Ottavia Busia-Bourdain is a renowned Italian woman, best known as the ex-wife of the late celebrity chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain. Born on July 11, 1965, in Italy, Ottavia has been making headlines for her high-profile marriage and her own impressive career. As the former general manager of the New York City restaurant Geisha, Ottavia has demonstrated her expertise in the culinary industry. Currently 60 years old, her net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her life and career have been marked by a mix of glamour, excitement, and personal tragedy.
Early Life and Birth Details
Ottavia Busia-Bourdain was born on July 11, 1965, in Italy. Her birth sign is Cancer, a water sign known for its emotional depth and strong intuition. As of 2025, Ottavia has reached the age of 60 years old, marking a significant milestone in her life.
Growing up in Italy, Ottavia was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage that likely shaped her perspective and values. While details about her early life are scarce, it is clear that she has led a life filled with adventure and passion. Ottavia’s Italian roots have undoubtedly played a significant role in her life, influencing her interests and pursuits.
Ottavia’s birth in Italy marked the beginning of a life that would take her on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. As she grew older, she would go on to pursue various interests, including kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which would become an integral part of her identity.
Career Highlights and Life as a Restaurateur
Ottavia Busia-Bourdain has had a diverse career, showcasing her skills as a restaurateur and an athlete. Before her marriage, she worked as the general manager of the New York City restaurant Geisha, where she honed her expertise in the culinary industry. This experience likely played a significant role in her understanding of the inner workings of a restaurant, which would have been valuable in her personal and professional life.
In addition to her work in the restaurant industry, Ottavia Busia-Bourdain has also been involved in martial arts, specifically kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She trained at the world-famous Renzo Gracie Academy, a renowned institution for Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This unique combination of culinary expertise and martial arts training reflects her adventurous spirit and willingness to take on new challenges.
Ottavia’s experience as a general manager and her involvement in martial arts demonstrate her multifaceted personality and her ability to excel in various fields. Her background in the restaurant industry and her athletic pursuits have likely influenced her life and relationships, including her marriage.
Marriage to Anthony Bourdain and Life Together
Ottavia Busia-Bourdain’s marriage to Anthony Bourdain was a significant chapter in her life. The two met in 2007 and tied the knot in 2007, with Ottavia being 42 years old at the time of their marriage. Anthony Bourdain was 50 years old. During their relationship, Ottavia was introduced to the culinary world through her husband, who was a renowned chef and television personality.
| Biography Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ottavia Busia-Bourdain |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1965 |
| Age | 60 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation | General Manager, Kickboxer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner |
| Spouse | Anthony Bourdain |
| Notable Works / Achievements | Ex-wife of Anthony Bourdain, General Manager of Geisha restaurant |
| Birth Sign | Cancer |
The couple’s life together was filled with adventure and travel. Ottavia often accompanied Anthony on his culinary journeys, and she shared her own experiences of kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu training at the world-famous Renzo Gracie Academy. Ottavia has spoken fondly of her time with Anthony, describing it as a period of growth and exploration.
In an interview, Ottavia shared that during Anthony’s last year, she felt that he went back a little bit to who he was before the fame and the success. This period of introspection and self-discovery had a profound impact on Ottavia, and she has spoken about the lessons she learned from her time with Anthony.
Notable Works and Projects (as a Chef or TV Personality)
As a television personality, Ottavia Busia-Bourdain has made appearances on various shows, including No Reservations, where she shared her experiences and insights about her life with her late husband, Anthony Bourdain. Although she has not been directly involved in any notable works or projects as a chef, her presence on the show has undoubtedly contributed to its success.
In addition to her television appearances, Ottavia Busia-Bourdain has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. Her work with The Anthony Bourdain Les Halles Cookbook Scholarship, which was established in honor of her late husband, has helped to support aspiring chefs and culinary students. This initiative is a testament to her dedication to the culinary world and her commitment to giving back to the community.
Ottavia Busia-Bourdain’s involvement in the culinary world extends beyond her philanthropic efforts. She has also been a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues. Her unique perspective and experiences have made her a compelling figure in the culinary world, and her contributions continue to be felt today.
Personal Life and Current Status
As of 2025, Ottavia Busia-Bourdain is 60 years old. Born on July 11, 1965, in Italy, she currently resides in the United States. Following the passing of her ex-husband, Anthony Bourdain, Ottavia has continued to lead a private life, focusing on her personal well-being and hobbies.
In her free time, Ottavia enjoys practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art she has been training in for several years. Her dedication to kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a testament to her physical and mental strength. Ottavia’s life has undoubtedly been impacted by her marriage to Anthony Bourdain, but she has chosen to keep her current status and activities out of the public eye.
While Ottavia’s life has been influenced by her ex-husband’s fame, she has maintained a low profile, preferring to keep her personal life private. As she continues to navigate her life without Anthony, Ottavia remains a private individual, focusing on her own interests and well-being.
Legacy and Impact of Anthony Bourdain’s Life
Ottavia Busia-Bourdain’s life was forever changed by her relationship with the late chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain. As his ex-wife, she was deeply affected by his passing in 2018. In a Facebook post, Ottavia shared her thoughts on the last year of their marriage, stating, “I think he went back a little bit to his old self.” This poignant statement highlights the impact Anthony’s life had on Ottavia’s, showcasing the depth of their relationship.
The couple’s time together was marked by a strong connection and a shared love for adventure. Ottavia has spoken publicly about the influence Anthony had on her life, both personally and professionally. As a couple, they faced challenges, but their bond remained strong until the end. Ottavia’s experiences with Anthony Bourdain have undoubtedly shaped her perspective on life, love, and loss.
Ottavia’s relationship with Anthony Bourdain serves as a testament to the profound impact one person can have on another’s life. Their time together was marked by love, laughter, and adventure, but also by the challenges that come with any long-term relationship. Ottavia’s story is a poignant reminder of the lasting legacy of Anthony Bourdain’s life and the impact he had on those around him.
