Iginio Massari is the most famous pastry chef in Italy, revered as the ‘maestro of maestros’ of Italian fine patisserie. From his celebrated Pasticceria Veneto in Brescia, he has spent more than half a century elevating the art of pastry, winning hundreds of awards and becoming a beloved television personality and mentor to generations of pastry chefs.
A tireless craftsman and educator, Massari has done more than anyone to define and export the excellence of modern Italian pastry.
TL;DR
- Italian pastry chef, born 29 August 1942 in Brescia
- Widely regarded as Italy’s most famous pastry chef
- Founder of Pasticceria Veneto in Brescia (1971)
- Repeatedly named Italy’s best pastry chef by Gambero Rosso
- A judge on MasterChef Italia and a beloved TV figure
Iginio Massari key facts
| Born | 29 August 1942, Brescia, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Known for | Pasticceria Veneto, Brescia |
| Reputation | Italy’s most famous pastry chef |
| TV | MasterChef Italia |
A lifelong craft
Iginio Massari was born in 1942 in Brescia into a family steeped in gastronomy. He began at sixteen in a local bakery and later refined his skills in Switzerland under the master pastry chef Claude Gerber, learning advanced pastry and chocolate techniques. In 1971, together with his wife Maria Damiani, he opened Pasticceria Veneto in Brescia, which would become one of the most revered pastry shops in the world.
The maestro of maestros
Massari is universally regarded as the most renowned Italian pastry chef, credited with elevating the entire art of Italian patisserie. For many consecutive years Gambero Rosso has named him Italy’s best pastry chef, and since 1964 he has won more than three hundred competitions, awards and honours – a record unmatched in his field.
Honours and television
His creations and his influence have earned the highest recognition, including a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement in 2015 and the title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Founder of the Italian Pastry Chefs Academy, he has also become a beloved culinary celebrity through television, notably as a judge on MasterChef Italia, inspiring a new generation through his books and appearances.
Signature style
Massari’s style is defined by absolute technical mastery, precision and respect for tradition. He treats pastry as a serious craft demanding discipline and study, and his classical, impeccable creations set the standard for Italian fine patisserie. As teacher and ambassador, he has shaped the whole modern Italian pastry world.
Iginio Massari in context
Massari is the towering figure of Italian pastry featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside fellow Italy-based master pastry chef Ernst Knam.
Follow Iginio Massari
Iginio Massari – official site
Iginio Massari FAQ
Who is Iginio Massari?
Italy’s most famous pastry chef, based at Pasticceria Veneto in Brescia.
What is Pasticceria Veneto?
His celebrated pastry shop, founded in Brescia in 1971.
Why is he so revered?
He is credited with elevating Italian patisserie and has won hundreds of awards.
Is he on television?
Yes – notably as a judge on MasterChef Italia.
What is his style?
Classical, technically flawless Italian fine patisserie.
