Going to Puglia

Giorgio Matera

Born in the Southeastern Region of Puglia, in a small fishing town called Monopoli, Giorgio Matera showed a very keen interest in the food & hospitality business from a very young age. Starting with summer internships at Italian restaurants around Italy from the age of 14, he developed his skills while studying at a hospitality school and working in some of the finest Italian restaurants all over Europe including the revered El Toula Group, part of the Relais Chateau, a collection of the best and most luxurious hotels and restaurants in the world. His passion for Italian food brought him to Rome, Munich, Monte Carlo and London before being appointed Managing Director of El Toula-Tokyo in 1988.
It has been 26 years years since he first arrived in Japan but his love for his profession remains as strong as ever. From being the only Italian restaurateur to serve the Emperor of Japan during the Italian President’s State Visit to being awarded the “Cavaliere” or Knighthood by the Italian government for his outstanding work in promoting the food & culture of Italy overseas, he has since established himself as one of the most respected (and busiest) Italians in the Tokyo food industry. With his extensive experience and knowledge, he has served and catered to many of the biggest names in the corporate and luxury fashion industries.
With his digiorgio catering and restaurant, he is set to continue his work with innovative yet traditionally-based Italian food, impeccable personalized service and distinct creative set-ups all of which define what is now known as “experiential luxury.”

tel: 03-6447-1122
fax: 03-3405-5517
email: giorgio@digiorgio.co.jp