After more than two decades marking an epoch in the emblematic Lastarria neighbourhood, the well-remembered restaurant Gatopardo starts a new chapter with its official reopening in Alonso de Córdova, one of the most important gastronomic poles in Santiago today.
The literary reference to “Il Gattopardo”, the famous Italian novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, has always accompanied the restaurant's philosophy. In the work, the concept expresses that “if we want everything to stay the same, everything must change”, an idea that today inspires this new stage: a profound renovation that preserves the essence of the original project now under the concept of a bistro.
The name Gatopardo was born in the Lastarria neighbourhood, a sector with a strong cultural and bohemian identity. From its beginnings, the restaurant was a pioneer in the gastronomic offer of the area, when there were still few establishments and cultural life was just beginning to consolidate.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Gatopardo was a meeting point for lawyers, executives, academics, artists and lovers of good food in Lastarria. Its return aims to reconnect with that loyal audience, but also to win over new generations who value authenticity and real experience over fashion.
“We want to be that restaurant where you know you are going to eat well. Where the experience is worth what it is: good cuisine, good service and an atmosphere designed with love. It's not for the photo: it's to enjoy”, says Felipe Verdejo, partner of Gatopardo.
The return of a classic with a Mediterranean soul
Gatopardo returns in bistro format, with a Mediterranean proposal that balances elegance, tradition and flavour. The new space in Alonso de Córdova is more intimate, contemporary and luminous, designed to enjoy good food without haste and with close attention.
The history of Gatopardo is closely linked to the family of its current owner, Felipe Verdejo, a lawyer by profession who left the practice of law to dedicate himself to the world of business, always maintaining a link with gastronomy through his father, Pedro Verdejo who was a partner of the Gatopardo in Lastarria and who later continued with a branch in the headquarters of the Universidad Católica, opposite the same neighbourhood.
The decision to reopen in Alonso de Córdova was not accidental. According to Felipe, the search for the new space began two years ago, once the economic, political and social uncertainty left by the pandemic had passed, a period in which the project had to be put on hold.
“I always imagined that Gatopardo should return to a new neighbourhood, a neighbourhood like Alonso de Córdova. Life is moving here: safety, a diverse gastronomic offer, an active public from Monday to Monday. I've been a customer in the area for years and I saw it as the natural place to start this new phase”, he says.
A contemporary approach with tradition
The 2.0 version of Gatopardo maintains its original essence - elegance, good service and a cuisine focused on real flavour - but adapted to modern times.
The proposal focuses on precise flavours, honest preparations and an experience that recaptures classic hospitality: tablecloth, dedicated attention and dishes that evoke home, all in a modern, sober and minimalist space.
In charge of the kitchen is Marcia Plaza, who offers a Mediterranean menu with an Italian accent. Among the highlights are the Mad in Chardonnay, the Spaghetti Frutti di Mare and modern reinterpretations of classics such as the Duck confit and the rabbit, in contemporary and subtle versions.
Desserts include Chocolate coulant and Homemade torrija, a delicate brioche bread soaked in spiced crème anglaise with a layer of muscatel caramel, mascarpone and fresh fruit.
Address: Alonso de Córdova 4308 - Vitacura. More information at @gatopardobistro
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