Pan-Asian bar and restaurant bolsters Coven Garden’s “brilliant” culinary offering

Brand new pan-Asian restaurant Gura Gura has quietly opened its doors late last month in The Yards, Covent Garden.

The restaurant, from experienced restaurateur Gobind Chona, offers a modern menu with flavours from across Asia spotlighting Japanese, Thai and Chinese elements alongside a “playful” cocktail list. The “dramatic” dining areas and downstairs bar are designed by Orphic Design Studios.

The food menu opens with a selection of fresh sushi made by hand at the upstairs sushi bar; nigiri and sashimi platters are made to share and Uramaki including Spider Roll – Soft shell crab, avocado, cucumber & yuzu mayo and Dragon Roll – Tempura prawn, avocado, cucumber and sweet soy kabayaki sauce are also made fresh to order.

At the centre of Gura Gura’s menu is a range of larger plates, with a range of classic and fusion dishes on offer including Kabayaki Black Cod with shellfish veloute and pea sprouts, Robata grilled lamb rack marinated in soy served with nori gratin dauphinoise and Malaysian Mee Rebus with noodles, fritters, tofu and vegetables.

Gobind Chona, the restaurateur behind Gura Gura, comes from a family of restaurateurs in India, having worked on multiple projects introducing guests to new cuisines and culinary experience. His Delhi based restaurant Tippling Street is based around a London pub format, serving Indian snacking plates alongside craft beer.

Gobind commented: “This is my first restaurant in the UK and I am so pleased to see our vision of a fun and accessible pan-Asian eatery come to life. The Yards is a brilliant destination right in the heart of Covent Garden and we are very happy to join the area’s distinctive day-to-night offering.”

On behalf of Longmartin’s Properties Ltd, Simon Taylor, property director at the Mercers’ Company, added: “With its unique dining experience and mix of authenticity and culture, Gura Gura is set to be a brilliant addition to our impressive and successful line-up within The Yards, and we are delighted to welcome yet another debut restaurant.”

The interiors, designed by Orphic Design Studio, take inspiration from the myriad pan-Asian cultures represented by Gura Gura. The space has a “fun and colourful feel with maximalist touches and plenty of foliage on both floors”.

The upstairs is a smaller space that seats 30 with a sweeping bar at the entrance and a sushi counter where the fresh raw fish dishes are prepared. Head downstairs via the bespoke wine tunnel into the larger bar/dining room furnished with lounge style chairs and tree-like separating columns to give each table a “cosier feel”.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily