Now reissued in trade paperback- a beautiful cookbook celebrating the classic Italian food that shaped the lives and careers of two of the world’s best-known chefs.

Opened by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers in 1987, the legendary River Cafe changed the way we cook, eat and think about Italian food.

Over decades, they travelled extensively through Italy, cooking with friends, chefs and wine makers, who shared with them their traditional and regional classic family recipes. This book is Rose and Ruth’s personal interpretation of those precious recipes, the pages rich with their experiences and knowledge.

A passionate celebration of Italy and its unique culture of food, these 200 inspiring recipes sit side-by-side with memories of the places, stories of the people, and insights into the regions, seasons, ingredients and techniques. Woven with evocative photography taken in the Italian homes where Rose and Ruth cooked, and in the cities, villages, vineyards, markets and shops they grew to know so well, this is a book you will turn to time and time again, for special occasions, everyday meals, or simply to read and relish.