Books, Food & Drink, France (Outside of Paris), Italy, Paris, Travel

The Most Beautiful Spring 2026 Cookbooks (with French & Italian Soul)

March 29, 2026

Spring is here, which means a whole batch of new cookbooks just dropped and they look amazing. As I typically do, I have a roundup of this Spring’s new cookbooks with French or Italy cooking. But I’ve also included a couple others that while they aren’t explicitly French or Italian, they fit the vibe if you love to cook and bake.

This season, a handful of new cookbooks feel especially aligned with that rhythm—many rooted in France and Italy, others simply capturing that same sun-washed, Mediterranean sensibility.

Here are the ones I’m most excited about.

Spring 26 Cookbook Roundup — Spring ’26 Cookbook Roundup

Riviera: Recipes from the Coast of France and Italy

If one book captures the exact feeling of where I want to be in spring, it’s Riviera. This is the cuisine of the French Riviera and Liguria and that in-between space where France and Italy blur. Readers might remember that whenever we rent a car in Nice, we always opt for the “Italy Add-On”, about 17 Euros, so that we can go to the Ligurian coast one or two days.

Riviera is a book full of citrus, seafood and olive oil – classic Mediterranean cooking, which is often as healthy as it is delicious! I am leading a group of people from Tuscany to Paris this summer and we will linger a bit along this stretch of paradise. I will be getting this book so I can share with the group what kind of food they should seek out and expect while we are there.

Riviera: Recipes from the Coast of France and Italy by Melanie Masarin

“Cake From Lucie: Recipes and Techniques from the French Countryside to New York City: A Baking Book: by Lucie Franc de Ferriere

Cake from Lucie is probably the most French of the book recommendations. The book feels like one part small Parisian kitchen, one part handwritten recipe notebook and something you might take to a friend’s house for no special reason. The cakes are simple, but elegant—very much in that French tradition of everyday beauty.

“La Copine: New California Cooking from an Oasis in the Desert” by by Claire Wadsworth, Nikki Hill, and Ben Mims

Well, this cookbook looks to capture an especially special piece of my heart. Readers may know that I spend a lot of time in the Southern California desert community of Palm Desert and Palm Springs and have been to Joshua Tree many times. I have not had the pleasure of eating at “La Copine” but I am definitely bookmarking it for my next trip out there.

“AMMAZZA!: Culinary Adventures from New York to Italy and Back Again” by Hillary Sterling and Theresa Gambacorta

Amazza feels like stepping into southern Italy—warm, expressive, and a little chaotic in the best way. The recipes are full of bold flavors, layered sauces and meals definitely meant to be shared. The food is Naples-based and is therefore less about perfection and more about energy. It captures the emotional side of Italian cooking, not just the technique.

King Arthur Baking Company’s Book of Pizza: Recipes for Every Pizza Maker

If you’ve ever wanted to master homemade pizza (which I do!), the “King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Pizza” is one of the most comprehensive and approachable guides to start with. Created by the trusted team at King Arthur Baking Company, this cookbook walks you through everything from dough basics and fermentation to shaping, baking, and topping combinations.

What makes it stand out is how clearly it explains technique—whether you’re aiming for a classic New York-style slice, a crisp pan pizza, or something more artisanal. It’s practical, detailed, and designed for real home kitchens, while still delivering that elevated, bakery-quality result.

King Arthur Baking Company's Book of Pizza: Recipes for Every Pizza Maker — King Arthur Baking Company’s Book of Pizza: Recipes for Every Pizza Maker

Not Specifically French or Italian but Has the Vibe – Australian, Scandinavian and Baking…

“Sunshine, Lemons and Sea Salt: A Celebration of Modern Coastal Home Cooking” by Donna Hay

Neither French, nor Italian – it is in fact Australian – but this book just has the Mediterranean vibe. Can’t you just feel the open windows, the citrus (think Menton!) and something simmering in the background. It completely captures the feeling of Mediterranean cooking even if it is not from there. (And I just learned that author Donna Hay is known as the Martha Steward of Australia!)

Better at Home: Recipes for Big Nights In by Colu Henry

In Better at Home: Recipes for Big Nights In, Colu Henry captures the kind of cooking that feels both elevated and completely unfussy—the meals you make when staying in becomes the occasion itself. Her recipes lean Italian in spirit, with bold flavors, thoughtful simplicity, and just enough indulgence to make an ordinary evening feel special. Think pastas, roasted vegetables, shellfish and dishes meant to be shared around a table with good wine and no rush.

“Cake Picnic: Recipes for the Love of Cake & Friends” by Elisa Sunga

Neither French nor Italian but how can you even resist this book? “For the love of cake”? Yes, please!

“Scandinavian Everyday: Vibrant, Simple Meals from Northern Europe” by Nichole Accettola

This one is for my twins, who will be graduating high school in May. They are half Swedish (not my half!) and this seems like a great collection of classic recipes that their Morfar (grandmother) has prepared for them. As they go out into the world, I think a collection of recipes they grew up eating will be really special and maybe they can even cook for their friends in college!

Morning Baker: Recipes and Rituals for Breakfast and Beyond by Roxana Jullapat and Ari Smolin

My 2026 goal was to be better about making breakfast – even though I wake up very early, I am usually working so our mornings tend to be very “grab and go”. Plus, everyone has different preferences (smoothies, high protein, no carbs, etc). This book seems lovely for re-establishing a breakfast routine, even if not every day.