Continuing its international expansion, the new outpost of Chef Izu Ani's Greek-Mediterranean concept resides in upmarket Mayfair.
London is no stranger to Grecian cuisine — the city is home to everything from no-frills souvlaki joints and traditional tavernas to upscale Aegean eateries. Now, GAIA has joined the city's restaurant ranks, opening its doors in a desirable Mayfair location opposite The Ritz.
Created by two of the most prominent hospitality entrepreneurs in the GCC, Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, GAIA is recognised and respected for its blend of beauty and simplicity. Its success led to the opening of outposts in Doha, Marbella, and Monte-Carlo, setting a new benchmark for made-in-Dubai lifestyle concepts.
Named after the ancestral mother of all life in Greek mythology, this four-time winner of Best Greek Restaurant at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai embodies the essence of Greek-Mediterranean culture and cuisine. Transported effortlessly to London, the restaurant has been curated by interior design studio First Within. Its neoclassical features include domed arches, bulbous light fittings that resemble bunches of grapes, and azure blue furnishings. A captivating focal point, the ice market is home to the masterpieces of GAIA – the ingredients – sourced from Greece and the Mediterranean Sea.
The menu has been developed by Chef Izu Ani and Chef Orestis Kotefas, who have spent over 13 years together. Diners familiar with the Dubai menu will be happy to see their preferred mezze alongside Baked Feta Cheese (£19), Prawns Saganaki (£30) and Tyropita (a goat cheese pie with shavings of fresh black truffle). We opt for the Seabream Carpaccio (£49), a FACT-favourite dish in which the delicate fish has been dissected and placed back within itself so that the flesh resembles scales. Served with a choice of lemon oil, orange and bergamot, and truffle dressing, drizzled across the slithers, it's an Insta-worthy dish of clean, delicate flavours with a meaty texture and a hint of sweetness.
GAIA London's Lobster Salad (£36) is a luxurious treat that offers tender chunks of lobster amidst baby gem, asparagus, red onion, and a light mayo dressing, which brings a creamy richness to complement the texture of the shellfish. If you're feeling boujee, a caviar selection is also available.
Popular main courses include Chef Izu's signature Lamb Cutlets (£55) and the slow-cooked Baby Goat (£75). However, with the assistance of GAIA London's knowledgeable team, we'd suggest selecting from the restaurant's bountiful fresh fish display and having it cooked precisely to your preference (raw, grilled, baked with spiced tomato and Greek herbs, pan-fried or salt-baked). We happily devour a more-than-generous sea bass fillet which is baked ala speciota, fabulously flaky and breaks away at the mere touch of our fork. Presented alongside a spiced tomato sauce, it's a plentiful plate. The Black Truffle Pasta (£55) is another worthy choice in which al dente tubes of rigatoni pasta are served swimming in a decadent cream sauce and topped with a generous grating of fresh truffle.
GAIA London's dessert options include Coconut Cake (£18), Filo Mille Feuilles (£18) and Peanut Tart (£18). Regular diners at Izu-fronted concepts will likely make a bee-line for the Frozen Yogurt (£36). Presenting a literal mountain of Greek yogurt, embellished with caramelised walnuts, loukoumades and a generous drizzle of honey, it's a sweet treat that is easily enough for two or three people to share.
The bar at GAIA London features cocktails influenced by the earth, sun, mountains and sea: Theo is a warm blend of olive oil-infused tequila, basil, bergamot and mastika, while Talos is a herbaceous cocktail of orange gin, beetroot and dry fig. The restaurant also boasts a superb secret. Hidden on the lower level lies the nightlife venue NYX, which is influenced by the Greek Gods.
Dubai’s elite have long frequented Chef Izu's popular Greek restaurant, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, rapper 50 Cent and basketball star Lebron James all having dined at the DIFC location. The London clientele is no different and the room feels like money.
Following on from The Maine Mayfair and the ill-fated Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London, GAIA London brings the best of Dubai to the capital, offering a luxurious taverna experience anchored around strong service that celebrates the beauty of the Cyclades.
GO: Visit https://gaia-restaurants.com for reservations and more information.