A New Menu for Locatelli: Italian Dining in the Heart of Trafalgar Square
We are delighted to welcome guests to Locatelli at the National Gallery — a new restaurant by Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli in partnership with Searcys, set within the Gallery’s beautifully restored Sainsbury Wing.
This unique collaboration brings together two worlds of artistry: food and painting. Surrounded by one of the world’s most significant collections of European art, diners can now enjoy an experience where seasonal Italian cooking and timeless masterpieces come together in harmony.
A Space for Reflection and Flavour
Designed by LXA with sensitivity to its surroundings, the restaurant sits on the mezzanine level of the Sainsbury Wing, offering a light-filled dining room of elegant proportions. A soft, earthy palette complements the warm wooden floors and Italian marble finishes, while a striking mural by Paula Rego, Crivelli’s Garden, provides a bold and beautiful focal point.
Here, guests are invited to pause — to savour not only what is on the plate, but the atmosphere around them.
The Menu: Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by the Gallery
Giorgio Locatelli’s menu celebrates the simplicity of traditional Italian cooking. Each dish is crafted with the highest quality seasonal ingredients and a deep respect for provenance. Just as the great masters returned to familiar themes with fresh eyes, the kitchen brings new expression to well-loved classics.
Among the current highlights:
Tonnarelli with bottarga, asparagi di mare, lemon, garlic and chilli — a vibrant, sea-scented dish that balances depth and brightness, evoking the Italian coastline in summer.
Ravioli di vitello brasato — braised veal ravioli served with a fragrant gremolada and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce.
Pollo alla cacciatora — slow-cooked chicken in the traditional hunter’s style, served with soft polenta.
Locatelli famous tiramisu — a delicate layering of espresso-soaked Savoiardi, whipped mascarpone, and bittersweet cocoa, this is Giorgio’s take on the classic dessert: timeless, balanced, and deeply comforting.
The wine list offers a thoughtful curation of Italian labels, with a focus on family-run vineyards and regional expressions.
Visit Bar Giorgio
Just below the main restaurant, Bar Giorgio brings a lively Roman energy to the space — perfect for a morning espresso, a sweet maritozzo, or an aperitivo after exploring the collection. Designed to be as welcoming as it is refined, it’s a spot for conversation, contemplation, and excellent coffee. Join us every Friday for aperitivo, a selection of cicchetti and choice of Aperol or Campari Spritz for £20
A Place of Gathering
Whether you are visiting the Gallery, meeting friends for lunch, or looking for an elegant setting to dine in the heart of London, *Locatelli at the National Gallery* offers something rare — a space where food and culture, art and hospitality are in constant conversation.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Join Us
📍 Sainsbury Wing, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
🕰️ Open daily in line with Gallery hours. Dinner service available on Fridays and Saturday until late
