Sitting right on the corner, in the beating heart of Waterloo, near The Old Vic theatre, La Barca has stood the test of time, serving up a taste of true Italian hospitality. It first opened in 1976, and to this day remains a friendly family-run enterprise. When it first opened, La Barca focused on Tuscan flavours and specialities, but has since grown in ambition to include the Italian dishes from across the country, always founded on respect for national traditions and authentic cooking.
Set on Lower Marshes, stepping into La Barca might feel a lot like walking into a traditional taverna. There are black and white photo portraits on the walls, some of them depicting famous faces that have dined here over the years. It’s not so hard to step into their shoes, given that the menu and the interiors are just as effortlessly charming, showcasing that old-school cooking style that’s having a bit of a resurgence right now: think steaks flambeed tableside.
The La Barca menu follows the typical Italian format, starting with antipasti like classic bruschetta, calamari fritti with homemade tartar sauce, or butterflied king prawns dressed in butter, garlic and parsley. Elsewhere, you’ll find classics like Tuscan minestrone, tagliatelle carbonara and mushroom risotto. As for the main course, expect the likes of tuna steaks and king scallops with pancetta, and meat dishes cooked on the grill, such as veal with gorgonzola and black truffle, steak Diane flamed at the table, and chicken supreme with wild mushrooms, cream and brandy.
As for desserts, La Barca offers Italian classics like a traditional homemade tiramisu, panna cotta with berry compote, gelato, and zabaglioni - a traditional Italian mousse with egg yolks and Marsala wine. But there are other classics too, like crepe Suzette, creme brulee, and profiteroles.