Barrafina

Barrafina Review

Soho's top tapas bar is modeled on Cal Pep, the famed tapas joint in Barcelona, and similarly has only a few—23 in total—raised counter seats. It's no-reservations but you might strike up with smart fellow queuers, all eventually discover the tapas is supreme and well worth the wait. Get ready to happily nosh on small plates of garlic prawns, chorizo, tuna tartare, quail, salt cod fritters, sardines, and octopus with capers, plus classics like cured Maldonado ham and Spanish tortilla. There's an excellent selection of Spanish reds, whites, sherrys, and sparkling Cavas (many by the glass), and leave room for desserts like crèma Catalana or almond-based Santiago tart. Daily specials are usually posted on Twitter, too.