I'll have to differ with the most glowing of Halepi's reviewers, while still maintaining that it's a solid restaurant. Our food (taramosalata, spanakopita, kleftikon) was prepared very quickly. The taramosalata was very good (but that's essentially just a dip); the spanakopita was somewhat lacking, tasting a bit rubbery and perhaps overfried. The kleftikon, however, was delicious and tender, definitely one of the culinary highlights of this trip to London. Overall, I'd have to say that I'll make an effort to visit Halepi on future visits to the UK, but it doesn't especially stand out in comparison to Greek restaurants I patronise in the states, or any average restaurant you'd run across in Greece itself. In the bleak gastronomic scene of London, however, it's quite good. read more

The ambiance is great in this restaurant. Food is decent and the owner is such a great guy. Open late & you can get alcohol here AFTER the pubs close at 11. read more

Nice clean inviting atmosphere. They were clearly proud of their food. I am a fan of Greek food, but am no fan of their fare. We ordered with great expectations. My wife and I both ate a rank tasting lamb dish served up in a pita. Not good. I remain in the dog house. No, not at my wife's insistence, but under the curse and demands of several thousand very unhappy taste buds. We shall not return. The meat was either old before the "lamb" lost its life, or the meat was aged far too long after the lamb perished. Either one, it doesn't matter. The meat was terrible. I'd give them 1.5 stars because I think they tried (and will round up to 2 stars). Their intent notwithstanding, they failed. Tip for the owner: Get a new butcher, buy better meat, and/or use the meat before it goes bad. read more

Such a delightful experience I must say. Excellent food, atmosphere and service. Would highly recommend!!!

This is the Greek meal I've been waiting for, for a while. I live in San Francisco and there really aren't the Greek or Greek-owned "diners" like in NY which serve Greek specialties. I started out withe spanakopita (spinach pie) which I'd been craving for MONTHS. Perfect ratio of spinach to cheese and nicely spiced. Had the moussaka which was put together quite nicely with an extra sprinkling of cheese on top & accompanied by sauteed FRESH broccoli, carrots and narrow string beans. The bechamel stood up to the other ingredients in the moussaka and was subtly seasoned just right. Someone in another review complained about the "cover." It was just 1 pound. And I got SO MUCH I didn't expect: an assortment of black and green olives, radishes, green onions, some hot peppers, bread (nicely warmed) plus at the end this marvelous rose flavored delight/gel dusted in confectioners sugar (which I'd never had before but really put me in a state of ecstasy). Also though not on the menu, I was able to get retsina by the glass (priced just like the house white/red). The meal was perfectly timed, there was no rushing me out, and the service was friendly (even though I'd not been there before ). At the table next to me they were having mixed mezze including two kinds of calamari and they got a sharing plate of grilled meats and seafood, which looked perfectly tender and cooked (I was watching a regular table wear knife EASILY cut into the lamb. read more

I've been coming here for over 15 years celebrated many birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and remembered lost loved ones. This Resturant is consistently good and feels like my second home. The Kelfticon, the giant prawns, the milk fed leg of lamb, are almost always whats on order for me! read more

Very quick. Food was homemade and delicious. Great for families. Would highly recommend

Solid spot, something of a local institution. It's a cramped restaurant where. Some of the staff is friendly, some is surly - that's just the way it is here, and people seem to love it. The food is good, nothing too spectacular but decent quality. Pretty average prices. A good local option. read more

A small but excellent small Greek restaurant between Bayswater and Paddington. The place is almost always packed as people come here to get some of the best Greek and Mediterranean food one can find in London. The room is small and the atmosphere always very warm and buzzy. If you live around there you can also get some excellent take-away. read more

Not much for vegetarians that you can't find else where... sadly... but the good news is that the baklava is really lovely.

We came here for lunch, and had the entire place almost entirely to ourselves. I loved the Greek salad and the beets, served with olives and excellent, hot pita. Potatoes were also good, but we were underwhelmed by the chicken kebabs, which were bland. Pricey, but overall good food; I recommend assembling a vegetable-heavy meal from appetizers and vegetable sides. read more

It is hands down the best Greek food I have had. It is always fresh and cooked to perfection, super delicious! Service was great as well! I currently live in California but my visit to London is never complete without a stop at Halepi! Great job guys! read more

A great 'local' restaurant. Even when they are full, which seems to be most of the time, they can always squeeze you in. Great food and wine and really nice people. One of my favorites. read more

