Ottavia Busia-Bourdain is an Italian woman best known as the ex-wife of the late celebrity chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain. Beyond her association with the renowned culinary figure, she has established her own identity in the restaurant industry and as a dedicated martial arts practitioner.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Ottavia Busia-Bourdain |
|---|---|
| Profession | Restaurant Manager, Martial Artist |
| Birthday | July 11, 1965 |
| Age | 59 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Sign | Cancer |
| Birthplace | Lombardy, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Net Worth | $1-2 Million (estimated as of 2025) |
| Ex-Husband | Anthony Bourdain (2007-2016) |
| Children | Ariane Bourdain |
Early Life & Background
Ottavia Busia was born on July 11, 1965, in a small town in Lombardy, Italy. She grew up in this quaint Italian region before eventually relocating to the United States. During her early years in Italy, Ottavia studied dentistry in college, showing an initial interest in healthcare before her career path took a different direction. Her upbringing in Italy instilled in her a deep appreciation for culinary arts and hospitality, which would later influence her professional choices.
Career Journey
After moving to the United States, Ottavia found her niche in the restaurant industry. She worked her way up in New York City’s competitive dining scene, eventually becoming the general manager of Geisha, a high-end Japanese restaurant in Manhattan. It was through her work in the restaurant business that her path would cross with Anthony Bourdain’s, forever changing her life trajectory. While her professional identity was somewhat overshadowed by her marriage to Bourdain, she maintained her own career in restaurant management throughout their relationship.
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Personal Life
Ottavia met Anthony Bourdain in 2006 when she was working at Geisha restaurant. They were introduced by chef Eric Ripert, a mutual friend and frequent collaborator of Bourdain’s. Their relationship progressed quickly, and they married in 2007, shortly after the birth of their daughter, Ariane Bourdain. The couple shared a passion for food and travel, though Ottavia developed her own distinct interests over time. After nine years of marriage, they separated in 2016, though they maintained an amicable relationship until Bourdain’s tragic death in 2018. As a mother, Ottavia has maintained a private life while raising their daughter away from the spotlight.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Ottavia Busia-Bourdain’s estimated net worth is between $1-2 million. Her wealth stems from her career in restaurant management, potential investments, and likely from financial arrangements following her divorce from Anthony Bourdain and his subsequent estate. While not as publicly wealthy as her late ex-husband, she has maintained financial stability through her professional work and prudent management of assets.
Martial Arts Career
One of Ottavia’s most passionate pursuits is martial arts, specifically Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She began training at the world-renowned Renzo Gracie Academy in New York and has developed significant skill in the discipline. She has also practiced kickboxing extensively. Her dedication to martial arts became more than just a hobby, evolving into a central part of her identity and providing her with a community separate from the culinary world she shared with Bourdain.
Physical Appearance
Ottavia has a fit and athletic build, largely due to her extensive martial arts training. Her dedication to Brazilian jiu-jitsu has shaped her physical appearance, giving her the strength and conditioning of a dedicated athlete. She typically presents herself with a natural, understated elegance that reflects her Italian heritage.
Life After Bourdain
Following Anthony Bourdain’s death in 2018, Ottavia has maintained a relatively private life while focusing on raising their daughter Ariane. She has occasionally shared insights into her continuing martial arts journey but has largely stayed away from public attention and media scrutiny. Her primary focus appears to be providing stability for her daughter while continuing her own personal and professional pursuits.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- She trained extensively in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the elite Renzo Gracie Academy
- Despite her marriage to a world-famous chef, Ottavia has admitted she wasn’t an accomplished cook herself
- She has competed in several jiu-jitsu tournaments
- Despite their divorce, she and Anthony maintained a respectful relationship focused on co-parenting
- She has developed a substantial following within the martial arts community
- She once appeared in an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s show “No Reservations”
FAQ
What did Ottavia Busia do before meeting Anthony Bourdain? Before meeting Anthony Bourdain, Ottavia worked in the restaurant industry and studied dentistry in college in Italy. She was the general manager at Geisha restaurant in New York City.
Is Ottavia Busia still involved in martial arts? Yes, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing remain important parts of her life, and she continues to train regularly.
How did Ottavia meet Anthony Bourdain? They were introduced by chef Eric Ripert, a close friend of Bourdain’s, while Ottavia was working at Geisha restaurant in New York.
What is Ottavia doing now? She maintains a private life focused on raising her daughter Ariane and continuing her martial arts training, while staying largely out of the public spotlight.