LUWO

LÚWO is a project from the ORIGIN restaurant group, located on Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street. Here, you can discover a unique side of Greece: the cuisine is presented in an unexpected way.

The name and concept evoke a journey back thousands of years, to a time when the eastern Mediterranean was home to the powerful Luwian civilization. The Luwians, often referred to as the "Sea Peoples," were the ancestors of the ancient Greeks, and their traditions blended Eastern and Western influences. LÚWO offers a glimpse into this vanished world through the concept of a three-level modern Pantheon, where gastronomy and design interpret Greek culture and the Eastern influences that shaped it.

The restaurant has three floors: a basement that serves as a secret bar, symbolizing the underworld; the main floor with its grand hall and fireplace area, representing the earthly realm; and a terrace that embodies the heavens. Natural materials and flowing forms evoke the sea, cliffs, shadows, and colors of the Greek islands.

Chef Artem Chudnenko is responsible for the kitchen: "The Luwians lived in the territories of modern-day Greece and Turkey, so in the menu, we explore how to transform the classic elements of these two culinary traditions into unexpected, vibrant, and modern combinations." The marine elegance of Greece meets the vibrant flavors of Asia: many dishes are cooked over an open flame, with baked goods from a wood-fired oven, Eastern spices, and fruits. The menu descriptions are intriguing: beef tartare with a sujuk sauce, grilled octopus with pineapple and a mango-chili sauce, dried beetroot with süjme cheese and a red orange sauce. Even familiar dishes are presented in a new way: for example, the Greek salad is reimagined with an umami dressing, and the salmon is served with brulee and crushed tomatoes. A key feature of LÚWO is its selection of signature desserts: goat cheese semifreddo with an olive and walnut sauce, chocolate mousse with chocolate sorbet and capers.

The bar menu was developed by the BARPOINT team, led by bar chef Alexander Gordyshev. The goal is to represent the three levels of the restaurant in different ways and to bring the Pantheon of modern gods to life. Each floor has its own selection of drinks, varying in strength, texture, and acidity, but all supporting the main idea of blending Greek form with Eastern content. The lightness and freshness of Greece deliberately contrast with the vibrancy and spice of the East. A special feature is the changing cocktail menu, which features cocktails that are like visual representations. Each item playfully tells a story about the cults of modern times.

The wine list, curated by Lera Borisova, offers a summery atmosphere and a wide selection of white, rosé, orange, and sparkling wines. Each label fits into the overall concept of combining classic and innovative elements. The regions represented include Greece, Turkey, the Balkan Peninsula, Armenia, and Russia.

LÚWO is a place you'll want to return to, to explore the space, learn about history through gastronomy, and discover new trends. Here, the fantasy of an authentic civilization meets reality, gaining depth, a new character, and a unique flavor.