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Olives and Meze SohoBWorth Trying

Name: Olives and Meze Soho
Address: 40 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LY, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7

40 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LY · Mediterranean restaurant, Halal restaurant, Takeout Restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (826 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Casual Mediterranean grill in Soho delivering quick, flavorful platters and wraps with friendly staff, but expect a small space, dine-in surcharge, and occasional price confusion or delays at peak times.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Olives and Meze Soho delivers reliable Mediterranean dining with strong food quality and attentive service, making it a solid choice for pre-theatre meals in central Soho. Inconsistent execution—occasional bland shawarma and peak-time service gaps—prevents a higher grade, while the cramped seating and limited space further constrain its appeal beyond quick, convenient dining.

Restaurant Summary

Steps from the West End, this small counter-service spot feels warm and bustling without the chaos. Diners rave about quick prep and friendly staff, with one guest noting, "we were eating within minutes and felt looked after." It is a tight space with limited seating, and several reviews mention a dine-in surcharge that can surprise first-timers. The cooking leans classic Mediterranean grill: shawarma, lamb and chicken skewers, halloumi, falafel, plus bright salads and dips. Most praise the tender lamb and satisfying platters; occasional outliers found the shawarma bland or too salty. Portions are generally filling for the price, especially for central Soho, making it ideal before a show or for a quick lunch. Families will find plenty of straightforward options: chicken skewers with chips, halloumi, falafel, and mild wraps. The space is small, so strollers and larger groups may struggle at peak pre-theatre times. For a smoother visit with kids, aim for off-peak hours and keep choices simple (wraps, chips, and hummus).

At a Glance

Fast, friendly counter service ideal for pre-theatre
Flavorful grilled meats and fresh salads with good portions
£3 dine-in surcharge and price differences from online menus
Inconsistent experiences at peak times (queues, out-of-order serving)
Occasional bland or salty shawarma reported

What Sets It Apart

pre_theatre_convenience
customizable_grill_boxes
halal_friendly_menu

What People Love

Tender lamb skewers with vibrant salads
Speed from counter to plate
Friendly staff who offer helpful suggestions
Feeling full without a heavy meal

Points of Concern

Price clarity issues: reports of higher in-store prices than online and a dine-in surcharge
Small space and limited seating; not ideal for large groups during rush
Occasional service sequencing issues at peak times leading to delays
A few complaints of bland, salty, or dry items indicating variability

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost£18-24 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose a House Special platter (around £11.50-£12.50) for best value; add hummus (£4.50-£5.50) or sweet potato chips (£3.50) to share; if dining in, factor in the reported £3 surcharge.

Perfect For

Pre-theatre dinners within 30 minutes
Casual solo meals in Soho
Quick halal-friendly lunch
Groups ordering office catering or takeaway

Location Insights

Area: Bustling central Soho near Piccadilly Circus and theaters, heavy foot traffic with tourists and office workers.

Safety: Generally safe, very busy and well-lit with constant pedestrian activity.

Nearby: Close to Lyric and Piccadilly Theatres; surrounded by bars, quick eats, and entertainment venues.

SohoA dense, energetic neighborhood with a diverse and cosmopolitan dining scene featuring everything from trendy restaurants to historic pubs. Known for its cutting-edge culinary offerings and multicultural atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–22:00 Friday12:00–00:00 Saturday12:00–00:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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