Sunday 08 / November / 2026
Muscat: The Embassy of Italy in Muscat celebrates the 11th Edition of the Italian Cuisine Week in the World from 8 to 15 November 2026, under the theme “Italian Cuisine as UNESCO Heritage: Territories and Selective Supply Chains”.
This year's edition holds particular significance following the inscription of “Italian Cooking, between Sustainability and Biocultural Diversity” on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 10 December 2025. This historic recognition celebrates Italian cuisine not merely as a collection of recipes or regional dishes, but as a living cultural tradition that embodies the country's history, identity, social values and extraordinary territorial diversity.
UNESCO's recognition highlights the cultural and social dimensions of Italian cooking, including the use of quality raw materials, respect for seasonality, traditional food preparation techniques, the importance of sharing meals and the transmission of culinary knowledge from one generation to another. It also recognises the values of sustainability, the reduction of food waste and the close relationship between communities, local landscapes and their agricultural traditions.
Against this backdrop, the 2026 edition seeks to highlight the strong connection between gastronomy, territories and agricultural supply chains, showcasing how Italy's regional products, traditional knowledge and commitment to quality contribute to preserving its culinary heritage while promoting sustainable food practices.
The programme of activities in Muscat will bring together Italian culinary excellence and Omani audiences through a series of initiatives showcasing the richness and diversity of Italy's gastronomic heritage.
On this occasion, H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia, Ambassador of Italy accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, said: “The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is an important opportunity to celebrate and share with the Omani public the richness of Italy’s culinary heritage, which is an authentic expression of our culture, history and excellence. Through cuisine, we seek not only to promote Italy’s flavours and high-quality products, but also to foster intercultural dialogue and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Italy and Oman.”
The main event will be a private dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Italy accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, in the presence of Ms. Maria Carmela Serluca, Regional Minister for Agriculture of the Campania Region of Italy, and will feature a live cooking demonstration by Chef Pasquale Rinaldo, an Italian Executive Chef renowned for his contemporary interpretation of traditional Campanian cuisine, offering guests an opportunity to discover Italian culinary traditions and regional specialities.
Throughout the week, several prominent Italian restaurants in Muscat – Brezza, Essenza, Novikov Cafe, Roberto’s, Sole, Tomato and Tuscany will also participate in the celebrations by offering special menus, inviting residents and visitors to discover and enjoy the distinctive flavours of Italian cuisine.
