Kefi

What a great time we had at kefi, chef Michael psilakis's homage to casual rustic Greek food. The quaint bar area and interesting cocktails made the wait for a table a fun prelude to a wonderfull Greek meal full of flavors reminiscent of my mother and grandmothers kitchen. Friendly knowledgeable service with an interesting all Greek wine list.

True, the tab did not break the bank (a tad under 80 for 2 people), but I feel like I paid with my time and getting crushed. This was too stressful for another meal any time soon.

What a pleasent surprise this place is. The hummus is perhaps the best I hav ever had (of any country of origin) and their fish dishes are wonderfully fresh. Ignoring the crush due to the NYT review on the service, this place should become an UWS staple. Incedible value as well with propoerly sized portions. The bar service could be improved, however.

I was expecting a great meal after waiting and waiting and waiting (first told 15 mins... this stretched to about 45) but did not get it. When we were finally seated (4 adults and a 6 yr old who always orders his own entree) it was at a 4 top. Apparently they don't think kids count when it comes to maximizing their $$$ potential. Well, it was crowded enough as it is already without being squeezed into a smaller table. We were told if we wanted to wait for a larger one, it would be yet another half an hour. The entrees were on the small side. For the amount of time I waited, we could have cabbed it to another part of the city and had better food all for the same price. Not a great experience.

I agree with the glowing New York Times' review of Kefi. We need more restaurants like Kefi on the Upper West Side to raise the profile of our neighborhood. Kefi offers some of the best Greek food in the city, served by professional waiters in a charming ambiance. You might pay dpuble elsewhere for food of this quality.

What a shame. We were so looking forward to dining here, but the food (though not terrible by any means) is a major disappointment. It's as if the kitchen "dumbed down" classic Greek recipes for that American palate, for the food is simply bland and tasteless. Where the seasoning (tyme? rosemary?) in the lamb? Limp salad? Unexceptional desserts? Never again.

I travel to Greece quite often and the food at Kefi is as good as the one found in Athene's best tavernas. In addition the service is quite professional and they have great wines at very reasonables prices. I sure had to wait for a table as well, but a couple of glasses of retsina at the attractive bar made the wait very enjoyable.