Barrafina Drury Lane

Of all Barrafina’s London locations, it’s the Covent Garden one you want to be at when the sun is shining. The swish Spanish tapas spot has a pavement-side terrace that suits lunchtime cava-drinking and pan con tomate-inhaling. Inside, an elegant marble-top counter buzzes with conversation from dates, after-work dinners, and smiling chefs alike—it’s a restaurant more casual than some of its prices suggest.

Once upon a time, Barrafina was a put-your-name-down, cross-your-fingers-and-pray type place, but these days the Drury Lane restaurant is bookable. The food is all still very nice: the tortilla is gooey, the bravas saucy, and the fish and meat are perfectly cooked. Pay attention to the specials as there's usually a razor clam or a skate dish that screams summer and a rioja too many. There are few more buzzy bars for a great meal in London that fit the brief of impressive, but not overly special-feeling. And for that reason Barrafina should always be in your back pocket.