This place was awesome. The food was great and brought out efficiently. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was they forgot to bring out the sausage appetizer along with the spanakopita. read more

Great service and very generous portions. We were 10 people, of which 8 took the klafticon. We all thought it was great and only half of us managed to clear the plate. read more

Warning! You will want to return there every night!!! Authentic. Tasty. Welcoming. Attentive. Cozy. If in no rush (and don't go there if you're in rush) you'll make new friends, too. Guaranteed! read more

I have been here a few of times with friends for dinner and the restaurant is always busy with people reflecting the fact that the food is good and the atmosphere is cosy...maybe a little too cosy since it is a little bunched up and hence the 4 stars. Simply because if you are expecting a bit of privacy then this is not the place as it is pretty much like sitting with lots of people on one large table as the tables are very very close together. They have a great variety of food and the food is homemade and tastes very authentic. They have been established for a long time and the owners work there and that is why it has retained a high value as they care about their restaurant and customers. Their desserts are not great but the mains and starters are good and very generous in portions. I wouldn't recommend their creme caramel despite them thinking it is one of their specialties unfortunately the flavour is not great at all. But I always have fun at this place and the time flies as it is always enjoyable here. read more

Just passing by here and this has to be one of my favorite places to eat ever! Cozy environment, AMAZING food, super service and so on! I got a salad and some lamb and it was the beeessst lamb that I have ever eaten! Everything was very fresh! read more

I have been there twice with my parents: first time in 2010 and last time 6 months ago. I must say I had a lovely time there. The place is not so spacious but you feel like you're escaping from London to a genuine Greek atmosphere. The food is just delicious and the staff very nice, speaking in our language when they found out we were French, which is always a nice mark of attention when you're abroad. If you feel like eating Greek in a prestigious district, do not hesitate! read more

First time here, although a regular visitor to London, booked ahead for 4, booking was lost so hot squeezed in with a party of 8 that turned out to be 9.....very 'cosy' - not. Chaotic is a nice way to describe how the place is run. Food of my friends was great, mine, the Meze, medium to bad, nasty meat, tasteless chicken. Any request for drinks, rice etc we're completely ignored. All in all, seems one has to be a regular to be important as a guest. Once they noticed I wrote this review, some sweet turned up just when we asked for the bill...... As good as some of the food was, wouldn't go there again. read more

Small place with a quaint atmosphere. Off the food : The mixed grill was so delicious. All of the meats were cooked and seasoned to perfection. I couldn't even finish the dish because they gave so much! read more

Exactly what the previous comments have said. The interior is small and intimate but homely and welcoming. Halepi gave excellent and friendly service. We were immediately greeted and made to feel at home. Food was superb. We were given olives once we were seated, and our basket of warmed pitta bread was topped up automatically once consumed. I ordered the Special lamb kebab and my other half ordered the Baby lamb shanks both with rice. Food was cooked to absolute perfection- and generous portions at that! Tender and juicy on the shanks and rustic beautiful grilled flavours of the kebab. For dessert we ordered the Greek coffee (which comes served in an espresso sized cup) and one slice of baklava to share (by this point we were far too full to have our own dessert each- generous portion again), but before we ordered our dessert, we were given a complimentary small dish of turkish delight. I don't normally like Turkish delight as I find it is perfume flavoured, but this particular one was scrumptious and not perfumed at all! The bill came to £57 between the two of us. Service charge included. Reasonably priced considering the quality of food and service! All in all, a rare gem hidden away in Central London. Will definitely go back since it's yards away from us! (They do Takeaways too!!) read more

I came in on a Sunday afternoon and was refused service because I came with a baby. Even though the restaurant was almost entirely empty and there was significant space for the baby, I was still refused service. The owner was very rude and disrespectful in dismissing me out of his restaurant. Needless to say, I will never be visiting this restaurant ever again. I would recommend Lemonia in Primrose Hill, which offers a much better customer service and delicious recipes. read more

Table for 2 at 8pm last night. Busy place with that happy buzz that good places have. Ordered houmous, salad, fried calamari, halloumi, klefticon. Houmous ok, pittas delicious, salad fresh and with good leaves/tomatoes, meditarranean cucumber and soft tangy feta. Calamari were fresh with that real taste of the sea (horrid cliche, apologies, but true all the same!) and light non-oily batter. Klefticon was flavoursome meat, seasoned/spiced delicately (for meditarranean cooking) and cooked so that it could be taken off the bone with a fork & spoon. I love this restaurant: it doeswhat a restaurant is supposed to do for me. It's comfortable, congenial, the decor is dated/tiredbut comfortable (we had a large table so not squashed). The food is simple possibly staple Greek dishes and some English 70s classics (think Simon Hopkinsons 'The Prawn Cocktail Years'). For me, it's no bad thing not knowing how old the olive oil is and who baked the bread. I love it, and long may it continue to do what it's doing. read more

