Retsina

Very good food. Squid starter along with assorted hot starters and the aubergine dip were all very good. The pita bread could be improved, perhaps with some of that lovely turkish bread .

Didn't try the house specialities and sea-food which were all £15+ but my lamb casserole with spinach and my partner's mixed souvlaki were first rate. For around a tenner each, the mains were excellent value.

I will try the Greek house specialties next time where 24 hours notice is required.

They didn't have any pork or baby squid, both of which we had ordered, and we had to change our order. Not inconvenient really, sicne the menu has enough variety.

Service was excellent once it got going. Very friendly. But earlier, there were a few noisy kids who apeared to be friends of the management. Was nice enough after they left. The sofa seating is difficult to get in and out of.

I'd avoid the house red wine and the greek red wine.

Generous main portions. Can easily avoid starters, though you would miss out.

All in all, a place for food lovers, great food and good value - who aren't too fussy about everything else being just so.
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NW3 resident
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Thursday, November 22, 2007

Four of us went to Retsina, which has taken over from Halepi

Overall, it was most disappointing.

Reasonably busy for a Saturday evening

Service - Lacking

Not particularly friendly

We had booked & had requested non-smoking, but were incorrectly shown to the wrong table & subsequently moved (a regular client always uses this table)

Rushed - Came across as 'we want to process you ASAP & then make space for the next customer'

Main course delivery was disjointed & we had to chase the delivery of the rice, while the meal was getting cold

Bill was presented without asking for it while we were drinking our coffee

Menu - Not extensive but standard Greek fare

Price - Expensive for what it was, reflecting the Belsize Park area & not the quality of food & service

Seating - No 'non smoking' areas & cramped (too many tables, necessitating having to meander in & out
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Stephen
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, April 11, 2007

I like this restaurant. I like it so much that I revisit the place at least once a month for my Greek fix! Every since its much needed revamp so months ago, changing its name from Halepi to Retsina, downsizing its menu and slashing its prices, the place has gone from strength to strength.

Tables are nicely spaced apart, service always good and atmosphere relaxed and welcoming.

All the regulars on the menu including specials such as suckling pig and whole fishes to share. Try to come with a group – this way you will get to sample the local mezza and have a chance to pick and share everything you order.

You could say I am a little “routine” when it comes to visiting my local restaurants. I pretty much order the same thing every time I go! I know what I am going to get and can’t resist it! You know the scenario – whether it is your once a week Indian or Chinese – you are likely to at least go for the onion bajee or prawn on toast!!

So onto the food - with delicious dips of homemade taramasalata (none of that pink bland mush you often find in supermarkets!) and refreshing taskaki made with cooling yogurt mint and cucumber. Hot pitta breads partners the mezze nicely but be aware not to order too much – however tempting, as portions are generous! You can’t miss the halumi – a salty, springy in texture, Greek cheese, thickly sliced and grilled. Garnishes of lemon compliment the cheese. Oh and don’t forget the classic Greek salad – you feel slightly healthy having this dish on the side – sweet tomatoes, red onion, rocket and cucumber topped with the salty feta so reminiscent of my Greek travels to Santorini! A nice dressing of simple good quality olive oil and red wine vinegar and a nice touch of dried oregano sprinkled liberally on top. I could go on – crisp calamari, spicy Greek sausage. All freshly cooked and nicely presented.

Main dishes – now these are good – very good. Chicken kebab at £9 comes with rice or potatoes and salad. A whooping 2 kebabs of delicate tender nuggets of chicken, onion and tomatoes just hits of the spot! So tasty, I managed to polish the lot!

Kleftiko of lamb is a classic for you lamb lovers out there. A “fall of the bone” shank of meat in a flavoursome jus is just what you need on a cold winters night…

Veal chop is also worth mentioning along with grilled king prawns. Now these are what gets my mouth watering – the smell of the beautifully char-grilled butterflied fishy morsels just says, “Eat me!!”

Now I am full – full to the brim of Greeky goodness! We cannot manage any desserts but my trusty waiter always brings to the table the little sweet squares of Turkish delight along with the bill of £50 for 3 including wine.

What is it about Greece and their passion for good simple ingredients that gets my heart racing? They respect each of their food, right down to the humble tomato! It about time we start listening and learning from this nation – good home cooking always leaves me satisfied and Retsina comes top of my Greek list! Go try for yourself – you will not be disappointed.
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ASHTON EATS
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, March 11, 2007