The Locanda Locatelli Restaurant was founded in 2002 by celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli, and is located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel The Churchill. This was the first venture for the former head chef of Zafferano, and has been a wildly successful one. The restaurant earned its Michelin Star in 2003 and has retained it every year since.

This attention to detail and concern for authenticity has paid off; this restaurant is considered by many to be the best Italian restaurant in the city. Unlike many celebrity chef-owned restaurants where the famed chef never seems to be there, Giorgio Locatelli actually cooks here many evenings.

The restaurant is quite popular with celebrities, so don’t be surprised if you see someone famous while you are there. Reservations are a must, although booking a table should not be too difficult.

Do dress to impress, as this is a special place to see and be seen.

Despite all the hype, prices are actually relatively reasonable here, and most patrons feel that the experience was well worth the cost.

The decor at this superb restaurant is luxurious and a bit retro. Plush curving banquettes, neutral colours and soft lighting lend a 1970s cocktail lounge feel to the establishment.

The service is excellent; polite, helpful and well-informed. There is a sommelier on hand to answer any questions you might have about the massive wine list that actually has a contents page, listing the wines by region.

Even the bread baskets here are carefully and artistically arranged.

The food is both traditional and a bit unusual. The menu has some very special dishes such as Ox Tongue with potato and salsa verde, Homemade Ox Tail ravioli, and Linguine with lobster, tomato, garlic and chilli. They also serve a Sweet and Sour Skate, which is a fish not often seen on restaurant menus.

Desserts are quite lovely here, the Peaches and almond granite and Armagnac prunes financier with pineapple and coconut ice creams are good choices.

This first class restaurant is the perfect place for a special night out.

Visiting Locanda Locatelli

Address: Hyatt Regency Hotel The Churchill, 8 Seymour Street, Marylebone, W1H 7JZ

Telephone: 020 7935 9088

Opening Times

Lunch Monday to Saturday 12noon-3pm, Sun 12noon-3.30pm | Dinner Monday to Saturday 7pm-11pm, Sundays 7pm-10pm

Pricing

Main courses £22 - £30

Photo courtesy: Ewan-M

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