The Aegean too hot in August these days? Never mind: a trio of smart taverna launches in London means it will be easier than ever to enjoy a taste of Greece in the capital this summer.
First to open was Maza in Bruton Place, Mayfair this week from Christina Mouratoglou and Adrien Carre, the couple behind Mazi and Suzi Tros in Notting Hill. Self-described as a “love letter to Athens, written in Mayfair” and inspired by 1980s tavernas, it offers “classic Athenian cuisine” (Pork belly gyros with pitta and tzatziki; Grilled lobster with lobster rice; Fish of the day; Pistachio baklava ice-cream sandwich) and an all-Greek wine list.
This will be followed next week by the opening of the opulent-sounding Jul’s in a high-ceilinged former bank building on Waterloo Place in St James’s, which promises “drink-led dining” for the “ultimate hedonistic experience”, along with a “Greek-inspired yet unmistakably Mediterranean” menu from chef Christos Fotos.
The original Jul’s opened in Ibiza in 2018, and the team also has a restaurant in Athens called Humain.
This month will also see the arrival of Taverna Ermou in James Street, Marylebone, from Greek hospitality group Ergon. Named and modelled after its flagship neighbourhood taverna on Ermou Street in Athens, it has a menu from culinary director Panagiotis Xanthis based around traditional Greek dishes, with a focus on fish.