Meet Imma Savinelli: The Master Chef Behind Osteria Locatelli

As anticipation builds for tonight’s Celebrity MasterChef UK final, all eyes are once again on acclaimed Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli, whose warmth, expertise and unwavering passion for Italian cuisine have earned him a place among Britain’s most respected culinary figures.

For us at Searcys, Giorgio’s influence extends far beyond television. At the heart of the Osteria Locatelli kitchen is Executive Chef Imma Savinelli, whose journey from Southern Italy to leading one of London’s most exciting restaurant openings is a story of talent, tradition and dedication.

A Passion Born Around the Family Table

For Imma, food has always been about much more than what’s on the plate. Growing up in Southern Italy, she was surrounded by a culture where cooking was deeply woven into daily life. Family meals were occasions to gather, recipes were treasured and passed between generations, and seasonal ingredients were treated with both respect and care.

“Food is about sharing, connection and creating memories,” Imma explains. “The best dishes often come from simple ingredients prepared with love and understanding.”

After studying at culinary academy in Italy, Imma moved to London determined to share the authentic flavours of her homeland while developing her skills in some of the capital’s most respected kitchens.

Learning from One of Italy’s Great Culinary Ambassadors

Since joining Giorgio Locatelli in 2018, Imma has worked side by side with one of the most influential voices in Italian gastronomy.

The experience has allowed her to deepen her understanding of Italian culinary traditions while refining the skills required to lead a world-class kitchen.

Working closely together, Giorgio and Imma share a common philosophy: that exceptional Italian food doesn’t need unnecessary complexity. Instead, it begins with outstanding ingredients, thoughtful preparation and a commitment to consistency.

It’s an approach that defines every aspect of Osteria Locatelli and reflects the authenticity that has made Giorgio’s cooking so beloved by guests and audiences alike.

The Art of Keeping Things Simple

Ask Imma what makes Italian cuisine so enduring, and her answer is immediate.

“Great Italian cooking doesn’t need to be complicated.”

It’s a belief reflected throughout the menus at Osteria Locatelli. Whether it’s a perfectly executed pasta dish, a seasonal vegetable at its peak, or a recipe inspired by generations of family cooking, the focus is always on letting quality ingredients shine.

This philosophy captures the essence of Italian dining: creating dishes that feel comforting, generous and full of character, while remaining rooted in tradition. For Imma, simplicity isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing every element exceptionally well.

Leading by Example

One of the aspects of her career that Imma speaks about most passionately is the culture that has shaped her development as a chef and leader.

Working in what was often a male-dominated environment, she found at Osteria Locatelli a kitchen built on professionalism, respect and opportunity. As the only woman in the brigade, she was valued for her skills, supported in her growth and encouraged to develop her own leadership style.

As Executive Chef, Imma is committed to mentoring emerging talent and fostering an environment where every member of the team feels empowered to learn, contribute and succeed.