Barbarella Canary Wharf: Menu, Prices, Reviews, Booking and More
Canary Wharf has picked up a seriously glamorous new dining spot, and everyone in London seems to be talking about it.
Barbarella has brought a slice of 1970s Italian cinema glitz to the docklands, and it is quickly becoming one of the most talked about restaurants in East London.
If you are wondering what the fuss is about, where to find it, what it costs, or how to book a table, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
What Is Barbarella London?
Barbarella is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria run by the Big Mamma Group, the Paris founded restaurant company known for theatrical, larger than life dining rooms across London, including Gloria, Jacuzzi, Circolo Popolare and Ave Mario.
Barbarella is their Canary Wharf outpost, styled around 1970s Roman cinema glamour, complete with chandeliers, chrome finishes and lush greenery.
The concept blends authentic Italian cooking with playful, indulgent touches. Expect wood fired Neapolitan pizzas, fresh handmade pasta, a serious wine list and an equally serious cocktail menu, all served inside one of the most photogenic dining rooms to open in London this year.
Where Is Barbarella Canary Wharf?
Barbarella sits inside the YY Building at Unit 3 YY, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HX. It occupies a waterfront spot, giving diners views over the docks, and it is easy to reach whether you are commuting from the City or visiting from further afield.
Getting there is simple:
- A short walk from Canary Wharf DLR and Jubilee Line stations
- Close to the Elizabeth Line stop at Canary Wharf
- Walking distance from the main Canary Wharf shopping and office district
- Waterfront terrace seating available, weather permitting
What Is on the Barbarella Canary Wharf Menu?
The menu leans into big, bold Italian flavours with a few showstopper dishes designed to be shared. Chef led touches sit alongside comfort classics, so there is something for both adventurous eaters and those who want a reliably good plate of pasta.
Popular menu highlights include:
- Wood fired Neapolitan pizzas, including a daily changing Routa di Carretto pizza
- Lobster Spaghettoni
- A metre long truffle coated spaghettone, made for sharing
- Mezzi Rigatoni alla Norma
- A 1.2kg T bone steak
- Cod alla Mediterranea
- Prosciutto di Parma and other classic starters
- House made dolci, including gelato, sorbet, tiramisù style desserts and a rich lemon meringue pie
The bar side is just as ambitious, with an extensive cocktail list, non alcoholic options, and what the restaurant describes as one of the largest selections of Brunello di Montalcino in London.
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are clearly labelled on the menu, and gluten low options are marked too, although it is worth noting the kitchen does not currently offer gluten free pasta or pizza.
How Much Does Barbarella Canary Wharf Cost?
Barbarella sits in the mid to upper mid range price bracket for London Italian dining, similar to other Big Mamma restaurants. Portions are generally large, so many dishes are designed to be shared across the table rather than ordered one per person.
| Course | Typical Price Range |
| Starters | £10 to £24 |
| Pizza | £15 to £22 |
| Pasta | £17 to £30 |
| Sharing mains (steak, seafood) | £24 to £70+ |
| Desserts | £8 to £14 |
| Cocktails | From £13 |
Please note: prices can change, and sharing dishes such as the steak or the metre long spaghettone will naturally push the bill higher. It is worth checking the live menu on the day of your visit for exact figures.
One useful detail for planning your visit: Barbarella operates as a cashless restaurant, so bring a credit or debit card rather than cash.
What Are the Barbarella Canary Wharf Reviews Like?
Reviews of Barbarella have been largely positive since it opened, with most diners praising the atmosphere and portion sizes, though experiences do vary a little from visit to visit, which is fairly typical for a busy new opening.
What guests tend to say:
- Strong praise for the decor and overall vibe, often described as one of the most striking rooms Big Mamma has created in London
- Generous portion sizes across pizza, pasta and sharing plates
- Service is generally described as friendly, though some diners have noted inconsistent attentiveness during busy periods
- Mixed opinions on value, with some guests feeling the sharing dishes are worth the price and others finding the bill adds up quickly
- Food quality is usually rated highly, though a handful of reviews mention inconsistency between visits
If you are booking for a special occasion, arriving slightly earlier in the evening or opting for lunch tends to mean a calmer, more attentive experience.
What Does Barbarella Canary Wharf Look Like?
This is where Barbarella really sets itself apart. The design is built around 1970s Roman cinema glamour, and it does not hold back.
Key design features include:
- A ground floor with chocolate hued walls, lush palm trees and an island bar
- A giant chandelier, more sculpture than light fitting, hanging above the main bar
- Ceramic big cats and illuminated tortoiseshell panelling around intimate booths
- An upstairs chrome lounge, complete with an open kitchen and a mirrored ceiling
- Vintage inspired furniture upholstered in silk
- A waterside terrace overlooking Canary Wharf’s docks, accessed through silver curtains
The building itself, known as the YY Building, previously housed an All Bar One, and Big Mamma added an extra floor as part of the transformation.
