Javier - whose CV also includes a stint as development chef at the Pachamama restaurant group - is set to transform the Golborne Road venue into “a modern bistro with global edge”.
His menu of Asian-influenced dishes will include crispy sweetbread saltimbocca with guanciale and sage; beef tartare with tosazu and oyster; courgette carpaccio, stracciatella, pesto and green tea; cacio e pepe cheung fun; and chargrilled octopus with XO sauce and butter beans.
Desserts will include lemon granita with burnt pear and honey cream; and ube, matcha and white chocolate tiramisu.
Caia was launched in 2022 by Notting Hill locals Rishabh Vir and Tim Lang offering produce-led small and large plates cooked on a custom-made open-fire grill alongside a largely natural wine list, and cocktails.
“This marks a new chapter for Caia,” Vir says. “We began as a high-energy, big on flavour restaurant, and that spirit remains. With John at the helm, the menu is sharp, confident and defined – his cooking brings a personality and perspective that pushes us forward, while the Green Room and our music culture continue to give Caia its soul.”
Born in the Philippines and brought up in Australia, Javier started out in the kitchens of top restaurants including Quay, Noma and Momofuku Seiobo.
Javier was nominated for the Chef to Watch award at the 2022 National Restaurant Awards.
Javier’s menu will be available from 1 October.