10 Best Italian Cookbooks in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Touted as the "culinary bible" for anyone who wishes to become an expert in Italian cuisine, this cookbook is a compiled version of the author's most successful books. 

It comprises recipes that anyone could try regardless of skill level. This is the most sought-out book for those looking for a crash course in Italian cooking and who want to walk away well-versed and fully-equipped. 

Reviewers noticed that the author made some changes based on personal preferences or to better suit the American palate, hence some felt there was a lack of authenticity. 

A group of Italian scholars once had the mission to preserve traditional Italian cooking by tapping villages all over Italy, interviewing grandmothers and farmers and compiling the priceless treasures into this cookbook. 

Take a journey across various Italian regions with the 2,000 tried-and-tested recipes in the book. It's definitely a must-have for every experienced cook. 

Those who've purchased the cookbook got a bit mixed up with the regions because everything was organized by meal course. Italian cuisine changes drastically per region, hence the comment. It takes a bit of patience to get the hang of things with this cookbook.

This book gives you a glimpse of what it's like having a nonna. It's full of time-perfected recipes from those who've spent a lifetime cooking with and for love: no flair, no fuss. 

Imagine 80 easy pasta recipes which you could hand down to your children. The stories of the women included in the book add a personal touch as a relationship is built between you and the Pasta Grannies. 

For those who expect a cookbook to be full of recipes and nothing else, the stories might turn you off. Reviewers have commented that they expected more recipes and less story-telling. 

We all have those days when we lack the energy to exert extra effort in making a meal. This cookbook is for those moments. Five ingredients, authentic Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, what more could we ask for? 

It also teaches you the cooking essentials such as the ingredients, equipment and core techniques you must possess. Reviewers were disappointed at the lack of photos in the cookbook, especially those who are visual learners. Perhaps a quick Google search of what you're preparing would help? 

This cookbook is perfect for everyday cooking, using ingredients that are already in your pantry. It even has recipes that turn leftovers into masterpieces. You're in for a treat when you discover the many tips and tricks in Italian cooking such as how to make the perfect pesto or the seven ways to make the red sauce more alluring. 

Reviewers have commented that the design and layout of the cookbook were difficult to comprehend. Some of the recipes are printed in reverse or used very light colors, which could throw you off while cooking.

Vegetarians, rejoice! Italian cooking has now embraced this diet restriction and offers you 350 recipes to enjoy. Not many are acquainted with the fact that Italians use a lot of vegetables in their recipes, and it's not always cheese and tomatoes that take center stage. 

Once again, the lack of photos was a common review people made. However, the saving grace of this cookbook is the easy-to-follow style and language of the author, which keeps you on track throughout the whole journey.

Pizza is without a doubt America's favorite food. You might say that there's no need to try making one at home because there are one or two pizza joints down the street, but you'll be shocked to discover that pizza is so easy to make! 

Once you get the hang of dough preparation, oven settings and timing, you have full control over the sauce, cheese and toppings. When it comes to pizza types, the sky is the limit. 

For those venturing into the world of pizza for the first time, it is advised to get acquainted with the basics before jumping into this cookbook's recipes. Reviewers have commented that it could be too technical for beginners. 

There's no need to wonder if the ingredients listed on this cookbook are available in your local supermarket because they are. The over 100 recipes here are simple, with easy-to-find items, affordable and delicious. 

It's a great start for those new to Italian cooking. Reviewers were expecting pictures to accompany the recipes in this cookbook but were quite disappointed to find none.

This book covers the entire range of Italian baking, whether it be focaccia, tarts, pies, cakes, breadsticks or different types of pastries. The techniques, ingredients and style of the cookbook are specifically aimed for the US market, so there won't be anything lost in translation. This book is a must-have for every aspiring baker. 

Reviewers have commented that the book was bread-heavy and lacked a healthy balance of dolce recipes. Those with a sweet tooth might need to go for a dessert cookbook.

There's no need to sacrifice creamy pasta sauces, savory tiramisu or cheesy pizza with this cookbook. It gives you a vegan version of many Italian cuisine favorites. The full-color, mouth-watering pictures scattered all over the book might even convince many to turn vegan.

Some users have noticed that there were recipes with measurement discrepancies. It might take at least two tries before you perfect the right quantity of the ingredients.