Best Cookbooks 2023: Our Top 10

The Best Cookbooks of 2023

As the culinary curtains close in 2023, our appetites are ignited by the year's most impressive cookbooks. This year's selection serves diverse flavors, encompassing international cuisines, cherished home cooking secrets, and exclusive dishes from celebrated restaurants.

Our carefully curated list of the best cookbooks of 2023 is a testament to the rich diversity and creativity in today's culinary world, inviting you to embark on a journey that will transform your cooking into a flavorful adventure of skill and discovery.

‍

A Cook's Book: The Essential Nigel Slater

Hailed by Good Housekeeping and WIRED as a standout cookbook of the year, it interweaves over 150 recipes with reflective essays and memories from Nigels's life.

A Cook's Book celebrates cooking and storytelling, inviting readers into the intimate spaces of Slater's kitchen and memory. From childhood kitchen escapades to mastering the art of home cooking, Nigels's narrative is an ode to the joys and simplicity of preparing and sharing food.

In this book, Nigel has created more than just a collection of recipes; he has woven a life narrative through the lens of food. Each recipe is accompanied by a story, a memory, or a lesson, making the book a rich tapestry of culinary storytelling.

‍

‍

Chefwise

In Chefwise, Shari Bayer, a culinary and hospitality PR veteran and host of the All in the Industry podcast, brings us the stories of chefs who represent leaders of today and tomorrow who cook across various cuisines worldwide. 

During her visits, she conducted interviews with both esteemed veterans and promising newcomers in the culinary scene, including renowned names such as Gaggan Anand, Carolina Bazán, Massimo Bottura, Nina Compton, Wylie Dufresne, Suzanne Goin, Virgilio Martinez, Enrique Olvera, Eric Ripert, Clare Smyth, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Alice Waters, among others.

Chefwise offers a treasure trove of diverse subjects and accumulated expertise, offering practical perspectives on the inner workings of the culinary world. The valuable guidance and personal experiences shared by industry insiders will captivate aspiring chefs, culinary experts, devoted celebrity chef enthusiasts, individuals aspiring to open their restaurants, and those with a keen interest in business and leadership.

‍

‍

Chocolate All Day

Chocolate All Day Cookbook is an enticing collection of chocolate-based treats that are visually stunning and easy to prepare, perfect for indulging friends and family. 

Behind this collection is Kirsten Tibballs, dubbed the modern-day Willy Wonka. She is the founder of the internationally renowned Savour School, specializing in chocolate and patisserie, and the star of the TV show "The Chocolate Queen." Her expertise and passion for chocolate make Chocolate All Day a true paradise for chocolate enthusiasts, offering a unique and delightful baking experience.

This book is more than a collection of recipes; it's an ode to chocolate. It invites readers to explore the nuances of chocolate in cooking, encouraging bold experimentation and a deeper appreciation for this beloved ingredient.

‍

‍

Fish Butchery

Fish Butchery, the newest cookbook from Josh Niland, is a revolutionary manifesto in the culinary world of seafood.

As the book's title suggests, it's divided into three captivating sections: Catch, Cut, and Craft. Each section meticulously guides the reader through the journey of understanding and appreciating fish as a culinary delight.

Like in its predecessors, Josh's writing is clear, engaging, and informative, making Fish Butchery accessible to both professionals and home cooks. His passion for sustainable seafood practices is evident on every page, making this book as much an educational read as it is a culinary guide.

‍

‍

Food & Drink: Modernist Cuisine Photography

Delving into gastronomy and artistry, Food & Drink: Modernist Cuisine Photography captures the essence of author, chef, scientist, and curious spirit Nathan Myhrvold's passion for photography.

This vibrant volume celebrates the interplay between cuisine and beverages, each image narrating a unique tale. The emotions stirred by these visuals vary, influenced by the reader's familiarity with the subject matter. 

With its meticulous attention to detail, thought-provoking compositions, and Nathan's unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of science and art, Food & Drink is a remarkable testament to the harmonious blend of gastronomy and photography. This volume is not merely a collection of images; it is an immersive journey into the very essence of flavor, culture, and the joyous interplay between the culinary and visual realms.

‍

‍

Manu: Recipes and Stories From My Brazil

Published this spring, Manu: Recipes and Stories from My Brazil from award-winning Brazilian chef Manoella Buffara invites readers to discover her culinary journey and the recipes that made her Latin America's Best Female Chef (2022) in her much-anticipated debut chef monograph.

In Manu Cookbook, Manoella welcomes readers to glimpse her life, sharing how community, life, family, and land shaped her seasonally-inspired restaurant. Manoella's personal writings span her Brazilian heritage, the people who have had the most significant impact on her career and success, the adversities that came with building her dream, and the guiding principles for her restaurant today.

‍

‍

More is More Cookbook

In her hit first cookbook, Cook This Book, Molly Baz introduced the basics of cooking while showcasing her passion for mortadella and dill. With More Is More, she guides cooks to enhance their culinary skills, relax before a sizzling pan, and relentlessly pursue delectable flavors.

Renowned for her unique spins on traditional dishes and innovative kitchen creativity, this new cookbook promises an immersive experience, emphasizing depth in flavor and ingredients.

More Is More is not just a cookbook but a philosophy that encourages bolder culinary risks, honed intuition, lesser emphasis on precise measurements, and a relentless drive towards achieving delightful flavors.

‍

‍

Recipes for a Lifetime of Beautiful Cooking

Danielle Alvarez's Recipes for a Lifetime of Beautiful Cooking is an ode to the joy and art of cooking. Danielle, an acclaimed restaurant chef, brings her wealth of experience to the home kitchen, crafting a book that resonates with both the novice and the seasoned cook.

From her Cuban roots to her time in California and Australia and her exploration of Asian influences in Sydney, Danielle presents a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect a truly global palate.

This book is a treasure for anyone looking to enrich their culinary repertoire and find joy in the simple act of cooking. It's a journey through flavors, cultures, and emotions, making it a must-have in every kitchen.

‍

‍

The Korean Cookbook

Korea's cultural influence has grown significantly in recent years, with its cuisine becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The Korean Cookbook celebrates this rich culinary heritage, documenting the rise of Korean food globally and providing an extensive collection of traditional, authentic Korean recipes.

The Korean Cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a comprehensive guide to the art of Hansik. It thoughtfully conveys the multifaceted essence of Korean cuisine through engaging stories and inspiring imagery.

Designed by Associate Studio, the book beautifully combines traditional Korean paper-making with modern typography, making it a valuable addition to any culinary library.

‍

‍

The World Central Kitchen

‍In their first cookbook, World Central Kitchen (WCK) shares recipes inspired by the many places they've cooked following disasters and inspiring narratives from the chefs and volunteers on the front lines. Photographs captured worldwide highlight community and hope, while stunning food photography showcases mouthwatering recipes.

When it comes to cookbooks, The World Central Kitchen Cookbook by José Andrés is nothing short of extraordinary. This outstanding cookbook combines the art of cooking with a profound humanitarian mission, making it one of the most exciting cookbooks released this year.

‍