Carob Tree

In my quest for the best Greek restaurant in London, I found myself in this establishment across from Parliament hill.

They have a nice outside seating area that was closed, and the demographic in the restaurant was a bit over middle aged.

That didn't bother us much, the food was very good, I particularly enjoyed the sausages and happily dipped them and my pitta in the tzatziki sauce.

3 things that bothered me about Carob tree were that the vibe resembles more a posh english restaurant (even with the faint greek music in the background), the fact that the bottled water we ordered was room temperature (if you know me, you know how much that infuriates me) and the worst thing was that we saw the other tables getting their complimentary baclava dessert but a plate never reached our table! :(

Overall it was a lovely meal, if you want something quiet and don't mind paying for the privilege.

We ended up at The Carob Tree after a rather hungry stroll in Hampstead Heath. Overly grateful for the table and ungraciously eager to order, "no no, we'll order drinks and food together."

Now that we should stumble across a restaurant so well reviewed by my boss is simply delirious luck, but to be greeted by just the right character of host was wonderful.

A quick scan of the menu we had been recommended to choose around five dishes, including a dip or two, a couple of meat dishes and a salad. Naturally we went for a bit more than suggested, because by this stage no food seemed like it could be enough - but we restrained from ordering everything, which I felt was good of us.

The houmous and melin tzanosalata to you and I that's: roasted aubergine, tomato , garlic olive oil and lemon dip came with fresh toasted pita - apparently delicious, but I requested something non-glutenous and some refreshing cucumber fit the bill. Oh and wine - let's not forget the wine.

The restaurant itself it simple, but extremely welcoming and was buzzing with chatter and evidently very happy guests.

The wine was going down a treat, but we were clearly looking starved and assured our food would be coming out as soon as each dish was cooked - that's how small plates work and we were happy to wait.

But shortly they arrived in their individual glory - coal grilled asparagus with kefalotiri - that's a delicate cheese, and who doesn't like cheese, on everything?

Keftedes next, these are a generously sized mixture of minced pork, spices and potato fried in little balls.

But it's not over yet, here goes the charcoal grilled lamb... I know, I know..

I'm hungry all over again. Fresh lemon squeezed on everything; mouthfuls of smokey meat, perked up with fresh flavours red onion and sweet grilled peppers

And it wouldn't be a proper meze if we didn't have some squid.. again, the charcoal grill just gives it that flavour that I can't quite get over on every mouthful.

The tentacles were particularly crispy, which sounds barbaric but really we all know they're the best bit.

Filled to the brim, there's no intention of looking at the dessert menu (though we all know there's a second stomach for that!)

But it seems sweet is not an option here - before we could ask for the bill our host has popped these down and almost before we can say thank you.. Greek baklava - layers of filo pastry, syrup honey and chopped nuts

We mentioned thrice how sweet it is and by the fourth consideration of its intensity we'd demolished the lot . Concluding, that it was just sweet enough.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I'd thoroughly recommend a visit here, via the woods or just getting in the car works too!


A full review available with photos on my blog www.survivalsurvival.com

Food was reasonable. I had Grilled Mixed Meat and the meat was ok, a lot of a fat to chew which was disappointing. Chicken was fine and the hand cut chips were nice.

The service though was good, friendly and reasonably efficient.

Again, I only live round the corner from this Greek restaurant. And I have to say, I had dinner here at the Carob Tree was one hundred per cent outstanding. I think the catering staff at Carob Tree Might have some leg trained at five-star central London hotel. I'd rather go into the Cafe than the Carob Tree Calendar.

Hi went to the fabulous Carob Tree Restaurant again on Thursday if you haven't been there yet then you must. Friendly staff and of course great food as always. Wine at all prices. xxMitch
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Honestly, for me this is the best Greek food in London, it's just a pity it's a little out of the way. At the bottom of Parliament Fields, at the end of the C2 bus line, there lies the Carob Tree. An ex pub still with the sign up. It's run by Louie who I've always seen there, always welcoming, always friendly.

We normally order the special meze which is for a minimum of four people, and this is probably the only area where Louie won't accommodate you, if you're less than 4, you're out of luck!
Normally when I see a 'special' on the menu, I recall reading Anthony Bourdain writings on the subject, sometimes stuff that they need to get rid of, things that have been around for a while, but this is definitely not the case here. Fresh cold meze, hummus, baba ghanoush, taramasalata etc. followed by hot meze, grilled halloumi, spicy sausages, some feta and spinach parcels. You then tuck into the fish courses, Louie knows we like Octopus and Calamares so there always seems to be some on the table. Finally, when you're groaning, the meat arrives, a couple of skewers of lamb and chicken which you struggle to finish. Then comes a couple of small things for dessert, normally a scoop of ice cream and Baklava. You leave happy. Every time.

Can't fault the service, the staff are attentive but not overbearing, you're greeted when you arrived and seen to the exit when you finally roll out the door!

The prices are average. I recommend you to visit this place, because of the pleasant atmosphere. In my opinion it can be less intimidating to meet someone there than at a bar, for example. Of course, it is not easy to break the ice with strangers, but if you're patient you might find your soulmate or best friend.

Loved it!great food, great service, decent prices. Really enjoyed my time in this Greek restaurant

if you want fantastic quality for food brilliant service good wine and an amazing atmosphere i highly recommend the carob tree.Never had jumbo prawns like it. congratulations to the new owner who took care of us.