Latest opening: Gaia
What: A luxurious Greek restaurant just off Piccadilly on Mayfair’s Dover Street. Taking its name from the Greek goddess of earth, Gaia seeks to embody ‘the quintessence of Greek-Mediterranean cuisine’. The 154-cover restaurant is located in the same development that is home to 1 Hotel Mayfair.
Who: Gaia marks the first London restaurant outing for Evgeny Kuzin. He already operates Gaia restaurants in Dubai, Monte-Carlo and Doha. Based in Dubai, His Fundamental Hospitality group operates 25 restaurants worldwide (its other brands include Ly-La, Shanghai Me and La Maison Ani). The business is growing fast with plans to launch a further six restaurants this year in Dubai alone. The chef behind the Gaia brand is the Nigerian-born Izu Ani. Trained in London and France, his CV includes La Petite Maison, The Square and Alsace’s Auberge de l’Ill. The dining room at Gaia is overseen by Margot co-founder Nicolas Jaouën.
The vibe: Designed by First Within, Gaia is an impressive-looking space that makes good use of the building’s ample natural light. Design details include domed arches, Hellenic statues, limestone walls and azure blue furnishings.
The food: Ani’s menu mixes classic Greek dishes with more creative ones. Key dishes include grilled octopus with fava bean puree; prawns saganaki; Greek-style meatballs; and whole grilled chicken with fried bread, Mavrodafni sauce, winter truffle and mushrooms. Fish can also be ordered directly from the restaurant’s impressive fresh seafood display. Diners pay according to weight and can choose from a range of preparation method including raw, salt-crusted and pan-fried. Save room for the restaurant’s show-stopping dessert of frozen Greek yoghurt with honey, caramelised walnuts and loukoumades (Greek doughnuts).
To drink: In a nod to its namesake goddess, Gaia’s cocktails are inspired by the earth, sun, mountains and sea. Options include Theo (a warm blend of olive oil-infused tequila, basil, bergamot and mastika); and Talos (orange gin, beetroot and dried fig).
And another thing: Kuzin says he is hoping to bring his La Maison Ani French restaurant brand to London within the next year.
50 Dover Street, London W1S 4NY
www.gaia-restaurants.com
