Barrafina is currently one of the only 70 Michelin Star restaurants in London where you can walk out with change for 30 pounds. The place operates on a 'no reservation' based system and therefore receives sizable queues well before 5pm, when it opens its doors for the evening. The first 20 in line get in instantly; thereafter waiting can be up to an hour or more depending on when you arrive. The fresh produce stacked on ice and chefs abuzz, betwixt and between busy waiters in the chef station, make for heaps of noise and confusion. It's atmospheric to say the least. If it wasn't for the backdrop of English dialogues and spotless floor, I could easily have cast myself back to the days I regularly knocked back 'tubos and tapas' in Andalusian tapas joints. Food arrives speedily and the no frills presentation is both palatable and memorable. Service is prompt and polite and the level of professionalism is definitely up to snuff. For those on a budget of finances and time, are solo travellers and foodies this place is right up your street! It's also a great chance to strike up conversation whilst queuing, or at the bar shoulder to shoulder with other clientèle. Opening times: 12pm - 3pm and 5pm -11pm from Monday to Saturday; 1pm - 3.30pm and 5.30pm - 10pm on Sundays. Location: 26-27 Dean St, Soho, London W1D 3LL, UK #cheap-eats #free-wifi