Bellissimo! Italian cuisine has just been officially recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The nomination, submitted by Italy two years ago, was carefully reviewed by UNESCO’s committee during their meeting in New Delhi, alongside 68 other applications.
A title that "honors who we are and our identity", declared Italian nationalist Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "For us Italians, cuisine is not just food or a collection of recipes. It's much more: it's culture, tradition, craftsmanship, and heritage."
Broadly speaking, Italian cuisine now encompasses everything from Neapolitan pizza to espresso coffee. Both were officially recognized in 2017 and 2022 respectively as part of Italy’s culinary heritage — the former for pizza and the latter for its iconic coffee. Additionally, the ‘French gastronomic meal’ was inscribed in 2010 on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, celebrating France's rich culinary traditions.
UNESCO emphasized that Italian cuisine goes far beyond just using simple, local ingredients and traditional recipes; it is a true cultural heritage passed down through generations and a reflection of Italy’s diverse regions and customs.
So, why not take this fresh registration as an excuse to (re)discover authentic Italian cuisine right here in Paris? Think wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, rich lasagnes, and a spritz to toast... Check out these top spots!
Our Top Italian Spots in Paris:
Italian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
In the mood for Italian? Here are the best Italian restaurants in Paris to enjoy transalpine specialties! [Read more]
Italian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
