Meraki brings to life the Greek concept of ‘Filoxenia’ which translates as ‘Friend to a stranger’. Dining at Meraki is like being in a friends’ home, and the staff (the heart of Meraki) treat each guest with the hospitality Greece is known for, an ancient Greek value that still lives on today! Peter Waney opened Meraki in 2017, bringing his knowledge, expertise, and family’s passion for Greece to the heart of Fitzrovia. After seeing a gap in the market for premium, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine in London, the concept of Meraki was created. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International
Meraki is all about Greek plates & unique craft cocktails presented in a breezy, brick-lined setting with stylish decor. Culinary Director Sanjay Dwivedi joined the brand to help realise their vision, encouraging the talented team of chefs to use their creative imaginations, to elevate and refine the Meraki menu, for a fresh, exciting, mouth-watering gastronomical experience. Meraki’s team of impressive chefs have used their knowledge, passion and expertise to refine and redefine the menu, offering a taste of the soul of Greece infused with the heart and warmth of the Mediterranean.
Meraki is nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia. The team has scoured the length and breadth of Greece’s regions to find the most tantalising ingredients such as Bottarga from Mesologgi, tomatoes from Santorini and butter from Crete. Creating a menu that tastes of the soul of Greece with seasonally changing sharing mezze dishes, chargrilled meats and whole fish dishes that are carved right in front of your eyes at the table and offers the heart and warmth of the Mediterranean.
When you dine at Meraki, prepare to be mesmerised, they have everything you need to be transported out of London and to the stunning views of the Greek islands. They have a terrace, a main floor offering floor to ceiling windows, countertop seating where you can watch their expert chefs prepare your food as you dine. Plus, a lower ground floor with rustic bare brick walls, ideal for large groups and semi-private events. They can provide for any occasion and create the perfect atmosphere for any event.
Meraki Bar sprawls across two floors, with a separate entrance on 30 Foley Street. With three distinct areas, the cosy terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy an evening cocktail from their highly acclaimed menu, inspired by the ‘Pretty Stories from the Cyclades’. The upstairs bar is perfect to enjoy an after-work aperitivo and light bite.
Meraki was opened by Peter Waney, who along with his brother, Arjun, started their restaurant career in London 15 years ago, beginning with Zuma in Knightsbridge, followed by Roka and La Petite Maison. More recently, the Waney family has acquired and revamped award winning, internationally renown The Arts Club on Dover Street as well as Oblix at The Shard, Coya in Piccadilly and Coya Angel Court in The City.
About Sanjay Dwivedi
London born but Delhi raised, Sanjay Dwivedi has always been surrounded by food. First learning the craft round his family table, Sanjay soon climbed the chef ladder, honing his skills at a diverse mix of notable restaurants including a decade at Zaika, the first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin star, and Oliver Peyton’s Coast Restaurant and Atlantic Bar and Grill.
Sanjay follows no rules when it comes to cooking, pioneering his own style, constantly pushing the envelope, and striving to create boisterous and clever dishes, Sanjay is a raconteur of the culinary world. A man who isn’t afraid of blending the abstract with the mundane, he is forever improving and researching.
Prior to joining the Meraki family in early 2022, Sanjay played a vital role in the success of popular Peruvian favourite COYA. As the opening Executive Chef and Culinary Director for the group, he developed a menu marrying modern, European techniques with Asian influences, overseeing the flagship venue in Mayfair (opened 2012), along with international destinations including Monte Carlo, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Sanjay’s gift and passion for seeing great potential and acting on it, allows him to create, and deliver ground-breaking menus to audiences worldwide. It is with this same level of dedication Sanjay aims to both elevate and refine the gastronomical dining experience at contemporary Greek restaurant group Meraki, as they embark upon their own journey around the world. Outside of the kitchen, Sanjay has enjoyed time on the small screen having appeared on number of programs including Channel 4’s Iron Chef UK and BBC1’s MasterChef.
Conclusively, Meraki means ‘to create with your heart and soul’, and every aspect of Meraki has been created entirely with their hearts and souls. From our modern Mediterranean menu using the finest, authentic ingredients to their warm and generous hospitality. The food is exquisitely presented, vibe at the restaurant is unmatched; service is attentive and the taste of their delectable cuisine is top-notch. Highly Recommended!