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Efes Restaurant cambridgeB+Worth Trying

Name: Efes Restaurant cambridge
Address: 80 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LN, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.4

80 King St, Cambridge CB1 1LN · Turkish restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1268 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Classic Turkish grill with a charcoal show-kitchen and generous meze; strong fanbase but polarizing service and portion-value perceptions.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Efes Restaurant delivers reliable Turkish grilling with strong food quality anchored by charcoal-kissed kebabs and fresh meze, supported by friendly, attentive service and quick execution. However, inconsistent execution—occasional overcooked meat and portion variability—prevents grade A territory, while mixed comfort levels and dated design limit its standing as a destination. A solid neighborhood favorite with loyal following, competitive with the area's better local restaurants.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling, anchored by a charcoal grill and a butcher-style fridge that signal simple cooking done with fire. Guests mention the owner stopping by tables and a team that often feels friendly and efficient. One diner summed it up: "Watching the grill master at work made the meal feel like a show." However, experiences vary on busy nights, and a few guests felt rushed at the end of service. The cooking leans classic Turkish—meze to start, then skewers and cutlets kissed by charcoal, more produce-driven and traditional than fancy. The set menu is a smart sampler if you want breadth, with kofte and shashlik emerging as favorites. Expect clean flavors, yogurt and tomato accents, and unfussy plating; some nights feel generous and satisfying, while a minority found portions light for the price. For families, it is largely kid-friendly. The menu has simple options kids actually eat: chicken or kofte kebabs with rice, hummus and pitta, and ice cream or fruit for dessert. Vegetarians can build a meal from meze like stuffed vine leaves, spinach tarator, aubergine saute, and salads. Do note bread may be ordered separately, and very picky eaters might prefer the set menu for variety.

At a Glance

Charcoal-grilled kebabs with classic Turkish meze
Warm, owner-led hospitality on many visits
Good value via set menu sampler
Portion size and bread inclusions vary from expectations
Some guests report rushed service at peak times

What Sets It Apart

charcoal_grill_theatre
set_menu_sampler
longstanding_local_following

What People Love

Charcoal aroma and tender kofte
Owner greeting tables
Set menu breadth and simplicity
Liver and shashlik for adventurous eaters
Lively but welcoming vibe

Points of Concern

Portion sizes can feel small for price; bread not always included by default
Reports of rushing or early table turns on busy nights
Quality can dip late-evening or when grill winds down
Review patterns show signs of polarization (strong praise vs sharp criticism), reflecting variability across service periods

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£28-38 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with hummus or cacik and a hot meze like cheese borek
Share the Set Menu if uncertain; add extra salad for balance
For vegetarians: mix aubergine saute, stuffed vine leaves, spinach tarator, and Turkish salad

Perfect For

Casual group dinners with shared meze
Family celebrations without formality
Meat lovers craving charcoal flavors
Visitors seeking a traditional Turkish meal

Location Insights

Area: Central Cambridge fringe with student and office footfall; lively evenings, mixed casual and destination dining.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked city-centre streets; typical late-night bustle near pubs.

Nearby: Close to city centre colleges, pubs, and independent eateries; convenient pre- or post-theatre spot.

Central CambridgeCentral Cambridge offers a lively dining environment with a mix of casual eateries, traditional pubs, and international cuisine. The area is bustling throughout the day and evening, with a strong presence of visitors drawn by the university and cultural attractions, creating a dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

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Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:00 Tuesday12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:00 Wednesday12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:00 Thursday12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:00 Friday12:00–14:30, 18:00–23:00 Saturday12:00–23:00 Sunday12:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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