Italy’s Commissioner General for Expo 2025 Osaka, Ambassador Mario Vattani, and Eataly Group CEO Andrea Cipolloni have signed an agreement confirming Eataly as the operator of the Italian Pavilion’s restaurant. The deal comes less than two months before the Universal Exhibition opens its doors, with 30 million visitors expected between April 13 and October 13, 2025. The agreement concludes a year-long process that saw Eataly, the world’s largest Italian food hall, secure the contract to manage the pavilion’s dining operations.
A PLATFORM FOR ITALIAN CULINARY EXCELLENCE
“Italian cuisine is one of the great assets of our cultural heritage, valued not only for its quality but also as an expression of a healthy lifestyle,” said Vattani. “The Italy Pavilion will promote sustainable food education, emphasizing respect for raw ingredients and short supply chains. Our partnership with Eataly supports this mission, offering an experience that celebrates Made in Italy excellence and the country’s rich regional traditions. The project places Italy’s diverse culinary landscapes at center stage, highlighting local specialties and biodiversity.”
Cipolloni added: “We are honored to represent Italy, and after nearly a year of preparation, we are ready to bring this vision to life. Our goal is to offer an immersive journey into Italian food and wine culture, fostering appreciation for our country’s culinary heritage on a global scale.”
A ROTATING SHOWCASE OF ITALY’S REGIONAL CUISINES
From April to October 2025, the Italy Pavilion’s restaurant will feature an evolving menu, with 18 Italian regions taking turns to showcase their culinary traditions. Each week, a different region will present its signature dishes, providing visitors with a curated insight into Italy’s diverse gastronomic landscape.
Situated on the pavilion’s terrace and overlooking a traditional Italian garden, the restaurant will offer a selection of Eataly’s most iconic dishes, alongside premium ingredients and regional specialties. The initiative aims to provide an authentic Italian dining experience while reinforcing the country’s reputation for quality and innovation in food.
EATALY’S GLOBAL EXPANSION
Founded in 2007, Eataly has become a global reference for high-quality Italian food retail and dining. Active in Japan since 2009, it currently operates five locations—four in Tokyo and one in Fujisawa. The brand has expanded to over 50 stores across 15 countries, leveraging a distinctive format that integrates retail, dining, production, and education.
EXPO 2025 OSAKA: A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Expo 2025 Osaka will focus on the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” with the Italy Pavilion adopting the slogan “Art Regenerates Life.” The event will host 160 participating countries and is expected to attract millions of visitors from Japan and across Asia.