Seemor
Efes Restaurant & BarB+Worth Trying
56 Maple St, London W1T 6HN
· Turkish restaurant, Cocktail bar, Halal restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1301 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Fitzrovia Turkish spot with grilled classics, warm hospitality, live music on weekends, and good value kebabs; occasional service hiccups and reservation mix-ups reported.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Efes Restaurant & Bar delivers dependable Turkish dining with strong food quality anchored by grilled meats and fresh meze, supported by attentive, warm service that creates genuine hospitality. However, occasional inconsistency in execution—dry doner, bland ribs—and a modest, sometimes crowded setting prevent grade A territory. The lively weekend atmosphere and loyal local following make it a solid neighborhood choice for Turkish grills and festive evenings.
Restaurant Summary
Set on a busy Fitzrovia block, Efes hums with warm hospitality, classic grills, and weekend tunes. Servers often add celebratory touches, like fruit platters, and one guest noted, "They welcomed us late and still made it special." On music nights, expect a bustling atmosphere where dancing happens and the room feels cheerfully packed. The cooking leans traditional—grilled lamb and chicken, hearty iskender, and meze that tastes fresh and bright. Fans love the portions and straightforward flavors; a few diners reported the odd dry doner or bland lamb ribs, so it pays to stick to the house favorites. Prices land fairly for central London, and the menu reads like a reliable tour of Turkish staples rather than a creative detour. Families can do well here with familiar choices like chicken shish and rice. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the simple grills and sides suit many children. One review flagged staff impatience with a child, so visit earlier or on non-music nights if you prefer a calmer setting.
At a Glance
- Lively Turkish spot with generous portions and warm service
- Live music on weekends creates a festive vibe
- Occasional booking mix-ups and slow service during rush
- A few inconsistent dishes (dry doner, bland ribs)
- 10% service charge added, noted by reviewers
What Sets It Apart
- live_music_weekends
- longstanding_since_1974
- generous_kebab_portions
What People Love
- Friendly, engaged staff who add special touches
- Classic grills with satisfying portions
- Cozy, traditional vibe with lively energy
- Reliable meze spread with fresh flavor
Points of Concern
- Reservation reliability mixed on busy nights; confirm by phone if important
- Service can slow when large orders queue
- A few dishes reported as dry or underseasoned; stick to bestsellers
- Review patterns show minor staff-name clustering and marketing-style raves but overall authenticity holds
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a hot starter like Borek (£6.50) with Chicken Shish (£10.80) for a balanced, affordable meal
- Vegetarians can build a satisfying spread: Hummus (£4.90), Baba Ghanoush (£5.50), Falafel (£6.00), and Choban salad (£6.00)
Perfect For
- Celebrating a birthday with music and meze
- Casual group dinners near Tottenham Court Road
- A hearty kebab fix before a night out
- Vegetarian meze sharing with friends
Location Insights
Area: Central London creative-office district with student and media crowd; lively after work and weekends.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady foot traffic; occasional late-night rowdiness typical of central London.
Nearby: Near Warren St/Tottenham Ct Rd corridors, offices, cafes, pubs, and theatres; convenient to UCL and Fitzrovia media firms.
MaryleboneMarylebone offers a refined dining scene with a mix of traditional British pubs, contemporary restaurants, and chic cafes. The area is known for its elegant streets, boutique shops, and a generally calm yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it popular for both casual and special occasion dining.
Marylebone VillageMarylebone Village is characterized by its charming, village-like feel with independent shops, gourmet food stores, and a concentration of high-quality restaurants and cafes. It offers a more intimate and relaxed dining experience compared to the busier parts of the West End.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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