Seemor
APULIAB+Worth Trying
50 Long Ln, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ
· Italian restaurant, Lunch restaurant, Pizza Takeout
· 4.4/5 Google (1279 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Charming Puglian spot near Smithfield with standout pastas and pizzas, good wines, and occasional service pacing and table-timing friction; best for relaxed meals if you book smartly.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Apulia delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with reliable food quality anchored by excellent pizzas and strong pasta execution, particularly orecchiette ragu. However, inconsistent execution on risotto and octopus and uneven service pacing during busy periods prevent it from reaching higher territory. The warm Smithfield location and loyal following make it a worthwhile destination for Puglian classics, though it falls short of the area's premier dining establishments.
Restaurant Summary
Apulia sits by Smithfield with a warm, rustic glow and the buzz of neighbors ducking in before the Barbican. Service skews friendly and human, and on a busy night it can slow, but when it clicks you get moments like a guest saying, "the house red set the tone and the pastas did the rest." However, there are no notable authenticity concerns, so feedback trends feel reliable overall. The kitchen cooks from the heel of Italy with a classic bent—pizzas on a thin, crisp base and Puglian staples like orecchiette ragu. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: ingredient-led and comforting more than experimental. When it sings, the ragu is deep and the burrata lush; when it wobbles, risotto can taste underpowered or portions feel modest. Stick to strengths—pizzas, orecchiette, burrata—and you are in fine shape. Families fit right in thanks to kid-friendly pizzas like Margherita (£12.50) and simple sides (roast potatoes). There is also a vegan-labeled pizza and several DF/GF-tagged items for dietary needs. If a child is picky about bitter greens or seafood, steer away from turnip-top pasta and prawn risotto and toward the simpler pies.
At a Glance
- Thin, flavorful pizza crust with generous toppings
- Strong pasta options led by orecchiette ragu
- Service can be slow or rushed at peak, with occasional table time pressure
- Risotto and octopus show inconsistency in seasoning and texture
- Some guests report surprise charges on water and upsold wines—confirm choices and pricing
What Sets It Apart
- regional_puglian_focus
- cozy_historic_space
- strong_pizza_crust
What People Love
- The crust-first pizzas that feel straight from Italy
- Comforting orecchiette ragu with slow-cooked depth
- Cozy, neighborhood room that feels unpretentious
- Attentive staff who recover well when issues arise
Points of Concern
- Service pacing varies—busy nights bring slower courses and occasional push to turn tables
- Seafood risotto and octopus receive mixed reviews for seasoning and texture
- Perceived price creep on beverages and bottled water—check the list and confirm the bottle
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (templated owner replies and some generic praise) which may not reflect every diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£38-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For conservative palates: Margherita or Quattro Formaggi pizza plus burrata
- For seafood fans: Ask about risotto seasoning and portion on the day
- For vegans: Vegan pizza (tomato, tofu, artichokes, aubergines, peppers) and DF/GF-tagged sides
Perfect For
- Pre-Barbican show dinner with wine and shared pizza
- Casual date night over burrata and a bottle
- Weeknight catch-up where hearty pasta hits the spot
- Small group meals when you book ahead
Location Insights
Area: Historic City fringe by Smithfield Market and Barbican; mix of office crowds, culture-goers, and locals.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady foot traffic, especially on event and office nights.
Nearby: Near Barbican Centre, Farringdon Elizabeth Line, and Smithfield Market; pubs and restaurants cluster nearby.
BarbicanA distinctive residential and cultural hub characterized by its iconic brutalist architecture, home to the Barbican Centre and featuring a unique urban living environment with significant cultural and artistic significance.
Barbican EstateA landmark modernist housing complex designed in the 1960s, offering a unique urban living experience with integrated cultural and residential spaces.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:30, 17:30–23:00
Tuesday12:00–15:30, 17:30–23:00
Wednesday12:00–15:30, 17:30–23:00
Thursday12:00–15:30, 17:30–23:00
Friday12:00–15:30, 17:30–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →