Famous Italian Food Experts

Giada De Laurentiis is an Italian American chef, entrepreneur, writer, and television personality known for hosting Food Network's "Giada at Home" and appearing on NBC's "Today" show. She is the founder of GDL Foods, a successful catering business. De Laurentiis has won awards such as the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lifestyle Host and the Gracie Award for Best Television Host. She has also been recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as one of the Global 100 in Hospitality, showcasing her influence in the industry.

Lidia Bastianich is an Italian-American celebrity chef, television host, author, and restaurateur known for her expertise in Italian and Italian-American cuisine. Since 1998, she has been a regular contributor to public television cooking shows. In 2014, she launched her fifth television series, Lidia's Kitchen. Bastianich has owned several Italian restaurants in the U.S. in partnership with her family members, including locations in Manhattan, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City. She is also a partner in multiple Eataly locations across the United States and Brazil.

Gabriele Corcos is an Italian celebrity cook, entrepreneur, and TV personality known for hosting the Cooking Channel show "Extra Virgin." He entered the culinary industry unexpectedly in the mid-2000s and quickly rose to fame as one of the most renowned chefs globally. Alongside his wife, he actively participates in various anti-hunger charities, showcasing his commitment to social causes. Corcos's professional journey encompasses a successful career in cooking, television hosting, and philanthropy, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the culinary world.

Antonio Carluccio was a renowned Italian chef, restaurateur, and food expert based in London. With a career spanning over 50 years, he earned the title of "the godfather of Italian gastronomy." Carluccio was known for his television appearances, notably in collaboration with fellow chef Gennaro Contaldo on the BBC Two series Two Greedy Italians. His expertise and passion for Italian cuisine made him a beloved figure in the culinary world, leaving a lasting impact on food enthusiasts worldwide.

Adriano Zumbo is a renowned Australian pâtissier and television personality known for his innovative and creative approach to desserts. He gained fame through his appearances on MasterChef Australia and as the host of Zumbo's Just Desserts. With a reputation for pushing culinary boundaries, Zumbo has earned nicknames like "Sweet Assassin," "Patissier of Pain," and "Lord Voldecake." His expertise and unique style have led him to become a judge on the Netflix series Sugar Rush, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the baking industry.

Ettore Boiardi, known as Hector Boyardee, was an Italian-American chef who founded Chef Boyardee, a successful packaged food business. Starting as a kitchen helper, he rose to become head chef at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Boiardi catered President Woodrow Wilson's wedding reception and opened his own restaurant in Cleveland. By the late 1930s, he established the Chef Boyardee brand for his signature pasta products, later changing the name for easier pronunciation. His company supplied rations to the US military during WWII and was eventually sold in a lucrative deal.

Heinz Winkler was a renowned Italian-German chef known for his exceptional culinary skills and expertise in cooking wild game. At the age of 32, he became the youngest chef ever to receive three Michelin stars, making history in 1981. He was also the first Italian chef to achieve this prestigious culinary recognition. Throughout his career, Winkler garnered accolades for his innovative cooking techniques and dedication to his craft, earning him widespread acclaim in the culinary world.

Gabriele Bonci is a renowned Italian chef known for his expertise in pizza al taglio, a Roman-style pizza. He has gained international recognition for his innovative approach to pizza-making, combining traditional techniques with creative and high-quality ingredients. Bonci is the founder of Pizzarium, a famous pizzeria in Rome, and has expanded his culinary empire with multiple locations worldwide. His dedication to perfecting the art of pizza has earned him a reputation as a master in the industry, with a loyal following of food enthusiasts seeking out his delectable creations.

Massimiliano Alajmo is an accomplished Italian chef known for his exceptional culinary skills and innovative approach to dining. He made history by becoming the youngest chef to receive three Michelin stars at the age of 28. Throughout his career, he has worked with renowned chefs, published award-winning cookbooks, and delved into the world of scent and taste through his line of essential oil sprays. Alajmo is dedicated to enhancing the dining experience, evident in his restaurant Le Calandre and other establishments where he showcases his culinary philosophy and creativity.

Alessandro Borghese is an Italian celebrity chef known for his culinary expertise and television appearances. With a passion for cooking deeply rooted in his heritage, he has become a prominent figure in the culinary world. Borghese's career has been marked by his innovative approach to traditional Italian cuisine, as well as his engaging personality that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Through his various cooking shows and restaurants, he continues to inspire and delight food enthusiasts with his creative dishes and dedication to the culinary arts.

