Diio… open mind with clear focus.

Claudio Giannantonio was born in Napoli in Italy. At the age of 8, he moved with his family to the beautiful city of Lausanne in Switzerland. His father found work in a hotel as a chef, while his mother cooked at home for young Claudio. His exposure to quality food inspired him to cook his own dishes from the age of 10.

Claudio’s working life commenced from the age of 15, with a passion for cooking and travel. He was not yet 17 when he travelled to Connecticut, USA. Finding work as a house painter, Claudio started on the road to learn the English language. After spending two years in the US, he moved back home to Switzerland.

At the age of 19, Claudio’s passion for travel inspired him to leave home with just one suitcase. Hitch-hiking was his mode of transportation and, with no particular destination in mind, he ended up in the south of France. He found shelter in a bohemian community which grew their own food and made their own clothes. During the next 5 years, he experienced many life-changing events, before heading back to his native Italy.

Military Service and Fitness Industry.

Military service followed, which saw him work as a cook in the army. On his return to Switzerland, Claudio worked for a company in the fitness industry, and it was here that he developed an interest in health and fitness. He borrowed some money and purchased his first gym, which he paid off in 4 months. After 5 years, he sold the gym to a leading fitness chain, realizing a substantial profit. He continued to work as a personal trainer.

Military service followed, which saw him work as a cook in the army. On his return to Switzerland, Claudio worked for a company in the fitness industry, and it was here that he developed an interest in health and fitness. He borrowed some money and purchased his first gym, which he paid off in 4 months. After 5 years, he sold the gym to a leading fitness chain, realizing a substantial profit. He continued to work as a personal trainer.

After dabbling in various business interests, at the age of 42, he had an opportunity to travel to China for a two-week trip to source products. He immediately fell in love with the country and decided to make China his home.

New friends to leade to new .…old passion.

New friends and acquaintances in China soon discovered his flair for cooking and, after initially cooking for his friends at home and conducting cooking classes, he opened his first restaurant in Shenzhen, China.

Yet, his desire to expand the cooking experience beyond the confines of a traditional restaurant led him to seek a new challenge; to create a completely interactive culinary environment, where food and the pleasure of enjoying the company of friends became synonymous. Voila! The birth of Da Diio, a totally unique experience in the enjoyment of food in a scintillating setting.

Da Diio in Shenzhen China

A strong spirit makes the difference

Director of EXTREME, Torsten Nagengast, says, ‘Claudio is an open-minded, free-spirited individual, who believes that nothing is impossible. His passion for hard work, together with living a healthy lifestyle, ensures that he maintains a balanced and positive outlook on life. This is the key to his success. I am proud and honored to have him as an ambassador for EXTREME.’