Top 5 Apicius Roman Cookbooks
Apicius, a collection of ancient Roman recipes, has been a culinary inspiration for centuries. The recipes were compiled in the 4th or 5th century AD and attributed to a gourmet named Apicius. These recipes are still popular today and have been adapted for modern kitchens.
For those who want to experience the flavors of ancient Rome, a cookbook is a must-have. A good Apicius Roman cookbook can guide you through the ingredients, techniques, and flavors of the ancient Roman cuisine. You can learn how to prepare dishes like patina de pisciculis, a fish and egg terrine, or pullum parthicum, a sweet and sour chicken dish.
When choosing an Apicius Roman cookbook, it’s important to pay attention to the translation and adaptation. Some cookbooks offer a literal translation of the original Latin text, while others provide a modern interpretation of the recipes. The latter can be more accessible for modern readers and offer variations that use ingredients that are easier to find.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Apicius Roman cookbooks available and help you choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re a history buff, a culinary enthusiast, or just looking for new recipes to try, there’s an Apicius Roman cookbook for you.
Best Apicius Roman Cookbooks
As food lovers and avid readers, we understand the importance of having a good cookbook on hand. And when it comes to exploring the rich history and flavors of ancient Roman cuisine, there’s no better place to start than with the Apicius cookbook. This collection of recipes, believed to have been compiled in the 4th or 5th century AD, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culinary traditions of the Roman Empire.
But with so many editions and translations available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best Apicius Roman cookbooks on the market today. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these books offer something for everyone, from authentic historical recipes to modern adaptations and interpretations.
Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes: A Cookbook

We highly recommend purchasing Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes: A Cookbook by Alison Roman. This cookbook features easy-to-follow recipes that are both beautiful and delicious.
Pros
- The recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious results.
- The cookbook is visually stunning and includes helpful tips and tricks.
- The recipes are practical and can be made with ingredients found at most grocery stores.
Cons
- Some of the recipes require more time and effort than others.
- The cookbook may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
- The cookbook does not include nutritional information for the recipes.
Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes: A Cookbook is perfect for home cooks looking to expand their culinary horizons with approachable and delicious recipes. From savory dishes to sweet treats, this cookbook has something for everyone. The recipes are easy to follow and produce impressive results that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes: A Cookbook is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection. We highly recommend checking it out!
So why wait? Click here to purchase Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes: A Cookbook today and start cooking up a storm!
Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over

If you’re looking for a cookbook that will help you create delicious, yet unfussy meals for your guests, Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman is a great choice.
Pros
- Recipes are easy to follow and don’t require a lot of prep time
- Includes a variety of dishes for different occasions
- Features beautiful photos that will inspire you to get cooking
Cons
- Some of the ingredients may be hard to find in certain areas
- Not all recipes will suit everyone’s taste preferences
- Doesn’t include nutritional information for each dish
If you’re tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals for your guests, Nothing Fancy is the cookbook for you. With easy-to-follow recipes and beautiful photos, this cookbook will inspire you to create delicious dishes that your guests will love. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or a more formal event, you’ll find plenty of recipes to choose from in this book.
One of the things we love about this cookbook is that it doesn’t require a lot of prep time. Most of the recipes can be made in under an hour, which means you won’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. And even though the recipes are easy, they’re still packed with flavor.
Another great thing about this cookbook is that it includes a variety of dishes for different occasions. Whether you’re looking for a casual brunch recipe or an elegant dinner party dish, you’ll find something to suit your needs in this book.
However, some of the ingredients may be hard to find in certain areas, so you may need to do some searching to get everything you need. And while the recipes are delicious, they may not suit everyone’s taste preferences.
Overall, we highly recommend Nothing Fancy for anyone who wants to create delicious, unfussy meals for their guests. With easy-to-follow recipes and beautiful photos, this cookbook is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes from an Ancient City: A Cookbook

