Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli closes its doors
Giorgio Locatelli to open new restaurant at The National Gallery
+1 The National Gallery has announced a new restaurant by Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli, set to open this May.
Giorgio Locatelli is one of the world’s most respected Italian chefs, with a career spanning 40 years.
Growing up in the town of Corgeno in northern Italy, he moved to London in the 1980s, honing his skills at The Savoy Hotel.
After working in some of the most admired kitchens in France, he returned to London, earning his first Michelin star at Zafferano in 1999.
In 2002, Giorgio and his wife Plaxy opened their first restaurant, Locanda Locatelli, which became the benchmark for Italian cuisine in London and maintained its Michelin star for over two decades until closing earlier this year.
Now, the Locatelli team will be opening an all-day restaurant, Locatelli, along with 'Bar Giorgio', an espresso and maritozzi bar.
The 80-seat restaurant and bar, will offer guests a unique opportunity to experience Giorgio’s celebrated Italian cooking.
Opening on the ground floor will be Bar Giorgio, an espresso bar perfect for those looking for a quick break, an Italian coffee, and Giorgio’s sweet and savoury maritozzi menu.
The National Gallery has long been a source of inspiration for Giorgio, particularly the works of artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
The surrounding history and creativity of the restaurant’s prestigious location will be reflected throughout Giorgio's menu.
He said: "Opening Locatelli at the National Gallery is an extraordinary moment for Plaxy and I, and such an honour for the next chapter in our culinary journey to be housed in such a landmark space; surrounded by history and creativity, where great paintings of the past inspire new ideas for our future.
“Caravaggio has always been such a huge inspiration for me, and so to cook under the gaze of his work is a dream come true. His dramatic use of light and shadow resonates strongly within this setting, and we are excited to bring that same boldness and authenticity to our menu.
“From Italian classics to seasonal creations, we can’t wait to welcome guests to experience the beauty and warmth of our cuisine, in such a prestigious and inspiring setting."
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery, added: "It is a pleasure to welcome distinguished chef and broadcaster, Giorgio Locatelli, into the National Gallery family, enriching the excellent food and beverage offer we have for visitors.
“I look forward to a scrumptious Italian menu inspired by National Gallery paintings in our new Sainsbury Wing restaurant, Locatelli, and one of the best espressos in town at 'Bar Giorgio' on the ground floor."
Locatelli opens at the National Gallery on 10 May 2025.
Written by Abi Kinsella
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Giorgio Locatelli to open new restaurant at The National Gallery
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