An absolutely outstanding North-African lunch experience: Restaurant The Barbary (12. November 2023)

The Barbary is a place, which has been showing up on many of my lists as a place one should visit. Naturally, I was wondering if that was really the case, and it turns out, yes, it is! I mean, the place is relatively small, with maybe like 16–20 spaces around a bar. However, in the middle of that ‘bar’ is the kitchen, where everything is prepared right in front of your eyes, which is fascinating – and even more so after having spent 6 days at Le Cordon Bleu, cooking myself!

I went for the “naan e barbari” (GBP 5.00), which is freshly prepared in front of your eyes in the bar/kitchen, and it gets served hot! And, it is delicious! I also wanted to get some “Ikra” (GBP 7.50), which was nice, but didn’t really qualify to be on my list of favourites that day.

However, the “hummus tatbila” (GBP 8.00), was outstanding! The smoothness and the flavour of the hummus was just amazing! The “Zhoug” (GBP 2.70) is a bit of an animal of its own, but it was delicious – and added a spicy note to the different dishes, which was quite enjoyable.

Furthermore, I decided to try the “Za’aluk” (GBP 7.00), mainly because I had absolutely no idea what exactly Za’aluk is. Somehow it’s a spread, which is based on something seafood like (or at least there is a seafood note in the dish) and it is served with spring onions. So, the flavour is relatively intense, but if you like intense flavours, like I do, then Za’aluk is definitely something you should try.

When it comes to halloumi, I’m always a bit careful, as it is very often not prepared in a way that makes the halloumi enjoyable. Given the grill was right in front of my eyes and the cook working it as well, I decided to give it another shot and went for the “grilled halloumi” (GBP 9.50) – and it was prepared perfectly. Nice grill flavour from the charring, perfect texture when you bite into the halloumi, and the spread on top also adds to the overall dish.

What was nice was the “Lamb Culito” (GBP 24.00) despite the fact that I found the naming of the dish a bit ‘odd’. I mean, why would you call your dish “lamb’s little ass”? In any case, not only the meat was great, but even more so the garnish. The tomatoes were aromatic and were prepared in a nice reduction, which was exquisite.

Even better was the “Pata Negra” (GBP 30.00) as the meat was tender and rich in flavour. The sauce / reduction it was served in was just absolutely delicious. On top of that, the oven baked garlic cloves were just really the perfect finish to the dish.

Last but not least, I decided to have a dessert, and went for the “hash cake” (GBP 10.00). Mainly, because I had absolutely no idea what to expect, hence, I was curious! And let me tell you, the hash cake was absolutely mouth-watering!

When you’re seated around the kitchen, you really get to see and experience everything in front of you, including the head chef yelling his orders to his kitchen crew! And the food is just exquisite!

So, it’s a full-fledged memorable experience! Make sure to book your table in advance, though, as else it will be quite hard to find a spot! It’s definitely worth a visit!

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Contact Details:

Restaurant The Barbary

16 Neal’s Yard

WC2H 9DP London (UK)

E-Mail: hello@thebarbary.co.uk

Homepage: http://www.thebarbary.co.uk

About the Author: Sven

I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org. Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City.