Inspired by Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s celebrated paintings of friendship, romance and the joy of shared experiences, this limited-edition menu continues the exhibition journey beyond the gallery walls. Much like Renoir’s work, which captures life’s most treasured moments around the table, each dish has been thoughtfully designed to evoke warmth, conviviality and a sense of togetherness through seasonal Italian cooking.
Where Art Meets Italian Hospitality
For Renoir, food was often more than just a subject. His paintings captured the atmosphere surrounding meals, the conversations, laughter and connections that unfold when people gather together. At Osteria Locatelli, these same values sit at the heart of our philosophy, making this collaboration a natural meeting point between art and hospitality.
The menu draws inspiration from three iconic Renoir works, pairing each course with a painting that reflects its colours, textures and story. Through carefully selected ingredients and classic Italian techniques, the dishes bring Renoir’s artistic vision to life on the plate.
Inspired by Bouquet in a Theatre Box
The experience begins with a vibrant starter of red onion tatin, goat’s cheese mousse and aged balsamic vinegar. Rich in colour and delicate in balance, the dish takes inspiration from Renoir’s Bouquet in a Theatre Box, echoing the painting’s vivid floral composition and sense of elegance. A French classic is reimagined through an Italian lens, celebrating the beauty found in simplicity and seasonal ingredients.
Inspired by Lunch at Restaurant Fournaise (The Rowers’ Lunch)
For the main course, guests are served saffron risotto with Taleggio fondue and red wine reduction. One of northern Italy’s most beloved dishes, risotto offers both comfort and refinement. Its golden hue reflects the warm light captured in Renoir’s lively riverside gathering, where friends come together to share food, wine and conversation. This course embodies the spirit of hospitality at the heart of both Italian dining culture and Renoir’s work.
Inspired by Young Mother (Jeune mère)
To finish, a dessert of red wine poached pear with ricotta and almond crumble offers a comforting finale. Inspired by Young Mother (Jeune mère), the dish reflects the tenderness and intimacy portrayed in Renoir’s painting. Combining classic northern Italian flavours with seasonal fruit, it celebrates the traditions of family cooking, where simple ingredients become expressions of care and generosity.
A Seasonal Celebration of Art and Flavour
Available from 3rd October 2026 to 31st January 2027, the Renoir menu offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the connections between artistic expression and culinary craftsmanship. Whether enjoyed as part of a visit to the National Gallery or as a standalone dining experience, the menu captures the essence of what made Renoir’s paintings so enduring: warmth, beauty and the joy of bringing people together.
Join us at Osteria Locatelli and discover how Italian hospitality, seasonal ingredients and timeless works of art can create a truly memorable dining experience. Find out more or book a table.
