Seemor
BabinondasB+Worth Trying
598 Green Lanes, London N13 5RY
· Greek restaurant, Bar, Mediterranean restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (777 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Cypriot spot known for generous meze, warm hospitality, and weekend entertainment; great for groups, but noise, smoking in front enclosure, and occasional inconsistency are real risks.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Babinondas delivers excellent food quality anchored by authentic Cypriot meze and charcoal-grilled seafood that justifies its strong local loyalty. However, inconsistent execution on peak nights—chewy calamari, rushed pacing—and modest space comfort with a draughty front enclosure prevent grade A territory. Best experienced as a lively group celebration rather than quiet fine dining.
Restaurant Summary
Step inside and the room turns warm and bustling: charcoal smoke in the air, servers greeting regulars by name, and musicians weaving through tables. One diner summed it up: "course after course kept landing until the grill finale." However, a few nights run hot—front enclosure can feel draughty and some neighbors note very loud music later on. The cooking leans classic Cypriot meze over flash: creamy dips, salads, halloumi and lountza, then charcoal-kissed souvlaki, souvla, and seafood like octopus and sea bream. It is best for groups who enjoy a rolling feast and a bit of buzz rather than quiet fine dining. On peak nights the pacing can rush, but when it clicks, it delivers that taverna comfort Londoners love. Families are welcome—kids gravitate to chicken kebabs and chips, and staff are used to celebrations. There is no formal kids menu, but the menu has plenty of simple items. If your child is noise-sensitive or you prefer smoke-free air, request seating away from the front enclosure and earlier time slots.
At a Glance
- Classic Cypriot meze with generous pacing and charcoal flavors
- Lively atmosphere with live Greek music on some nights
- Strong local following and welcoming, hands-on hosting
- Noise levels high on music nights; front enclosure can be smoky/draughty
- Inconsistency on peak nights (chewy calamari, rushed service)
What Sets It Apart
- classic_meze_experience
- live_greek_music_nights
- charcoal_grill_aromas
What People Love
- Rolling meze courses that feel celebratory
- Charcoal aroma on lamb and chicken
- Friendly staff who remember regulars
- Little touches like fruit and baklava at the end
- Live music that energizes the room
Points of Concern
- Front enclosed area can be smoky and cold; request indoor back tables
- Volume can spike with live music and large parties
- Some reports of meze portion confusion and upselling to mixed options
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Vegetarians can build a meal from dips (£4.50 each) plus vegetarian moussaka (£15.50)
- Seafood fans: sea bream (£17.95) or sea bass (£18.95) with Greek salad (£2.50 pp)
Perfect For
- Birthday feasts with meze and music
- Casual family dinners with hearty grills
- Seafood lovers seeking grilled octopus or bream
- Neighborhood meetups where vibe matters
Location Insights
Area: Bustling North London high street serving locals; casual eateries and shops with evening footfall.
Safety: Generally safe, busy arterial road with lighting and steady traffic; typical urban noise.
Nearby: Green Lanes corridor near Palmers Green/Winchmore Hill; other Greek/Cypriot venues, bars, shops nearby.
Palmers GreenPalmers Green is a suburban neighborhood with a strong community feel, featuring a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The dining scene is characterized by casual eateries and family-friendly establishments, reflecting the area's multicultural population and residential nature.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–22:30
Tuesday17:30–22:30
Wednesday17:30–22:30
Thursday17:30–22:30
Friday17:30–22:30
Saturday17:30–22:30
Sunday12:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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