Welcome to Barshu
At Barshu, the heart of Szechuan cuisine beats vibrantly in the bustling streets of London. Nestled on Frith Street, this restaurant offers an authentic taste of Sichuan, marked by bold flavors and intricate dishes. Guests rave about the spicy and numbing sensations that define Szechuan food, with standout dishes like smashed aubergine and dry pot delicacies. The chic yet inviting atmosphere is perfect for groups, whether dining in or enjoying takeout. Reservations are a must, as word spreads about Barshu’s exquisite offerings. With a blend of tradition and modernity, Barshu is a destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Szechuan delight.
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28 Frith Street London W1D 5LF Hotline: 020 7287 8822
Nestled in the heart of London, Barshu offers a vibrant culinary journey through the authentic flavors of Szechuan cuisine, situated at 28 Frith Street. Known for its richly spiced dishes that bring a true representation of Sichuanese flair, this restaurant provides not just a meal but an experience that engages all the senses.
- Ambiance: The restaurant’s classy yet bustling environment creates an inviting space for groups and families alike. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Barshu caters to all preferences.
- Services: Conveniently, reservations can be made to secure your spot at this popular dining destination. They also offer takeout and delivery for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home.
- Menu Highlights: The menu is a treasure trove of flavor-packed dishes, each bringing the signature Szechuan spice that aficionados crave. From the dan dan noodles to the famous smashed aubergine and smashed cucumber, every dish aims to tantalize the taste buds. Don't miss the dry pot offerings that promise a customizable adventure through meats and vegetables.
- Spice Level: Chef's signature spice level can be discussed upon ordering, ensuring you get the intended tingle from those renowned Szechuan peppercorns. Customization is key here, with options to cater to varying palates.
Customer reviews paint a consistent picture of satisfaction, with many noting the pleasing decor and prompt service, even during busy hours. Diner laurence h. happily shared, "The surroundings were pleasant… the food was very good." Meanwhile, Vika S. appreciated the spacious private room and the flavors that pack a punch, highlighting dishes like soft shell crab that are must-tries.
What truly stands out at Barshu is the balance of spice and flavor. The rich sauces and varied textures—from crispy to tender—create a symphony on the palate. And for those unfamiliar with authentic Szechuan dishes, you will find a delicious introduction here.
With plenty of vegetarian options, family-friendly choices, and a full bar featuring select drinks, Barshu ensures that everyone leaves satisfied. Whether you are a seasoned lover of Szechuan food or a curious newcomer, you will find countless reasons to return to this gem in London.
The ease of making a reservation through their contact number 020 7287 8822 can mean the difference between a good night out and a legendary feast. Don’t miss out—Barshu is a delightful spot that deserves to be on every food lover’s itinerary!
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Barshu. The surroundings were pleasant (we were on the ground floor), service was professional, the meal was well paced and the food was very good. To be honest it wasn't as spicy/numbing as we were expecting of a Sichuan restaurant but the flavors were lovely. We would return.
Great restaurant! We booked a private room (6 people), which was a good idea - it was spacious and had Lazy Susan Food was super flavorful and veeeeery spicy at times. A highlight for me would be a smashed aubergine, smashed cucumber, soft shell crab and mushrooms. Food came very quickly and staff were lovely.
If you find yourself in London and have a hankering for Chinese food, Barshu is AMAZING! We thoroughly enjoyed our meals and the service was great! Thankfully, we made a reservation because the place was packed. We ordered a few things to share and it was the first time I had Chinese beer. Not one bad bite or sip!
The food is delicious. The service is acceptable. I'm not sure why people impose their Western standards on an establishment known for the most authentic Sichuanese in London. Most of the low ratings suffer from sheer ignorance. But I digress. We had the dan dan noodles, spinach and ginger, potato slivers in vinegar, and the chicken in chilis dish. The menu had a lot of the powerhouse courses you'd expect from a Sichuanese restaurant. You must ask for Málà explicitly if you want true Sichuanese spice and numbing. I will admit, the peppercorn was lacking a bit and we didn't get that truly face numbing experience. But overall the food was delicious.
Made a reservation on a Friday night, seated on time upstairs! Vibey interior and bustling atmosphere. Service was fine, it just gets busy so you might need to flag someone down. The food was great and portions were generous. I liked the variety on the menu, but definitely get the dry pot or something similar - super spicy and numbing with a lot of meats and veggies you can customize or add on. Everything was flavorful and the chongqing noodles had good texture and were nice and oily (that's the speciality of that region!) it's definitely a spicy oily meal so come with an empty stomach.
Loved loved loved this spot! A must-try -- especially if you don't have a lot of authentic Szechuan food where you come from. Going on my short list of places to come back to in London and to recommend to others. Really cute atmosphere and decent service. Small place, so can feel a little cramped -- I recommend coming during an off hour. Late lunch / early dinner at 2 or 3pm was perfect! Everything we tried was great -- but we definitely over-ordered! You can easily share 4-5 appetizer and/or small meat dishes and be good here. The specials are huge bowls of assorted meats that are definitely a whole meal for 2 (but so delicious). Loved everything from the pork roll appetizer (which is actually delicious thinly sliced carrots rolled in pork), to the smashed cucumber (a great cooling vegetable dish to go with everything else), to the cold sliced beef appetizer with beef tongue (super spicy and yummy), to the beef and onions (tender, classic beef that even picky people would love), to the special mocai -- which came in a huge bowl of spicy broth with fish balls, tripe, prawns, thinly sliced beef, luncheon pork (like SPAM), etc. I added the pork intestine, but I'd recommend that in a dry wok instead, so it gets crispy. The chicken feet were probably my least favorite -- I loved the crunchy texture and that they were already cut off the bone, but a little too much on the sweet side. Maybe they can be ordered in a different sauce?
Amazing and authentic food.. dishes were fresh and spice level was perfect .. the peppercorns hit perfectly
Feb 16, 2022 It was a late and rainy night in London and my hotel was right across the street so decided to grab a quite bite here. It was just me so I could only try limited items. Really craving for a substantial soup to fight the cold and wet weather so I went for the big one - Braised Pig stomach and chicken with pepper in a pot. I'm sure it sounds odd to most people but from experience this dish, if well done, would do the trick. The soup was very well done, all the herbal ingredients were there and certainly substantial. The staff is also quite friendly. I wish I could sample more dishes....they looked very good at other tables!