When the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing reopens to the public on May 10 following an extensive two-and-a-half-year renovation, visitors will experience not only reimagined art spaces but also a significant new culinary destination.
After closing his iconic Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli in December 2024, acclaimed chef Giorgio Locatelli is set to begin his next chapter in an environment quite different from traditional restaurant settings—surrounded by some of the world’s greatest masterpieces.
The new 80-seat restaurant, simply named “Locatelli,” will occupy the mezzanine level of the transformed Sainsbury Wing, offering diners the unique experience of enjoying fine Italian cuisine in a space featuring Paula Rego’s monumental 10-meter artwork “Crivelli’s Garden” (1990-91). This notable piece was created specifically for the original Sainsbury Wing restaurant by Rego when she served as the Gallery’s first Associate Artist.
The culinary offering will be complemented by “Bar Giorgio” on the ground floor, an espresso bar serving Giorgio’s take on maritozzi, the traditional Roman sweet buns that have recently gained popularity in upscale bakeries across Europe.
For Giorgio and his wife Plaxy, the location represents an artistic homecoming of sorts. “Caravaggio has always been such a huge inspiration for me,” explained Giorgio. “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.”
The menu itself will showcase seasonal Italian classics alongside Locatelli signatures. Early announcements indicate dishes will include pappardelle with broad beans, pecorino and rucola; braised veal ravioli with parsley gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce; and roast chicken alla cacciatora with polenta.
The Sainsbury Wing renovation, part of the Gallery’s Bicentenary project, has been led by Selldorf Architects, with the restaurant interior designed by award-winning studio LXA. The redesign aims to provide a warmer welcome for the millions of annual visitors to the nation’s gallery, while maintaining the wing’s architectural significance.
The partnership between Locatelli and the National Gallery represents a growing trend of major cultural institutions collaborating with renowned chefs to elevate their dining experiences. In this case, British hospitality group Searcys—the UK’s oldest caterer with a portfolio that includes venues at The Gherkin and St Pancras International—will operate the restaurant.
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, highlighted the synergy between fine art and fine dining: “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.”
The restaurant will operate seven days a week during regular Gallery hours, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Fridays, making it accessible not only to museum visitors but also to evening diners seeking a cultural setting for their meal.
For Locatelli, whose career spans over 40 years from northern Italy to London’s culinary elite, including earning and maintaining a Michelin star for more than two decades, this new venture represents both a professional evolution and an opportunity to explore the intersection of culinary and visual arts.
The restaurant and bar opening coincides with the complete reopening of the Sainsbury Wing, housing the Gallery’s collection of Early Renaissance paintings, and marks a significant moment in the National Gallery’s ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experience at one of the world’s most prestigious art institutions.
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