Giorgio Locatelli to open new restaurant at National Gallery in renovated Sainsbury Wing
The National Gallery in London has announced it will open a new restaurant, Locatelli, in collaboration with acclaimed chef Giorgio Locatelli and his wife Plaxy, in partnership with hospitality group Searcys. The restaurant will launch on 10th May 2025, coinciding with the reopening of the gallery’s Sainsbury Wing following a major two-and-a-half-year refurbishment project marking the gallery’s Bicentenary. The new dining venue, situated on the mezzanine level of the renovated wing, aims to provide gallery visitors with an accessible dining experience, showcasing Italian cuisine inspired by the gallery’s art collections and the seasonal produce favoured by Locatelli.
The opening of Locatelli comes shortly after the closure of Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli’s Michelin-starred London restaurant, Locanda Locatelli, which served its final meal in December 2024. The new venture is seen as the next chapter in Giorgio Locatelli’s distinguished culinary career, spanning over four decades. Locatelli, originally from Corgeno in northern Italy, first moved to London in the 1980s, training at The Savoy Hotel before working in prestigious kitchens across France. Returning to London, he earned his first Michelin star at Zafferano in 1999 before opening Locanda Locatelli in 2002, which held its Michelin star for more than 20 years.
In addition to the main restaurant, the ground floor of the Sainsbury Wing will house Bar Giorgio, a casual espresso bar offering Italian coffee and a selection of maritozzi – traditional Roman pastries available in both sweet and savoury varieties.
The restaurant’s interior design has been created by award-winning studio LXA, featuring Paula Rego’s monumental ten-metre artwork, Crivelli’s Garden (1990-91), originally commissioned for the Sainsbury Wing’s restaurant space. The wider refurbishment of the wing has been overseen by Selldorf Architects, aiming to enhance visitor experience and accessibility.
Giorgio Locatelli expressed his enthusiasm for the new venue, stating: “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 resonate 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 are eager 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, also welcomed the partnership, adding: “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 will be open daily during gallery hours, extending until 9 pm on Fridays.
Food Desk
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