A Zurbarán-inspired menu will be available throughout May to accompany the first major UK exhibition of the Spanish master at the National Gallery
Locatelli at the National Gallery are launching a new menu inspired by the work of Francisco de Zurbarán, whose first monographic exhibition in the UK will open in the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing from 2nd May to 23rd August.
Bringing together nearly 50 paintings, the exhibition traces Zurbarán’s career across four decades, moving both chronologically and thematically, and offers a rare opportunity to spend time with his work in the quieter rooms of the Gallery.
Giorgio Locatelli and his team, led by Head Chef Imma Savinelli, have developed a menu in dialogue with the exhibition, allowing guests to engage with it at their own pace, both in the dining room and beyond.
Born in Seville in 1598, Zurbarán was one of the leading painters of 17th-century Spain and is known for his restrained, deeply spiritual paintings and his use of light and shadow to bring focus and clarity to his subjects. His works, which include life-size depictions of saints, soaring altarpieces and contemplative still lifes, are celebrated for their naturalism, directness and emotional depth.
The menu reflects this visual language, translating elements of chiaroscuro, still life and texture into a series of dishes that draw on seasonal Italian produce and Giorgio’s own picks from the exhibition.
The Menu On Canvas
Orzotto, Ragu’ al Nero di Seppia, Salsa al Prezzemolo Barley risotto, black ink cuttlefish ragout, parsley sauce paired with “The Shadow of the Baroque”
This dish is a visual echo of Zurbarán’s signature style. The deep, obsidian black of the cuttlefish ink represents the “Singular Vision” and the dark, mysterious backgrounds of his monastic portraits. Against this darkness, the vibrant green parsley sauce strikes a chord of “vivid naturalism,” much like the sudden, dramatic lighting that illuminates a saint’s face in his most powerful works.
Pollo al Limone, Pure’ di Patate, Zucchine Grigliata Lemon chicken, mashed potato, grilled courgettes, chicken jus paired with “Seville: Hub of the Global Trade”
Zurbarán’s Seville was a city of immense wealth and maritime links. This dish celebrates the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean that defined his home. The bright acidity of the lemon and the rustic simplicity of the grilled courgettes pay homage to the “Still Life: Observing Reality” theme—elevating humble, everyday ingredients into a composition of “staggering ingenuity” and elegance fit for the King of Spain.
Orecchiette, Asparagi, Piselli, Limone, Olio Aromatizzato alle Erbe Orecchiette pasta, asparagus, peas, lemon, herb-infused oil paired with “The Fabric of Saints”
Francisco Zurbarán was famed for his ability to paint textures—from the rough wool of a monk’s habit to the delicate fold of a linen cloth. This pasta dish explores “The Fabric of Saints” through tactile variety: the bite of the orecchiette, the snap of fresh asparagus, and the silkiness of herb-infused oil. It is a “Vision of Devotion” to the earth’s purest ingredients, presented with the clarity and directness of a Spanish masterpiece.
Cassata Siciliana Sweet ricotta mousse, chocolate chips, pistachio, candied fruits paired with “Real and Imagined”
To finish, celebrate the intersection of the “Real and Imagined.” The Cassata is a mosaic of colour- pistachio greens, candied jewel tones, and ivory ricotta- reflecting the opulent altarpieces and “cycles of staggering scale” found in the religious orders of Seville. It is a decadent nod to the global trade of the era, bringing together sugar, cocoa, and nuts in a display of “deep emotional power” and artistic flair.
Availability: The Zurbarán menu will be available from 2nd to 31st May at Locatelli at the National Gallery.
Dishes are available on the à la carte menu or as part of a set menu (Two courses £25, three courses £31 – available daily from 3:00pm to 4:30pm)
Zurbarán Exhibition dates: 2 May – 23 August
Service: Sunday to Thursday 11:30am – 5:45pm; Friday 11:30am – 10:15pm; Saturday 11:30am – 8:15pm
Location: Locatelli at the National Gallery, Sainsbury Wing
Make a reservation HERE
Address: Locatelli at The National Gallery, Sainsbury Wing, National Gallery, Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN
Website: https://locatelliatnationalgallery.co.uk
Instagram: @locatelli_nationalgallery