His appointment follows the departure of Jake Simpson, who recently left the highly-rated Archer Street venue to lead the kitchen at The Rectory in Wiltshire.
The new role marks a return to Bocca di Lupo for Saywell, who was a senior sous chef at the restaurant from 2015 to 2018.
Since then, he has been head chef at Orasay in Notting Hill, and most recently cooked at The Light Bar in Shoreditch.
“I’m delighted to be returning to Bocca di Lupo as head chef after a few years away,” Saywell says. “We’ll continue to draw on our favourite dishes from across Italy, made with the best produce we can get our hands on. I can’t wait to start working with Jacob and his fantastic team once again.”
Kenedy added: “I’m really pleased to welcome Gareth back to the pass at Bocca di Lupo. His love and knowledge of Italian cooking shines through in each and every dish he cooks, and I’m looking forward to eating his food again.”
Bocca di Lupo - which recently celebrated its 15th birthday - is one of London’s most influential restaurants having helped kick start the trend for small plates
Gareth Saywell will return to Bocca di Lupo as head chef from next month.