Please note, Gigi's is now closed and has been replaced by Kiri Restaurant. Time Out Eating & Drinking editors, Feb 2017.
Gigi's is a smart new Mayfair venue for Italian food with plenty of modern twists, most coming from the direction of the renowned chef Ivan Simeoli. That combined orientation means that alongside a classic starter of vitello tonnato (cold sliced veal with tuna sauce) you might find golden and red beetroot served with buffalo mozzarella and a signature dish of sea bass tartare and langoustine, served with honey and lemon caramel.
Among the fish dishes is a traditional fritto misto and pasta dishes include an equally traditional linguine with bottarga (dried, salted fish roe) with lemon, chives and celery. Meat dishes include braised veal cheek, one of Italy’s most famous dishes, but also innovative creations such as a ‘Trilogy’ of lamb (rack, loin and a braised roll), served with celeriac purée. The dessert list is a mixture of own-made sorbets and classic Italians like tiramisu and pastiera, the famous Neapolitan ricotta cake.
In addition to its numerous Italian wines, Gigi's list has a larger selection of bottles from France and the new world than you'll find in most Italian restaurants in London. There are classic and original cocktails (with numerous variants of the Martini) and a notable selection of liqueurs. You can head outside to the terrace on days or evenings when the weather is fine, and there's a live DJ from Thursday to Saturday nights.