London is known for its endless array of imaginative eateries, with somewhere new to try every day of the week. But few new openings create quite the same buzz as the opulent Gaia Mayfair, which opened its doors in December and has been garnering attention for all the right reasons ever since.
With existing venues across Monte-Carlo, Doha and Dubai – the brand has built a reputation for class and sophistication with some iconic dishes, created by renowned chef Izu Ani – and now, it’s bringing a taste of the Med to one of London’s most sophisticated locations in the most sophisticated of ways.
This Greek-style restaurant features super slick interiors, and brings the feel of a seaside escape to the heart of the city – while the cuisine is, quite simply, sublime. If you’re wondering why you should book yourself a table here ASAP, then let us introduce you to your new favourite dining spot in the City of Westminster borough – and quite possibly the whole of the capital.
A prime location
Located at the crossover of Dover Street and Piccadilly, GAIA enjoys one of London’s most highly sought-after postcodes. Mayfair is steeped in rich history, and is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, leafy squares and high-end boutiques, making it a prime location for affluent buyers. Home to an array of prestigious members’ clubs and high-end restaurants, Gaia Mayfair fits in seamlessly.
“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,” says Evgeny Kuzin, co-founder. “London is a key cosmopolitan city, one of the world’s leading financial centres and a cultural hub. It’s imperative that GAIA 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.”
Greek simplicity and hospitality
Named after the Greek goddess of earth, Gaia offers guests an unparalleled dining experience, celebrating craft, simplicity and the warm hospitality that are synonymous with Greek culture. Dreamt up by Evgeny and chef Izu, two of the most prominent hospitality entrepreneurs across the UAE, the restaurant hopes to continue the success of GAIA’s Dubai, Monte-Carlo and Doha offerings – and so far, it is doing a great job. Tables often book up weeks in advance, and once you’ve experienced its welcoming atmosphere and decadent cuisine, it’s easy to see why.
Culture and cuisine
Chefs Izu and Orestis Kotefas have been working closely together for the past 13 years, forming something of a dream team.
Izu cut his teeth at Michelin-starred restaurants across the Mediterranean coast including La Bastide Saint Antoine and Auberge de L’Ill, in the south of France and St Sebastian’s adored Arzak. Having spent his childhood amongst lush Grecian olive groves and farm fields, chef Orestis’ passion for quality ingredients and cooking was born at home from his father, a cheese maker, and his mother, a cook. As a result, GAIA’s menu is inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, showcasing the freshest seasonal produce.
“Our philosophy is one of culture and cuisine,” says chef Izu. “We focus on food, on simple, honest and humble ingredients that come together to create joy. In the kitchen, we cook to create happiness, to bring a calm and pure moment of pleasure to everyone who enters. We first opened five years ago, and have built a strong foundation across three beautiful locations, 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.”
Each dish tells a story
The simplicity of Mediterranean culture is all part of Gaia’s allure, and invites diners to break bread with friends and family just as you would in Greece. The fish counter is a highlight, and features a selection of freshly caught produce that can be cooked in various ways according to your taste, including raw, grilled, pan-fried with aromatic harissa or salt-baked.
Mezze dishes include smoked cod roe and lemon zest, Taramosalata, and Melitzanosalata – while larger dishes like the Kritharaki (heady tomato sauce of seafood orzo studded with freshly caught calamari, prawns, and clams) and Paidakia Arnisia (lamb cutlets served with tzatziki and freshly baked pita) are real show-stoppers you won’t want to miss out on.
To finish, there’s a suitable array of decadent treats to indulge in, too – from the Pagoto Giourti (frozen Greek yoghurt topped with chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey) to the Ravani (coconut sponge cake served with cream), you’ll be spoilt for choice – just make sure to save some room to try one, because they are more than worth it.
To wash it all down with, or for a pre-dinner aperitif, you can sip on cocktails inspired by the earth, sun, mountains and sea, including the Theo – a warm blend of olive oil-infused tequila, basil, bergamot and mastika, and Talos, a herbaceous cocktail of orange gin, beetroot and dry fig – all of which are experiences in themselves.
In a nutshell
For mouth-watering seafood and warm Greek hospitality in one of London’s most esteemed postcodes, Gaia Mayfair serves up a taste of the Mediterranean that promises to keep you coming back for more. It’s one of the city’s top dining hot spots for 2024, but be sure to book well in advance as, unsurprisingly, tables are in high demand.
Factbox
Address: 50 Dover St, London W1S 4NY
Phone: 020 3961 0000
Website: gaia-restaurants.com/london/
All imagery credit: Gaia Mayfair
