Gigi's

I’ve already witnessed one of the first world’s most expensive cocktail by Salvatore Calabrese in first person. Now Gigi’s gone and stolen the crown with theirs for £8,888, drawing a celebrity-studded event at their opening. My visit wasn’t just for the drinks I came for the food. Gigi’s led me to the quiet back streets of London, a few steps away from Bond Street in Mayfair the place was an easy spot. Step inside the stunning classic chic interior, seated by the table in between the other dining room and bar we had good views of the restaurant.

Gigi’s led me to the quiet back streets of London, a few steps away from Bond Street in Mayfair the place was an easy spot. Step inside the stunning classic chic interior, seated by the table in between the other dining room and bar we had good views of the restaurant.

We kicked off the night with mocktails, even though the waitress merrily insisted on cocktails since it’s a Saturday night. 

Starters, my friend opted for the egg cooked at precisely 62 degrees, still had the wobble with little movements. Poking the egg, yolk juices flowed into the plate of girolles, pickled tomato and parma ham.

My dishes were meticulously presented, cuts of veal, sprinkled radishes, wild leaves and thick tuna sauce. The tuna sauce was punchy and made a perfect combination to the cold veal.

Mains we both went for pasta options, feeling fancy I went for Spaghetti, in a mantecato squid sauce, perched with oscietra caviar and gold leaf flakes. Everything about the dish is rich, the flavour reminded me of Thai fish sauce, but not as prudent. Pasta is perfectly cooked to just right, no undercooked pieces in sight.

Desserts, was the biggest surprise, hesitating with choosing a tiramisu or taking the risk to try something new. Luckily my friend got the tiramisu, Gigi’s version came in a deconstructed style. A crunchy coffee flavour meringue, chocolate sauce and ice cream.

I have big liking for poached pear, and this one was no expectation. Super soft that becomes mushy as soon as you take a bite, paired with a boozy praline cream and crunchy honeycomb bites. It was an explosion of heaven in my mouth, booze and sweets yum.

If you think you recognise the name Gigi's, then that's because you probably read about them in the papers. Back in September, this new Italian restaurant in Mayfair had a huge launch party as part of its opening. The event was full of celebs and a crowd of paparazzi formed outside, but the unlikely thing happened - it didn't become talked about because of its food, but instead only for one single drink. Billed as the most expensive cocktail in the world, at around £9k it was created as a one off for actress Grace Jones - so the Internet says. That said Gigi's should not be known just for its drinks, because the food is a great success here - and no one seems to know about it.

From the moment we arrived here at this hidden gem of a restaurant, a stones throw from Oxford Street, there was a quickly noticeable problem - the service. It was very off, there was no personality and in fact it was all a little uncomfortable. But don't let that detract you because from the moment you put a bite of just about anything here in to your mouth, you're immediately transported to another world. The food here is billed as Italian, but in some dishes that's a little further from the truth - even Asian influences manage to make their way onto the menu. But with dishes like this starter of gorgeously soft roasted octopus with berlotti beans, all swimming in a deep and boldly flavoured onion broth - I see no reason why Gigi's needs to deter away from its Italian roots because they do it all so well.

Pasta course of ravioli with amalfi lemon and buffalo ricotta was the stuff of dreams. The texture of the sauce at first looked to thick and gelatinous but once you take a mouthful you realise everything is how it should be. A sumptuously flavoured rich and buttery sauce mixed with lashings of oil, a refined lemon zestiness and a hint of sage - this was as good as it gets. The pasta was very well made and filled to the brim with heaps of fluffy, well-seasoned ricotta. At £12 this wasn't bad either considering portion size, but a problem still remained - you'll always want seconds.

If our starters weren't already good enough, then the mains were even more exciting. Fillet of lemon dusted beef, potatoes, cabbage and yellow roots dressing. I have no idea what yellow roots dressing is but if it was that strange and unusual white creamy sauce - then I'm in love with said dressing. The meat cut through like butter, had a lovely crispy outer to the edges and all the burnt-end goodness was sprinkled over the meat to give it a lovely rich and smokey edge to it. You'll need a side with this dish so make sure to order a side of the buttery mash. I'd love to know exactly what that tantalising sauce was, perhaps on my next visit.

Our favourite dish over lunch was an easy choice to make. Salt marsh lamb, heritage carrots, sheep milk and shallots. Not very Italian in its approach but with flavours bursting out of the seems as much as this did we didn't care. The chunks of slightly pink lamb were some fine examples of good sourcing and every single vegetable on the plate was perfectly cooked. The cindered carrots were a lovely touch too. At first I wasn't too sure about the sheep milk but we soon discovered it was a match made in heaven for this dish. The creaminess and subtly of flavour against the meat made for a subtle and actually very indulgent accompaniment - but without being heavy. A lovely plate of food which I'd happily eat over and over again.

For a so called Italian restaurant the dessert menu was rather more appealing then most others around. There's only so much panna cotta, tiramisu and canollis I can eat. Instead we were presented with a sweet and succulent soft poached pear covered in a smooth, mousse like praline sauce and sprinkled with honeycomb. Why have I not eaten or seen this before on other menus elsewhere is beyond me - it's simple but effective. It looked good, and it tasted even better. Every mouthful had so much flavour, acidity and decadence I was in ore - this is the sort of desert island dessert you could only hope for. At £7.50 it wasn't bad either considering the flavour it keeps on giving. I never expected to find this magnificent bowl of food on the menu here at Gigi's but I'm so glad I found it.

I thought I was going to get a break from tiramisu but with it being their signature tiramisu I couldn't help but be nothing but intrigued to see how they put their mark on this classic Italian dish. I certainly hadn't expected it to arrive de-constructed. The menu didn't pre warn me, nor did it even hint towards its presentation - but what a fantastic surprise it was. A puddle of dark chocolate syrup, burnt sugar, intense and bitter coffee ice cream, dollops of thick marscapone and a meringue/honeycomb chunk. This was how to deconstruct a dish, and do it well. Each item on their own were perhaps only OK but mixed together in one mouthful and it all became alive. A perfect way to end the meal - almost.

I seem to have developed this sudden craving for an espresso Martini, so couldn't help but sample Gigi's offering. It was a little thin for my liking and could have easily been better balanced with a touch of sweetness, but it satisfied my craving at least. What amazes me most is that Gigi's has been open since September and people have barely even heard of it. Located a stones throw from Oxford Street and just off New Bond Street, this is a fantastic new addition that only deserves to be busy. There is certainly some talent in the kitchen, so perhaps front of house and service is where it needs work most because with dishes almost as faultless as this the kitchen doesn't cause much for concern. Whether gigi's is completely Italian is questionable, but for me it can be what it wants - as long as it always tastes this good.

Not a large choice of meals but what they offer they do well. Had lobster salad, and wife had lobster penne which was good. Drinks was pricey but to be expected given the area.

I love the drinks and the food. The staff are very welcoming and helpful. Excellent service and lovely Management. Thanks Erika ;)

I loved this place!Everything was so delicious and the service was superior!