Barbarella Opens In Canary Wharf
If you’re a fan of Big Mamma’s wildly theatrical restaurants like Gloria, Jacuzzi, or Circolo Popolare, then you’re in for a treat—because their latest venture, Barbarella, has just landed in Canary Wharf.
Step inside Barbarella, and you’re met with a bold and playful interior that nods to the golden age of 1970s Italian cinema. The ground floor sets the tone with warm, chocolate-hued walls, lush greenery, and a striking three-metre-wide chandelier. Upstairs, the atmosphere shifts to a lounge space filled with chrome details, vintage-inspired furniture upholstered in Ferragamo silks, and an open kitchen framed in gold. To catch views of the River Thames, head through silver curtains to enter the waterside terrace.
As for the menu, Barbarella stays true to its Italian roots with a focus on high-quality dishes made entirely in-house. You’ll find wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and there’ll be a daily changing menu of extra-thin, extra-wide Routa di Carretto pizzas. Pasta lovers will appreciate the one-metre-long spaghettone, while other specials include a caramelised tomato tarte tatin finished with Parmigiano cream, and a delicately buttered Cornish lemon sole. Meat dishes are equally considered, featuring premium cuts from renowned butcher Phillip Warren. For a crowd-pleaser, the 1.2kg T-bone steak is ideal for sharing. And to finish? A scoop (or two) of house-made gelato on the terrace—pistachio, white chocolate, and rich dark chocolate are set to be favourites—is hard to beat. The all-Italian menu is presided over by Roma-born head chef Marco Rastelli.
Barbarella boasts the most extensive cocktail list of any Big Mamma restaurant so far. The Pistacchio Espresso Martini is already stealing the spotlight, but there’s also a dazzling list of Italian magnums and vintage wines for those looking to raise a glass—or two.
Set in the iconic YY building just a stone’s throw from Canary Wharf Station, Barbarella officially opens its doors on Friday, June 20th, 2025.
Address: Unit 3 YY, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HX
Website: https://www.bigmammagroup.com/italian-restaurants/barbarella
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigmamma.uk
Written by Caitlin Neal
