Locatelli at the National Gallery Restaurant London Review: High Art Meets High Italian Cuisine

December 16, 2025

Locatelli at The National Gallery restaurant in London feels like crossing the threshold from the grand visual world of The National Gallery into a space where food becomes an artwork in its own right. Located on the mezzanine of the gallery’s Sainsbury Wing above Trafalgar Square, this restaurant is the latest venture of the celebrated chef Giorgio Locatelli, in partnership with catering specialist Searcys.

The setting is bold: high ceilings, thoughtful lighting, art-filled surroundings. The ambience gives you the sense of a museum and a dining room. The idea is simple—Italian food of character, rooted in ingredient and tradition, served within one of London’s most important cultural venues. And it succeeds.

Giorgio Locatelli’s reputation is long-standing. Before this new London location, he helmed Locanda Locatelli for decades, earning acclaim and a Michelin star. In 2025, the National Gallery announced Locatelli’s new restaurant inside the Sainsbury Wing, opening on 10 May. The rationale was clear: to present his vision of Italian cuisine in a setting of art and elegance, but without pretense. The gallery notes emphasised the intersection of great painting and meaningful food.

As you walk up the stairs and into the restaurant, you are aware of the building’s history—of centuries of art collected and displayed—yet the dining room has its own distinct personality: modern, warm, and quietly stylish. The interior is inviting yet elevated. Soft velvet banquettes in muted tones, marble-topped tables, and brass detailing form a theatre of dining. The mezzanine gives a glimpse of the gallery’s bustle below, but once seated, you are in your own space. Service is professional but friendly; it never feels stuffy. The energy is lively yet composed. Even though you are in a high-traffic cultural institution, the experience feels intentional and relaxed. A bar area downstairs, called Bar Giorgio, serves espresso, pastries, and offers a casual hangout.

Locatelli at the National Gallery Restaurant London Menu

The menu at Locatelli is built around Italian classics, seasonal British-Italian produce and handmade pasta.

Starters include burrata with artichokes or a warm potato-and-rosemary sourdough with olive oil—simple but beautifully executed. Pasta is a highlight: dishes such as cappellacci stuffed with peas, calamarata with sea-bream, or tagliatelle al ragù reflect Locatelli’s depth and craftsmanship. Mains include options like the roar of Mediterranean fish, pollo alla cacciatora, or rib-eye with rocket pesto—ingredients familiar but treated with finesse. Vegan and vegetarian options are also considered, such as roasted aubergine with “ricotta” made from soy and hazelnuts. Desserts lean Italian comfort: tiramisu, lemon tart, or chocolate cake with ganache. Good wines and cocktails support the menu—with Italian craft at the heart.

Overall, the food is relaxed, trustworthy, and delicious. It is not overly flashy but confidently accomplished.

What makes Locatelli at The National Gallery special is the synergy of art, architecture, and cuisine. You are dining inside one of London’s premier art institutions, yet the food holds its own. Chef Locatelli’s vision of straightforward Italian cooking shines in a space that could have felt formal—but instead feels vibrant, elevated, and accessible.