Zela is to launch in London late September/early October with a unique blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails and slick service with Ibizan beats.
Zela London follows Zela Ibiza, the acclaimed flagship restaurant which launched in May 2017 in the prestigious Marina Botafoch neighbourhood on the White Isle. Zela’s London home will be in the vibrant West End, with a 100-cover restaurant at the ME London Hotel on The Strand in Covent Garden.
The restaurant is owned by Mabel Hospitality and VIP partners from the world of entertainment and sport; Cristiano Ronaldo, Enrique Iglesias, Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol. Mabel Hospitality is headed up by Spanish entrepreneurs Manuel Campos Guallar and Abel Matutes, also founders of the Spanish restaurant TATEL, which has sites in Madrid, Ibiza, and Miami and is soon to launch in Beverly Hills.
Zela’s cuisine is led by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Ricardo Sanz, as gastronomic director, whom together with TATEL culinary team has created the Meppon cuisine; Japanese techniques and flavours applied to Mediterranean products and traditions.
The menu offers an abundance of fresh fish and seafood from the Mediterranean; Zela’s own style of raw dishes includes tatakis, tartars, sashimi, sushi, gyozas and tiraditos among others. Signatures include scallops with Ibizan sobrasada and butterfish nigiri with white truffle. Meppon influences can be found in dishes such as Iberico pork gyoza, usuzukuri toro pa amb tomaquet (thinly sliced tuna belly sashimi with grated tomato, olive oil and breadcrumbs and 48-hour braised Wagyu teriyaki.
Zela London will also offer a wide variety of breakfast to please all. From healthy, traditional continental, and English breakfasts to the signature breakfast, which has Japanese influence including miso soup, pickles and nori. Alternative set menus and an extensive a la carte selection will also be available.
When it comes to drinks, Zela has created a menu of cocktails which harmoniously balance Asian ingredients with the zest of the Mediterranean such as Santa Maria (sherry wine, homemade spice mix, tomato, basil) and Harakiri (sake, lime, egg white, shiso syrup). The wine list has a focus on Spanish wines, plus a handpicked selection of premium sakes.
The restaurant offers a dining room, booth seating, a sushi bar and a stunning cocktail bar which runs the length of the restaurant.
Francesco Sica (former GM of Coya), General Manager of Zela London, said, “I’m delighted to be part of this amazing project and bring Zela and Meppon cuisine to London, a city that has proved itself as the dining capital of the world. The diversity of London´s culinary scene provides an exciting opportunity for Zela to showcase our take on Japanese meets Mediterranean cuisine.”
Zela is set to make its mark on the city’s culinary and nightlife map, for London’s foodies and the international jet-set alike, with its exotic menus and vibrant atmosphere with a touch of Mediterranean flare.
Cristiano Ronaldo commented, “Zela is one of my favourite Asian restaurants in the world, I go there with my friends and family whenever I am in Ibiza and I’m delighted to open it in London now. The blend of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, with familiar flavours and a fresh and healthy touch, really matches my lifestyle”.
Rafael Nadal said, “I am happy with our new opening of Zela London, we truly enjoy this mix of Japanese Mediterranean very much. I can’t wait to have my first dinner there”.
Enrique Iglesias added, “Zela is all about great food, excellent cocktails and music in a vibrant atmosphere – It’s always a great night out. We are bringing a touch of Ibiza to London and I’m very excited to dine in Zela London in a few weeks when I’m in town!”.
Pau Gasol commented, “London is one of my favourite cities in Europe. Now, with our new Zela restaurant, I have one more reason to visit it! I truly hope London will appreciate our cuisine, a blend of Japan and our Mediterranean sea'.