10 Best Italian Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

The 'Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking: 30th Anniversary Edition: A Cookbook' is a celebrated resource for anyone passionate about Italian cuisine. With 736 pages, it offers an extensive variety of recipes, ensuring that both beginners and seasoned cooks can find something to enjoy. The recipes are authentic, staying true to traditional Italian methods and ingredients, which will appeal to those seeking genuine flavors. However, this authenticity might mean that some ingredients are harder to find, depending on where you live.

The book also provides valuable cultural insights, enriching the cooking experience by connecting dishes to their Italian roots. The hardcover edition is visually appealing and sturdy, making it a great addition to your kitchen library. While it doesn't specifically cater to dietary preferences such as vegan or gluten-free, many recipes can be adapted with some creativity.

This cookbook is ideal for those who want to delve deeply into Italian cooking and appreciate the cultural context behind the recipes.

'How to Eataly' serves as a helpful guide for anyone interested in exploring Italian food beyond just recipes. It balances cooking instructions with tips on buying authentic ingredients, which is great if you want to understand Italian cuisine more deeply. The addition of 10 new Italian holiday recipes adds variety, making it appealing for special occasions as well as everyday cooking. Since it’s published by Rizzoli, a well-known publisher, and is a special edition, you can expect good quality content and presentation. The book is in English and seems designed for a range of skill levels—from beginners wanting to learn about Italian food shopping to home cooks ready to try traditional dishes.

Because it weighs nearly 4 pounds, it’s a fairly hefty book, which might be less convenient for casual browsing or quick recipe checks. The cultural insights seem promising given the focus on authentic buying and eating habits, which could enrich your cooking experience.

This book is well-suited for people who want to dive into authentic Italian cooking with both practical shopping hacks and seasonal recipes, but it may not be the lightest option for everyday use.

Lidia's From Our Family Table to Yours is a thoughtfully crafted cookbook that features over 100 recipes, making it a great choice for anyone who loves Italian cuisine. It offers a wide variety of recipes, from simple everyday meals to dishes fit for special occasions, catering to different culinary skills. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, you'll find recipes that suit your level.

The cookbook stays true to traditional Italian flavors, ensuring authenticity in every recipe. However, some recipes might require special ingredients that aren't readily available in all supermarkets, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users. Lidia's warm storytelling adds cultural insights, making the book not just a collection of recipes but also a journey into Italian family traditions.

The visual appeal is enhanced by beautiful photographs that accompany many recipes, providing inspiration and guidance. While the book does include some vegetarian options, it is not particularly focused on specific dietary preferences like vegan or gluten-free diets. Measuring 8.36 x 0.81 x 8.3 inches and weighing 1.9 pounds, the hardcover book is sturdy and feels substantial, though it might be a bit heavy for some. Published by Knopf in September 2023, it is a recent addition to your culinary library. The book's dimensions and weight make it a nice coffee table piece or a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys cooking and appreciates the Italian culinary heritage.