On 9 April 2026, Donburi House launched a collaboration with the rapper Guè, a partnership born from the idea of building a bridge between two seemingly distant yet deeply related worlds: contemporary Japanese culture and hip-hop music.
At its heart lies a desire to capture the authentic essence of the izakaya: an informal and lively place where you can pop in just for a drink, share small dishes, and enjoy the experience right through to dinner.
“An izakaya is, by definition, a lively place, full of energy, sound and a sense of community. In this sense, music – and hip hop in particular – becomes a natural, almost essential part of the experience,” says Max Chiesa, founder of Donburi House.
This development is also reflected in a tangible transformation of the spaces and the dining experience: Donburi House restaurants are increasingly becoming places designed for enjoying an evening out, rather than simply having a meal.
This is how the listening session project came about, guiding the audience through contemporary Japanese music and hip hop, creating an atmosphere that reflects the brand’s new positioning and strengthening the link between food and culture.
“What we’re keen to build is a brand that has its own cultural significance, not just a gastronomic one,” explains Luca Boffa, CEO of Gruppo Building and co-founder of Donburi House. “Donburi House has a very clear identity, yet one that’s open enough to engage with different worlds. The collaboration with Guè and this new format are a step in that direction: broadening our scope whilst maintaining consistency and authenticity.”
As part of this initiative, the Guè Burger is also taking shape: a special edition created by Chef Takashi Kido in collaboration with the Milanese rapper.
Designed to bridge the gap between Tokyo and Milan, the burger combines traditional Japanese shokupan bread, a Wagyu beef patty sourced from our partner Meat Japan, and cheddar cheese, striking a perfect balance between umami, tenderness and richness. To round off the experience, there is a dedicated menu featuring chips inspired by Japanese traditions – including nori, wasabi and teriyaki flavours – and a selection of drinks ranging from Kirin Beer to soft drinks.
“We wanted to work on a popular dish like the burger, treating it with the same care we give to all our other Japanese dishes,” continues Max Chiesa, “Wagyu is an extraordinary ingredient, but it’s not enough on its own: it’s the balance that makes the difference.”
The launch of the Guè Burger accompanies the new summer menu, which builds on this approach.
The menu has evolved without losing sight of its roots: ramen and donburi remain central to the offering, but are now complemented by dishes designed to be shared and a selection of snacks, all created to encourage a more relaxed and convivial dining experience.
Great attention is also paid to the drinks menu, which plays an increasingly central role in the experience: sake, Japanese beers and a selection of highball cocktails define a distinctive identity, whilst offerings such as all-you-can-drink options enhance the social aspect of the venue.
“It’s not just about running a successful restaurant,” concludes Luca Boffa, “but about building something that stands the test of time, capable of evolving and engaging with different cities. Food is at the heart of it, but for us, it’s the experience that really makes the difference.”
To support the launch, a multi-channel campaign offers a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration and the connection between the artist and the world of Donburi House.
