From the charming countryside of Normandy to the elegant dishes of Parisian bistros, and his time in Dubai, Chef Izu Ani has culminated all his culinary experiences and settled in London, where he originally grew up and learned to cook. A ‘home’ as he describes it, La Maison Ani London serves classic French dishes, with a contemporary Mediterranean twist — honouring all the people and places that shaped his journey.
Designed by First Within, a renowned architectural firm in London, the decor stylishly recreates the Dubai branch. Inspired from the Eiffel Tower with touches from Jardin du Palais, the restaurant’s exteriors blend palm coral patterns with elegant sophistication. As you step inside, soft candlelights, bespoke wooden tables, and fresh flowers fill the space. On the wall, you’ll see pannelings, trellis work and vibrant flashes of colour, complementing a chic vibe. In the background, you’ll hear soft jazz music playing throughout the day — the ambiance is truly one of a Parisian eatery. When you’re there, you must visit their charming terrace too, ideal for alfresco dining and bites.
Originally opened in Dubai, this new branch in Knightsbridge sits just a stone’s throw from Sloane Street, overlooking the beautiful Cadogan Gardens in the Carlton Tower Jumeirah.
Fabulous French Food
Chef Ani’s creative flair shines throughout with classic and contemporary French dishes that will leave you in awe.
To warm up, you must have La Maison Ani’s exceptional salads and soups. While simple, the Caesar salad is extra flavourful, accompanied by a choice of chicken or prawns, studded with candied bacon. Try the Salade de Myrtilles et Feta, a mix of blueberries, feta cheese, and the aroma of fresh mint. Tangy and soft, the beetroot salad has goat cheese and a nice crunch of pistachios.
Lentil lovers will relish this special salad with pickled vegetables. Warm on the stomach, they also have lentil soup with a few drops of chilli oil and fresh baguette on the side. And of course, you can’t not have the classic French onion soup with Gruyère cheese — rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
The tuna tartare and avocado was very well made with silky smooth tuna and avocado. A simple dish on paper but the textures here were clever and worked so well together. La Maison Ani’s truffle just hits different — especially the truffle dressing coating their beef carpaccio, and generously finished with grated parmesan cheese. Additionally, the restaurant has three lavish options of caviar, each accompanied by eggs, chives, shallots, and blinis.
Onto the mains, beef lovers will savour the Iza Burger featuring rich Wagyu, Emmental cheese, and a tartare sauce. This is a very different burger. The beef is thinly sliced almost like a roast beef with the softest tastiest potato baguette. A really clever take on Wagyu. The restaurant also offers some hearty roasted baby chickens, such as one marinated in Perigueux sauce with rich seasonal truffle.
From the sea, the selection of dishes features some of Chef Ani’s best. One top choice is the grilled seabeam, a coastal French dish that was expertly filleted at the table. Coated in a zesty chilli dressing, the Grilled langoustines are another highlight, bold and full of flavour. A renowned French technique, preparing the Sole Meunière involves dredging the sole fish in flour, then pan-frying it into a crispy, golden texture.
On the side, you definitely can’t miss the Gratin dauphinois, with its thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. Other must-try dishes include the Ratatouille featuring a medley of fresh vegetables, and for Middle Eastern touch, rice with sumac, a spice known for its tanginess and aroma.
La Maison Ani also boasts an impressive selection of pizzas, pastas, and risottos. If you crave a luxurious bowl of pasta, you must try the al dente Rigatoni coated in a decadent truffle cream sauce, imparting earthy and nutty richness. And for the pizzas, La Maison Ani makes sure they all burst with inviting aromas such as the burrata and basil, as well as the vegetarian pizza featuring grilled aubergine, zucchini, bell peppers and garlic oil in tomato sauce. Cheese lovers need to try Pizza Quatre Fromages, made with Europe’s finest Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola and Gruyère, garnished with walnuts.
The Vanilla créme brûlée is the star of La Maison Ani’s desserts with a caramelised sugar crust and a velvety vanilla pod studded custard underneath, a testament to the craftsmanship of classical French pastry. Fruit lovers must try the mango, banana, and lime Panna Cotta, so fresh and creamy. A masterpiece, the saffron milk cake comes alongside mascarpone ice cream.
Mornings at La Maison Ani London
As a true French eatery, La Maison Ani’s croissant selection will leave you torn over which one to choose. From classic butter croissants to filled varieties with Emmental cheese and turkey ham, or even a Middle Eastern twist with zaatar — we will have one of each please. However, if you got a sweet tooth in the mornings, you should definitely order from the Sucre section. Highlights include French toast with strawberry jam, and Chantilly cream, or their waffles and rich chocolate sauce.
Wines and Cocktails at La Maison Ani
Cool to the touch, but warm to the soul, Violette features gin, creme de violette, Luxardo Maraschino, lemon, sugar, and egg — it’s described as a story of hands and ingredients where blossoms whisper of the Mediterranean charm. Citrus, breezy, and as warm as the sun, Belle contains a mix of Italicus, Fino Sherry, and pink grapefruit soda, a very refreshing and bubbly drink. Another specialty is Normandie, with fruity notes coming from apple liquor and juice, complemented by vodka, Drambuie, and ginger ale.
To discover more, visit lamaisonanilondon.com
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All imagery courtesy of La Maison Ani London.