Who’s the author? Dara Klein is a London-based chef specialising in rustic Italian cuisine. She spent her childhood in her parents’ trattoria, Maria Pia’s, in Wellington, New Zealand, after her family moved there when she was six. Hospitality has been part of her life ever since, and her cooking is rooted in the generous, unfussy food she grew up with.

Dara went on to train in some of London’s leading restaurants, including Rovi, Rubedo, Brawn, Trullo, and Sager & Wilde, before opening Tiella at The Compton Arms in London. The residency established her as one of the city’s most exciting chefs to watch.

What’s it about? La Trattoria celebrates the rustic cooking of southern Italy and the warmth of family-run restaurants. Inspired by the traditions of Puglia and the principles of la cucina povera cooking, Dara shares honest, approachable recipes that let simple ingredients shine.

Alongside dishes such as Sugo di Pomodoro, Braised Ox Cheek, and the Perfect Seasonal Side Salad, you’ll learn how to build flavour with confidence and cook more instinctively. Drawing on her years in professional kitchens, Dara shares the techniques and kitchen know-how that will help you elevate everyday Italian cooking at home.

Woven throughout are stories from Dara’s life in restaurants, from her family’s trattoria to London’s bustling dining scene. Beautifully photographed and full of practical advice, La Trattoria is both an inspiring collection of recipes and a celebration of the people, places and traditions that make Italian food so widely beloved.

Recipes we love: Sugo di Pomodoro and Braised Ox Cheek.

Perfect for: Home cooks who love authentic Italian food and want to bring the relaxed spirit of a family trattoria into their own kitchen.