Giorgio Locatelli stands as one of the most distinguished Italian chefs working in the United Kingdom. Known for his deep dedication to authentic regional Italian cuisine, his approach has elevated traditional family recipes to the heights of fine dining. His professional influence stretches far beyond the kitchen, touching television screens, global restaurant ventures, and the bookshelves of home cooks worldwide.
From his early years near Lake Comabbio in northern Italy to conquering the competitive London dining scene, Giorgio Locatelli’s career demonstrates remarkable adaptability and skill. Despite early setbacks and the famously demanding nature of high-end gastronomy, he built a hospitality brand that celebrates the warmth, simplicity, and pure joy of Italian cooking.
Quick Bio
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Giorgio Locatelli |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Corgeno, Vergiate, Italy |
| Profession | Chef, Restaurateur, Author, Television Judge |
| Spouse | Plaxy Cornelia Exton |
| Children | Margherita, Jack (stepson) |
| Notable Honours | Commendatore of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2016) |
Early Life and Family Culinary Roots
Born on April 6, 1963, in the small northern Italian village of Corgeno, Giorgio Locatelli grew up fully immersed in the world of food and hospitality. His family operated a local restaurant, which provided his earliest exposure to the fast-paced environment of a professional kitchen. It was his uncle who managed the Michelin-starred establishment La Cinzianella, setting a benchmark of culinary excellence that would deeply influence him.
Despite these strong family ties to gastronomy, his parents were initially reluctant for him to pursue a career as a chef due to the gruelling lifestyle. As a child, he spent countless hours helping in the family business, absorbing the foundational techniques of traditional cooking. These formative experiences instilled in him a deep respect for seasonal ingredients and the cultural importance of sharing a meal with loved ones.
Education and Career Beginnings in Prestigious Kitchens
Before fully committing to the culinary arts, Locatelli briefly pursued studies in dental technology. However, his undeniable passion for food quickly drew him back to the kitchen, leading him to leave those studies behind. He also completed a period of national service in the Italian army before beginning his formal culinary training in local restaurants across northern Italy and Switzerland.
In 1986, seeking to expand his horizons, he relocated to London to join the prestigious kitchens of The Savoy under the guidance of master chef Anton Edelmann. To further refine his technique, he moved to Paris in 1990, working at esteemed establishments like Restaurant Laurent and La Tour d’Argent. While his time in France was marked by demanding and challenging conditions, it shaped his meticulous approach to fine dining and thoroughly prepared him for future leadership roles.
Career Success and Michelin Recognition
Returning to London with a wealth of international experience, Giorgio Locatelli quickly made a name for himself in the British culinary scene. He initially found success working at Olivo Restaurant in Belgravia. This role served as a stepping stone to a major career leap when he opened Zafferano in February 1995.
His commitment to importing authentic Italian produce and presenting it with elegant simplicity earned Zafferano widespread critical acclaim. This dedication to quality was officially recognised when Zafferano was awarded a highly coveted Michelin star in 1999. During this period, he helped introduce British diners to a more refined, ingredient-focused approach to regional Italian cuisine.
The Legacy of Locanda Locatelli
In February 2002, Giorgio Locatelli and his wife Plaxy opened Locanda Locatelli on Seymour Street in London. Designed to offer a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant quickly attracted high-profile diners and dedicated food enthusiasts. By 2003, it had earned its own Michelin star, a prestigious accolade it successfully retained for its entire lifespan.
The menu at this iconic establishment was highly personal, adapting over the years to include comprehensive vegan and allergy-friendly options inspired by his daughter Margherita’s severe food allergies. After operating successfully for more than two decades, Locanda Locatelli permanently closed its doors in late 2024. The closure marked the end of an important chapter in London’s gastronomic history.
International Ventures and Dubai
Giorgio Locatelli continuously explored new business ventures and expanded his brand globally. His international career included Ronda Locatelli at the renowned Atlantis, The Palm resort in Dubai, which he launched in September 2008. The restaurant introduced his interpretation of Italian cuisine to an international audience of travellers and expatriates.
Ronda Locatelli operated for nearly 14 years and became an established part of the resort’s dining portfolio. The venue ultimately closed its doors in May 2022 to make way for a new South American dining concept as part of the resort’s broader renovation plans. The venture nevertheless represented an important stage in his international restaurant career.
