The latest venue from the Gaia Group in London’s Mayfair is a Grecian fine dining epiphany. Born from the creative minds of Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, Gaia is a gastronomic odyssey that redefines classic Greek dishes.
Upon entering Gaia, one is immediately struck by the seafood display, a theatrical showcase of the ocean’s bounty. This cornucopia of fresh seafood sets the stage for a culinary experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Named after the Greek goddess, the mother of all life, Gaia takes its inspiration seriously. The restaurant embodies this life-giving essence, bringing the vibrancy and richness of Greek cuisine to London’s elite dining scene.
The ethos of Gaia is steeped in the Greek belief that a meal’s taste is amplified by good company. This philosophy permeates the atmosphere, creating a dining environment where each meal becomes a communal celebration, a shared joy in the art of eating well.
The bar at Gaia is a tribute to the trinity of the Goddess of the Earth: Sea, Mountains, and Sun. Each element is artfully incorporated into the bar’s ambiance and drink selections, offering guests a sip of mythology alongside their meals.
Now, to the heart of Gaia: its menu. A Homer-worthy journey through traditional flavours with contemporary flair begins with delicious fresh treats from the raw selection. The Red Pagri Ceviche, a natural fusion of a delicious catch with pear and confit tomatoes, delivers a sharp and punchy cold dish that takes the palate to new heights. The oysters, a must-have at Gaia, are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, offering a taste of the sea in its purest form.
Delving deeper into the menu, the Grilled Octopus, served with a silky fava puree, exemplifies Gaia’s ability to transform simple ingredients into fine dining masterpieces. The Dolmadakia Stuffed Vine Leaves are a mosaic of flavours that celebrate the cornerstones of Grecian cooking. The Baked Feta Cheese, a comforting revelation, features barrel-aged feta baked to perfection, crowned with a crust of honey and nuts, creating a symphony of sweet and savoury notes. The Wood Oven Prawns and Orzo Seafood Pasta are celebrations of the sea, each dish delivering hearty broths that transport you to the Mediterranean.
No meal at Gaia is complete without indulging in the desserts. The Loukoumades, fried donuts dripping with sticky honey, cinnamon, and caramelised walnuts, are a delight. The Peanut Tart, a masterful blend of peanut butter shortbread, salted caramel ganache, and milk chocolate crémeux, is not to be missed.
Gaia is a journey into the heart of Greek cuisine, reimagined for the modern palate. Every dish, wine glass, and moment shared in Gaia is a celebration of life, a testament to the restaurant’s namesake, and a tribute to the joy of good food and company.
