Chef Giorgio Locatelli’s beloved restaurant, Locanda Locatelli, has unexpectedly closed its doors permanently, following service on New Year’s Eve. This sudden announcement came via the restaurant’s official Instagram feed, where Locatelli expressed his heartfelt sadness over the closure due to reasons beyond their control.
"It is with sadness in our hearts, and for reasons beyond our control, we announce the permanent closure starting now," the Instagram post read. This marked the end of over two decades of culinary service at the esteemed establishment located in the heart of Marylebone, London.
Locanda Locatelli, which opened its doors in 2002, quickly rose to prominence as one of the flag bearers of Italian cuisine within the UK's vibrant dining scene. Co-owned by famed chef Giorgio Locatelli and his wife, Plaxy Cornelia Exton, the restaurant was celebrated for its dedication to authentic Italian recipes and earned its Michelin star just one year after opening, maintaining this prestigious accolade for over twenty years.
The closure follows what appeared to be a flourishing moment for the restaurant, which had recently garnered recognition from 50 Top Italy as one of the best Italian restaurants abroad, igniting hopes for a rejuvenated future. Only days prior, revelers filled the restaurant for the traditional New Year’s Eve dinner, celebrating the end of 2024 and welcoming the new year.
Yet, discussions of turmoil appeared ominous. Reports suggest internal issues with the building's administration may have been compounding factors leading to this abrupt decision. Still, Locatelli’s social media message left room for speculation about future endeavors. "When one door closes, another opens, so follow our social media for updates on a new project," Locatelli hinted, generating excitement among loyal patrons for what could lie ahead.
While the reasons for the closure remain vague, the strong emotional reaction from both Locatelli and his fans reflects the impactful role the restaurant played within the culinary sector. "We will miss all our customers, some of whom became our friends," Locatelli said, highlighting the personal connections forged over meals.
Locatelli himself moved to London from Italy in 1983, using his culinary mastery to build a brand around quality Italian dining, culminating, of course, with the establishment of Locanda. Throughout the years, he became well-known not just for his cooking but also as a prominent judge on the Italian version of MasterChef, which showcased his expertise and drew more attention to his culinary ventures.
Despite challenges—including past controversies involving accusations of workplace bullying—the restaurant has maintained its status as one of the city’s premier dining locations. Regulars would often cite Locanda’s consistent quality and inviting atmosphere as reasons for their loyalty.
With the restaurant’s closure, there is speculation about what Locatelli’s next move could be. He is set to open another restaurant at the National Gallery, serving Italian cuisine under the watchful gaze of British royalty as the opening is scheduled for May 2025. This new venture is hailed as monumental, marking the first Italian restaurant to operate within such a revered national landmark.
Indeed, this reflects Locatelli’s ambition and undiminished spirit, indicating he will continue to contribute to London’s exquisite dining scene, albeit with fresh concepts. Given the tumultuous nature of the past few years, many are left pondering what this next chapter will entail and how he intends to innovate.
The unexpected end of Locanda Locatelli closes not just another restaurant but sends ripples through the UK culinary world, reminding everyone of the fragility of beloved establishments. With this closure, London loses a hallmark of Italian cuisine, and its patrons are left with memories of shared meals and heartfelt service.
While we look back at what Locanda Locatelli represented, we also await new growth from Giorgio Locatelli, hopeful for his next culinary achievement. Clearly, when one door closes, another one opens, and this seasoned chef's story is far from finished.