We have been to this place for lunch on a Sunday and had Klefticon and Dolmades. The lamb was ok but nothing special and the Dolmades where watery and almost only rice very little meat over all not nice. We love Greek food and have been to many greek restaurants but this is one we will not come again. read more

For me, Halepi is simply an 'institution' in London. Obviously, my passion for both London and Greek islands may be playing a role in this judgment... but I know I am one of many estimators of this small (and always full) Greek restaurant in the Bayswater area. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, with rows of tables, set-up in 'old' Greek style, where both couples and groups of friends sit next to each other - and sometimes even socialize during dinner... Coming to food, there is a wide selection of typical starters such as tzatziki, melizanosalata (sauce with aubergines), taramasalata (never understood what's exactly in it, but it's fish and it's very good...) All to be shared, along with the typical 'pita' bread. By the way, for those who don't know, Greek cuisine shares a lot with Middle Eastern food tradition. But make sure you leave enough space for the main courses! My favourites: - Dolmades: typical wine leaves stuffed with rice and meat - Souvla: 'best lamb on spit' - as defined in the Halepi menu :) - Klefticon, a slow-cooked lamb served with spices: large enough to fill you up alone... I am not passionate about Greek desserts, so I always rather conclude my dinner with a good ouzo... Finally, the staff is super-friendly. A special mention for Ben the waiter, who always remembers me and my friends everytime we go back there, even after years! Prices are on 'London average', i.e. 30 to 40 pounds for a full dinner. But I never left Halepi hungry or unhappy about the quality, and often I skipped breakfast the morning after... Five stars widely deserved! read more

If you have a soft spot for Mediterranean food Halepi is your place. I went here with some great friends and absolutely loved the food. Fresh and delicious with a warm and inviting atmosphere inside. No wonder the ancient Greeks were so accomplished, there's is the food of gods! The baked haloumi was delightful as were all the meze dishes, it was all yummmyyyy. read more

Yelpers have really let me down on this one, and this is not the first time this has happened in London. But after this, I think I might stop trusting London Yelp altogether. The food is NOT 4- or 5-star. Maybe it once was, but not anymore. My friend and I had some questions about the menu, because nothing has descriptions and we are not familiar with Greek food. After maybe our third inquiry, the waitress literally told us to come with her so she could show us the food in the display case because, quote "this is clearly your first time in a Greek restaurant." Really rude. You're served olives, pita bread, and a plate of raw radishes, scallions, and jalapeno peppers. Not seasoned or anything, just as they are. I'm all for scallions, but raw? And I don't tend to eat jalapeno peppers whole either. Or radishes for that matter. So when our main meal came, the same waitress asked if she could take the plate away because, quote, "you barely touched it." Again, rude and unnecessary comment. The eggplant and the tabouli dipping sauces were both good. But the mousaka (even I, in my DEEP ignorance, know that this is a Greek staple) was so, so lacking. Orange grease everywhere, not very flavorful, and unappealing texture. The veggies, also, were dredged in the orange grease. My friend's quail looked pretty dry, and the waitress got all defensive when she had simply commented on how tiny it was. I tried eating as much as I could, but, just as I had feared, no joke, the good ol' waitress returned and said "I must be honest with you ladies, you are really not good eaters! Was it ok?" I should not have to apologize for not finishing a mediocre meal, but I did apologize, and told her that it WAS mediocre. She didn't care. And then at the table next to us, I overheard a woman making a complaint about her meal, and the same waitress told her "this is the best dish on the menu." Nope, that's not how you take a customer's complaint. Literally to prove to her that we could finish a dish, we ordered dessert. The pastry that wasn't baklava. It was really pretty bad. In sum, food and service definitely not worth the price. read more

I was recently a solo traveler in London. I happened on this restaurant and thought I would try it. They were very busy but found me a table. The problem was that they then did everything they could to rush me out of there. They kept coming over and asking me if I were done and told me there were people waiting. Even if the food was good (which it was not) I would have left with a very bad taste in my mouth. read more

Stuffed, but great athmosphere. Very good food indeed. The lamb was very tender and highly recommended.

