Getting In The Maia Mood
With the reflection of Harrods lights twinkling on its windows, Maia in Knightsbridge is at the epicentre of one of London’s most sought-after locations.
Café by day, restaurant by night, and cocktail bar through both, Maia offers an all-day drinking and dining experience in the heart of an uber-swanky west London hub.
Vibrant, Italian-inspired dishes form the focus of the inspired menu, complemented by an innovative and exciting cocktail list.
Stepping inside is akin to entering a Mary Quant-esque dream. The 60s mono-colour interiors are shot through with tasteful geometric prints making for chic and minimalist décor, giving Maia the requisite glam for this cosmopolitan corner of the capital.
Oversized prints of sixties models nod to David Bailey’s iconic work, the ‘Box of Pin-ups’.
Fabrizio showed us to our windowside table and we eagerly ordered a Ristretto Negroni (a caffeine-fuelled take on the classic aperitivo) and a Classico Balsamico – a classic Manhatten with a hint of balsamic and a UK postcode.
Chef’s special parmigiana was recommended to us by a smiling Veronica. This and the crispy calamari pleased as starters; the parmagiana proving particularly juicy and flavoursome.
The mediterranean menu is one of balance and less-is-more. There’s a golden saffron risotto – subtle, creamy and scattered with a few of the spice’s aromatic threads, and a perfectly grilled sea bass enlivened with nothing but fruity datterini tomatoes and their salty foil, a Taggia olive concasse.
Having devoured our starters and aperitifs, we enjoyed a crisp Sancerre with our mains, recommended once again by Fabrizio.
We chose another special – the creamy buratta tortelloni – and a mouthwatering masterpiece of prawn gnocchetti which proved the crowning glory of the evening with its rich and intense sauce smothered around succulent seafood and light mini gnocci bites.
Maia may be located in one of the most affluent areas of the capital, but there are no pretensions, which is a breath of fresh air in what can be a rather snooty section of town. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and the café culture feel encourages a relaxed vibe.
While we chose to plump for indulgence – an incredible tiramisu and mini dessert selection ensured we were to roll, not walk, to the exit – there’s a very obvious emphasis on health-conscious options too. Mindful eating is encouraged in the ‘Francesca The Method’ menu section boasting a chicken paillard, and avo-crab smash, and a fruity mocktail can always be created for those opting away from alcohol.
Maia is not your typical Knightsbridge restaurant, but that’s why it works. It’s relaxed, friendly, and focussed on the customer, but without taking away any elements of quality from the offerings.
We’ll be back.
- MAIA, 32 – 34 Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge, SW1X 0LZ www.maiamood.com Call 020 7222 6000 and see Instagram: @maia.mood #maiamood
