If there’s one cookbook that feels more like a travel guide than a recipe collection, it’s David Rocco’s Made in Italy. Known for his warm personality and evocative travel-meets-food television series, Rocco has managed to bottle up that same magic between the covers of this book. The result is a culinary journey through Italy that goes far beyond the kitchen—it’s about lifestyle, family, and a passion for authenticity. David Rocco – Home of the Dolce Vita
From the very first page, Made in Italy sets a tone that is both inviting and unpretentious. Rocco doesn’t position himself as a chef on a pedestal. Instead, he takes the role of a friendly guide who wants to share the meals that Italians enjoy every day. His philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: food should be simple, seasonal, and full of joy. This book embraces that ethos completely, proving that the best dishes don’t need to be complicated.
The recipes themselves shine in their accessibility. Whether it’s a rustic pasta with just a handful of ingredients or a slow-simmered ragù, Rocco shows that simplicity can still yield incredible depth of flavor. I particularly appreciated his dedication to using what’s fresh and local, reminding readers that the secret to Italian cooking lies more in the quality of ingredients than in elaborate techniques. Even novice cooks will find themselves empowered to create something soulful and delicious.
Speaking of recipes, it’ll soon be Valentine’s Day and Rocco’s Beef Tenderloin with a Red Wine Reduction (Filetto Di Manzo Con Riduzione Di Vino Rosso) in our Recipe section makes dinner prep on a romantic evening easy and delectable. Paired with your honey’s favourite sides, and you’ll both be saying oo-la-la!
Another standout element is the photography. The visuals in Made in Italy are not just pretty food shots—they’re atmospheric snapshots of Italian towns, vineyards, bustling markets, and family gatherings. Each image tells a story and roots the recipes in a sense of place. The book feels less like a kitchen manual and more like a travel diary filled with recipes picked up along the way. For anyone who has dreamed of Tuscany, Amalfi, or Sicily, this book doubles as a mini vacation.
Beyond the food, what resonates most is Rocco’s emphasis on la dolce vita—the sweet life. He gently reminds readers that meals are not just about eating, but about connection. The stories woven throughout celebrate friends, family, and the joy of gathering. In an era of fast-paced dining and over-complicated cooking, this feels like a breath of fresh air.
If I had one critique, it’s that some recipes are so rooted in the Italian terroir that replicating them outside of Italy may feel like a compromise. Finding ingredients that match the quality and freshness Rocco writes about can be challenging depending on where you live (can’t find fresh octopus anywhere near me!). That said, this is also a gentle nudge to seek out better produce and to slow down—a lesson worth taking to heart.
You can purchase any of Rocco’s books (he has 3!) at BOOKS – David Rocco or win a copy of Made In Italy in our Giveaway section. Overall, Made in Italy is a gem for anyone who loves Italian food, travel, or the art of slowing down. It’s as much about philosophy as it is about recipes, and it succeeds in making you feel like part of the famiglia. For me, it’s a book I’ll keep returning to—not just for the dishes, but for the reminder that food, at its best, is about love, laughter, and living well.
Contents and images used with permission from Made in Italy by David Rocco © 2011. Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443406864/made-in-italy/