Contemporary Greek restaurant Meraki, the latest restaurant from the Waney family (Roka, Zuma, The Arts Club), opened on Great Titchfield Street in July 2017. Loosely translating as ‘the love and soul someone puts into their work’, the restaurant has been conceived by Peter and Arjun Waney as well as restaurateurs Varun Talreja and Meher Waney, while renowned Greek chef Athinagoras Kostakos heads up the kitchen.
Meraki showcases the finest Mediterranean ingredients and celebrates the warmth and generosity that Greek hospitality is known for. With a nod to the vibrant culinary scene of the Greek islands, renowned chef Athinagoras Kostakos has put together a menu true to his unique contemporary style, made up of Mediterranean sharing plates with a twist. The menu begins with a variety of mezze dishes including the much-loved Tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, mint and courgettes; as well as Hummus Greek style (smoked eel with toasted buckwheat seeds) and a creative take on the traditional Spanakopita, Like a Spinach pie (spinach puree, feta & crispy filo). The menu is then split into Fresh & Raw, Salads and Hot Mezze, boasting the likes of Red mullet tartare with lemon mayonnaise, avocado, chives & crispy scales; a salad of Santorini cherry tomatoes, thyme, caper leaves and goats cheese; and Barbecued Octopus, wild oregano vinaigrette, grilled onions and capers.
From the many wonderful pasta dishes, sides, and sharing options, guests can enjoy Rooster ‘Pastitsio’ which is made up of homemade ravioli and truffle béchamel as well as a 1.8kg ‘celebration’ leg of lamb, slow-cooked with a herb crust and caper salsa verde – which is perfect for sharing and serves six people. For dessert, chef Kostakos has introduced a number of delicious treats including the Bougatsa (Greek custard-filled in filo pastry) with chilli chocolate sauce.
The Greek-influenced drinks list features a large selection of Greek wines from independent growers, whist also paying tribute to high calibre wines from around the world. A dedicated cocktail bar serves drinks made with authentic Greek herbs including: kritamo, mastic, marjoram and uses citrus fruits from the Greek island of Naxos.
The 100-seat dining room (plus a 30-seating bar area and a terrace seating 20), has been designed by Sagrada studios with Meher Waney, to create a warm and sophisticated Mediterranean-style restaurant. Chairs and bar stools are a mix of deep orange and soft salmon, while sofa banquettes are a combination of pale and deep blues, representing the sea. The tables are a mix of organic elm wood and dark wood, and there are floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a light-filled and elegant mood with a comfortable informality. Olive and eucalyptus trees are
scattered around the two alfresco terraces with lavender pots on each table, as a homage to Greece and the Mediterranean. The bar, which has its own room and separate entrance, offers romantic lighting and exposed brick to stylish effect.
