What Italians have always known about their food

As our travelers already know: Italian cuisine reflects a deeply rooted way of life — from how food is grown and harvested to how it is prepared, shared, and then passed down through generations. Cooking in Italy goes far beyond simple daily nourishment. The family meal is a daily ritual shaped in each of Italy's regions by history, geography, and community.

In December 2025 Italian cuisine was named as the first national culinary tradition to be recognized by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” The designation honors Italian food not simply as a collection of recipes, but as a living expression of culture, identity and tradition.

The designation may support Italy’s ongoing fight against imitation Italian food and ingredients, from misleading product names to mass-produced sauces and second-rate olive oils sold to us in the U.S. But most importantly, this honor acknowledges the emotional and cultural bonds created by gathering together to enjoy our food — a reminder that Italian cuisine is, at its heart, a heritage to be treasured. 

We'd all be better off to follow the Italian recipe – beyond simple ingredient lists. Let's bring back our evening mealtimes not only as an opportunity to enjoy healthy home-cooked food, but also to enjoy gathering and and connecting with our loved ones and best friends.