Gaia Mayfair review: the most interesting facts
Gaia Mayfair opened in December 2023 and the buzz around this restaurant hasn’t died down since then. Despite the huge number of chic venues in London, this is the place that all the restaurant critics never stop talking about, and people are eager to get there. And it is worth admitting that there are many objective and fair reasons for such hype.
The restaurant is located in a luxurious location the City of Westminster borough, at the crossover of Dover Street and Piccadilly. Home to many prestigious members’ clubs and fine dining restaurants, Gaia fits in perfectly with the overall atmosphere of the area. Gaia is the Greek goddess of the earth, so the venue named after her hopes to offer its guests the warm welcome, simplicity and hospitality that are characteristic of Greek culture. Perhaps this is exactly what a busy Londoner needs in the midst of his working day.
Before opening in London, Gaia Mayfair had already earned a great reputation with its venues in Monte-Carlo, Doha and Dubai. The restaurant is famous not only for its exquisite interiors and iconic dishes, but also for its top-notch service. This is another reason why everyone has high hopes for this restaurant.
At Gaia Mayfair, you can try Mediterranean cuisine, which was created by the famous chef Izu Ani. Visitors who have been here describe the food as sublime. Together with Izu Ani, the co-founder of Gaia Mayfair is the successful restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin. Both men have worked together before, but their new collaboration is something incredible! The entrepreneurs want to replicate the success Gaia has had in the UAE, Monte Carlo and Doha, and hope that Londoners and visitors to the city will enjoy the place they have created.
Things are going even better at London’s Gaia so far. You’ll have to wait a few weeks to get a table, but once inside, the wait will be worth it.
Overall, the creators describe Gaia as a ‘refined taverna’, and the restaurant certainly delivers on that impression with a large dining room with open-plan tables and upbeat music that echoes the lively conversations of the people inside. Despite the atmosphere of a seaside tavern on the shores of the Mediterranean, Gaia’s interior looks incredibly stunning. Designed by British studio First Within, which has previously won multiple awards, the space inside combines history and modernity, with neoclassical elements, domed arches and Hellenic statues, framed by limestone walls and azure-blue furniture. Visitors also praise the fast and attentive service, as well as the large number of staff who are always ready to help you with your choice.
What Gaia Mayfair offers its guests from the menu?
For a true taste of the Mediterranean while in London, don’t hesitate to head to Gaia Mayfair. But be sure to plan your visit in advance, because as we’ve already warned you, there are a lot of people who want to get here. The venue seats 160 people, but even on a weekday it is very crowded.
Chef Izu worked on the menu together with Chef Orestis Kotefas. Over 13 years of working together, they have already formed a real dream team. Chef Orestis, whose father was a cheese maker and mother a cook, grew up in Greece among olive fields and fresh farm produce, so the passion for fresh, quality food is in his blood. In addition, Izu Ani has extensive experience working in Mediterranean restaurants, many of which are Michelin-starred.
As Chef Izu admits, they prepare their dishes from simple, understandable products in order to create happiness, joy, and give peace and pleasure to everyone. Furthermore, GAIA’s goal is to remain as authentic as it was when it first opened.
One of the main highlights of Gaia is the fish counter, where freshly caught seafood is presented. Here you can not only choose your fish and seafood yourself, but also choose the method of their preparation. There is also a traditional wood-fired oven.
Gaia Mayfair has a huge selection of dishes. The entire menu is divided into two categories – appetizers and large dishes, which are usually ordered by large families. You can try lobster, shrimp, lamb chops, as well as more sophisticated Mediterranean dishes. Particularly recommended is, for example, the sea bream carpaccio, which is called tsipoura. But be careful: the price of fish is per kilogram. One of the crowd favorites is the courgette tempura, or kolokithi, which is served with tomato sauce. Another Gaia hit is the Kritharaki, a tomato-based seafood orzo sauce with freshly caught squid, shrimp and clams.
For dessert, try the filo mille-feuille or coconut sponge cake served with cream (Ravani) to finish off your meal. The waiters also highly recommend trying Pagoto Giourti, which is frozen Greek yogurt topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with honey. Another dessert option is Tarta me Fistikia. This is a multi-layered cake with a crunchy peanut shortbread base, topped with salted caramel and chocolate mousse. As an aperitif, try craft cocktails inspired by beaches, warmth, sun and mountains.
