Lidia Bastianich is an Italian-American chef, restaurateur and Emmy-winning television host, best known for Felidia and Becco in New York and PBS shows such as Lidia’s Italy.
Warm, home-style Italian and Italian-American cooking rooted in regional traditions. This profile looks at Lidia’s background, career and signature approach.
TL;DR
- Italian-American, born 1947
- Known for Felidia and Becco in New York and PBS shows such as Lidia’s Italy
- She and her family opened the acclaimed Manhattan restaurant Felidia in 1981.
- In 2024 she received the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Warm, home-style Italian and Italian-American cooking rooted in regional traditions.
Lidia Bastianich key facts
| Name | Lidia Bastianich |
| Nationality / born | Italian-American, born 1947 |
| Known for | Felidia and Becco in New York and PBS shows such as Lidia’s Italy |
| Location | New York, USA |
| Style | Warm, home-style Italian and Italian-American cooking rooted in regional traditions. |
Background and career
Her family emigrated to the United States when she was a child during the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus. She and her family opened the acclaimed Manhattan restaurant Felidia in 1981.
Recognition and legacy
A 1993 guest appearance on Julia Child’s series helped launch her television career. In 2024 she received the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Signature style
Warm, home-style Italian and Italian-American cooking rooted in regional traditions. It is an approach that has made Lidia a distinctive figure in the food world.
Lidia in context
Lidia Bastianich is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Mario Batali and Andrew Zimmern. Her Felidia kitchen was also an early training ground for the late Food Network star Anne Burrell, who worked there as a sous chef.
Follow Lidia Bastianich
Lidia Bastianich FAQ
Who is Lidia Bastianich?
An Italian-American chef, restaurateur and Emmy-winning television host.
Where is Lidia based?
New York, USA.
What is Lidia known for?
Felidia and Becco in New York and PBS shows such as Lidia’s Italy.
What is a notable fact about Lidia?
Her family emigrated to the United States when she was a child during the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus.
What is Lidia’s style?
Warm, home-style Italian and Italian-American cooking rooted in regional traditions.
