price. Worth going to.

Great Italian food at reasonable prices and just outside the City where you pay more for the same. Family feel to it - friendly staff.

Hidden gem of a restaurant. Great food at reasonable prices.

Easy lunch place in the City. We go relatively frequently for team lunches but it is equally as good for lunches for two. Service can be a bit slow, but the food is good, hearty Italian food. The carbonara is good.

Very well run family restaurant, good service and reasonable price. Good range in the menu, some very interesting deserts.

Found this near the Barbican, very pleased. We had a warm welcome friendly service and we also enjoyed our meals.