Eco opened on The Broadway last month by Cheam resident Sami Wasif, who has worked in the dining scene for decades and in several continents.
Sami was among the first to bring authentic sourdough pizzas to the UK, and the family still uses the same traditional bread recipe he first encountered over fifty years ago in his native Egypt.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
Sami said: “Every dish is created with love.
“Take, for example, Pizza Laura Vita, which is on our menu as a nod to my late wife.
“It’s a goat’s cheese pizza, which was her favourite.”
The venue is a modern interior with high ceilings, patterned tile flooring, and industrial-style lighting.
Guests can choose from a variety of seating options, including cosy booths and open tables, making it ideal for everything from casual meetups to remote working.
The walls are line with several pieces of artwork, including a painting of King Charles II, known as the Merry Monarch.
There is even the famous painting of Charles II’s mistress, Barbara Villiers, and their illegitimate child, Charles Fitzroy.
There’s also a delicate rose print with blue lighting, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
The bar area is a standout feature, with a bold geometric design and shelves stocked with a wide range of spirits.
Blue lighting and decorative ceiling fixtures create a vibrant setting perfect for evening drinks.
The menu includes a variety of small plates and antipasti, such as avocado and tomato bruschetta, chilli prawns, arancini, and salt and pepper squid.
Daughter Charmaine Wasif, managing director of the family business, said: “This isn’t just a restaurant rollout – it’s a return.
“Cheam has been our home for years and this restaurant belongs here.
“To us, ECO is way more than a restaurant – it’s a creative collaboration, grounded in the act of faith of my parents, Laura and Sami, and in the generations of families who have grown up eating with us.
“It’s our story coming home.”
Sharing platters like the antipasto misto and fritto misto are perfect for groups.
Eco’s sourdough pizzas are a nod to Sami’s roots, with options ranging from the classic Margherita and Marinara to more adventurous choices like spicy tuna, smoked aubergine and burrata, and the Laura Vita, which is a combination of goat’s cheese, pesto, cherry tomato and rocket.
Pasta dishes include slow-cooked beef lasagna, prawn and smoked salmon penne, and venison ragu pappardelle.
For lighter options, there are salads like the grilled vegetable and avocado or the burrata tricolore.
Desserts include favourites like tiramisu, blueberry mascarpone cheesecake, and amaretto sticky toffee pudding, as well as affogato variations with espresso and liqueurs.
Eco Cheam is open from 12pm to 10.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 12pm to 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday.
