Restaurant chain from 00s that disappeared from UK high streets is back

Jamie Oliver opened his first Italian restaurant in Oxford in 2008, and fans of the celebrity chef flocked to try the food.

From there, the business grew and became a successful chain, with Jamie’s Italian popping up all over the place – at its peak, there were more than 40 different locations across the UK.

However, it slowly began disappearing from the high street in the late 2010s, with the brand going into administration in May 2019.

But flash forward to today, and Jamie, 50, has announced the chain is coming back with a new flagship site set to open in London’s Leicester Square in Spring 2026.

Why is Jamie’s Italian returning now?

While Jamie’s Italian might have vanished from the UK six years ago, it has found acclaim overseas with more than 30 restaurants in 15 countries.

As such, the chef has decided it’s time to try again on British soil, with a relaunch by Brava Hospitality group (the team behind Prezzo Italian).

The new restaurant promises ‘modern, revitalised restaurants’, with a menu created by Jamie himself and a ‘renewed focus on fresh pasta and quality ingredients’.

Guests can expect to see classics dishes like Gennaro’s bolognese, prawn linguine and meat planks, as well as some new stuff too and food for kids.

Speaking about the comeback, Jamie said: ‘As a chef, having the chance to return to the high street is incredibly important to me.

‘In theory, it’s not the easiest time to return, but conversely, I think it’s the perfect time. I believe the mid-market needs excitement, surprise and delight, and that’s exactly what I am planning on delivering.

‘I think the public wants freshly made, delicious food at a reasonable price with an award-winning kids’ menu.

‘Eating out is a treat, but I believe it should offer value for money with higher welfare sourcing.’

He continued: ‘I will drive the menus, make sure the sourcing is right, the staff training, and ensure the look and feel of the restaurant is brought to life in the right way. All the effort, time, love and attention will be the same as before.’

Ed Loftus, the global director of Jamie Oliver Restaurants, added that the plan is to make the initial Leicester Square restaurant ‘exceptional’ and then the public will ‘determine how quickly and far’ the business grows.

This won’t be the only restaurant Jamie has in the UK and Ireland, though, as the chef has several other ventures, including a Jamie Oliver restaurant at Catherine St in Covent Garden and one in Chequer Lane in Dublin.

He’s also currently running two cookery schools – one at Jamie Oliver HQ in Islington and another at John Lewis Oxford St.

Outside of the UK, he has the Jamie’s Italian branches as well as Jamie Oliver Kitchens, Pizzerias, diners and delis in locations such as Germany, Cyprus, Hungary, Finland, India and Brazil.

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