Giovanni Rana is an Italian pasta maker and founder of the Giovanni Rana brand. He began his career making tortellini at his family bakery and eventually opened Pastificio Rana in 1962. Initially producing pasta by hand, Rana's innovative spirit led him to design and develop new machines to meet growing demand. His company expanded globally under the leadership of his son Gian Luca, opening factories in the US and restaurants in New York City and London.

Antonino Cannavacciuolo is a renowned Italian chef, restaurateur, and television personality. With a passion for culinary arts, he has made a significant impact in the food industry. Cannavacciuolo is known for his innovative cooking techniques, creative dishes, and dedication to using high-quality ingredients. As a successful restaurateur, he has garnered acclaim for his restaurants, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, his engaging personality and expertise have led to a successful career in television, where he shares his culinary skills and knowledge with a wide audience.

Gualtiero Marchesi was an influential Italian chef known as the founder of the new Italian cuisine. Renowned worldwide, he was considered one of the most famous Italian chefs and a key figure in the evolution of Italian culinary culture. Marchesi's contributions to Italian cuisine were significant, elevating it to a prominent position on the global culinary stage. He is credited with creating the Italian interpretation of the French nouvelle cuisine, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in the world of gastronomy.

Bartolomeo Scappi was a renowned Italian Renaissance chef known for his culinary expertise. He served various prominent figures, including cardinals and popes, before entering the Vatican kitchen. His fame grew with the publication of his cookbook, Opera dell'arte del cucinare, in 1570, which contained around 1,000 recipes and detailed cooking techniques. Scappi's work showcased his preference for Parmesan cheese and provided insights into culinary practices of his time, such as the production of foie gras. He passed away in 1577 and was buried in Rome.

Cristina Bowerman is an Italian chef known for her Michelin-starred restaurant Glass Hostaria in Rome. Originally trained in foreign languages and law, she worked as a graphic designer before pursuing culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu. Bowerman gained valuable experience working in various restaurants, leading to the successful transformation of Glass Hostaria and the opening of other establishments. She continues to split her time between Rome and Austin, participating in prestigious culinary events and competitions, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and innovative chef.

Nadia Santini is an esteemed Italian chef renowned for her three Michelin-starred restaurant, Dal Pescatore, in Lombardy. With a culinary foundation rooted in her husband's great-grandmother's teachings, Santini emphasizes a personalized touch in her small kitchen, prioritizing quality over quantity. Taking over Dal Pescatore in 1974, she made history in 1996 as the first Italian female chef to earn three Michelin stars. Widely respected by peers like Anne-Sophie Pic and Angela Hartnett, Santini's culinary prowess and dedication to her craft have garnered international acclaim.

Damiano Carrara is a renowned Italian chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author known for his culinary expertise and passion for Italian cuisine. Based in Italy, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world with a strong reputation for creating delicious dishes and innovative recipes. Carrara's work reflects his commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of Italian flavors, earning him recognition and admiration from food enthusiasts worldwide. His contributions to the culinary industry continue to inspire and delight audiences globally.

Heinz Beck is an award-winning European chef renowned for his minimalist presentations and innovative cooking styles. With over 260,000 Instagram followers, he showcases his colorful creations. Beck received his chef qualifications in 1983 and worked as a Sous Chef in Germany before settling in Rome as the head chef at La Pergola. He has earned numerous accolades, including 3 Michelin Stars and the Golden Medal of the Artists Foyer Award. Beck is celebrated alongside other Michelin Star chefs like Andre Chiang, Tom Kitchin, and Richard Corrigan.

Martino da Como, also known as Maestro Martino, was a renowned 15th-century culinary expert from Italy. He gained fame as the chef at the Roman palazzo of the papal chamberlain and the Patriarch of Aquileia. Martino was highly respected by his peers and was hailed as the prince of cooks. His influential work, Libro de Arte Coquinaria (The Art of Cooking), published around 1465, is considered a significant milestone in Italian gastronomic literature, showcasing the shift from medieval to Renaissance cuisine.

Annie Féolde is a renowned French chef based in Italy, best known for achieving three Michelin stars at her restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence. She made history as the first female chef in Italy to reach this prestigious level of recognition. Féolde's culinary journey began in Marseille and Paris, where she honed her skills and language abilities. Together with sommelier Giorgio Pinchiorri, she transformed Enoteca Pinchiorri into a world-class dining destination, specializing in modern Tuscan cuisine. Féolde's career highlights include multiple Michelin star awards and appearances on television as a judge on Top Chef Italia.

