Tucked just off Oxford Street, Meraki presents a modern take on the Sunday roast with Greek-leaning finesse. The atmosphere is warm, the pace unhurried. Ethically sourced meats meet seasonal British produce, with gravies and sides that echo the Mediterranean. Wines and cocktails are chosen with care, and live music stays comfortably low. Even non-meat eaters find substance here. What sets this Fitzrovia spot apart becomes clearer with the details that follow.
Why Meraki Is London’s Go-To for a Modern Sunday Roast
A contemporary Greek spirit underpins Meraki’s take on the classic Sunday roast, making it a standout in London’s dining scene. Observers note how the restaurant balances innovation with local heritage, positioning the roast as a ritual that feels current without losing familiarity. The setting is elegant yet relaxed, delivering weekend comfort for diners who want more than typical brunch alternatives. Service is paced for lingering conversation, while the atmosphere stays crisp and unpretentious. Consistency drives loyalty: timing, hospitality, and attention to detail are reliable week after week. Sourcing choices reflect respect for quality and seasonality, signaling care rather than spectacle. The result is a Sunday experience that appeals to multigenerational groups and discerning regulars, reinforcing Meraki’s reputation as a dependable, modern destination. Guests can also enjoy a unique nightlife experience with dining and dancing, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The Menu: Classic Roasts With Mediterranean Flair
That same measured modernity carries onto the plate, where familiar roasts meet subtle Mediterranean accents. Roast beef arrives blushing and sliced, paired with olive-oil glossed Yorkshire puddings and thyme pan juices brightened by lemon. Herb-crusted lamb shoulder gains lift from roasted garlic skordalia, while corn-fed chicken is basted with oregano and served with a light jus perfumed by citrus. Side dishes lean sunlit: charred courgettes with feta and mint, lemon potatoes crisp at the edges, wilted greens with garlic, and a tomato-laced gravy that keeps richness in check. Vegetarian diners find depth in a slow-roasted cauliflower with tahini and caper dressing. Meraki captures the essence of Greek cuisine with their unique combination of Mediterranean flavors. Dessert options continue the dialogue—think honey-drizzled olive oil cake, pistachio semifreddo, or a restrained citrus tart to close with clean balance.
Seasonal British Produce at the Heart of Every Plate
Why does the roast feel so grounded here? It begins with ingredients chosen at peak freshness, each one tied to the rhythm of the British seasons. The kitchen sources vegetables, herbs, and heritage grains directly from a local farm network, practicing sustainable sourcing that privileges proximity and traceability. Spring greens, summer tomatoes, autumn roots, and winter brassicas rotate through the plates, dictating garnishes and textures rather than trends. Provenance drives technique. Carrots are slow-roasted for concentrated sweetness; potatoes are steamed, roughed, and finished for crisp edges; greens are blanched to preserve chlorophyll bite. Horseradish is grated fresh when available, and jus is built from bones and trimmings, minimizing waste. The result reads as honest: British produce, handled with restraint, delivering depth without excess. Meraki, located in Fitzrovia, offers a unique twist on traditional Greek cuisine, featuring exceptional service and a sophisticated ambiance.
Perfect Pairings: Curated Wines and Signature Cocktails
Wine and cocktail pairings are treated as extensions of the roast, calibrated to enhance rather than overshadow.
Sommeliers guide a precise wine pairing for each cut and preparation: a supple Pinot Noir for roast beef, textured white Rhône for herb-brined chicken, and a refined Rioja Reserva for lamb with rosemary jus. Sauces and sides are factored in, ensuring acidity, tannin, and body align with richness and seasoning.
The cocktail selection follows a similar philosophy. A citrus-forward Martini variation cleanses the palate between bites, while a smoky Highball echoes char from roasted fats. For guests seeking spice, a restrained Bloody Mary riff offers lift without masking savor.
Low-ABV spritzes provide length across courses, and a classic, well-dosed Old Fashioned complements deeper, caramelized notes.
Veggie and Vegan Roasts That Impress
Menus near Meraki spotlight seasonal plant-based mains, from roast squash crowns to beet wellingtons with crisp edges.
These plates are anchored by rich meat-free gravies layered with umami from mushrooms, miso, and roasted aromatics.
Together, they offer a Sunday roast experience that stands on its own, not as a substitute.
Seasonal Plant-Based Mains
Seasonal plant-based mains showcase robust flavors and satisfying textures that rival traditional roasts.
At Meraki, the kitchen turns to sustainable sourcing to frame produce at its peak, letting vegetables lead with confidence rather than compromise.
Diners might encounter roasted celeriac with thyme and lemon zest, charred hispi cabbage with smoky paprika oil, or a beetroot wellington layered with mushroom duxelles. Each plate emphasizes balance: caramelization for depth, fresh herbs for lift, and nuts or grains for structure.
Innovative plating underscores the intent—crisp edges set against silky purées, jewel-toned roots alongside bright greens, and carefully reduced glazes that accent natural sweetness.
Thoughtful accompaniments—roasted shallots, confit garlic, and citrus-dressed brassicas—deliver contrast and completeness.
The result is a Sunday centerpiece that feels hearty, seasonal, and unequivocally satisfying.
Rich Meat-Free Gravies
A well-made meat-free gravy anchors a plant-led roast, delivering umami, gloss, and depth without relying on drippings. At Meraki and nearby spots, chefs build complexity with roasted mushrooms, caramelised onions, and fortified vegetable stocks. Then layer soy, miso, or Marmite for salinity and savoriness.