I ate here four years ago but forgot the name so I have been looking for it every time I come to London. I stumbled across it by chance this afternoon and had another amazing meal. The lamb shank is great. I can imagine everything else is too. Don't come here just to eat salad and olives. read more

A simply fantastic Greek family restaurant. Salads, grilled and roasted lamb are succulent and delicious. Our waitress, Sophia, made us feel right at home. Highly recommend! read more

Out of five days in London, we ended up eating at this cozy Greek restaurant three separate times. Consistently very good to excellent food, excellent service, the place was busy every time we went, at all times of night. Easy walk from the nearby Bayswater hotels. read more

Absolutely awful experience. Avoid. Check your bill carefully! Food was average, service was (not Cypriot or Greek), rushed (as below review-they were in a hurry for you to leave and bring the bill to get you out), however what is unacceptable is the attitude of the owner of this place. He is so rude and incredibly disrespectful of his customers. I asked what was on my (illegible) bill and there was a high (18% higher than the stated 12%!) service charge and a cover charge. Cover charge was dissapointing as I hadnt been told but fine as we had eaten the olives. I do not agree with service charges. At best they dont encourage good service as you dont have the choice to vary the tip to reward good service, at worst it usually goes to the owner, not to the actual waiters/resses. As usual I requested for the service charge to be removed (remember it was not legible or labelled as such) saying I would prefer to leave a cash tip. I have done in all restaurants inc. the Ritz and Dorchester without any bother. The owner refused, shouted at us in front of the entire restaurant and kept proding my arm. He said it was illegal and refused to bring a new bill. He threatened to call the police but did not. I see below another reviewer had this same problem! After waiting for 30mins and getting more of his bullying, slamming his fists, shouting and prodding, I threatened to leave wihout paying he agreed to remove the service charge. After that I didnt want to leave a tip. My advice-avoid this restaurant. Customer service is everything and the owner is awful. As the below reviewers say he could do with the lesson. IF you do go to this restaurant please do ask (politely) for the service charge to be removed and leave a cash tip. The owner has to realise that service charges are not mandatory and the more people who ask the more likely he is to realise this. There is MUCH better food at cypriot restaurants in Barnet (Blueberries), Camden (Lemonia) and round the corner in W2 on Hereford Rd (Aphrodite Tavern). Dont waste your evening and defintely dont bring guests here read more

Food was nice, but a very claustrophobic atmosphere.

Great atmosphere, small place was fully packed with people. Food was very nice and the service was good.

We went to Halepi on Friday evening, had a starters and main meals for 4 people + beers and wine. The quality of the restaurant is quite poor comparing to its prices. It's an average kebab place, but with prices of a fairly good restaurant in Central London (i.e. £35 £40 per person). The most disappointment moment was when they asked us to leave while we were finishing tea and coffee, even though there were no other people waiting to get in. Of course we will never come back. read more

After many years of wonderful meals at Halepi we were shocked at the change when we returned for dinner at 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 12, 2010. -- the pita was hard and stale; -- the hummus was watery and tasteless; -- the potatoes with the klefticon were cold; -- the mousaka was thin, the béchamel lumpy and the lamb unspiced; -- our waiter, one of five, was brusque and officious; -- our wine was slopped into the glasses as fast as possible; -- the male waiters argued among themselves about who was the manager; -- the female bartender told them to shut up; -- one waiter decided to go home, put on his coat, and left; -- one member of the kitchen staff gathered up his tools and walked out. We left shortly afterwards and will never return. Too bad Halepi WAS a great place to eat. Obviously something happened to change that but there are too many great restaurants in London to mourn over one that went sour. read more

Words cannot describe my absolute love for this restaurant and its waiters. I am not the least bit ashamed to say, my boyfriend and I have saved up and visited London the past two summers on the sole basis to visit Halepi. Last summer we ate there every night of our trip :] It is just that good! The chicken kebab is the best you will ever find, the Turkish delight (or as our waiter liked to call it "Greek delight") is to die for, and do not get me started on the desserts. The service is fantastic, they were so personable and always took care of us. They even sent me home with a giant container of the Turkish delight! I love this restaurant and the people who run it. We are in the process of planning our next trip to London and Halepi will be our first stop! read more

Love this place. Family style. Staff always attentive and responsive and food is cooked beautifully. Can't think of a nicer place to eat with friends and family - so glad to its round the corner!! read more