Simone Zanoni is an esteemed Italian chef known for his culinary expertise and Michelin-starred restaurants. He currently serves as the chef at the George, a renowned dining destination located within the Four Seasons Hotel George V. Prior to this, Zanoni honed his skills working at Gordon Ramsay's acclaimed restaurants, where he contributed to the attainment of two and three Michelin stars. With a focus on exquisite flavors and innovative techniques, Zanoni continues to impress diners and critics alike with his exceptional culinary creations.

Stefano Callegari is an accomplished Italian chef known for inventing the Trapizzino, a widely loved street food. Prior to this culinary innovation, he spent 15 years as a flight attendant before deciding to follow his passion for pizza. Upon returning to Rome, he dedicated himself to perfecting his craft and creating unique food experiences for his customers. Callegari's journey showcases his versatility and determination in transitioning from one profession to another, ultimately leaving a mark on the culinary world with his inventive creations.

Wilma De Angelis is a renowned Italian singer, TV presenter, and culinary expert. She gained popularity for her talk show "A pranzo con Wilma" and her exceptional cooking skills. Hosting the cooking show "Telemenù" from 1978 to 1987 on Telemontecarlo further solidified her reputation in the culinary world. De Angelis is also an accomplished author, having written two cookbooks. Her multifaceted career showcases her talent and expertise in both the entertainment industry and the culinary arts.

Gianfranco Chiarini is a renowned Italian celebrity chef, food engineer, television personality, and restaurateur with a diverse and extensive career. He has worked in Michelin starred restaurants, cruise lines, deluxe hotels and resorts, and served as a chef to presidents and royalty. Chiarini has also excelled as a consultancy chef, TV chef, culinary teacher, and book writer. His expertise extends to research and development for mass manufacturing food companies across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Fluent in seven languages, Chiarini's intercultural background has enabled him to showcase his culinary skills and adapt to various international cuisines.

Ernst Knam is a renowned German chef specializing in pastries and a popular television personality. He gained recognition through programs such as The King of Chocolate and Bake Off Italia - Sweets in the Over. With a career spanning over three decades, he honed his skills in various restaurants across Europe before settling in Italy in 1989. In 1992, he established his own pastry shop in Milan, showcasing his expertise in the craft. His accolades include winning the Italian Champion of Cioccolateria title in 2009 and being appointed as Chef Ambassador for the 2015 Expo in Germany.

Sonia Peronaci is a renowned Italian chef and blogger known for founding the popular online cooking website Saffron Yellow, attracting over four million monthly visitors. She expanded her culinary reach by creating her own television show, Cooking with Giallozafferano, and authoring multiple cookbooks. Transitioning from an accounting background with her husband, she launched Saffron Yellow in 2006, leading to her appointment as the Italian ambassador of Kraft Philadelphia. With a passion for cooking since childhood, Sonia has earned the title of the Italian Martha Stewart for her culinary accomplishments.

Chiara Maci is a versatile professional with a background in law, media relations, and business marketing. Transitioning from her initial career path, she found success as a food blogger and television host, gaining recognition for her work on her website and later as a cooking personality on FoxLife. In 2013, she further solidified her presence in the culinary world by releasing her own cookbook. Her achievements were acknowledged when she was honored as one of the Best Italian Food Bloggers by the Macchianera Awards in 2016.

Alida Gotta is an accomplished Italian chef who gained recognition for her impressive performance as the runner-up on the 5th season of MasterChef Italy. She later hosted the popular show Dream Chef and created the web series Alida Teen Chef, showcasing her culinary skills. In addition to her culinary talents, she has a background in law. Hailing from Turin, Italy, Alida had the opportunity to cook for renowned chef Bruno Barbieri as one of the judges on MasterChef Italy, further solidifying her place in the culinary world.

Nadia Santini is a renowned Italian chef celebrated for her exceptional culinary skills showcased at the Michelin 3-star restaurant Dal Pescatore. Her expertise in Italian cuisine has garnered international acclaim, leading to her being named the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef in 2013. Santini's culinary journey began under the guidance of her future mother-in-law, shaping her into the culinary virtuoso she is today. Alongside luminaries like Giada De Laurentiis, Santini has risen to fame for her mastery of Italian gastronomy, captivating palates worldwide.

Isabella Poti is a renowned professional chef known for her expertise in pastries and as the head chef and partner at Bros' Restaurant. With a background of training under esteemed chefs like Claude Bosi, Martin Berasategui, and Paco Torreblanca, she has honed her culinary skills to perfection. Her talent and success have earned her recognition, including being featured on the Forbes Magazine's Thirty Under Thirty Europe list in 2017. Isabella's culinary journey also includes appearances as a celebrity guest chef on MasterChef Italy, showcasing her exceptional culinary prowess to a wider audience.