A splash of Madeira or sherry adds lift, while thyme, bay, and black pepper provide structure. To achieve body, cooks reduce slowly, whisking in a roux or emulsifying with olive oil to keep vegetarian sauces silky.
For vegan service, they finish with miso butter alternatives or tahini for gentle richness. These meat free gravies pair cleanly with seasonal mains—celeriac wellington, herb-crusted squash, or charred leeks—binding plate elements and delivering the satisfying finish expected from a standout Sunday roast.
The Setting: Relaxed Fitzrovia Charm
Steps from Meraki, the setting pairs contemporary Mediterranean design with clean lines, sun-washed hues, and natural textures. The room’s easy flow and soft lighting signal unhurried Sunday comfort.
A warm neighborhood ambiance—chatty locals, unpretentious service, and gentle buzz—anchors the roast in Fitzrovia’s relaxed charm.
Contemporary Mediterranean Design
Understated Mediterranean cues shape a calm, contemporary backdrop that fits Fitzrovia’s easy rhythm. The room favors clean lines, sun-washed tones, and tactile simplicity, nodding to Mediterranean architecture without pastiche.
Pale stone, brushed plaster, and timber accents establish visual warmth, while generous light and measured negative space keep the mood composed.
Contemporary interiors here lean on proportion and texture: linen upholstery, woven details, and matte ceramics soften the geometry. A restrained palette—sand, chalk, olive—anchors the setting, allowing subtle metallics to punctuate sightlines.
Seating is scaled for comfort yet maintains crisp silhouettes, aligning function with poise.
Artwork and greenery are curated rather than crowded, offering gentle movement against structured forms.
The result is a balanced stage for dining that feels timeless, precise, and quietly inviting.
Warm Neighborhood Ambiance
Two streets off bustling Oxford Street, the tone shifts to Fitzrovia’s softer register: residential façades, independent shops, and an easy pedestrian tempo. Here, the setting frames Meraki’s Sunday ritual with an unfussy, cozy atmosphere that favors conversation over spectacle.
People arrive on foot, coats shrugged off, greeted by staff who recognize regulars and newcomers alike.
Windows face streets where cyclists glide past and dogs tug leads; inside, warm lighting and low hums of chatter suggest a neighborhood community at ease.
The pace suits a long roast: plates arrive unhurried, and tables linger without pressure.
Locals nod across rooms, and visitors fold into the rhythm, as if returning.
The effect is simple: Fitzrovia’s relaxed charm turns a meal into residence.
Hospitality That Feels Effortless and Personal
Although the Sunday roast draws people in, it’s the service near Meraki that lingers: attentive without hovering, warm without presumption, and swift without haste. Staff read the room with practiced ease, calibrating conversation and distance to suit each table. Water appears before it’s requested; allergens are handled discreetly; special requests are acknowledged without ceremony.
Service excellence shows in how courses flow naturally, coats are whisked away smoothly, and bills arrive only when eyes meet.
Refinement never feels rehearsed. Hosts offer quiet cues on dining etiquette—how best to enjoy shared sides, the pacing of sauces and jus, the order of pours—guiding without instruction. Personal touches feel earned, not staged, leaving guests with a sense of calm assurance that their meal unfolded exactly as intended.
Planning Your Sunday: Reservations, Timings, and Tips
Before stepping out for a Sunday roast near Meraki, a little foresight goes far. Table reservations should be secured midweek, especially for prime weekend timings between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Parties of four or more benefit from confirming dietary needs and high chairs in advance.
Arriving ten minutes early prevents bottlenecks at peak turnover, and flexible diners may request the bar while waiting.
Efficient planning keeps the afternoon relaxed and on schedule.
- Book table reservations online and confirm via SMS to avoid double-bookings.
- Check weekend timings for last‑order cutoffs; kitchens often close earlier than bars.
- Note travel buffers for Soho traffic and possible rail disruptions.
- Ask about split bills and service charges to streamline payment.
- Plan post-meal strolls nearby to pace the day.
How Meraki Elevates a Beloved British Tradition
With logistics sorted, attention turns to what sets Meraki’s Sunday roast apart. The kitchen treats tradition with precision: ethically sourced meats, slow-roasted for depth, are carved to order and matched with crisp potatoes, airy Yorkshire puddings, and seasonal veg that retain bite and color.
Sauces are calibrated—rich gravies and bright relishes—balancing fat, sweetness, and acidity.
Innovation appears in the details. Herb-brushed oil infusions lift roasted roots; smoke-kissed brassicas add contrast; and a rotating roster of small plates invites sharing without distracting from the main event.
Carefully curated dessert pairings extend the experience, matching puddings with fortified wines or citrus-forward cocktails.
Atmosphere completes the ritual, with live music options scheduled at measured volumes, preserving conversation while shaping a warm, unhurried Sunday cadence.
Conclusion
In the end, Meraki’s Sunday roast feels like a warm handshake between British tradition and Mediterranean sunshine. With ethically sourced meats, vibrant seasonal sides, thoughtful plant-based options, and pairings that sing, it turns a familiar ritual into an easygoing celebration. The Fitzrovia setting, soft live music, and polished, personal service make lingering inevitable. For those planning ahead, reservations are wise; timings are relaxed. Meraki doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it gilds it, making Sundays taste brighter and more memorable.