If you’re looking for a cookbook that will take you on a culinary journey through the ancient city of Rome, Tasting Rome is an excellent choice. With over 256 pages of fresh flavors and forgotten recipes, this cookbook is sure to inspire your inner chef.
Pros
- The cookbook includes a variety of unique and authentic Roman recipes that are easy to follow.
- The authors provide historical and cultural background information about each recipe, making it a great read for foodies and history buffs alike.
- The hardcover book is well-constructed and designed, making it a great addition to any cookbook collection or coffee table.
Cons
- The pages have a matte finish, so the food and Italy photos are underwhelming.
- Some readers may prefer more depth and content rather than just ad-hoc recipes.
- It may not be the best cookbook for beginners looking for quick and easy recipes.
If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons and explore the unique flavors of ancient Rome, Tasting Rome is a great cookbook to add to your collection. The recipes are easy to follow and the historical and cultural background information provides an added layer of depth and interest. While the photos may not be as impressive as some other cookbooks, the hardcover design and well-constructed pages make it a great addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.
Overall, Tasting Rome is a cookbook that will take you on a culinary journey through time, giving you a glimpse into the flavors and traditions of ancient Rome. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this cookbook is sure to inspire and delight.
So why not add Tasting Rome to your cookbook collection today and start exploring the fresh flavors and forgotten recipes of an ancient city?
Ancient Roman Cooking: Ingredients, Recipes, Sources

We highly recommend Ancient Roman Cooking: Ingredients, Recipes, Sources for anyone interested in exploring the culinary traditions of ancient Rome. This book provides a wealth of information about the ingredients, recipes, and sources used in ancient Roman cuisine.
Pros
- Provides detailed information about ingredients and recipes used in ancient Roman cuisine
- Includes historical context and background information about ancient Roman culinary traditions
- Easy to read and understand, even for those with no prior knowledge of ancient Roman cuisine
Cons
- The English translation is not perfect, but still understandable
- Some readers may find the historical information and background details overwhelming or unnecessary
- Not all recipes are practical or feasible for modern home cooks
Ancient Roman Cooking: Ingredients, Recipes, Sources is divided into three sections. The first section provides an introduction to the historical context and sources used in ancient Roman cuisine. The second section goes into detail about the ingredients used in ancient Roman cooking and how they were prepared. Finally, the third section includes a variety of recipes for readers to try at home.
The book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive look at ancient Roman culinary traditions. It is perfect for history buffs, foodies, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of food and culture. Overall, we highly recommend Ancient Roman Cooking: Ingredients, Recipes, Sources for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.
Cooking the Roman Way

For those interested in exploring the ancient and delicious world of Roman cuisine, Cooking the Roman Way by David Downie is a great choice. It provides a comprehensive guide to traditional Roman cooking, complete with historical context and modern analysis.
Pros
- Offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of ancient Rome
- Provides a wide variety of delicious and authentic recipes
- Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs and illustrations
Cons
- Some readers have reported errors in the Kindle version of the book
- Not all ingredients may be readily available in modern supermarkets
- Some recipes may require advanced culinary skills
Cooking the Roman Way is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse cuisine of ancient Rome. With its engaging historical context, beautiful illustrations, and delicious recipes, this book is sure to delight food lovers and history buffs alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, Cooking the Roman Way offers something for everyone. So why not pick up a copy today and start exploring the delicious world of Roman cooking?
And if you’re looking for more great cookbooks and culinary resources, be sure to check out our other recommendations on our website.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best Apicius Roman cookbook can be challenging, especially with so many options available in the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have put together a list of features to consider when buying a cookbook.
Author
The author of the cookbook is an essential factor to consider when making a purchase. Look for a cookbook written by reputable authors who have extensive knowledge and experience in Roman cuisine. Some of the most popular authors include Sally Grainger, Christopher Grocock, and John Edwards.
Recipes
The cookbook should contain a wide range of recipes that cover different aspects of Roman cuisine. Look for a cookbook that has recipes for appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Additionally, the cookbook should have recipes for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
Format
Consider the format of the cookbook. Do you prefer a hardcover or paperback book? Do you want a cookbook with pictures or one with just text? Some cookbooks come with step-by-step instructions, while others provide a more general overview of the recipes. Choose a format that suits your preference.
Reviews
Read reviews of the cookbook before making a purchase. Look for reviews from people who have tried the recipes and can provide feedback on the taste and ease of preparation. Additionally, check for reviews that comment on the accuracy of the historical information provided in the cookbook.
Price
Consider the price of the cookbook. Some cookbooks can be expensive, while others are more affordable. Look for a cookbook that fits within your budget.
Features | Considerations |
---|---|
Author | Reputable authors with extensive knowledge and experience in Roman cuisine |
Recipes | Wide range of recipes for appetizers, main courses, and desserts; recipes for both meat-eaters and vegetarians |
Format | Hardcover or paperback; with or without pictures; step-by-step instructions or general overview |
Reviews | Reviews from people who have tried the recipes and can provide feedback on taste and ease of preparation; accuracy of historical information |
Price | Cookbooks that fit within your budget |