Vincenzo Falcone is a renowned Italian chef known for opening a series of successful restaurants in Italy that specialize in American-inspired cuisine, such as 26 Hamburger & Delicious and 20 Pizza & Delicious. With a strong presence on Instagram, Falcone shares visually appealing food images with his large following. His culinary journey led him from Italy to San Diego, California, where he worked before returning to Italy to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant. Falcone also showcased his talents in the film industry with a role in Io Non Ci Casco (2008).

Filippo La Mantia is a renowned Italian chef known for his expertise in baked goods, Italian pasta, and traditional dishes. With a culinary career that began at the age of fourteen, he opened his first restaurant, Zagara, in 2002. He gained further recognition by moving to Indonesia in 2006 to work as a consultant for a resort. La Mantia is the head chef and owner of the restaurants Oste e Cuoco and La Trattoria, where he showcases his creations to over 140,000 followers on Instagram.

Niko Romito is a renowned chef known for opening Reale, the first and only three Michelin star restaurant in Abruzzo. His culinary achievements include earning the first star in 2013 and being named the country's best restaurant by the Gambero Rosso guide. Romito also established a cooking school adjacent to Reale, formed a partnership with the University of Gastronomic Sciences, and authored an autobiography titled Apparently Simple. With a significant social media presence and strong industry relationships, Romito continues to make a mark in the culinary world.

Massimo Capra is a prominent figure in the culinary world, hailing from Italy and now operating in Mississauga, Ontario. As a well-respected restaurateur, consultant, and author, Capra has made a name for himself through various television appearances on popular shows like Cityline, The Morning Show, and Food Network programs such as Restaurant Makeover, Chopped: Canada, Top Chef Canada, and Wall of Chefs. His expertise and passion for food have solidified his reputation as a skilled and celebrated celebrity chef in the industry.

Bruno Barbieri is a renowned Italian chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for his exceptional culinary skills and successful restaurants that have collectively earned 7 Michelin stars. He is a prominent figure in the culinary world, having hosted popular Italian television shows such as MasterChef Italia and its various versions alongside other well-known chefs. Barbieri's influence extends to creating unique television concepts, including the talent show Bruno Barbieri - 4 hotel, showcasing his innovative approach to the culinary industry.

Gabriele Rubini, also known as Chef Rubio, has had a diverse professional journey. Starting as a semi-professional rugby player, he later transitioned into television presenting for DMAX. With a background in sports and entertainment, he has successfully established himself as a renowned figure in the culinary world. His persona as Chef Rubio has garnered widespread recognition, showcasing his passion for food and engaging audiences through his television appearances. Overall, his career showcases versatility and a strong presence in both sports and media.

Carlo Cracco is a renowned Italian chef and television personality known for his innovative culinary creations and strong presence in the media. With a successful career spanning several decades, Cracco has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world, earning accolades for his unique approach to Italian cuisine. He has made numerous television appearances, showcasing his cooking talent and sharing his expertise with audiences worldwide. Cracco's restaurants have garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying his reputation as a leading culinary expert.

Fabio Viviani is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and cookbook writer with a strong presence in the culinary and entertainment industries. He gained fame after appearing on reality television, where he showcased his culinary skills and charming personality. Viviani expanded his brand by launching a line of wines and transitioning to Southern California where he continued to build his reputation. His success on Top Chef led to various opportunities in television hosting, becoming an on-air personality, and endorsing products, solidifying his status as a multifaceted professional in the culinary world.

Rubina Rovini is a versatile Italian chef, known for her appearance on Master Chef Italy and her roles as a personal chef, brand ambassador, food consultant, and executive chef. With a background in professional classical dance, she pursued her passion for culinary arts by studying at the Academy of Haute Cuisine Cordon Bleu. Rovini has published a recipe book and collaborates with various brands such as Mercedes and Asciugoni. She also engages with a large following on Instagram, sharing photos of her culinary creations.

Ennio Carota is a renowned Michelin Star chef and television personality best known for his role as a judge and host on the Chilean version of MasterChef. He later expanded his reach by working on the children's spinoff series Junior MasterChef Chile. Carota further showcased his culinary expertise by founding the successful Pastamore Italian food restaurant and hosting his own cooking program, The Specialist. With a strong presence in the culinary scene, he also co-hosted Chile's MasterChef alongside Diana Bolocco.

