ekstedt at The Yard, a Nordic open-fire restaurant in Westminster led by Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt, has named Luca Mastrantoni as its new head chef.
Mastrantoni brings to his new role more than ten years of experience, having started his culinary journey in Italy, where he taught the use of delicate, seasonal ingredients. After moving to London to enjoy fine dining, he joined The Drunken Butler in Farringdon as chef de partye and honed his expertise in preservation and fermentation. In 2022 he became junior sous chef at Ekstedt at The Yard in Westminster, progressing to sous chef in 2023.
Now as head chef of The Yard’s Ekstedt in 2024, Mastrantoni continues to work closely with Niklas Ekstedt to maintain the restaurant’s well-known live-fire dining experience. He oversees all menus, mixing ancient Scandinavian cooking techniques with British seasonal ingredients. In addition, he leads the Chef’s Table experience, which offers an intimate dining experience for up to seven people in front of an open kitchen.
Luca Mastrantoni said: “I am delighted to take on this new role and oversee our talented kitchen team at Ekstedt at The Yard. Niklas is a true inspiration, and fire has always been an element that has drawn me to the kitchen, so I’m really excited to be able to continue this passion in the heart of London – to bring guests the theater of an open flame.”
Niklas Ekstedt added: “Luca is an incredibly talented and dynamic chef who has been with us at Ekstedt’s The Yard since 2022. He truly understands that the intersection of tradition and innovation is at the heart of what we do, and I’m excited to see him continue to develop the complexity of flavors on our menus.”
At Ekstedt at The Yard, every dish is prepared over an open fire using only flames, smoke and embers for rich, caramelized flavors by frying, grilling and smoking.
The restaurant is located in the Great Scotland Yard Hotel.
