"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."
