Greek Restaurant near Chalk Farm

[menton1]

A few years back I went with some friends to a wonderful Greek restaurant, it was about 2-3 blocks from the Chalk Farm Tube station. Does anybody know if the place is still there, and what is the name and address? Thanks very much!

[clb]

Over the bridge into Primrose Hill? Quite big and white with a lot of potted plants? If so, Lemonia on Regent's Park Road.

clb

[Wilfrid]

Just beat me to it. This place. It was indeed a cut above the average High Street Greek, but I was probably last there even longer ago than menton1.

[Tonyfinch]

Actually the food at Lemonia and its nearby sister Limani is very ordinary. It's a good example of how good ambience can overcome the limitations of the cuisine. The denizens of Chalk Farm/Primrose Hill wanted a local Greek to recreate their Greek island holidays and, being a wealthier group, enjoyed a slightly more upmarket atmosphere than was available in the more basic tavernas of Camden Town and Charlotte St.

Nothing wrong with that of course, and I enjoyed several meals there myself, but the fact is that the food itself is as basic and as ordinary as every other Greek Taverna type restaurant around town.

[Wilfrid]

From years ago, I would contend that it was at least better than the Charlotte Street/Rathbone Place ventures, but my memory is fallible. Another slightly better than average Greek taverna was some joint near Exmouth Market. Ring any bells with anyone?

[jayrayner]

yeah. The kolossi grill. A place where many a guardian staff putsch (never followed through on) has been plotted. It's always struck me as servicable rather than anything else.

[rjs1]

I agree Lemonia has a good atmosphere but sometimes rather ordinary food. Specials can be the best bet - I had an unusual and rather good hare dish there a couple of months ago. Quite good wine list, if not in the Real Greek league.

[jayrayner]

One great reccomendation - with which rjs1 will doutbless concurr - is Rodos round the back of centre point. V good. Robert - you do the explaining.

[rjs1]

Absolutely concur with Mr Rayner. Rodos (59 St Giles High St WC2, Tel. 020 7836 3177) is very old school in that they don't give a damn about modern trends or decor (I've been going there for 22 years and it doesn't seem to have changed a bit, or indeed seen a lick of paint, in that time), but they do care a lot about the food. Sadly its continuing existence is threatened by crack dealers taking over the neighbourhood, so please go there and support while it's still with us.