Vinaida brings a little of the Aegean to Belsize Village, pairing seasonal Mediterranean-inspired cooking with wines produced at its own female-led vineyard in the hills of Izmir. The concept is simple but distinctive: an estate restaurant and wine bar where every bottle has a direct connection back to the vineyard, and the food is designed to sit naturally alongside it.
The wine list is entirely Vinaida, with reds, whites and rosé all available. Options include Vinaida Sauvignon Blanc, a Narince and Sauvignon Blanc blend, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, alongside blends featuring Foça Karasi, Petit Verdot, Syrah and other grapes. The wines are also organic, vegan and cruelty-free, making the provenance of what is being poured a major part of the experience.
Food is all about bringing Aegean and Mediterranean flavours to the forefront, with plenty of small plates and dishes for sharing with friends. Wild mushroom arancini, courgette fritters, watermelon and feta salad, trio of hummus and heritage tomatoes with anchovy all make easy starters for the table. There is also smoked salmon ceviche with citrus, herbs, avocado purée and potato crisps, plus vine leaves filled with herbs and rice and served with sour cherry sorbet.
Larger plates include pan-seared seabass with lemon orzo and samphire, gnocchi with aubergine and tomato sauce, Turkish meatballs with hummus and roast vegetables, and braised lamb leg with smoked paprika butter and aubergine purée. For a slower, wine-led meal, sharing boards of cured meats or cheeses, marinated olives, honey-glazed aubergine, padrón peppers and truffle Parmesan fries give plenty to pick at between glasses. Finally, desserts keep things unfussy, with tiramisu alongside lemon and strawberry sorbets and vanilla ice cream.
Vinaida is a lovely setting, too. With a passion for creating just the right ambience, the team here ensure tables are lit by candlelight and design is contemporary, refined and stylish, making it an ideal spot to bring friends, family or colleagues.