Perched on the top floor of the new Gucci Gaok (Gucci Traditional Home) flagship store and nestled in vibrant Itaewon is the Italian brand’s fourth Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura restaurant. Set to open on 28 March, Gucci Osteria Seoul will have lunch, dinner and apertivo available. Located within a neighbourhood known for its bustling cosmopolitan dining and nightlife, the establishment’s launch is just in time for Spring travels as more VTLs open up.
Helmed by chef Massimo Bottura, an avant-garde master of Italian gastronomy, the renowned fine-dining experience debuted at the Gucci Garden in Florence, Italy, in 2018 and was awarded a Michelin star. Since then, outposts have reached Beverly Hills, California in 2020 and Ginza, Tokyo last year.
The Seoul flagship opened last May for Gucci’s centennial anniversary. The menus of each restaurant are curated for the specific local culinary scene and as expected, the Itaewon restaurant will incorporate Korean reinterpretations and have dishes that appeal to the Korean palate. Additionally, signature dishes of Gucci Osteria will also be available, such as the Emilia Burger and the Tortellini with Parmigiano Reggiano Cream. There is also a grand selection of cocktails and a list of 200 wines.
Bottura developed the Korean outpost’s menu in tandem with Michelin-starred Karime Lopez, Seoul executive chef Hyungkyu Jun and head chef Davide Cardellini. Bottura shares on WWD, “there is an invisible thread that runs through each of the Gucci Osteria globally: One that entwines Italian food with the food and products of other great global cuisines. Like Italy, Korea embraces its food as part of its culture, and I’m so excited to welcome everyone to our Seoul outpost.”
As for the interiors, Gucci Osteria Seoul will be decorated following the blueprint set by the Florence location — including references to the Italian Renaissance and Gucci’s all-embracing aesthetics. Guests will be welcomed with Gucci’s unmistakable green from the Georgian-era patio to the wooden panelling in the main dining room. The former, at the outdoor terrace, features colourful marble mosaic and 36 seats while the dining room holds 28 seats with blue velvet chairs and ebonised tables. Hidden behind stained-glass doors is a private dining room for up to eight guests with antique mirrors and floral wallpaper from the Gucci Décor home collection.
Gucci Osteria Seoul da Massimo Bottura is located at 223 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is open daily from 11.30 am to 4 pm for lunch service, and 6 pm to 10 pm for dinner service. Make a reservation on gucciosteria.com.
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