The Dubai-based chef brings the timeless allure of France to the British capital.
We couldn't think of a better location for La Maison Ani's first foray outside of Dubai than The Carlton Tower Jumeirah. Wedged between the Hermès store opposite the luxury department store Harrods, Chef Izu Ani's latest London opening is perfectly suited to the Dubai-based hotel chain, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to affluent Middle Eastern travellers and well-heeled Knightsbridge locals.
La Maison Ani London is easily identifiable, thanks to its pretty pink awnings inlaid with an alluring gold font that sway seductively over the pavements of Cadogan Place. Inside, a beautifully stocked bar sits on a raised dais overlooking the bustling dining room. It's a space where powder pink upholstery, parquet flooring, distressed mirrors, and potted plants vie for attention. The result is a très chic space that encapsulates the feeling of an upmarket Parisian brasserie without the perceived pretension.
An open kitchen counter displays bowls of fresh produce, from bell peppers to strawberries, adding a rainbow of colour to the culinary skills on display. La Maison Ani London is also home to an exquisite boulangerie and patisserie, both inspired by the daily rituals of French culture.
Influenced by Chef Izu's love of travel and the cultures that have shaped his creativity, La Maison Ani London encompasses the core elements of French food, with touches of British and African cuisine to boot. Championing the simplicity of fresh ingredients, the restaurant's signature dishes include Fillet de bœuf grillé (grilled tenderloin), Travers de boeuf (slow-cooked short ribs) and Escalope de veau à la milanaise (veal Milanese).
We begin with Salade de lentilles vertes (£18), a dish that has been with Chef Izu since his days at La Petite Maison Dubai and one that elevates the simple green lentil salad with pickled vegetables and a touch of French finesse. The dish is as synonymous with the Izu brand as his Marinated Lamb Cutlets with pita bread and spiced aubergine (£53) and signature Izu Burger (£34), which are firm fixtures on the La Maison Ani London menu. The Burrata et tomates (£25) plates a creamy and bulbous ball of burrata cheese with cherry tomatoes to bring a subtle sweetness to the salad, while the Salade de quinoa (£18) mixes quinoa grains with cranberries and nuts for a textural treat.
Main courses span pasta, pizza, proteins and sandwiches. The Rigatoni aux truffes (£58) is a popular choice, replicating the al dente pasta tubes served swimming in a decadent cream sauce and topped with a generous grating of fresh truffle that has proven popular at Chef Izu's other London restaurant, GAIA. The Pappardelle à la Bolognaise (£26) is a rich take on bolognese with tender beef and a robust and punchy tomato sauce that coats the broad, flat pasta with ease. Prices are high, but it's a given considering the desirable location.
Desserts include Crème Brûlée, Tarte Tatin, and Tiramisu. However, the Warm Chocolate Mousse should be your pick. Served with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream, this sweet treat is superb for sharing and will delight chocaholics with its gooey centre and soft exterior.
Individually, Chef Izu Ani and restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin have achieved great success with Fundamental Hospitality, but collectively? Well, you could say they have the Midas touch. Opening one new restaurant in the capital is no mean feat, but La Maison Ani marks the second of three planned London openings for the brand this year.
La Maison Ani London may lack the sterling service and fountain views of its Dubai counterpart, yet the food remains the same. Fuss-free and fresh.
GO: Visit https://lamaisonanilondon.com for reservations and more information.