What Is the Barbarella Contact Number?
Barbarella does not widely publish a direct restaurant phone line for bookings. Instead, the Big Mamma Group manages all reservations online through their official website. If you have a query about an existing booking, amendments to date, time or party size need to be made by the customer directly through the confirmation email received at the time of booking, rather than by phone.
For general enquiries, the safest route is the restaurant’s official booking page or their customer service contact form, since walk in availability and phone lines can vary day to day.
How Far in Advance Can You Book Barbarella?
Barbarella follows the same booking structure as other Big Mamma restaurants.
Booking windows:
- Standard bookings open 30 days in advance, released at 9am
- Group bookings for 8 or more guests open 37 days in advance, also at 9am, and must be made via the “Big Groups” section of the website
- If a specific time slot is not showing online, it usually means that slot is fully booked rather than unavailable to book generally
- Walk ins are accepted, subject to space on the day
Because tables tend to release quickly and popular slots fill fast, it is worth setting a reminder for the exact release time if you have a specific date in mind, particularly for weekends.
Are Children Allowed at Barbarella Canary Wharf?
Yes, children are welcome at Barbarella. The restaurant is categorised as family friendly, and given the relaxed, sharing style menu, it can work well for family meals, particularly at lunchtime or earlier in the evening when the atmosphere is a little calmer. That said, evenings can get lively with music and a buzzy crowd, so families looking for a quieter setting may prefer an earlier booking.
When Did Barbarella Open in Canary Wharf?
Barbarella officially opened its doors to the public on Friday, 20th June 2025. Before the full opening, members of certain dining clubs were given early access during a friends and family soft launch. Since opening, it has operated seven days a week, quickly becoming one of the most in demand Italian restaurants in the Canary Wharf area.
Has Jamie’s Italian Reopened?
No, Jamie’s Italian has not reopened in Canary Wharf. The Jamie’s Italian chain closed its UK restaurants back in 2019 as part of a wider company administration, and the Canary Wharf branch, previously located in the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, has not returned.
Barbarella is an entirely separate, unrelated restaurant, run by the Big Mamma Group, and occupies a different building in the area.
If you have been searching for news of a Jamie’s Italian comeback, Barbarella is not that, but it has become one of the strongest Italian dining options to fill that gap in Canary Wharf since.
Is Barbarella Canary Wharf Worth Visiting?
For most diners, yes. Barbarella delivers a genuinely memorable setting, generous Italian sharing plates, and one of the most striking interiors currently found in London’s restaurant scene. It suits celebrations, group dinners and date nights particularly well, thanks to the theatrical decor and shareable menu format.
Where it is less suited is a quick, low key solo lunch, since the format and pricing are built around groups and special occasions. If big flavours, big portions and an even bigger sense of style sound appealing, Barbarella is well worth the booking effort.
Barbarella Canary Wharf: Quick Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Restaurant name | Barbarella |
| Cuisine | Italian, pizzeria |
| Group | Big Mamma Group |
| Address | Unit 3 YY, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HX |
| Opened | 20 June 2025 |
| Price range | Mid to upper mid range (£££) |
| Booking window | 30 days ahead (standard), 37 days ahead (groups of 8+) |
| Payment | Cashless, cards only |
| Children welcome | Yes |
| Nearest stations | Canary Wharf DLR, Jubilee Line, Elizabeth Line |
| Booking method | Official website only |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can you book Barbarella?
Standard bookings open 30 days ahead at 9am, while groups of 8 or more can book 37 days ahead.
Are children allowed at Barbarella Canary Wharf?
Yes, Barbarella is family friendly and welcomes children, though evenings can be lively.
When did Barbarella open in Canary Wharf?
Barbarella opened on 20 June 2025 and now operates seven days a week.
Has Jamie’s Italian reopened?
No, Jamie’s Italian closed permanently in 2019 and has not returned to Canary Wharf.
What is on the Barbarella Canary Wharf menu?
The menu features Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta, a metre long spaghettone, steak, seafood and Italian desserts.
Conclusion
Barbarella Canary Wharf has quickly earned its place as one of London’s most striking new Italian restaurants. With its theatrical 1970s inspired interiors, generous sharing plates and waterfront terrace, it offers an experience that goes well beyond a standard dinner out.
While booking can require a little planning, given the popularity of time slots, the combination of atmosphere, food and setting makes it a genuinely worthwhile addition to any Canary Wharf night out. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, catching up with friends, or simply curious about London’s latest Big Mamma opening, Barbarella is well worth adding to your list.
