Where London’s Meat Lovers and Celebs Feast Like Royalty
Hey there, fellow Londoners! If you’re on the hunt for a dining spot that feels like a mini Mediterranean getaway, let me introduce you to Halepi.
I swear, I could smell that grilled meat from a mile away the moment I got off the bus! I was basically a meat-hunting animal at this point, channeling my inner tiger. And well, it definitely lived up to the wild anticipation.
Located in Bayswater, this Greek-Cypriot gem has been serving up mouth-watering, authentic dishes since 1966. Seriously, we’re talking decades of grilling perfection. Halepi’s earned some major street cred, even getting a shout-out from the Automobile Association of America Guide as the best Greek restaurant in the world. Yep, you heard that right. Hail Halepi!
Over the years, Halepi has played host to some serious A-listers—think Roman Abramovich, Chris Evans, and F.W. de Klerk. Oh, and let’s not forget Princess Diana was a regular here! If it was good enough for royalty, you know it’s something special
Atmosphere:
Walking into Halepi felt like stepping into a warm, cozy Greek home. The retro decor and tight, bustling seating create that perfect vibe for loud conversations, hearty laughs, and lots of delicious food.
It can get pretty packed (no surprise there), so definitely make a reservation unless you’re cool with waiting around and dreaming of the grilled meat wafting through the air.
Service:
The staff had that special charm that made me feel like I’ve joined their family dinner at home. However, when the place gets packed (which it often does), it can get a bit hectic.
Drink:
Halepi’s drink list transported me straight to the Mediterranean (minus the sea breeze and warm weather, unfortunately). Sip on Greek reds like Boutari Naoussa and Othello, or go for a classic Retsina—many options here.
For the real Cypriot vibe, grab a bottle of Keo, the local beer that’ll have you feeling like you’re on an island in no time. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a shot of Ouzo—anise-flavored goodness that’ll put some hair on your chest.
Price: ££
With dishes ranging from £8 to £20, Halepi hits that sweet spot of mid-range pricing, offering big portions for a reasonable cost.
Sure, a couple of items might feel a bit on the pricey side, but given the authentic flavors and generous servings, it’s totally worth it. Trust me, you’ll leave full, happy, and ready for a post-dinner nap. (Yes, this happened in real).
The Food (aka the Main Event):
Alright, let’s get to the real star of the show—the food. Our table went all in with a mezze feast, and it was 100% the right move. With so many flavors hitting the table, there was something for everyone, from creamy dips to sizzling grilled meats.
And the best part? Every single dish lived up to the hype, proving exactly why Halepi has held its crown in London’s Greek dining scene for so long.
Houmous: This classic chickpea dip was smooth and creamy It was a little sourly for my taste, but still a delightful start, especially when paired with warm, grilled pita bread.
*Melizanosalata: Smoky and rich in flavor, this aubergine dip had the perfect subtle garlic undertone. Made it one of my top picks from the starters.
Taramasalata: Light and airy, this fish roe spread had a delicate brininess that seafood lovers will definitely appreciate. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause and think, “Yeah, this is exactly what I wanted.”
Tzatziki: Cool and refreshing blend of Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, it’s like a palate reset between the other richer dishes. So fresh, so zingy—exactly what you need to keep things balanced.
Calamari (Fried): Lightly battered and fried to a golden crisp, the calamari rings were tender and not overly greasy. A squeeze of lemon enhanced for sure their natural sweetness.
Greek Salad: A medley of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, and tangy feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil. It was a refreshing interlude amidst the richer dishes.
Giant Prawns: Grilled to perfection with a delicate char that enhanced their natural sweetness. Each bite was succulent, smoky, and bursting with that fresh, briny goodness you want from seafood. A generous squeeze of lemon lifted the flavors even more, balancing out the rich, buttery texture.
*Dolmades: I’m usually not a fan of stuffed leaves, but these were a game changer. Tender and flavorful with just the right amount of seasoning, I found myself loving every bite!
*Sheftalia: The smoky, grilled flavor combined with its juicy texture made this dish a standout. It’s packed with all the flavors I crave—spicy black pepper, a kick of zest from the lemon, and a perfect char that brought it all together. Honestly, it was absolutely spot-on.
Chicken Kebab: This has got he right amount of smokiness but I found this dish slightly overcooked.
*Special Lamb Kebab: This thing was off-the-charts good. Seriously, I almost had to hug the meat.
Spring Chicken: Grilled baby chicken that’s moist and flavorful, with a crispy skin that adds a delightful texture.
Tips :
- Booking is a must! But fair warning—sometimes their phone line has a mind of its own. If it rings endlessly, don’t take it personally. Just keep trying like you’re calling your crush in the early 2000s.
- Check out the menu here: —or just show up hungry and let your instincts guide you. Either way, you’re in for a feast.
- The legendary lamb and chicken are halal, but the beef is not. Choose wisely, my carnivorous friends!
- Want some extra charm points? Brushing up on a few Greek phrases might just score you some extra love from the staff. A little “Efharistó” (thank you) goes a long way.
Conclusion:
Halepi a ticket to the Mediterranean (minus the airport stress). From meat so good you’ll want to hug it to dips that deserve their own fan club, every bite is a little moment of joy. And fittingly, “Halepi” means the warmth of the sun—which makes sense because that’s exactly how you feel after a meal here: happy, satisfied, and already plotting your next visit.
With its buzzy atmosphere, spot-on flavors, and staff who treat you like long-lost Mediterranean family, Halepi gets an easy 5 out of 5 from me. Just book in advance—or be prepared to sweet-talk your way in!
