ZELA Ibiza — Photo by Melia

This Autumn, ZELA restaurant will be jetting in to London, bringing a unique blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails and slick service with Ibizan beats. ZELA London follows ZELA Ibiza, the acclaimed flagship restaurant which launched in May 2017 in the prestigious Marina Botafoch neighbourhood on the White Isle. ZELA's London home will be in London's vibrant West End, with a 100-cover restaurant at the ME London Hotel on The Strand in Covent Garden.

The restaurant is owned by MABEL Hospitality and VIP partners from the world of entertainment and sport; Cristiano Ronaldo, Enrique Iglesias, Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol. MABEL Hospitality is headed up by Spanish entrepreneurs Manuel Campos Guallar and Abel Matutes, also founders of the Spanish restaurant TATEL, which has sites in Madrid, Ibiza, and Miami and is soon to launch in Beverly Hills.

ZELA's cuisine is led by acclaimed Michelin starred chef Ricardo Sanz. Together with the TATEL team, Ricardo has created the Meppon cuisine; Japanese techniques and flavours applied to Mediterranean products and traditions. The menu offers an abundance of fresh fish and seafood from the Mediterranean; ZELA's own style of raw dishes includes tatakis, tartars, sashimi, sushi, gyozas and tiraditos. Signatures include tiradito of scallops with Ibizan sobrasada and butterfish nigiri with white truffle. Meppon influences can be found in dishes such as Iberico pork gyoza, usuzukuri toro pa amb tomaquet (thinly sliced tuna belly sashimi with grated tomato, olive oil and bread)and 48-hour braised Wagyu teriyaki.

ZELA London will also offer a diverse breakfast menu with options to please all, from traditional continental and English breakfasts, to the signature ZELA breakfast, which has a distinct Japanese influence. The Zela breakfast includes miso soup, fermented soy beans, pickles and nori. Alternative set menus and an extensive a la carte selection will also be available.

When it comes to drinks, ZELA has created menu of cocktails which harmoniously balance Asian ingredients with the zest of the Mediterranean, such as the Santa Maria (sherry wine, homemade spice mix, tomato, basil) and Harakiri (sake, lime, egg white, shiso syrup). The wine list has a focus on Spanish wines, plus a handpicked selection of premium sakes.

The restaurant interiors have been designed by Diego Gronda studio. Key features include an abundance of lush greenery throughout the dining room, booth seating in original arch windows, a sushi bar, open kitchen and a stunning cocktail bar which runs the length of the restaurant. Finishing touches take influence from Spain with intricate floor tiling, bamboo furniture and palm print walls. By day, the large windows will flood the space with natural light, whilst evening lighting will be kept low to create an intimate ambiance as the DJ begins to spin.

Francesco Sica, General Manager of ZELA London, states: "I'm delighted to be part of this amazing project and bring ZELA and MEPPON cuisine to London, a city that has proved itself as the dining capital of the world. The diversity of London's culinary scene provides an exciting opportunity for ZELA to showcase our take on Japanese meets Mediterranean cuisine."

ZELA is set to make its mark on the city's culinary and nightlife map, for London's foodies and the international jet-set alike, with its exotic menus and vibrant atmosphere with a touch of Mediterranean flare.

Quotes from VIP partners:

Cristiano Ronaldo comments "ZELA is one of my favourite Asian restaurants in the world, I go there with my friends and family whenever I am in Ibiza and I'm delighted to open it in London now. The blend of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, with familiar flavours and a fresh and healthy touch, really matches my lifestyle".

Rafael Nadal said "I am happy with our new opening of ZELA London, we truly enjoy this mix of Japanese Mediterranean very much. I can't wait to have my first dinner there".

Enrique Iglesias adds "ZELA is all about great food, excellent cocktails and music in a vibrant atmosphere - It's always a great night out. We are bringing a touch of Ibiza to London and I'm very excited to dine in ZELA London in a few weeks when I'm in town!".

Pau Gasol comments "London is one of my favourite cities in Europe. Now, with our new ZELA restaurant, I have one more reason to visit it! I truly hope London will appreciate our cuisine, a blend of Japan and our Mediterranean sea".

Hotel website