Moreno Cedroni is an esteemed Italian chef known for founding the renowned seafood restaurant La Madonnina del Pescatore. He gained recognition for his debut cookbook "Sushi & Susci" in 2001 and achieved a second Michelin star for his restaurant in 2006. Cedroni's culinary expertise was highlighted in his inclusion in the Wall Street Journal's top fish restaurants in Europe in 2012. Additionally, he authored an autobiographical book in 2004. His successful career began at the age of 20 when he established La Madonnina del Pescatore in 1984.

Valerio Braschi is a professional chef known for winning the 2017 MasterChef Italy competition and cooking at the Italian Embassy in New Delhi. With over 250,000 Instagram followers, he shares photos of his culinary creations and collaborates with cooking and nutrition companies like Bahlsen and Fico Essere Buoni. Braschi took a break from culinary school to participate in MasterChef Italy and began showcasing his dishes on Instagram in 2017. He has hosted private dinner events with Fight Eat Club and Ristorante Botero, showcasing his talent and passion for cooking.

Roland Trettl is a renowned chef known for his exceptional culinary skills and achievements. He served as the Executive Chef at Restaurant Ikarus in Hangar-7 at Salzburg Airport for a decade, earning accolades for his culinary excellence. With a Michelin star awarded in 1999 for Ca's Puers, Trettl's expertise in the kitchen is undeniable. He honed his craft at Parkhotel Holzner in Oberbozen and later shared his culinary insights through published works like Culinary High-Flighers and Served: The Truth About The Best Cooks In The World.

Lorenzo Boni is an accomplished Italian chef known for his expertise in Italian cuisine. He began his career at Barilla in 1999 before becoming the Head Chef in 2003. With a strong social media presence, he has amassed a following of 140,000 on Instagram. Lorenzo honed his culinary skills by studying throughout Italy and later working as the Second Chef at San Domenico Restaurant in New York. His dedication to mastering regional dishes showcases his passion for Italian gastronomy.

Donato De Santis is a renowned Italian chef celebrated in Latin America for his appearances on cooking shows and his culinary expertise. With a career spanning from opening his own restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to working with influential figures like Gianni Versace, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world. De Santis's dedication to Italian cuisine is evident through his role as a director of GVCI and the publication of four cookbooks, showcasing his passion and mastery of gastronomy.

Gianluca Fusto is a renowned professional pastry chef, author, and social media personality known for his popular international cookbooks such as My Sweet 24 Hours and Tarts. With a significant following of over 140,000 on his self-titled Instagram account, Fusto has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world. He began his culinary journey in his twenties and released his first cookbook, Paths, in 2013. Hailing from Milan, Italy, Fusto continues to inspire and delight audiences with his delectable creations and engaging content on social media.

Erica Liverani is a renowned chef who gained recognition by winning the fifth season of Master Chef. With a background in physiotherapy, she has successfully transitioned into the culinary world and has amassed a significant following on her ericamorefantasia Instagram account. She is also a published author, with her book "Small Steps - My Seasonal Cooking" showcasing her culinary expertise. Alongside her achievements, Erica shares her Italian heritage with fellow chef Giada De Laurentiis. Overall, Erica Liverani's professional life is characterized by culinary excellence, social media influence, and a passion for seasonal cooking.

Paola Carosella is an Italian Argentine businesswoman, cook, and celebrity chef who gained fame as a juror on the hit TV show "MasterChef Brazil." Renowned for her culinary expertise, she has captivated audiences with her discerning palate and insightful critiques. Carrying a distinguished background in the culinary world, she has showcased her passion for food through various ventures. With a strong presence in the industry, Carosella continues to inspire aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike with her talent and knowledge.

Matteo Brunetti is a Polish-Italian chef known for his appearance on Master Chef. He has garnered a strong following on Instagram and YouTube, sharing his culinary expertise with his audience. Starting his YouTube journey in March 2018, he has quickly amassed a significant online presence. With 430,000 followers on Instagram, his engaging content includes throwback pictures and selfies with notable figures like Polish soccer star Artur Boruc. Brunetti continues to captivate fans with his cooking skills and engaging social media presence.

Davide Oldani is a renowned Italian chef known for his Michelin-starred restaurant D'O and his appearances on TV series like The Chef. With a strong passion for cooking from an early age, he opened D'O in 2003, garnering further recognition with prestigious awards such as the Ambrogino d'oro in 2008. Oldani shares his culinary creations with over 150,000 followers on Instagram and has authored recipe books like Chefacile and Return Cook. His professional achievements place him alongside other notable Italian chefs like Massimo Bottura and Bruno Barbieri.