Luxury fashion maisons are venturing into the age of branded cafes and people are, quite literally, eating the idea up. Embarking on a journey of sweet indulgence fashioned by the most creative minds, these iconic brands are blending stunning ambiance with exquisite artistry and timeless storytelling to offer their top spenders a taste of an all-encompassing special experience. Here’s your guide to the must-visit couture eateries across the globe.
Next time don’t just shop, eat too. But remember to make a reservation well in advance.
GUCCI OSTERIA FLORENCE, ITALY
Helmed by star chef Massimo Bottura, Gucci Osteria is a series of Italian restaurants that embody Gucci’s legacy. Tucked away in the Gucci Garden—a three-floor multi-sensory space in Florence dedicated to well, all things Gucci—it interlaces the colours and flavours of Italy and beyond. The menu presents Italian classics such as Parmigiano-Reggiano enriched tortellini and buttery Cacio e Pepe, among other things. Shop until you drop and then treat yourself to a Michelin-approved first-class meal.
Where: Gucci Osteria, Piazza della Signoria 10, Florence, Italy
Thomas' Cafe by Burberry, London, UK
Burberry’s Thomas Cafe, named after the store’s Victorian founder, Thomas Burberry, attracts a crowd of its own. London’s latest brunch spot is located among the label’s extended Regent Street store which boasts immaculate interiors and an artisanal menu that includes English caviar, artisanal cheeses, and locally-farmed meats among its extensive offerings. “I wanted to create a space where our customers can spend time relaxing and enjoying the world of Burberry in a more social environment,” says Christopher Bailey, chief creative and executive officer of Burberry.
Where: Thomas’s Cafe, 5 Vigo Street, London, United Kingdom
Le Cafe by Louis Vuitton, Osaka, Japan
On the very top floor of Louis Vuitton’s four-floored maison in Osaka sits Le Cafe V, which also serves as a speakeasy-style entrance to Sugalabo V, the brand’s exclusive restaurant. The interiors dominate the confluence of nautical theme and Japanese craftsmanship while the innovative menu features sweet and savoury creations showcasing famed chef Yosuke Suga’s trademark culinary finesse.
Where: Le Cafe V 2-8-16, Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-Shi 542-0085 Osaka, Japan
Blue Box Café, New York, USA
You can literally have your own breakfast at Tiffany’s! The iconic jewellery house, Tiffany & Co., brought our cinematic dreams to life by opening its restaurant, Blue Box Café, crafted by Michelin-starred chef, Daniel Boulud, on the sixth floor of its flagship store in New York. Decorated in its signature turquoise, the café’s French-inspired menu features oeuf à la coque (scrambled eggs) served in the eggshell, along with caviar, a croissant, and café au lait. The Peter Marino-designed space also includes a private dining area. Enjoy pastries, a selection of savoury sandwiches, accompanied by a custom Tiffany tea blend.
Where: Blue Box Café, 727 Fifth Avenue, New York, USA
Restaurant Monsieur Dior, Paris, France
Located in the heart of Dior’s grandiose new boutique on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, is the Monsieur Dior restaurant—a celebration of the French art of living, driven by the creativity of chef Jean Imbert. Drawing from the maisons timeless legacy and the artist’s personal visual treasure trove, each classic dish on the menu is enhanced by the founding couturier’s favourite recipes. Overlooking a stunning rose garden is the La Pâtisserie Dior, giving you a taste of the most delicious French cakes that reinvent Dior symbols in edible form. From breakfast to teatime, witness culinary excellence at its best and cherish the art of savouring.
Where: 30 Avenue Montaigne, 75008, Paris, France
BAR LUCE BY PRADA MILAN, ITALY
American film director Wes Anderson-designed Bar Luce has opened its Milanese doors at the new art and culture complex, Fondazione Prada. The cafe’s colour-blocked formica furniture, whimsical wallpapers, patterned decor, and pastel-hued interiors evoke a sense of '50s and '60s nostalgia that is reminiscent of Italian popular culture. While the candy bar and sugary confections are delicious, the artfully curated menu also features a variety of appetising paninis, pastries, and mouth-watering cakes. “While I do think it would make a pretty good movie set, I think it would be an even better place to write a movie,” says Anderson.
Where: Bar Luce, Largo Isarco, 2 - 20139 Milan, Italy