10 QUESTIONS WITH ALEXANDROS, FOUNDER ONIMA RESTAURANT, MAYFAIR
This week we caught up with Alexandros Andrianopoulos, Founder and Owner of Onima in Mayfair, once the headquarters of Cartier and now a brand new bar, restaurant, private lounge and rooftop terrace. The restaurant opened in early November 2018 after the space was reimagined by leading Greek interior designers Archset, who created a feast for the eyes. Visitors to Onima can expect a sensory experience, from the polished and extravagant interiors to the show-stopping bar area and hedonistic dining menu.
1.) Welcome to The Mayfair Musings! What brought you to Mayfair?
I love London but Mayfair has to be one of the most exciting places on the planet to open a restaurant. It attracts a real melting pot of people from all over the world, so it’s the best place for me to be if I want to grow nationally as well as internationally.
2.) Onima offers something completely new to the London dining scene. What can diners expect from their visit?
We’ve worked hard to make Onima different to other London venues. Its cuisine is a unique hybrid of Greek/Italian with a touch of Japanese. Our building also has five levels, so guests experience something different on each floor.
Walk in from the street and you’ll find a chilled ambience with soft lighting and beautiful art. On the first floor, under the striking ceiling, the ambiance is vibrant. Here international DJs play great music to complement the food and to get our guests in the mood for dancing and sharing great moments.
Onima’s second floor is coming soon – a private lounge for our favourite people. The cherry on the top will be our roof terrace. This will open in a year’s time and will feature a botanic garden with a bar and fantastic views of the Mayfair skyline. It will also be exclusively for those guests who have supported us on our journey.
3.) Can you tell us a little about your culinary background?
I lived on the island of Mykonos 12 years ago where I managed top restaurants like Nammos and Interni. Internationally, I played a part in the success of Bathtub Gin in NYC and successfully opened Bagatelle Dubai. In 2017 I decided that it was time to present my own vision of hospitality and that’s when I started creating Onima.
4.) Your menu features different cuisines. What inspired you to create such a fusion of flavours?
The menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Asian and Greek. I come from a Greek family but I grew up in Italy. I lived there for almost 23 years, so I experienced Italian flavours for almost all my life. The Japanese influences come from the love I have for Japanese cuisine. That’s the reason I’ve tried to mix the flavours of all three.
5.) What about Onima's drinks menu?
The drinks menu is more international. Created by Onima’s bar manager Benjamin Boyce, it features drinks inspired by Greece, such as the ‘Greek Mule’ and ‘Chios Breeze’. ‘Mayfair Express’ meanwhile has a Japanese edge with its base of Japanese Roku gin.
6.) Are people able to book larger tables or private rooms for special occasions / work functions?
We can accommodate large groups and also hire out entire floors for private events.
7.) Do you have any culinary or business heroes that have inspired you?
I have a big admiration for Zuma and the Petite Maison group. It’s incredible how consistent they’ve been after all these years in the market. I hope one day to be at their level.
8.) Where in London can you be found when you are not busy working?
I usually go to the cinema when I am free, but if I have to ‘go out’, you’ll find me at Annabel’s.
9.) Do you have any favourite local hot spots in Mayfair?
Before I opened my restaurant I used to go for lunch at La Petite Maison. It’s always been one of my favourite restaurants. I’m often at Annabel’s because I am a member and the interiors are just incredible. I love Scalini in Walton Street, Knightsbridge; it’s one of the most famous Italian restaurants in London, and has been going since 1988.
10.) How would you describe Onima in just three words?
Three are not enough. I will tell you five: Vision, ambience, discernment, scent, embrace.
Visit Onima:
Address: 1-3 Avery Row, Mayfair, London W1K 4AJ | To book: 020 7078 9747 | Website: Please click here
