Mountain tomatoes, barrel-aged feta, and meze made for sharing — Greek cooking that suits vegetarians naturally
Gaia was developed by hospitality entrepreneur Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani, and is named after the Greek goddess of the earth. The Dubai restaurant was the first, and the concept has since travelled to London, Monaco, and Marbella. For many regulars, it has a strong claim to being the best Greek restaurant Dubai has, and it is one of the tables our Private Advisors are asked about most often in Dubai.
Much of the menu works for vegetarians as it is. Dishes to look for include
Some meze that look vegetarian are not: taramasalata is made with fish roe, and some stuffed or baked dishes use meat stock. It is worth confirming the preparation of any dish with the team, and the menu changes with the seasons.
Greek cooking is well suited to plant-based eating, but feta, yoghurt, butter, and honey appear throughout the menu. Vegan guests will find several dishes that work with small adjustments, and the kitchen is comfortable adapting when asked. As with any serious restaurant, requirements are best shared at the time of booking rather than on arrival.
Gaia typically serves lunch from around midday to 3pm and dinner from around 7pm into the early hours, daily. Hours can change for public holidays and during Ramadan, so confirm them for your date on the restaurant’s official channels or the Visit Dubai listing. Weekday lunch is the calmest time to visit; dinner builds in energy as the night goes on.
For guests who eat fish and meat, Gaia’s strengths include tsipoura, a whole sea bream served as carpaccio; keftedakia, Greek-style meatballs with cumin, mint, and yoghurt; octopus and lobster orzo; and whole fish from the ice display. The sharing format makes it easy to order vegetarian and non-vegetarian plates together.
The interior borrows from the Cyclades without imitating them: white marble, soft light, and natural wood. Lunch suits business, while dinner is livelier, making Gaia a restaurant for occasions that should feel relaxed rather than formal.
For a vegetarian first visit, book a weekday lunch, when the room is quieter and there is time to go through the menu with the team. Start with the Greek salad, tzatziki, and dolmades, add one or two seasonal vegetable dishes, and finish with the filo mille-feuille. Mention dietary requirements when booking.
Share the date, the time, and any requirements, and your Private Advisor will take care of the rest
There is no separate vegetarian menu, but many dishes suit vegetarians, including the Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmades, and seasonal vegetable dishes. The kitchen adapts dishes on request
Gaia typically serves lunch from around midday to 3pm and dinner from around 7pm into the early hours. Confirm hours for your date, especially during Ramadan and public holidays
Yes, with notice. Feta, yoghurt, and honey appear in many dishes, so vegan requirements are best shared when booking
In Gate Village, Building 4, in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
