interview
GIORGIO LOCATELLI IS one of the
top Italian chefs working in the UK.
At his Marylebone restaurant,
Locanda Locatelli, Giorgio
serves traditional Italian dishes,
emphasising the quality and
freshness of the produce, while
adding his own creative touch.
That, along with a friendly service
and a relaxed atmosphere, has
made Locanda Locatelli one of
the best restaurants in London.
‘Italian cooking is all about
simplicity and fresh, fragrant
flavours,’ he tells
mlife
. ‘Family is
fundamental to the Italian way of
life and therefore is reflected in
our cooking style. Large lasagnes
and hearty aubergine pastas are
great plates to share at the table,
along with fresh breads and cooked
meats. At Locanda, we aim to
provide an intimate ambience while
welcoming family diners at the
same time – it definitely works.’
Giorgio was brought up in
northern Italy on the banks of
Lake Comabbio, in a village called
Corgeno. His aunt and uncle owned
a Michelin-starred restaurant there,
which is where he gained his
appreciation of good food.
‘I love Italy and try to go back as
much as I can. But, I love London,
too – and London is now my home.
My family is here, my restaurant
and my life…Marylebone is a great
area to have the restaurant. It is
close to Hyde Park and Mayfair and
walking distance to the hustle and
bustle of Soho, so I feel it attracts a
real mix of people. Because it is set
back behind Oxford Street, it has an
air of calm and quiet about it, even
though it’s minutes away from one
of the busiest streets in the capital.’
Giorgio launched Locanda
Locatelli with his wife, Plaxy, in 2002
and was awarded a Michelin star
the following year – as he has been
each year since.
‘Plaxy is my right-hand man – she
is so supportive and believes in my
cooking and my concept,’ he reveals.
‘As for the awards – I respect and
appreciate the Michelin recognition,
but I don’t think it is the be all and
end all of how good a restaurant is.’
Giorgio has been extremely
focused to get to the top of such a
highly competitive profession.
‘It’s taken dedication and hard
work,’ he confirms. ‘The hours are
long and brutal, the pace is fast and
physically demanding, and mentally
exhausting. But if you care and have
a passion to get to the top, you can.’
And now Giorgio is at the top,
there seems to be no slowing down.
‘I am filming a new TV series at
the moment,’ he tells us. ‘I try to
choose interesting concepts that I
am passionate about.’
So does this mean Giorgio is not
in the kitchen so much now? If we
book a table for lunch next Friday,
will he be preparing our starter?
‘I cook there every day so, yes, it
is likely I’ll be preparing your starter!’
‘Marylebone is a great area to be. It is
close to Hyde Park, Mayfair and Soho…’
A menu made in Italy
32
At his Michelin-starred restaurant, Giorgio Locatelli
has brought a taste of the Mediterranean to Marylebone
Above: Giorgio
learned to cook
while growing up
on the banks of
Lake Comabbio,
in northern Italy
Below right: his
award-winning
restaurant,
Locanda
Locatelli, is on
Seymour Street
