Asimakis Chaniotis, who has a strong Greek heritage, has announced that his new restaurant, Myrtos, is now open for bookings. The restaurant opened its doors in May, with people flooding in to dine at the luxury establishment. The opening was a huge success and attracted several high-profile individuals. Although bookings are available, you will need to book ahead of time to secure a seat, especially if you have a larger party.
Exploring Greece’s influence on London
Over the years, there’s been a sharp rise in Greek food in London. It’s not surprising to see, as the country’s influence can also be seen across other verticals, including entertainment. The Rebetiko Carnival, for example, takes place in London every year and focuses on Greek folk and rebetiko music. You also have the London Greek Film Festival, which started in 2008. They accept screenplays and contemporary films from Greek producers, writers, and film directors.
Greece’s influence can also be seen within the online world. Netflix shows like KAOS focus on showcasing Greek gods and their rich history. There are even Buzz Bingo games set in Ancient Greece. In Age of the Gods: God of Storms, you’ll notice that several gods make an appearance, including Zeus.
Examples like this help to show how far-reaching Greece’s influence is on entertainment in the UK. With that said, it’s clear to see that entertainment isn’t the only sector drawing on Greece’s rich history. Fine dining establishments are also incorporating more and more Greek ingredients, with inspired dishes that pay homage to both Ancient Greece and the modern-day world.
Some of the top Greek restaurants in London right now include OPSO in Marylebone. The restaurant opened in 2014 and introduces a new approach to traditional Greek food. You also have Meraki, known for dishes like Rosti Greek Style, which is a crunchy potato served with Cretan butter, egg, and black truffle. With so many Greek restaurants in the city already, it makes perfect sense to open a more luxurious option, which is exactly what Asimakis has set out to do.
Asimakis once worked at Pied à Terre
Chef Asimakis Chaniotis once worked at Pied à Terre. It quickly earned a Michelin star, with a second one earned in 1996. Today, the restaurant is one of the longest-standing, independently operated restaurants in London. The restaurant put a big focus on French fusion, with seasonal ingredients used throughout their tasting menus.
Chef Asimakis Chaniotis worked here for 13 years and is now going to be applying his Greek cooking heritage with other styles to create fusion dishes that really give diners the experience they are looking for. Born in Athens, he uses ingredients from across Greece, with his restaurant name coming from the island of Myrtos. It’s set to be a local gem, with 80 covers and a bright design.
The restaurant reflects the organic charm of Greece, with the tables centred around an olive tree and moon-like lamps. Artwork from Christos Raptis and Yorgos Papadopoulos helps to showcase Greece as a whole. A stellar range of cocktails is served, which again has a Greek influence. You have the Mediterranean Martini, which has the saline notes of Kalamata olives, along with the Spiced Pomegranate Mule and Bloody Mary, which are served with sun-dried Greek tomatoes.
With so much Greek influence and a chef who has trained for years in a Michelin-star establishment, Myrtos is set to become a hotspot for locals, while attracting tourists from all over the UK. With the rise of Greek restaurants being so prominent, it’s certainly an exciting time for London’s dining scene.
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