Harden's survey result
Summary
“Memorable food in a lively, buzzy but not hectic environment” maintains the appeal for fans of Giorgio Locatelli’s “classic Italian”, which he has run with wife Plaxy for over 20 years, in a “discreet” and stylish hotel dining room off Portman Square (and with its own entrance). There is a harsh view that “there’s nothing special about it other than the outrageous prices”. But that’s a minority opinion, and for its majority of fans it remains an “exceptional all-rounder”, as recommended for business as it is for being a “fantastic place to take the family”.
Summary
“Lovely to see Giorgio parading the floor and in the kitchen making sure everything is correct”, say fans of his well-known, sophisticated and moodily “romantic” Italian, off Portman Square (run, with wife Plaxy, since 2002), for whom a visit is still “always a delight” with triumphant modern Italian cooking that’s among London’s best. Its ratings took a knock this year, though, from a number of former fans who said “it’s not what it was” (“sorry, but we’ve had two or three disappointing meals here now”).
Summary
Giorgio Locatelli’s “elegant and sophisticated” Italian off Portman Square (run, with wife Plaxy, since 2002) is “a favourite of many years’ standing” for many reporters. The modern Italian cuisine delivers “flavours second to none”, “service is personal and attentive” and it’s “an unusual combination of the informal (making everyone feel welcome) and the impeccable”. (Though slightly less high-profile in UK media in recent times, Giorgio’s big in Italy now as a new judge on Italian MasterChef).
Summary
“A restaurant of the highest calibre, which manages to be elegant and unpretentious at the same time” – Giorgio Locatelli’s long-established Italian (which he, and wife Plaxy, opened in 2002) provides “a fantastic experience from start to finish”. The hotel environment it sits within can seem “rather sterile”, but the division of the moodily-lit dining room “breaks up what could be a large soulless space”, and the ambience still feels “buzzing after all these years”; boosted by its “impeccable” and “good-humoured” service. A few diners discern “a lack of wow factor” in the cuisine, but more common is a hymn of praise to “simple ingredients combined and cooked to perfection every time”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Locanda Locatelli?
Hyatt Regency, 8 Seymour St, London, W1H 7JZ
Restaurant details
Locanda Locatelli Restaurant Diner Reviews
"special night out with food that was good quality ingredients but disappointing- no real excitement or adventure. the melanzane looked like dog poo (my wife's verdict!), solid but uninspiring food all round."
"Our favourite London Italian. Still authentic, beautifully presented and well served, seasonal food in one of the most acoustically excellent restaurants no matter how busy. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Hyatt Regency, 8 Seymour St, London, W1H 7JZ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
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