Barbarella is bringing the glory days of Cinecittà to east London
We’d been hearing word that the Big Mamma Group (responsible for Gloria in Shoreditch, Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia, Ave Mario in Covent Garden, Carlotta in Marylebone and Jacuzzi in Kensington) had its eyes on Canary Wharf, and now it’s been confirmed. Barbarella, inspired by the golden age of Roman cinema, will be bringing the maximalist vibes to the YY Building this June.
The waterside restaurant will feature jungle-themed interiors, with a mirrored bar, a three-metre-wide amber chandelier, vintage Ferragamo silks, and a 70s chromed lounge upstairs with a gold-framed open kitchen. That statement bar will be shaking up the group’s largest ever cocktail list, which’ll include serves like the pistachio espresso martini, and pouring its most extensive wine list, complete with an exclusive selection of Italian vintages and magnums.
From the kitchen, led by Roma-born Marco Rastelli, expect dishes like:
- extra-thin, extra-wise Ruota di Carretto pizzas
- caramelised Italian tomato tatin with Parmigiano cream
- one-metre long spaghettone
- Cornish lemon sole to share, filleted tableside
- 1.2kg T-bone steak
And then if you still want more, you can head out to Barbarella’s waterside terrace and go to the gelati section, where you can get white chocolate, pistachio and chocolate gelato drizzled in the sauce of your choice. People of Canary Wharf, things are about to get OTT.
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Put the kettle on!
Key Information
Opening date | June 2025
Address | YY Building, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HX
For more information | bigmammagroup.com