Dubai’s Izu Ani to bring La Maison Ani to London

Dubai-based British-Nigerian chef Izu Ani is set to open his first La Maison Ani concept outside of Dubai.

He has partnered with Evgeny Kuzin to launch the French-Mediterranean all-day eatery and bakery on 25 May in the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London’s Knightsbridge.

La Maison Ani first opened in Dubai in 2022 and is part of Fundamental Hospitality Group, which also owns Gaia Mayfair.

The new 188-cover restaurant, which includes a private dining room and terrace, is set to offer a selection of dishes inspired by Parisian bistros and the French countryside.

Artisanal bread, viennoiseries and pastries will be available in the morning, alongside breakfast classics such as French toast with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream.

The à la carte menu will offer a choice of three caviars, starters such as salade Niçoise and French onion soup with Gruyére cheese, as well as mains such as Croque Monsieur, seafood risotto with pistachios, and roasted fillet of seabass in tomato sauce with sumac rice.

Desserts include vanilla créme brûlée, mango, banana and lime panna cotta and saffron milk cake with mascarpone ice cream.

The wine list ranges from France’s Loire Valley to Italy’s Piemonte region.

The restaurant has been designed by London-based architectural studio First Within, taking inspiration from the Eiffel Tower and the Jardin du Palais.

Izu Ani said: “It’s often said that a home is more than just a place, and I wholeheartedly agree - home is a feeling. The places we live and the experience, shape who we are. When I opened La Maison Ani, my aim was to honour the people and places that have inspired my journey and to welcome guests, friends, and family to share in our memories and create new ones together. Launching La Maison Ani in London holds deep meaning for me, having learnt to cook and grown up here, it truly feels like coming home.”