Barbarella Restaurant London Review: Big Mamma’s Glamorous Roman Revival Lands in East London

June 5, 2025

Barbarella Restaurant London Review: Big Mamma’s Glamorous Roman Revival Lands in East London

This June, the Big Mamma Group unveils Barbarella restaurant in London, its sixth venue in the city. They are bringing a lavish slice of 1970s Roman cinema to Canary Wharf. Located in the waterfront YY Building, Barbarella promises an immersive dining experience that combines theatrical design, indulgent Italian cuisine, and a touch of retro glamour.

Known for their opulent trattorias like Gloria and Circolo Popolare, Big Mamma Group continues its tradition of creating dining destinations that are as visually stunning as they are gastronomically satisfying. Barbarella is inspired by the golden age of 70s Roman cinema. It aims to transport guests to a world of vintage elegance and cinematic flair.

The restaurant’s interiors are a feast for the senses. The first-floor dining area features jungle-themed decor with chocolate-brown walls, a three-meter-wide amber chandelier, and a long mirrored glass bar serving cocktails and wines. Upstairs, a 70s-inspired lounge boasts a golden-framed open kitchen, vintage Ferragamo silk furnishings, and reflective chrome accents. Silver curtains lead to a waterside terrace offering stunning views of the River Thames and the Canary Wharf skyline.

Barbarella Restaurant London Menu

Barbarella is committed to in-house production, crafting everything from pizza dough to gelato on-site. The restaurant leans towards Roman-style cooking. It features daily-changing menus of extra-thin, extra-wide Ruota di Carretto pizzas baked in a bronze oven. The cocktail program is the most extensive in the Big Mamma portfolio, highlighted by inventive creations like the pistachio espresso martini. The equally impressive wine list offers a curated selection of Italian magnums and vintages.

Under the guidance of Roma-born chef Marco Rastelli, Barbarella’s menu celebrates Italian culinary artistry. Signature dishes include the one-meter-long spaghettone, caramelised Italian tomato tatin with Parmigiano cream, and buttered Cornish lemon sole filleted tableside. The grill section features sharing steaks sourced from renowned butcher Phillip Warren, ranging from delicate fillets to a hefty 1.2kg T-bone. For dessert, guests can indulge in house-made gelato with flavours like white chocolate, pistachio, and chocolate, each drizzled with a sauce of choice.

Barbarella Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Barbarella below.

Barbarella Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Italian

Dress Code: Casual

Area: Canary Wharf

Address: YY Building, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HX

Website: https://www.bigmammagroup.com/italian-restaurants/barbarella

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