To Kefi: A Great Greek Restaurant London - Restaurant Review

Apr 3

4 min read

Greek food thrives on simplicity—it’s all about fresh ingredients, homely flavours, and generous portions. To Kefi, a small family-run spot just outside Kingston, delivers exactly that: unfussy, authentic Greek food that hits the spot when you're craving the real thing. It’s not a place that tries to reinvent the wheel, but sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.

Tucked away just a short distance from the heart of Kingston upon Thames, in the quiet area of Norbiton, To Kefi is a family-run Greek restaurant serving all the classic dishes you’d expect. The décor is simple and unpretentious, with a cosy, café-style atmosphere—likely in a building that once served as an apartment. This gives the place an intimate, homely feel—ideal for a relaxed dining experience.

The service stood out immediately. Our waitress was particularly helpful, guiding us through the menu with genuine suggestions, but without any push to upsell—a big win in my book. There was a real focus on making the experience comfortable and authentic, which is exactly what you want in a family-run spot like this.

One thing that struck me was the presence of many Balkan guests. This is always a good sign in my eyes, indicating that the food is genuinely authentic. On the day of our visit, the restaurant was filled with a mix of young couples and families, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a laid-back weekend lunch.

If I’m being picky, there was a bit of a disruption when children began running around the restaurant, which felt out of place in a relatively quiet setting. However, considering the homey, apartment-like vibe, it’s no surprise the kids felt at ease. That said, it did get a little distracting when they started grabbing chairs and playing across our table.

What We Ordered: A Taste of Greece

The menu at To Kefi is heavily centred on grilled meats, and we couldn’t resist trying the Greek Bifteki and Lamb Kebabs—two classic dishes that capture the heart of Greek cuisine. Greek Bifteki are circular baked beef patties, akin to burgers, but packed with a more intense flavour. These were juicy and incredibly meaty, with a perfect balance of oregano, garlic, and parsley that screamed authenticity.

The Lamb Kebabs were equally delightful, made with minced lamb meat and spices that gave them a slightly salty flavour. The grill had added a crisp texture on the outside, making each bite all the more satisfying. Both were served with crispy chips, a refreshing salad, tzatziki, and fresh homemade pita bread—each element adding to the authentic experience.

Straying from the grilled meats, we also ordered Moussaka—a classic Greek dish, and it didn’t disappoint. The creamy, velvety layers were exactly what you’d expect, rich and comforting. A perfect square of moussaka arrived at the table, and there wasn’t a bite left when we were done.

It was a must that we included a Greek salad as a side. Unfortunately, this was the weakest part of the meal. I appreciate the amount of feta cheese we got and it had all the ingredients you'd look for, but it felt lazy to just place a whole block on top. It would have been much better if it had been crumbled up or cut up for a more refined finish.

huge, flaky slice of homemade baklava, drizzled with syrup and packed with layers of nuts and pastry at To Kefi.

Finally, we rounded off the meal with a traditional Greek Coffee and Baklava. Our waitress had raved about the baklava, claiming it was her go-to indulgence after work. I can see why—unlike the overly sweet, mass-produced versions, this baklava was wonderfully moist and just the right level of sweetness. It was an impeccable end to the meal and I've never had a slice of baklava so big so there's plenty to share - if you are willing to do so

Service & Value: A Warm Greek Welcome

To Kefi restaurant’s simple yet elegant place mat and cutlery, ready for an authentic Greek dining experience.

The service at To Kefi was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about Greek cuisine, which made a huge difference in enhancing our experience. The staff made sure we felt at home, offering honest recommendations and never rushing us through the meal.

In terms of value, To Kefi provides excellent quality at a reasonable price. Our meal came to around £25 per person, which felt very fair given the portions and quality of the food. Of course, if you skip the coffee and desserts, it could be even more affordable. This meal was a treat, generously paid for by my mum, but if you're just going for the main dishes, it’s perfectly reasonable for a nice lunch out.

Is To Kefi Worth a Visit?

To Kefi isn’t about reinventing Greek cuisine—it’s about serving the classics, done right. From hearty Bifteki to creamy Moussaka and flaky Baklava, the food is comforting, familiar, and authentic, with that homemade touch you rarely find in chain restaurants. If you're looking for an unfussy, family-run spot offering truly authentic Greek food, this place is a reliable choice.