This September, the Royal Opera House will raise the curtain on its latest star, as Angela Hartnett opens a new restaurant there.
Situated on the fifth floor, the restaurant will be built around Harnett’s signature splicing of Italian influence and understated simplicity. It will take over the space currently occupied by Piazza, and beside it will be a rooftop terrace bar, offering panoramic views over Covent Garden and beyond.
With an emphasis on a laid-back approach, the space will welcome opera-goers and diners alike, offering both lunch and dinner service. Further details are presently slight, but more information is expected closer to its opening.
“Opening at the Royal Opera House — such an iconic London institution — is a real privilege,” said Hartnett of the news. “We’re creating something entirely new for the space: relaxed, with food that celebrates exceptional produce and simplicity. Most of all, we want the restaurant and bar to be for everyone, not just for those attending a performance.”
Sophie Wybrew-Bond, the Royal Ballet and Opera’s chief commercial officer, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with Angela Hartnett at the Royal Opera House on creating breathtaking new spaces — where exceptional art and extraordinary food come together in perfect harmony.
“Our new restaurant and terrace bar are poised to become one of London’s most exciting dining and drinking destinations.”
Hartnett is one of a recent number of high-profile chefs to open in a much-loved London institution. Her restaurant follows José Pizarro at the Royal Academy of Arts, Richard Corrigan at the National Portrait Gallery and, recently, Georgio Locatelli at the National Gallery.
Having started her career at Aubergine under Gordon Ramsay before working at Zafferano and L’Orange, Hartnett first made her name at Ramsay’s Petrus, becoming head chef within just seven months and helping it win a Michelin star shortly thereafter. Later, she has launched Scotland’s Amaryllis and Dubai’s Verre before coming full circle with The Grill Room at The Connaught with Gordon Ramsay.
Awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to the hospitality industry, Hartnett opened Murano in Mayfair the following year, earning yet another Michelin star and 4 AA rosettes. Besides it, she operates three Cafe Murano restaurants, with a fourth opening later in the year. In 2022, she was given an OBE for services to hospitality and the NHS during the pandemic.
For more information, visit rbo.org.uk
