Israeli food entrepreneur making London restaurant debut this autumn

A Tel Aviv-born street foodie is to launch his debut London restaurant in Seven Dials.

Founded in Finland, Fafa is the creation of Doron Karavani, which now has over 40 locations across three countries. The London site is due to open in September on Monmouth Street, Covent Garden.

Fafa began in 2011, with dishes including pitas, salads and meze. The London restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

Dan Bennett, operations and openings manager, said: “We are thrilled to be opening Fafa’s in the gastronomic capital of the world. Doron has established a successful street food concept across Scandinavia and we look forward to bringing it to Covent Garden.

“We’ll be using quality fresh ingredients and cooking techniques more often used in higher end restaurants to deliver on both taste and presentation. We’re confident this take on accessible street food will be an instant hit with Londoners and tourists alike.”

Echoing the brand’s Finnish roots, the 750 sq ft interior designed by studio DesignLSM is said to have a minimal aesthetic with industrial undertones.

Julia Wilkinson, group restaurant and strategy executive at Shaftesbury, concluded: “Independent, pioneering operators such as Fafa’s are key to Shaftesbury’s strategy of maintaining a unique offer in the heart of the West End.

“We’re thrilled to debut this concept and give the brand a permanent home to flourish in London.”