Illustrating Gucci Osteria

At first glance Ryuto Miyake’s illustrations of plates from the menu of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura are so life-like they could be mistaken for photos.

Close-up, the whimsical and decorative detail by the Japanese artist enriches each signature dish by head chef Karime Lopez. Coriander leaves lay softly on purple cabbage in the Taka Bun, creamy Parmigiano Reggiano sauce pools in the grooves of handmade tortellini in another drawing of the much-ordered dish from the restaurant. In each illustration, a backdrop is added, pattern and design from Gucci Osteria, including the decorative floors, doors and ornate screens. Inspired by vintage field guides filled with birds and plants—and lots of white background space—Ryuto draws food in the same way.

“I'm trying to catch the creative mind of the team of Gucci Osteria, not only drawing realistic looking plates of food. When you taste them, you'll know there are delicate surprises and harmony on the plate, and notice the space that surrounds you really has a wonderful effect on the food experience. I think my role is mixing these feelings into illustrations,” the artist says.

Ryuto creates the art in his studio in Tokyo, surrounded by the things he loves, including plants and music, and his pet parakeet Diane. From the many dishes he has drawn, his favorite was the Uni Crab Tostada, from the temporary Singapore edition of the restaurant, because of the detail of the garnishes, including the microdots of colorful peppers he meticulously added on top.