When the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery reopens on 10th May 2025, it will feature a new restaurant by Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli, in partnership with Searcys.
The team will be opening an all-day restaurant Locatelli, along with Bar Giorgio, an espresso and maritozzi bar.
Located on the mezzanine level of the Sainsbury Wing – which reopens following a two-and-a-half-year transformational Bicentenary project to provide a warmer welcome for the millions of annual Gallery visitors – Locatelli, the 80-seater restaurant and bar will offer guests a unique opportunity to experience Giorgio’s celebrated Italian cooking, and just like the nation’s Gallery, everyone is welcome.
In addition, 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.
Following the announcement of the closure of their eponymous, Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli, which hosted its final service in December 2024, Locatelli represents the much-anticipated next chapter for the lauded chef.
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. Following a few years working in some of the most admired kitchens in France, he returned to London, earning himself 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. Along with his restaurants, Giorgio has an illustrious television career, and has been awarded the title of Cavaliere, Order of the Merit of the Italian Republic.
The National Gallery has long been a source of inspiration for Giorgio, and particularly the works of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610), an artist known for his dramatic, and sometimes controversial paintings. The surrounding history and creativity of the restaurant’s prestigious location will be reflected throughout Locatelli’s menu.
“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.”
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery
Operated in partnership with one of Britain’s longest established hospitality groups, Searcys, the restaurant will be open from 10am through to evening, with the menu focusing on Italian classics as well as Giorgio’s signatures; forever changing with the seasons. Guests can start with a selection of antipasti, then moving onto primi such as Pappardelle, broad beans, pecorino and rucola or Braised veal ravioli with parsley gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce. Secondi will see the likes of Roast chicken alla cacciatora and polenta and Roast ribeye steak with aubergine, red onion and cherry tomatoes and to end on a sweet note, will be a choice of Italian-inspired dolci including the classic Tiramisu, Lemon and mascarpone cake or Fresh fruit tart with custard.
The Sainsbury Wing has been transformed by a team led by Selldorf Architects. The interior of Locatelli has been designed by award-winning studio LXA, with the impressive, light-filled dining room featuring Paula Rego’s (1935-2022) monumental 10 metre artwork Crivelli’s Garden (1990-91). The work was created especially for the Sainsbury’s Wing’s restaurant space by Paula Rego – the Gallery’s first ever Associate Artist.
The ground floor of the Sainsbury Wing will house Bar Giorgio, a casual espresso bar for both gallery visitors and passers-by alike. It will be the home of Giorgio’s maritozzi menu, offering a selection of both sweet and savoury takes on the classic Roman pastry.
Giorgio says
“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 can’t wait to welcome guests to experience the beauty and warmth of our cuisine, in such a prestigious and inspiring setting.”
Locatelli will open at the National Gallery on 10th May 2025 locatelliatnationalgallery.co.uk
Open Monday to Sunday during Gallery hours. Friday until 9PM
