Always have a enjoyable meal there. Cosy surrounds, not a modern bleak affair which makes you feel cold, and the food is typical "comfort food" that you only get in Greek or Turkish places.
I go there as often as I can. When I lived in Manchester I always made a point of going to Efes if I was in London for any reason. Now I've moved back, it's much easier.
I have never written a review before i was bored on the Internet reading some reviews. I came upon Efes review i was shocked because this man hated it whats wrong with him. The starters were good the meat amazing even if they do a mistake they go out your way for you to resolve the problem. Everything was fresh I'm a local and everyone loves Efes i see the black cabs outside Efes every night when they can eat anywhere in London but they dont they go to Efes because its the best. Kebab doesn't do justice to the food they should name it heavenly kebab food.
Never, ever, go to this restaurant! I went there last night for the first time. We ordered vine leaves amongst other items, for starters and they were covered in mould! The food was rotten. It had a bizarre fungus growing on it, all over it. The type you get on mouldy bread, with spores on the surface. I pointed this out to the waiter and when the manager came over to talk to us, he was almost angry at me for having pointed this out. He asked me what I suggest he do, and why was I complaining! He then proceeded to explain to me that it is because they have lots of meals to prepare and don’t have the time to check every one before they were served. For the vine leaves to be this mouldy, they must have been over a week old or more. Obviously we didn’t eat anything else here, we just can’t trust the kitchen. If they leave the food to rot, then imagine how poor the meat must be, and it’s actually dangerous to be serving old and rotten food. The disgusting rotting smell is still with me today! I don’t think I can ever face eating another vine leaf ever again after this experience.
In general, before the vine leaves arrived, the service was very poor, and surly. The decor of the restaurant is so dated, and the toilets are filthy.
I have returned back to eating at Efes 1 as I was out of country for three years. The decor has changed a little. The food is excellent at great prices. I feel that the prices charged should be higher as you do get quality prepared food. The staff are always friendly and professional. Oxford Circus is the nearest station. I arrived early so that I can have a quick drink at the bar quietly. I dine here 3-6 times a month. Its the only Turkish place I now eat at as I think this is the best one. I have tried others but due to bad experiences didnt return. Efes 1 is truly the best Turkish Restuarant to dine or for take-away.
Strongly recommend it to anyone who loves Turkish food or who has never tried it.
Have been to Efes before about three years ago and had a great time. But... The service was very poor (the restaurant was half full). The starters were unexciting (some even bland) when they arrived about 45 minutes after ordering (and then only after we had drawn attention to the lack of food). We had the set meal. Lots of meat for the main course, but a spoonful of 'salad' on the same plate, when the menu suggested suggested that this was a separate item. Lots of fruit which was good. Only on the way home did I suddenly think that we were supposed to have got Turkish pastries (never offered). Wine was not good and very expensive.
I can eat better food for half the price at lots of other places, even in central London. Shame.
Efes is No1. Other places use the name Efes but this is the orginal and only the best. Been coming here over the years, as a family, with friends and take-away. The boys at the take-away are only to happy to be quick as they can during the lunch madness. You have to be willing to wait as there is always a queue of people wanting quality food before you. If people are coming after you and getting their food before you just means they planned ahead and called before coming. Had my christmas party last week -big party busy restaurant. No complaints - everything went merry.
Absolutely appalling. I was horrified. I went to this restaurant yesterday with my colleagues for a small retirement celebration; the staff was rude, and the food was mediocre. It certainly seemed that we were doing a favour being there!!??? We repeatedly had to order the food and it took more an hour and thirty minutes for simple starters to be served; you can now calculate the time for the main!!!!! I must stress that the restaurant was not full!!!! Amazingly when ordering a certain item after 15 minutes the waiter would return with something totally different and of course I would send it back. However the manager had the audacity to come back and say that they were out if such item and I could have that instead or nothing in a very rudely tone. Dreadful. I surely do not recommend this restaurant...
Wow what a restaurant!!! food was great,service was excellent i highly recommend Efes 1 no other Turkish restaurant comes close and i have been to many. There are many imposters using the name Efes but this is the originally Efes. My father took me as a kid, now I'm bringing my own children a place were i can trust.
I have been to Efes restaurant and Efes takeaway for several years, and i can truly say that i have never been dis-satisfied. The food is amazing and always has on numerous occations in which i have visted. The Staff at the restaurant have always been very professional and polite and friendly, which is always a bonus.The disadvantage of the takeaway is that you may have to wait, as it is always busy, but it worth the wait. It is very reasonable price for Central London. A recommendation, which i do is phone up before i collect my take away. I would always recommend Efes!!
The take away is typically full around lunchtimes befitting the establishment's popularity. It seems hypocritical to complain about not being able to change your order after choosing (after they have put the food on the grill in an attempt to serve you quickly) and then say they're slow when you change your mind - if your want the food well cooked and delicious at a popular takeaway 10 minutes seems a perfectly reasonable amount of time to wait. One comes to appreciate the staff's wry sense of humour when ordering, rather than taking offence. The food is delicious and the service is fast and efficient. If you have any taste in kebabs efes is the place, Efes is the place to go.
Rude staff and mediocre food, that Efes takeaway. I was in there today and mistakanly asked for the wrong item. I corrected myself one minute later and was told I couldn't change my order. This was despite the man behind saying that he would take the item I ordered. I was then told that if I wanted to change my order I would wait an extra 10 minutes. Given this was lunchtime and only a takeaway kebab I thought this was a bit slow. When I asked why was it that the kebab I had just ordered had only been cooking for one minute, should the alternative take an extra 10 minutes, I was told "this isn't Macdonald's love". Insults and a mediocre kebab. Dont Bother!
Very friendly restaurant with good food at reasonable prices.
Always very accommodating and excellent for large parties with ample accommodation for groups.
Used by old boys of St Clement Danes School for annual re-unions.
Highly recommended!
