Barrafina Borough Yards

Spanish tapas mini-chain Barrafina has its winning formula of stool seating, counter eating, and croquetas and tortilla snacking down to a tee. The London Bridge location has all the hallmarks of the city’s pan con tomate empire—sleek, shiny furnishings, friendly service, a bustling open kitchen—but lacks a little of the big-hearted, Long Lunch energy of its Soho siblings. Nevertheless, it’s a very useful place to know about to escape the chaos of Borough Market. Plus it’s within the same building, connected by a warren of corridors, to Bar Daskal—a fun spot for wine and cocktails pre or post dinner.