Géa Chelsea: A tastefully Greek escape in the heart of London

Géa Chelsea restaurant is the new delightful addition to London’s diverse dining scene, offering a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean, with a special focus on Greek-inspired flavors.

As soon as Ι step inside the restaurant, the atmosphere transports me straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean. The restaurant’s interior, designed with curved walls that echo the movement of the sea, is a visual nod to Greece’s natural beauty. The vibrant hues of blue, white, and beige throughout the space create an ambiance that feels both sophisticated and soothing, perfectly setting the stage for the flavors that await.

Led by Chef Charis Chalai, Géa Chelsea offers an authentic Mediterranean culinary experience, made the bold decision to leave the familiar shores of his home country and open this charming spot in London. The result is a menu that beautifully balances the rich flavors of Greece with modern twists, offering diners an unforgettable experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

The welcome… taste of Greece

From the moment I arrived, Géa Chelsea set a welcoming tone with a simple yet effective starter: Greek olives marinated in olive oil, from the harvest of his father’s in Greece. These olives, briny and bold, served as a reminder of the Mediterranean’s natural abundance. Prepared with care to bring out their full, robust flavor, they were the perfect way to get my taste buds primed for what was to come. Accompanying these olives was a trio of homemade bread, each loaf soft, fluffy, and warm, with a subtle crunch on the outside. The different types of bread, made fresh daily, added variety and texture to the experience, ideal for dipping into the rich olive oil that accompanied them.

The salads: Mediterranean simplicity with a twist

One of the standout dishes on the menu was the Spinach Pie Salad. This dish is an innovative take on the classic Greek spinach pie, or spanakopita, with a few contemporary touches. The salad featured crispy filo pastry shards that provided the perfect crunch, contrasted by creamy, rich feta cheese. The charred honey-infused vinaigrette was a delightful blend of sweetness and tang, offering a sophisticated flavor profile.

However, for me, the dish could have benefitted from a bit of dill, which is a key herb for spanakopita. Still, the Spinach Pie Salad was a refreshing and inventive dish that demonstrated Chef Chalai’s creativity and his ability to make familiar flavors feel new.

The main courses at Géa Chelsea restaurant

The main courses at Géa Chelsea are where Chef Chalai truly shines, displaying his skills in crafting Mediterranean dishes that are both comforting and innovative. One dish that particularly impressed me was the Tuna Supreme.

The tuna steak was impeccably cooked, with a seared outer crust that gave way to a tender, rare center, revealing the quality of the fish. The tuna was paired with cauliflower, a versatile vegetable that was both earthy and creamy in this dish, providing a perfect contrast to the rich fish. The eggplant mousse added a smoky depth of flavor that enhanced the dish’s complexity, while the wholesome groats provided a satisfying texture. The elements came together beautifully, though I would have liked a bit more seasoning in the cauliflower to enhance the natural flavors of the dish.

Equally impressive were the Swordfish Skewers, which were cooked to perfection, with the fish remaining tender and juicy throughout. The accompanying carrot puree, lightly spiced with cumin, was a standout, bringing a warm, aromatic depth to the dish. The glazed carrots added a touch of sweetness, balancing the earthiness of the cumin. .

The combination of flavors on the plate was harmonious, with each element complementing the others without overshadowing them. This dish perfectly exemplified the restaurant’s philosophy of using Mediterranean ingredients in a way that highlighted their natural flavors, rather than masking them with excessive seasoning or complex techniques.

The desserts were on par with the main menu, each a delightful treat. The standout was the orange pie, complemented by a rich namelaka and smooth vanilla ice cream, offering a perfect balance of flavors that left a lasting impression, elevating the entire dining experience.

The restaurant’s attention to detail extends beyond the kitchen, with the wine list offering a well-curated selection of Mediterranean wines that pair seamlessly with the dishes.

The staff were knowledgeable and eager to recommend the perfect bottle to complement my meal, whether I was enjoying a fresh fish dish or a hearty lamb option.