Lidia Bastianich Biography: Age, Husband, Net Worth, Children, Books, PBS Shows

Lidia Bastianich is an Italian-American chef, author, television host, and restaurateur who first gained wide attention with her PBS series Lidia’s Italian–American Kitchen in 1998.

Born in Pula (now Croatia) and raised in Queens, New York, she rose to prominence by sharing authentic Italian recipes drawn from her family heritage.

Over the decades, she has founded acclaimed restaurants, penned bestselling cookbooks, and become a beloved presence on public television through series such as Lidia’s Italy and Lidia Celebrates America.

Profile

• Full name: Lidia Giuliana Matticchio Bastianich
• Date of birth: February 21, 1947
• Age: 78 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Pula, SR Croatia, Yugoslavia
• State of origin: Istria
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Chef, Author, Television host, Restaurateur, Television producer
• Parents: Vittorio Matticchio and Erminia Motika Matticchio
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Felice “Felix” Bastianich (m. 1966; divorced 1998)
• Children: Joseph Bastianich, Tanya Bastianich Manuali
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Ethnicity: Italian
• Net worth: $16 million

Early Life and Education

Lidia Bastianich is now at the age of 78. She was born Lidia Giuliana Matticchio on February 21, 1947, in Pula, in what was then Allied-occupied Yugoslavia.

Her parents are Vittorio Matticchio and Erminia Motika Matticchio.

During the Istrian exodus of 1956, her family fled to Trieste, Italy, before emigrating to the United States in 1958.

Settling in Queens, New York, she grew up immersed in her parents’ Italian culinary traditions.

She attended Hunter College and Queens College of the City University of New York.

Personal Life

At her sweet sixteen birthday party, Lidia Bastianich was introduced to Felice “Felix” Bastianich, an Istrian restaurant worker; they married in 1966.

The couple had two children—Joseph, born in 1968, and Tanya, born in 1972—before divorcing in 1998.

She has kept her personal life largely private since, focusing on her family and culinary ventures.

Career

Lidia Bastianich began working in restaurants in her teens and co-founded her flagship restaurant Felidia in New York City in 1981.

She launched her first cooking series, Lidia’s Italian–American Kitchen, on PBS in 1998, followed by Lidia’s Family Table (2003–2004), Lidia’s Italy (2007–2010), Lidia Celebrates America (2011–2018), and Lidia’s Kitchen (2013–2020), all produced through her company Tavola Productions.

Beyond television, she has authored numerous cookbooks—from Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen to My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food—and oversees restaurant partnerships including Becco, Del Posto (sold 2021), and Eataly locations across the United States and Brazil.

Awards

Lidia has earned seven James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Chef (2002) and Specials (2016), and two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Culinary Host (2013, 2018).

Her books and television specials have garnered nominations and honors from the James Beard Foundation, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, and the Telly and Rockie Awards.

Net worth

Lidia Bastianich’s estimated net worth is $16 million, accumulated through her restaurant empire, television production company, cookbook royalties, and partnerships with Eataly.

Social Media

• Instagram: @lidiabastianich
• Twitter (X): @LidiaBastianich
• YouTube: LidiaBastianich

Filmography

• Lidia’s Italian–American Kitchen (1998–2000)
• Lidia’s Family Table (2003–2004)
• Lidia’s Italy (2007–2010)
• Lidia Celebrates America (2011–2018)
• Lidia’s Kitchen (2013–2020)
• Senti che fame! – Nonna pensaci tu (2022)

Books

• Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen (2000)
• Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy (2002)
• Lidia’s Family Table (2007)
• Lidia’s Celebrate Like an Italian (2007)
• Lidia’s Italy (2008)
• Lidia’s Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine (2012)
• My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food (2016)