Locatelli and Bar Giorgio will both be located within the Sainsbury Wing of the world famous art gallery, which is just north of Trafalgar Square.
The announcement follows the closure of the pair’s Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli restaurant in Marylebone late last year after 23 years.
Located on the mezzanine level of the Sainsbury Wing - which reopens on 10 May following a major transformation - Locatelli will have 80 covers and will focus on Italian classics as well as its chef’s signature dishes.
Dishes will include pappardelle, broad beans, pecorino and rucola; braised veal ravioli with parsley gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce; roast chicken alla cacciatora and polenta; and fresh fruit tart with custard.
Locatelli will offer an entirely Italian wine and drinks menu devised by Martin Dibben, head of Champagne and wine for Searcys and Virgilio Gennaro, who has worked with the Locatellis for a number of years.
Located on the ground floor, Bar Giorgio will offer ‘proper Italian coffee’ alongside a sweet and savory maritozzi (brioche buns) menu.
The Sainsbury Wing has been transformed by a team led by Selldorf Architects.
The interior of Locatelli has been designed by studio LXA, with the light-filled dining room featuring Paula Rego’s (1935-2022) 10-metre artwork Crivelli’s Garden (1990-91).
Neutral colours and natural materials have been harnessed throughout the space, with dark timber flooring, moleskin leathers, and pearlescent marble softening the space.
The room will be zoned by the inclusion of several dining booths, with reeded glass screens and curved banquette seating upholstered in plush velvet.
“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,” Locatelli says.
“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 and Bar Giorgio launch on 10 May.
