Modern Greek restaurants continue to dazzle London. The latest is Gaia, the fourth in a growing group. There are Gaia branches in Dubai, Doha, and Monte Carlo.
Opening on December 1, the 154-cover restaurant promises to bring “the craft, simplicity and warmth” of Grecian culture to Mayfair — Bacchanalia territory, indeed — a “luxurious” taverna kitted out with neo-classical features: domed arches, Hellenic statues, and azure blue furnishings against limestone walls.
The concept was created by the restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin together with chef Izu Ani, both charting a course from the Gulf to London. Every day, the restaurant will display fresh seafood on a counter, offer freshly baked bread, and serve dishes cooked in a traditional wooden oven.
There will also be a salad bar, though this is unlikely to be similar to those found in Harvester and Pizza Hut.
“We hope to create a home away from home for Londoners and introduce the city to the way we love to create lifestyle concepts,” Kuzin told the Standard.
“London is a key cosmopolitan city — one of the world’s leading financial centres and a cultural hub. It’s imperative that Gaia has a home in London.”
Ani, meanwhile, will be working alongside chef Orestis Kotefas to create the menus. The pair have spent 13 years cooking together — at La Bastide Saint Antoine and Auberge de L’Ill in the south of France, and St Sebastian’s lauded restaurant Arzak.
Mezze dishes will include taramasalata with pita bread, stuffed vine leaves, and prawns marinated in rosemary, harissa, lemon juice and olive oil. Larger plates might be seafood orzo of calamari, prawns and clams, and lamb cutlets with tzatziki. Wines, cocktails? Of course.
Ani said: “Our philosophy is one of culture and cuisine. We focus on food — on simple, honest and humble ingredients.
“We first opened five years ago and have built a strong foundation. In London, we aim to ensure the essence of Gaia remains as authentic as it was when it first opened, as it becomes embedded within the local community."
