Kefi, Neighborhood Stalwart

Kefi, 505 Columbus Avenue, between W. 84th and W. 85th, NYC, 1/18/13

Moderately priced Greek restaurant that never disappoints.  A neighborhood favorite.

The grilled octopus, slightly smokey and tender, and served with a tasty bean salad of chick peas, black-eye peas and red peppers is a meze that never disappoints.  Tender meatballs with roasted garlic and a melange of olives will appeal to the meat lover in the group.

A generous lamb shank was cooked to "falling off the bone" perfection and served with orzo.  The grilled hanger steak was cooked exactly as ordered, and was accompanied by manouri (a Greek cheese) and seasonal brussel spouts.  Both entrees were generous enough to require doggy bags, and made a wonderful lunch the next day.  The chicken souvlaki sandwich was served in fresh pita bread and plated with a generous portion of Greek salad and homemade chips. 

The galaktobouriko with orange spoon fruit is the dessert to try-sweet, but not too sweet, with a custardlike consistency.  The lemon sorbet was suitably tart.  The walnut cake is usually moist, but this time was a little dry.  The walnut ice cream made it edible.

Kefi is a restaurant that warmly welcomes everyone whether you are ordering a three course meal or just having one of their delicious sandwiches.  In spite of the moderate prices, there is never any pressure to order more than you want to eat.  An UWS asset.