When? 18–24 November – “Mediterranean Diet & Recipes from our Roots: Health and Tradition”
Every November, Italy sends its most powerful diplomatic weapon out into the world. No, not opera. Not Ferrari. Not the Prime Minister’s latest quote. It’s just Food! Glorious, persuasive, impossible-to-resist Italian food.
Welcome to the Italian Food Week
Welcome to the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, one of the longest-running international campaigns organised by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2016, this global celebration has been sharing everything that makes Italian cuisine… well, Italian: quality, sustainability, tradition, biodiversity, regional pride, nonna-level know-how, and a healthy distrust of anyone who overcooks pasta.
A memorable pasta-dish
Born in the wake of Expo Milano 2015, the project highlights the excellence of Italy’s food and wine supply chain while showing the world that Italian cuisine is more than just a plate of Bolognese — it’s culture, history, craftsmanship, and yes, occasionally a little drama. Each year has its own theme, spotlighting protected regional products, centuries-old traditions, sustainable production, and the all-important “itineraries of taste.” (Because touring Italy by plate is often the best way to do it.)
Traditionally the celebrations take place in the third week of November, but starting in 2025 the network of Italian Embassies, Consulates, Cultural Institutes and ICE Offices will have the freedom to host events all year long — a sort of perpetual calendar of deliciousness, tailor-made for each country.
Haute Patisserie at Marchesi 1824 in Milan
Since its debut, the Week has delivered more than 10,000 events in over 100 countries: tastings, show-cookings, masterclasses, academic talks, film screenings, exhibitions and business events. There’s even a fancy opening evening at the Farnesina every year — the diplomatic equivalent of a Michelin gala.
The 10th edition aims to:
share Italian cuisine with the world, especially as it runs for recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
highlight the Mediterranean diet as a model of balance, sustainability, and well-being
shine a spotlight on the research and innovation behind modern Italian food production — from farming and packaging to recycling and reuse
Every year, the Ministry works with selected partners to create projects, materials and content for embassies across the globe — making sure Italy’s culinary presence is felt from Washington to Wellington.
Pizzeria Romana
Events in the U.S.A
Nowhere is the programme more elaborate than in the United States. With over fifty events from Washington to San Francisco, this year’s edition celebrates Italian food as heritage, identity and diplomacy. The launch took place yesterday in Washington with a dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, at Villa Firenze. Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Morelli (Milano – Ristorante Morelli and Bulk) prepared a menu that mixed tradition with innovation.
In her remarks, Ambassador Zappia stressed that Italian cuisine is “a set of social practices, habits and gestures; a central element of our identity” — and reminded guests that Italy is advocating for its cuisine to be recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. With Italian agri-food exports to the US now exceeding 7 billion dollars annually, cuisine is not only culture it’s also one of Italy’s most successful ambassadors.
Below is an overview of the key initiatives happening across the United States during the Week of Italian Cuisine.
For the full official programme, see this official link!
Various Cities
Washington – “Piatti all’Opera” Masterclasses (19–22 Nov)
Boston – Festival of Italian Creativity (19–21 Nov)
Chicago – Lectures on early Italian-American cookbooks (20–22 Nov)
Detroit – Cooking classes for Italian-program schools (19–26 Nov)
Philadelphia – “Abruzzo Inside” exhibition (19–20 Nov)
San Francisco – Italian restaurant menus, theatre shows, masterclasses (11–22 Nov)
Canada
Canada’s Italian network is smaller than the U.S. one, but the Week of Italian Cuisine is still a yearly favourite from Vancouver to Montréal.
Highlights
Toronto – Workshops and tastings organised by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and local Slow Food chapters, usually centred on regional products (last editions focused on Piedmont and Calabria).
Montréal – Chef-led cooking demonstrations and literary evenings tied to the Mediterranean diet and Italian culinary heritage.
Vancouver – Events with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada-West, showcasing artisanal producers and regional menus.
Ottawa – The Embassy traditionally hosts a conference-dinner on Italian culinary identity and sustainability.\
United Kingdom
The Italian Embassy in London and the Italian Cultural Institute have been publishing a complete annual programme for years.
Highlights
London
Gala evenings spotlighting regional menus (Lazio in 2024, Puglia and Sicily in earlier years).
Masterclasses at Eataly London led by Italian chefs and producers.
“Ingredients/Ingredienti” lectures on biodiversity, sustainability, and Italy’s UNESCO candidacy.
Edinburgh & Glasgow – Tastings and chef demonstrations with a focus on protecting authentic Italian food products.
Bristol / Manchester – Pop-up culinary labs with Italian Chambers of Commerce and local restaurateurs.
Australia
Australia’s edition is vibrant thanks to its large Italian community — and the program is often anchored by Melbourne and Sydney.
Highlights
Melbourne –
Italian Chamber of Commerce events with guest chefs (Guy Grossi cooked the 2024 focus menu).
Wine masterclasses and pairings celebrating Italian varietals grown in Australia.
Sydney – Regional menus presented by Italian restaurants, plus partnerships with Italian food importers.
Perth / Adelaide – Smaller events, usually involving local Italian community clubs and cooking schools.
For international readers abroad
Looking for events near you? Programmes vary from country to country, and many embassies publish extra activities throughout November. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the website or social channels of your nearest Italian Embassy, Consulate, or Italian Cultural Institutemasterclas
Dining and Cooking