Roka and Zuma founders to open Greek restaurant Meraki

The 100-cover site will have two entrances – one on Great Titchfield Street and one on Foley Street ‒ each with their own outdoor, 20-cover terrace.

The name Meraki comes from the Greek term for ‘the love and soul someone puts into their work’, and the Waney family’s love of travelling through Greece. The restaurant will aim to offer ‘filoxenia’ – the Greek word for warm hospitality.

The menu comes from Greek chef Dimitrios Siamanis, whose London career includes the role of sous-chef at Michelin-starred restaurants The Square and Zafferano, Alain Ducasse’s The Grill at the Dorchester hotel, and Mayfair bistro La Petite Maison.

Dishes will include slow-cooked ox cheek with hilopites (Greek egg pasta) from Siamanis’ hometown of Trikala, with artichokes and graviera (Greek cheese); and baked cod wrapped in vine leaves, artichokes and broad beans in a mussels broth.

There will also be seasonally changing sharing mezze plates, chargrilled meats and whole fish dishes.

The drinks list will feature a selection of Greek wines from independent growers, and aim to champion some of the country’s growing craft beer industry.

A cocktail bar will serve drinks using Greek herbs such as kritamo (Greek samphire), mastic and marjoram, and citrus from the Greek island of Naxos.

Reservations open on 12 June.

The Waney family opened Japanese-style restaurant Zuma in Knightsbridge 15 years ago, followed by Roka, and La Petite Maison.

More recently they acquired The Arts Club on Dover Street, and opened Oblix at The Shard. They also operate Coya on Piccadilly and Coya Angel Court.