Zylia: A New Greek-Cypriot Taverna Opens in London’s Covent Garden

A new culinary and design experience has arrived in London’s bustling Covent Garden with the opening of Zylia, a contemporary Greek-Cypriot taverna. Founded by Nick Molyviatis and Barry Karacostas, the restaurant is a fusion of personal histories, culinary expertise, and a shared dedication to the art of charcoal grilling.

Interior Design: A Dialogue of Contrasts

The concept for Zylia’s interiors was born from conversations between restaurateur Barry Karacostas and architect Lionel Real de Azúa. Their vision was to create a space that harmoniously blends the sophisticated elegance of London’s hospitality scene with the inviting warmth and familiarity of a traditional family dining table or local taverna. This duality is evident throughout the restaurant, where modern materials meet artisanal touches.

Delicate Lefkara lace is juxtaposed with sleek stainless steel tables and shelving. Handwoven wicker bread baskets, sourced from Limassol, are placed against exposed London brickwork, adding a tactile layer to the environment. A service counter crafted from stone quarried at Gerolakkos further grounds the space in Cypriot heritage.

Real de Azúa noted that the design intentionally avoids overt nostalgia, instead aiming for a sense of memory and patina. Inspiration was drawn from Diporto, a historic 139-year-old taverna in Athens, celebrated for its simple materials, well-proportioned spaces, and authentic beauty. The menu itself, particularly Molyviatis’s signature sheftalia, served as a metaphorical brief for the design’s directness and textural richness. Traditional Cypriot tiles and deep green leather booths contribute to an atmosphere where warmth emanates from craftsmanship and texture rather than excessive embellishment.

Culinary Offerings: A Taste of Heritage and Innovation

At the heart of Zylia’s menu is a celebration of Greek-Cypriot flavors, informed by Molyviatis’s Athenian upbringing and Karacostas’s Cypriot heritage. The charcoal grill is a focal point, promising expertly cooked meats and seafood.

The dining experience encourages a “dip and mix” approach, starting with warm, oregano-flecked pitta bread served alongside creamy taramasalata with carob rusk, or a smashed feta and yoghurt dip with roasted chilli. Small plates offer a range of flavors, from Metsovone cheese balls drizzled with honey to a modern interpretation of spanakopita presented as a layered pastry stack.

The charcoal grill features a selection of chops, including pork, beef, and lamb, alongside the house special, milk-fed lamb shoulder kleftiko, described as a slow-cooked comfort food. Hand-cut chips are recommended as an essential accompaniment.

The beverage program complements the food, with a curated selection of Greek wines and Cypriot beers. Cocktails blend innovative mixology with Mediterranean ingredients, mirroring the restaurant’s overall ethos of combining heritage with contemporary appeal.

Location and Team

Zylia is situated at 6 Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9HZ. The collaboration between Nick Molyviatis, who honed his skills in acclaimed London kitchens like Kiln and Oma, and Barry Karacostas, a restaurateur with two decades of hospitality experience and Cypriot roots, forms the foundation of Zylia’s unique offering.

Key facts
| Feature | Detail |
|——————-|———————————————————————|
| Restaurant Name | Zylia |
| Cuisine | Contemporary Greek-Cypriot |
| Location | 6 Bedford Street, London, WC2E 9HZ |
| Design Inspiration| Childhood memory, family recipes, charcoal grills, Athenian & Cypriot heritage |
| Key Interior Elements | Lefkara lace, stainless steel, wicker baskets, London brick, Cypriot tiles, green leather booths |

The opening of Zylia contributes to London’s diverse culinary landscape, offering a thoughtfully designed space that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Greece and Cyprus with a modern sensibility. The focus on authentic flavors, charcoal-grilled specialties, and an interior that balances heritage with contemporary design makes it a noteworthy addition for those interested in hospitality and design.

Source: Wallpaper – Feast at a new Greek-Cypriot taverna in buzzy Covent Garden – https://www.wallpaper.com/travel/restaurants/zylia-london-review

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