April 9, 2025 |
Spring is in the air and the sun is glittering over London, there’s no better way to hard-launch yourself into summer than with the taste of the Mediterranean. And for the best of the best? Look no further than Gaia. Sitting on the corner of Mayfair’s Dover Street, the homegrown Greek food restaurant born of a collaboration between Evgeny Kuzin and renowned chef Izu Ani serves authentic cuisine that’s likely the closest you can get to tasting those Mediterranean flavours without the hullabaloo of a flight out of London. Prawn Saganaki (prawns in a tomato and garlic sauce with cheese), olive oil infused tequila cocktails and Loukoumades (Greek fried donuts covered in honey and cinnamon); Gaia – which opened in December 2023 – is a piece of Greek culinary heaven sitting in the heart of the city centre.
Responsible for creating these delicious dishes and bringing us the taste of Greece is none other than co-founder chef Izu Ani. For Gaia, the culinary maestro created a show stopping menu overflowing with flavour and embedded with a nod to tradition, and on Saturday night when we were invite to attend a meal alongside colleagues and friends, we were transported to the land of white sand via our taste buds.
Upon entry, a wall of ice adorned with fresh seafood appeared in front of us. It was surrounded by opulent marble architecture and buntings of fresh vegetables that then lead to an open-plan kitchen. The ethereal beauty of the interior as we entered transported us away from the streets of Mayfair. Highlights included bold, dramatic and heavenly bubbles (lighting fixtures) hanging from the ceiling that gave off a smooth, romantic hue. The ambience was effortlessly elegant, just as it should be – this is Gaia after all, a refined taverna beaming with character. The whole place is even shrouded in olive, tomato and lemon trees. The aromas of herby and zesty flavours surround you like a subtly intoxicating taste of what’s to come – and we couldn’t wait. Pass the tzatziki please!
Once seated, sip on fragrant cocktails fit for an evening on a Greek isle – each created based on the earth, mountains, sea and sun. The ingredients for some blend olive oil infused tequila and Greek yogurt to curate one-of-a-kind tipples.
What’s more – the portions? Huge. The food? Fresh, bursting with flavour, and faithful to its Greek roots. We shared starters, each had a main and indulged in dessert. Mezedes of Varelisia Feta Psiti, Baked Barrel-Aged Feta Cheese wherein the crunch of Filo pastry and the sweetness of honey cut through the savoury feta. The mains did not disappoint, either. The lobster pasta was tender and succulent, with a symphony of sweet flavours that melted effortlessly on the tongue. The Lamb Cutlets and Rib Eye Steak were smooth like butter, releasing cascades of smoky chargrilled flavour with every bite, balanced out by citrus-light tzatziki, pita bread and refreshing Picpoule white wine on the side. Is your mouth watering yet?
The Gaia experience is truly something special. There are hardly enough adjectives to describe how truly incredible the food is. Each dish is bursting with flavour and cooked to absolute perfection. As for the staff? They’re outstanding. From their warm smiles to their top-notch professionalism, the service was impeccable, showing true dedication to making every guest feel welcome.
Gaia
Once our bellies were full, we were whisked down to NYX, an intimate members club nestled underneath Gaia’s restaurant and operated by the eatery. Named after the Greek Goddess of the Night, NYX was an enchanting haven where a vibrant ambiance seamlessly blended with sleek décor, making for a memorable night in Mayfair.
We were greeted with Espresso Martinis and Honey Margaritas which fuelled the swivel in our hips as house music blared from inconspicuous speakers. The club features opulent red velvet seating, a mirrored ceiling and pulsating lights that dance in sync to the beat of the music that played.
Resident DJs Mike Ross and Magaziine had guests grooving and shimmying the night away. With infectious house tracks from artists like Pawsa and Prospa spinning, it was impossible to stay seated.
The exclusive lounge was of course stocked with every spirit you could imagine, with the menu taking a twist on classic cocktails that had a fusion of Mediterranean flavours.
Gaia is a must-visit and NYX makes for a cracking night out. You’d be a fool to not give both a go.
Photography courtesy of Gaia.
NYX
