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A row of hanging flower baskets and large-paned windows folding out on to Primrose Hill's main shopping street herald London's classiest Greek restaurant. Inside, it's a sunny place, filled with carefree locals who treat it as something akin to the neighbourhood chippie, and groups of friends who have made the journey for a fun evening out.
Booking is prudent at all times: even on a weeknight in the depths of the recession, people were patiently waiting for tables - though, rest assured, there is a large number of covers, and service is brisk without being pushy.
The menu is extensive; add a sheet of specials and the set menu and deciding what to eat is a challenge. We eventually settled on the clichés: deliciously smoky grills of tender calamari and lamb shashlik, with spanakópitta and succulent cheesy courgette fritters to start. Come dessert, a crisp, nut-filled tunnel of syrup-soaked kataïfi outclassed the galaktopoúreko, whose bland custard filling was slightly too thick with starch.
The only real disappointment, however, was the wine list: we noticed high mark-ups on bottles available cheaply in Majestic. Still, Lemonia's delicious food and happy vibe easily compensate.
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What is 'following'?020 7586 7454
Lunch served noon-3pm Mon-Fri; noon-3.30pm Sun. Dinner served 6-11.30pm Mon-Sat
Main courses £10.50-£15. Set lunch (Mon-Fri) £9.75 2 courses, £11.50 3 courses. Set mezédes £19.50 per person (minimum 2)
Credit cards MC, V
Facilities
Tables outdoors ( 6, pavement ), Babies and children admitted, Booking essential, Separate room for parties ( seats 40 )A family meal favourite since the late 80s, Tony runs this Greek-Cypriot with a natural care and attention that explains its appeal.
A versatile layout lends itself to a range of occasions, be that an intimate meal in the booths or a gregarious gathering in the open-plan conservatory. The menu always supplies a range of carefully prepared authentic Greek meals, balancing wholesomeness with freshness. Lemonia's is a welcome break from contrived and elitist restaurants that have a tendency of populating areas like Primrose Hill. If you're looking for a welcoming taverna run by people who have pride in what they do and an deep understanding of what makes a good meal, I can recommend no better.
Visited Lemonia for the first time with a party of ten this evening (16th September) and have to say the food, the service and the atmosphere was just lovely.
As a regular customer I look forward to Lemonia's fast and efficient service, friendly authentic staff and lovely food. Although it's such a busy restaurant it handles itself well, and keeps a reasonable price. I prefer going for dinner rather than lunch but it's a great choice for any occasion or simply an excuse not to cook!
Yet another noisy restaurant where a sullen waiter thinks nothing of reaching across me in the middle of a conversation to shove their armpit in my face just to collect a plate or glass or put some food out. When will these places ever learn the meaning of waiting? ie wait till the guests are ready
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