It pays to keep an eye on Giorgio Locatelli because a lot of what the chef does that's considered breaking news is something he's already flagged up months before. Just as he talked about closing Locanda Locatelli in articles months before it 'suddenly' closed, the chef has been chatting about his upcoming plans for a restaurant at The National Gallery since the beginning of the year. The fact that it missed us completely was because all the interviews were in Italian-language publications hence it escaping our notice.
However, the chef has now gone full tilt at publicity for his new London restaurant, talking to The Times this weekend. Locatelli at the National Gallery will open on the mezzanine level of the gallery's Sainsbury Wing which has been undergoing refurbishment for the past few years. It's being run in conjunction with Searcy's and as he tells the paper "it'll be the kind of place you can go for a glass of wine and a plate of pasta for £20".
The 80-seat restaurant will be a standard bearer for Made in Italy produce and will serve classic Italian dishes. What sounds maybe more fun is the arrival of Bar Giorgio on the ground floor, which is where you can pop in for an espresso and one of those maritozzo buns that have been going fully viral in London over the past year or so. Here, there will be both sweet and savoury buns.
It sounds as though Locatelli will also be inspired by the artworks surrounding his new restaurant with the gallery saying that "The surrounding history and creativity of the restaurant’s prestigious location will be reflected throughout 'Locatelli’s' menu."
As for that menu, it'll feature dishes like
- Pappardelle, broad beans, pecorino and rucola
- Braised veal ravioli with parsley gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce
- Roast chicken alla cacciatora and polenta
As for desserts, we're promised tiramisu and lemon and marscarpone cake.
"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," says Giorgio.
Plus, if you have been pining for the original Locanda, the good news is that it will be returning in pop-up form with the first one planned for Cecconi’s in Mayfair in autumn.
More about Locatelli at the National Gallery
Where is it? 12 St Martin's St, London SW1Y 5BS
When does it open? 10 May 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @locatelli_nationalgallery
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