Kefi

Being Greek and wanting authentic Greek food, it was either Astoria or Kefi in Manhattan. My family decided on Kefi and by the end of the night, we all decided in unison, the food was excellent, service was quick (reservation for 5:30), the waiter was great and the price reasonable and not overpriced. Yes, we would go back without hesitation. Bravo to the owners and their kitchen staff.

We go to Greek restaurants all over the world, and this food was some of the best we've ever had. Excellent salad (w extra feta, no charge); we had chicken and braised lamb shank --both very tasty, tho there cld have been more lamb. Great rice pudding. Do Not buy the mug: it's $20!

Have been to this restaurant a few times and enjoyed it...the dishes are well prepared and the staff inviting. The plates have a beautiful presentation. Look forward to checking out the prix-fixed menu.

The first time I went here, our order took over an hour. They kept apologizing for the delay. I think they forgot about my husbands lamb burger, because when the food arrived my salmon was dry from sitting too long. The second time, the waiter was so slow and took the order of the table next to us first even though they arrive 10 minutes after we did. And again, our order took at least 45 minutes to get to our table. We also had to ask for water and our bill after waiting too long. I wouldn't have tried to go a third time, but my husband likes the lamb burger. So, when our family was coming to town, I tried to make a reservation. I called two weeks in advance to make a reservation for eight people and was told they do not take reservations for large parties. But the hostess put me on hold to see if they could make an exception to seat us in the front since the reservation would be on a Sunday night. But when she got back on the phone 10 minutes later, she said "we are going to be really busy tonight" and so couldn't take a reservation for my party. When I reminder her for the third time that it was for a date two weeks later, she seemed confused and said to just walk in. So we arrived with our family last night and most tables in the back were empty. After waiting for 10 minutes for them to seat the few couples in front of us, the three host staff played on the seating module and said they had room and that it would take a couple of minutes to set up the tables. Two of us waited by the hostess stand while the rest of our party went to the bar area. While waiting for 15 mintues, we noticed they were seating everyone that walked in and just as we were about to inquire about our table, the hostess asked us if we were waiting for a table for two. After we reminder her we were waiting for a table for eight, she and the other staff played on the seating module again and then said it would be an hour and a half. She said they had seated many couples and didn't have four tables next to each other. I had no response for this incompetence and just walked away, but others in my party weren't so nice. In the end, they said we should make a reservation next time . I never found the food beyond average so completely inept staff will keep me away from this place.

This review should tell you how sparse the Upper West Side restaurant scene is like. I have been to Kefi a few times. The first time I went there, my husband and I were disappointed in the food. The braised lamb shank over orzo did not fall off the bone as it should. For a $18 plate, that was disappointing to say the least. I just went back there this afternoon for lunch with my son. I wanted to order the 3 course prix fixe. Because my son did not want to, order off the prix fixe they said we both had to order it, to make sure the food was coordinated by course when it came out. Well, needless to say we ordered a la carte. My son ordered the Branzino and I ordered the Braised lamb shank to see if it finally fell off the bone and an appetizer--fried calamari. The food was good enough but the presentation of the food was messy and the calamari came well after I was finished with my entree. So much for the coordination of the food. I found the service to be non-existent and again, the food not good enough for me to go back ever again.

Went to Kefi a few weeks ago. Sat in the downstairs area. Seems to be where a lot of family dining takes place. My waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable. He was able to answer all my questions in detail regarding the menu. Had the Angourri cocktail which was both refreshing and delicious as promised by my waiter. Appetizer was the selections of spreads. All were really good even the eggplant spread and I don't like eggplant. The dumplings and lamb sausage entree was fine and I really liked the Galaktoboureko for dessert. Overall, had a very good experience at Kefi and will definitely go back.

Ate at Kefi for the first time. great atmosphere with lots of bustle, many good choices on the menu, and everything that we had was excellent. It is so refreshing to get a really nice meal in a fun atmosphere with good, friendly service without paying $13 for a cocktail and $30 for an entree. We'll be going back, and soon.