Osteria Locatelli at the National Gallery
In May 2025, Giorgio Locatelli and Plaxy embarked on a new chapter by opening Osteria Locatelli in the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery in London. Located just steps from Trafalgar Square, the venture combines his culinary expertise with one of the city’s best-known cultural institutions.
The restaurant focuses on modern Italian dining, offering a menu rooted in traditional flavours and seasonal ingredients. It also features Bar Giorgio, a space dedicated to Italian espresso and traditional maritozzi. The National Gallery venue represents the chef’s continuing presence in London’s restaurant scene.
Television Career: From Documentaries to MasterChef
Beyond his restaurant kitchens, Giorgio Locatelli has built a successful television career. British audiences became familiar with him through BBC series such as Italy Unpacked and Sicily Unpacked, which he co-hosted with art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon. These programmes combined art, regional food and Italian culture.
In Italy, his television career expanded when he joined the judging panel of MasterChef Italia in 2018. His constructive feedback, culinary expertise and distinctive personality quickly made him a recognisable figure among viewers. He has also appeared in programmes including Home Restaurant on Sky Uno.
Best-Selling Cookbooks and Literary Work
Sharing his knowledge through writing has been another important part of his career. He has authored several acclaimed cookbooks that combine recipes with personal stories, cultural background and practical cooking advice.
His best-known book, Made in Italy: Food & Stories, was published in 2006 and became an international bestseller. He followed it with other popular titles, including Made in Sicily (2011) and Made at Home (2017). These books helped bring his approach to Italian cooking to a wider home audience.
Latest News: Giorgio Locatelli in 2026
The year 2026 brought significant professional developments for Giorgio Locatelli, particularly in British television. In August 2026, he made his debut as a new judge on the 21st series of Celebrity MasterChef UK. He joined food critic Grace Dent on the BBC One programme to evaluate a new lineup of celebrity contestants.
Meanwhile, Osteria Locatelli at the National Gallery marked its first full year of operation in 2026, continuing the chef’s latest London restaurant chapter. He also remained part of the judging panel on MasterChef Italia, maintaining a television career that now spans both Britain and Italy.
Culinary Legacy and Lasting Impact
The career of Giorgio Locatelli is closely associated with regional Italian cooking, Michelin-starred dining and a strong connection to his cultural heritage. In 2016, his contributions were officially honoured when he was named a Commendatore of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
His work has also highlighted the importance of accommodating diners with food allergies. His family’s experience with severe allergies helped influence the development of more inclusive approaches to restaurant dining, particularly at Locanda Locatelli.
Conclusion
The career of Giorgio Locatelli reflects professional dedication, adaptability and cultural pride. From learning the basics in a family restaurant in northern Italy to leading acclaimed restaurants and appearing on major television programmes, his journey demonstrates how traditional cooking can evolve within modern fine dining.
Today, whether appearing on television, writing cookbooks or overseeing his London restaurant, Giorgio Locatelli continues to connect Italian culinary traditions with contemporary audiences. His long career across restaurants, publishing and television has established him as a recognised figure in the international food industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Giorgio Locatelli born?
Giorgio Locatelli was born on April 6, 1963, in Corgeno, a small village in the comune of Vergiate in northern Italy.
How many Michelin stars did his restaurants receive?
Zafferano earned a Michelin star in 1999 while he was head chef. Later, Locanda Locatelli was awarded a Michelin star in 2003 and retained it for more than two decades.
Is Locanda Locatelli still open?
No. Locanda Locatelli, the long-running London restaurant associated with the chef, permanently closed after its final period of operation in late 2024.
What is Giorgio Locatelli’s current London restaurant?
His current London restaurant is Osteria Locatelli in the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery. He and his wife Plaxy opened the venue in May 2025.
Did Giorgio Locatelli appear on Celebrity MasterChef UK?
Yes. In August 2026, Giorgio Locatelli debuted as a new judge on the 21st series of Celebrity MasterChef UK, alongside food critic Grace Dent.
Is Giorgio Locatelli still a judge on MasterChef Italia?
Yes. He continues to serve as a judge on MasterChef Italia, where he has been part of the judging panel since 2018.
What cookbooks has Giorgio Locatelli written?
He is the author of several cookbooks, including Made in Italy: Food & Stories (2006), Made in Sicily (2011) and Made at Home (2017).
