On Dover Street within the same development that is home to 1 Hotel Mayfair, the site will have 154-cover and promises an ‘unparalleled dining experience, celebrating craft, simplicity and the warm hospitality so loved in Greek culture’.
Mezze dishes will include smoked cod roe and lemon zest and melitzanosalata (an aubergine-based dip.
Larger dishes include kritharaki (orzo with tomato sauce, calamari, prawns and clams) and paidakia arnisia (lamb cutlets served with tzatziki and freshly baked pita).
Desserts take in pagoto giourti (frozen Greek yoghurt, topped with chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey) and ravani (coconut sponge cake served with cream).
Restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani currently operate Gaia restaurants in Dubai, Monte-Carlo and Doha.
“With Gaia’s debut in London, 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 says. “London is a key cosmopolitan city, one of the world’s leading financial centres and a cultural hub, it’s imperative that Gaia’s has a home in London. It is also personally one of my favourite cities in the world, and I enjoy my time in the city more and more with every visit.”
“Our philosophy is one of culture and cuisine. We focus on food, on simple, honest and humble ingredients that come together to create joy,” adds Ani. “In the kitchen, we cook to create happiness, to bring a calm and pure moment of pleasure to everyone who enters. We first opened 5 years ago, and have built a strong foundation across 3 beautiful countries, Dubai, Doha and Monaco. 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.”
Designed by First Within the space will be ‘both inviting and luxurious with design details including domed arches, Hellenic statues framed by limestone walls, azure blue furnishings, a fresh fish counter and a traditional wood oven.
Taking inspiration from Gaia’s namesake, the Greek goddess, the restaurant’s bar will feature cocktails inspired by the earth, sun, mountains and sea, including Theo (a warm blend of olive oil-infused tequila, basil, bergamot and mastika); and Talos (orange gin, beetroot and dry fig).