Abramovich buys Rome restaurant for girlfriend

21 July, 2008, 09:04

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has reportedly shelled out 3.5 million euros on a restaurant in Rome’s historic centre for his girlfriend Darya Zhukova. Italian media first reported the purchase, with the reference

The publication says Julian Cafe is located in one of the most beautiful places in Rome – close to the St. Angel Castle and the Tiber River. Abramovich and Zhukova visited the restaurant during their recent romantic trip to the Eternal City. 

The Italian media say the deal cost 3.5 million euros, including the chef and waiters.

Meanwhile, Julian Cafe manager neither confirmed nor denied the change of ownership.

There are no comments on the issue from Abramovich as well.

The restaurant has 40 seats, offers traditional Rome cuisine and mostly caters for permanent clients by appointment, he said.

Meanwhile, Abramovich’s press-service has denied the purchase.

Roman Abramovich and Darya Zhukova met in 2006.

The former Chukotka governor has already lavished her with a series of gifts which include a villa in Colorado and a $US 14 million statuette ‘Woman of Venice’ by the Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti.