Having beautiful cookbooks in your kitchen transforms the space into a haven of culinary inspiration and aesthetic delight. These artfully designed volumes, with their vibrant covers and stunning photography, not only provide a wealth of delicious recipes but also serve as decorative elements that enhance the ambiance of your kitchen. Whether stacked on a countertop, propped against a window, or displayed on a shelf, they invite you to explore new flavours and techniques while adding a touch of elegance and charm to your cooking environment.
Here, we bring together a mix of cuisines (although as always you’ll find a big focus on Italian), as well as an array of authors and writing styles, in our exploration of the most aesthetically pleasing cookbooks to buy for your kitchen, which at the same time deliver (as one would expect) on the recipe front. Have a look through and we’re sure you’ll agree, they look good enough to eat!
MEZCLA: Recipes to Excite by Ixta Belfrage
Understanding the title “Mezcla,” which means “mix” in Spanish, unlocks the essence of Ixta Belfrage’s debut cookbook. Belfrage, an Ottolenghi protégée and ELLE editor, presents 100 recipes from Italy, Brazil, and Mexico, reflecting her diverse heritage. The book offers quick weekday recipes and elaborate dishes for special occasions. Showcased on Instagram, her dishes like Black Forest crumpets and prawn habanero lasagne highlight her innovative style. “Mezcla” has garnered acclaim, being shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Book Awards and recognized by The Independent and The Times.
La Buvette: Recipes and Wine Notes from Paris by Camille Fourmont
Most cookbooks focus on elaborate recipes, but Camille Fourmont’s “La Buvette” is for those who enjoy effortless entertaining. Owner of the popular Parisian bottle shop and cafe, Fourmont shares 50 simple, grazing-style recipes ideal for hosting. Her book, inspired by Parisian living, features small plates like canned sardines with burnt lemon and white peach verbena jam, alongside wine recommendations. With beautiful photography, it’s perfect for anyone wanting to entertain casually.
Buy now: La Buvette by Camille Fourmont
A Table in Venice: Recipes from my home by Skye McAlpine
Skye McAlpine, a London-born food writer, moved to Venice at six and became enamored with its culture and cuisine. She’s written for Vogue, Vanity Fair, and The Sunday Times, and authored three cookbooks. Our favorite, “A Table in Venice,” blends traditional and personal recipes, emphasizing simple, seasonal Italian food. McAlpine shares cicheti, roast duck with apples, and sticky apricot pastries, capturing Venice’s essence. The book’s marbled cover nods to Venetian craftsmanship.
Buy now:A Table in Venice: Recipes from my home by Skye McAlpine
Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food, with Recipes by Missy Robbins
Is there anything better than a big bowl of fresh pasta? This versatile comfort food is beloved globally, from home kitchens to top restaurants. “Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food” delves into pasta’s influence on American cuisine, exploring regional recipes and modern takes on Italian classics. With 40 handmade pasta shapes and 100 diverse recipes, Missy Robbins, a renowned New York chef, offers detailed instructions and beautiful illustrations for every step.
Buy now: Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food, with Recipes by Missy Robbins
Table for Two: Recipes for the Ones You Love by Bre Graham
For the past 12 years, Australian writer and editor Bre Graham has made London her home. While working for Courier Magazine, Belmond, and freelancing for Australian Vogue and NY Magazine, she launched her cult newsletter ‘Dishes to Delight’. Known for intimate dinners in her charming London flat, Bre’s “Table for Two” features 80 recipes, six essays, and six menus with personal significance. Stylishly illustrated, it offers heartfelt meal ideas like Guinness pie and prawn pistachio tagliolini.
Buy now: Table for Two: Recipes for the Ones You Love by Bre Graham
La Vita è Dolce: Italian–Inspired Desserts by Letitia Clark
In September 2020, our founder Lorne interviewed Letitia Clark, a Devon native who moved to Sardinia to pursue cooking, about her first cookbook, Bitter Honey. Letitia revealed she had just received confirmation for her second book on Sicilian desserts. Now, we’re thrilled to include it on this list. Known for nutty flavors and creamy textures, the book features 80 mouth-watering recipes like ricotta and dark chocolate almond crumble tart and cappuccino panna cotta. Check out our full interview with Letitia and explore our 2025 Sicilian breaks!
Buy now: La Vita è Dolce: Italian–Inspired Desserts by Letitia Clark
Al Fresco: Inspired Ideas for Outdoor Living by Julie Pointer Adams
Lunch on the beach, park picnics, sandwiches on a walk, or cocktails on the balcony—summer is all about eating outdoors. In her stunning book, photographer and creative director Julie Pointer Adams explores the connection between nourishment and nature, featuring her dreamy photographs. Julie believes that connecting with nature is essential for connecting with oneself. With recipes like big lunch salads, wholesome pastas, and maple rosemary popcorn, this book is perfect for al fresco dining. Its beautiful cover is just the beginning; readers fall in love with the contents as they browse.
Buy now: Al Fresco: Inspired Ideas for Outdoor Living by Julie Pointer Adams
A Spoonful of Sun: Mediterranean Cookbook for All Seasons by Pauline Chardin
The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, and Pauline Chardin, a self-taught cook from Provence, offers a fresh, contemporary take on this lifestyle in “A Spoonful of Sun.” Unlike the typical four seasons, Pauline splits the year into eight, providing ingredient ideas for each. Her book features 50 healthy, seasonal recipes and ingredient swaps. With her background in creative direction, the book is visually stunning, capturing the essence of French slow living. It’s perfect for anyone inspired to embrace Mediterranean cuisine and aesthetics.
Buy now: A Spoonful of Sun: Mediterranenan Cookbook for All Seasons by Pauline Chardin
Yiayia: Time-perfected Recipes from Greece’s Grandmothers by Anastasia Miari
Why should Italy’s Nonnas have all the fun? Journalist Anastasia Miari has spent six years speaking with grandmothers worldwide to uncover cherished family recipes and techniques. Her Instagram, @MatriarchEats, showcases her travels and the women she’s met. Her latest book focuses on Greek Yiayias and their traditional, mostly vegetarian recipes from Greece’s 6000 islands. With dishes like stuffed courgettes from Lesvos and watermelon cake from Milos, each recipe includes stories and beautiful photography of the Yiayias and their lives.
Buy now: Yiayia: Time-perfected Recipes from Greece’s Grandmothers by Anastasia Miari
A House Party in Tuscany: Recipes, Stories and Art From Arniano by Amber Guinness
We couldn’t end this list without highlighting one of our favorite locations: Tuscany. Our cookery and painting breaks to Tuscany always sell out, thanks to the region’s breathtaking scenery and authentic farmhouses. Amber Guinness’s cookbook, “A House Party In Tuscany,” perfectly combines her love for food and art with stories from her Tuscan farm upbringing. Amber shares seasonal recipes like summer roast peaches with bay and Grand Marnier cream, and winter artichoke risotto, along with notes on her favorite painting styles and tips for overcoming painter’s block.
Buy now: A House Party in Tuscany: Recipes, Stories and Art From Arniano by Amber Guinness
Let us know what you think of our cookbook selection, do add your thoughts in the comments below.
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