A space built on the same values that define the Rotunda universe.
Stepping into the competitive world of dining is no small feat, but at Otero, Rotunda’s restaurant in the beautiful neighborhood of Carrasco, the focus on details and warmth has already made it a must-visit. Otero is more than just a place to grab a bite—it's where locals, business professionals, and the Rotunda team come together to enjoy food, fashion, and the relaxed atmosphere all in one place.
Housed in a striking glass-walled building, the restaurant shares its space with Rotunda’s offices and a store featuring exclusive collections. The heart of Otero lies in its seamless integration of the values that shape Rotunda’s entire business.
When Kevin Jakter and Sofía Domínguez founded Rotunda over 10 years ago, they always knew the brand would go beyond women’s fashion. From the start, they envisioned Rotunda as a full lifestyle experience, where fashion was the core, but not the only focus. The idea of entering the world of dining had been on the table for a while, but it really took shape about five years ago.
“If Rotunda had a café, what would it look like?” Kevin and Sofía often asked themselves. Both are serious coffee lovers with a deep appreciation for high-quality brews. They didn’t know when or where it would happen—whether in Montevideo or the popular beach town of Punta del Este—but they were clear that their café had to reflect the same values and essence as Rotunda’s fashion.
The idea grew stronger during a 2019 trip to London, where the couple visited the Burberry Café—an upscale spot by the iconic British fashion house. The pandemic delayed their plans but also gave them the opportunity to make a big change: moving Rotunda’s offices from downtown Montevideo to the serene, green neighborhood of Carrasco. This move wasn’t just about a new workspace; it was about improving the quality of life for their team, whom they lovingly refer to as La Tribu (The Tribe).
“We fell in love with a house in Carrasco, and that’s when the idea of combining a café, store, and office in one location came back to life,” Kevin recalls. “We want La Tribu to enjoy a great lifestyle—working in a house with a garden, enjoying the sunlight, and walking barefoot on the grass. It’s about feeling at home.” By the end of 2021, they had moved into the new space and officially started planning the café.
For this project, Kevin and Sofía partnered with Jerónimo Sánchez Varela, an experienced professional in the food industry. Naming the restaurant was a big decision. They decided not to use the name "Rotunda Café" to avoid a strong association with the brand’s feminine image. Instead, they chose Otero, after the street the building is located on, giving it a neutral yet meaningful identity.
The design of the space was led by architect Omar Vila from Estudio Soda, who has been working with Rotunda for over a decade. Together with Sofía, who is deeply passionate about design in all its forms, they carefully crafted every detail of the architecture and interior design. What began as a small café idea soon grew into a larger concept—a restaurant with a rich, experience-driven menu, led by chef Ander Uría. The space itself is bright, open, and welcoming, with a strong connection to nature.
So, how does a restaurant tie into the Rotunda brand? “We wanted to create an experience that’s all about attention to detail, with excellent service,” Kevin explains. “If we use almond milk, we make it ourselves. Everything is designed to be meaningful—from the human warmth of our staff to the quality of the ingredients. It all reflects the Rotunda universe.” About 90% of what’s on the menu is made in-house, with a focus on local and homemade products.
Architecturally, the restaurant’s design embraces the natural surroundings. The entire perimeter is made of glass, creating a connection to the outdoors and allowing for plenty of natural light. “Every element was thoughtfully designed for the space. This table has one texture, that one has another, and the chairs all follow the same language. There’s a mix of materials, much like in our stores,” Kevin adds.
The outdoor area features blue-and-white striped umbrellas, adding a playful touch that aligns with Rotunda’s aesthetic. Inside, the décor strikes a balance between mid-century, contemporary, and minimalist styles, echoing the timeless yet modern lines of Rotunda’s fashion collections.
Otero officially opened two days after Kevin and Sofía became parents. From day one, the response was overwhelming, with far more diners than expected. “We were ready to serve half the number of guests that showed up, so we had to quickly adapt by bringing in more staff for the kitchen and the front of the house,” Kevin says.
Otero’s customers are as diverse as the brand itself. “We see a mix of people—from those working remotely, to business executives stopping by for lunch, Rotunda clients, and families with kids and pets on weekends, since we’re pet-friendly,” Kevin shares. “Otero is a strategic part of the experience we want to create for the Rotunda brand. It’s also about giving La Tribu a place to come and feel at home.”
The restaurant is also aligned with Rotunda’s environmental, social, and human development strategies. They pay close attention to how they source their ingredients and the processes behind every dish. While they’ve made great strides, Kevin admits that there’s still a lot more to do in terms of sustainability.
