Argomenti trattati
The culinary landscape of Italy shines brightly as the 2025 edition of the Espresso Guides is unveiled. This esteemed guide honors chefs, restaurants, and wine producers who craft authentic experiences that encapsulate the essence of Italian culture. With a focus on flavors, aromas, and traditions, the guides celebrate the critical role food plays in showcasing Italy’s identity globally.
In this 46th edition, 21 restaurants have earned the prestigious accolade of 5 Cappelli, while six establishments achieved the perfect score of 20 out of 20. Additionally, seven wineries received the commendation of 110 cum laude, a testament to their exceptional quality. This celebration of culinary excellence recognizes established names and highlights emerging talents shaping the future of Italian gastronomy.
Highlights from the 2025 Espresso Guides
The event, held at the iconic Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milano, welcomed over a thousand guests, including notable chefs, wine producers, and industry professionals. The gathering was a vibrant celebration of what has been termed the eighth art, emphasizing how haute cuisine and wine engage all the senses and transform ordinary moments into cultural experiences.
Top-rated restaurants and chefs
This year, the spotlight shone on six restaurants that achieved the highest score of 20/20. Among them are the legendary Osteria Francescana led by Massimo Bottura, Cracco under the direction of Carlo Cracco, Reale by Niko Romito, and Duomo from Ciccio Sultano. Notably, for the first time, both Villa Crespi by Antonino Cannavacciuolo and Madonnina del Pescatore by Moreno Cedroni joined this elite group.
Among the celebrated chefs, Jessica Rosval and Nadia Santini stand out as two of the few female chefs to lead restaurants that received the esteemed 5 Cappelli recognition. Their contributions to the culinary scene reflect a growing acknowledgment and support for women in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Outstanding wineries and special awards
Turning to the world of wine, this year saw seven wineries achieving the notable 110 cum laude rating. The list encompasses regions from Serralunga d’Alba in Piedmont to Castiglione d’Orcia in Tuscany. The wineries awarded this honor include Ferrari Trento, Elvio Cogno, and Castello di Ama, among others. These vineyards are recognized for their outstanding quality and dedication to the craft of winemaking.
Acknowledging talent and innovation
Several awards were distributed to highlight individual talents within the culinary landscape. Nicola Dell’Agnolo of Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia was honored as the Best Maître, while Massimo Bottura received the award for Best Food-Wine Pairing for his collaboration with La Contadina and the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOP from Fonte Canale.
Other notable accolades included Nicoletta Gargiulo as Best Sommelier, Luca Adobati as Best Young Chef, and Achilli al Parlamento recognized for having the Best Wine List. The introduction of the Best Outsider award marked a new initiative aimed at celebrating those who venture beyond traditional paths, awarded this year to Alberto Gipponi from Dina.
Looking ahead: The future of Italian gastronomy
This year’s guides represent not only a culmination of excellence but also a vision for the future of Italian cuisine and wine. The extensive research that informed this edition involved traveling more than 60,000 kilometers, tasting over 1,500 wines, and exploring 1,200 restaurants. This dedication underlines the importance of continuous exploration and storytelling within the culinary arts.
As the future unfolds, the updated Espresso Guides and the newly launched app aim to make Italy’s culinary treasures more accessible to a global audience. With exciting initiatives like Outsider projects and collaborations with contemporary brands, the essence of Italian gastronomy is set to evolve further, ensuring that the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions continues to thrive.