From Virgilio Martinez's restaurants in London to the Francescana Group, Damiano Barbato magnificently employs his managerial skills. Today, he manages the dining room of "Gucci Osteria," a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, in Florence.
Damiano Barbato was born in 1987 in Naples, but at a young age, his family moved to Udine, where he began his studies in Business Economics. After graduating, Damiano flew to London to specialize in Business Management and Hospitality, remaining in the English capital for ten years.
The beginning of his career saw him as an assistant manager at "Tierra Peru'" restaurant in Islington. After about a year, he embarked on a new chapter as the bar manager at "Lima London," the enchanting restaurant by Virgilio Martinez, where he soon took on the role of General Manager, also overseeing the opening of "Lima Floral" in Covent Garden.
He spent two years in Sydney before returning to Italy in 2018. Here, he became the General Manager of the renowned "Gucci Osteria" in Florence, a gem within the Francescana Family, led by the skilled chefs and spouses Takahiko Kondo and Karime Lopez, whom Damiano had met during his time in London with Martinez.
Reflecting on his professional experience, the maître asserts with conviction that the essence of his career has been learning the art of valuing the people he collaborates with. At the Osteria, where various individualities come together, Damiano's pride is the team he has shaped.
In 2021, during the significant event "Benvenuto Brunello Off 2021," promoted by the Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino, Damiano offers a prominent interview as the ambassador of "Gucci Osteria," showcasing his grace and mastery in interacting with the public beyond the dining room.
