Nestled in the heart of Milan, Seta stands as a culinary gem, renowned for its exceptional Italian cuisine and masterful creations by Chef Antonio Guida. With a deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts and a penchant for innovation, Guida has carved a remarkable path in the culinary world. Join us on a tantalizing journey into the world of Chef Antonio Guida and the gastronomic wonders he creates at the two-Michelin star restaurant Seta.
Chef Antonio Guida
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion and Exploration
"From a young age, I was surrounded by the aromas and flavors of cooking thanks to my mother Michelina's deep passion for the culinary world," reflects Chef Antonio Guida. This early exposure ignited his love for cooking and set him on the path to pursue a career in this extraordinary field. Guida's culinary journey began with formal training at a specialized cooking school, where he dedicated five years to honing his skills.
During this time, he embarked on internships at a local pastry shop near his hometown, fueling his fascination with the delicate art of pastry-making. Guida shares, "My time in the pastry shop was transformative. I discovered the intricate beauty of pastry-making and developed a deep appreciation for its delicate craft."
Global Adventures and Culinary Discoveries
Guida's passion for exploration took him on a global adventure, immersing him in diverse culinary traditions and providing him with invaluable experiences. He humbly recalls, "I’ve worked on cruise ships and refining my skills at renowned French restaurants, learning from some of the industry's most esteemed chefs. Joining the team of Pierre Gagnaire in Paris was a pivotal moment in my career: here, I’ve refined my technique, learned the central importance of the product, studied different combinations of ingredients that might be “risky” at the first sight.
Returning to Italy, Guida found himself at some of the most prestigious establishments, including the Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence and Don Alfonso on the Amalfi Coast, known for their Michelin-starred cuisines. The great occasion comes when he has been appointed Executive Chef at Il Pellicano, the iconic hotel located on the coast of Tuscany, where he gained for the first time the two-Michelin stars.
Innovation Meets Italian Classics at Seta
At Seta, renowned for its inventive and contemporary approach to Italian cuisine, Chef Antonio Guida skillfully crafts each dish, paying homage to Italian classics while fearlessly embracing his own culinary style. Guida's creativity shines through in signature dishes such as his risotto with raspberry powder and herbs cream. He explains, "This dish is a fusion of Milanese tradition and artistic flair. By delicately infusing the risotto with a cream herb mixture and a sprinkle of raspberry powder, we create a symphony of flavors that surprises and delights our guests."
Another standout creation is the oysters with champagne sauce, potatoes, and friggitelli—green peppers sourced from southern Italy. Guida's eyes light up as he shares, "The combination may seem unconventional at first, but the flavors harmonize beautifully. It's about taking risks and surprising our guests with unexpected yet harmonious flavor profiles."
Guida meticulously develops his menus, capturing ideas in a dedicated notebook and refining them alongside his brigade, first of all with the Executive Sous-Chef Federico Dell’Omarino. The result is a curation of dishes that reflect his experiences and passions, incorporating elements from his time in Japan, France, and his beloved Italy. With a focus on ingredient excellence, Guida selects only the finest ingredients from trusted suppliers, ensuring each dish is a masterpiece of taste and presentation.
Creating memorable dining experiences is Guida's ultimate goal. Through skillful techniques, exceptional ingredient combinations, and artistic presentation, he aims to captivate guests and evoke emotions. Guida passionately states, "It's about creating an extraordinary journey for their senses and leaving a lasting impression."
Guida acknowledges the challenges of work-life balance as a dedicated chef but emphasizes the importance of taking time off. He shares, "Seta restaurant closes for three weeks in August, providing our team with an opportunity to recharge and find harmony between our professional commitments and personal lives. It allows us to return with renewed creativity and passion."
Chef Antonio Guida's dedication to his craft, his commitment to innovation, and his unwavering pursuit of excellence have firmly established Seta as a beacon of fine dining in Milan. Through his culinary masterpieces, he continues to delight guests, crafting unforgettable gastronomic adventures.
Seta Restaurant