Who Is Lidia Bastianich? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lidia Bastianich was born on February 21, 1947, making her 78 years old in 2025. Born in Pula, Italy, she emigrated to the United States as a child and has since built a prolific career in the culinary industry. With her extensive knowledge of Italian cooking, Lidia has authored multiple best-selling cookbooks and starred in several popular cooking shows. Her contributions to gastronomy have earned her numerous awards, solidifying her status as a household name.
| Occupation | Restaurateurs |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 21, 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Pula, Yugoslavia (now Pula, Croatia) |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Croatia |
Popularity
Lidia Bastianich's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Lidia Bastianich stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. While her exact weight may vary, she is known for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exact measurements regarding her body stats (e.g., chest, waist, hips) are not publicly available, but she exudes confidence and charm in all her appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lidia Bastianich was previously married to Felice Bastianich, with whom she has two children, Joseph and Tanya. The couple divorced in 1997, and Lidia has since remained single, focusing on her career and personal growth. As of 2025, Lidia is not publicly known to be dating anyone, cherishing her independence and continuing to prioritize her family and professional endeavors.
Born in allied-occupied Pula, Matticchio Bastianich's family emigrated to the United States when she was 9 years old during the Istrian–Dalmatian exodus. In 2014, she launched her fifth television series, Lidia's Kitchen. She owns or has owned several Italian restaurants in the U.S.
in partnership with her daughter Tanya Bastianich Manuali and her son Joe Bastianich, including Felidia (founded with her ex-husband, Felice), Del Posto (closed and sold in 2021), and Becco in Manhattan; Lidia's Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh (closed in 2019); and Lidia's Kansas City in Kansas City, Missouri.
She also is a partner in Eataly locations in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Silicon Valley, Dallas, and São Paulo, Brazil.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Lidia Bastianich's net worth is estimated to be around $16 million. Her earnings stem from her successful restaurants, cooking shows, cookbooks, and various culinary ventures. Lidia’s financial acumen has allowed her to build an impressive empire, making her one of the wealthiest chefs in America.
Career, Business and Investments
Lidia Bastianich’s culinary career spans several decades. She is the owner of several acclaimed Italian restaurants, including Lidia's Pittsburgh and Felidia, in addition to her television series that showcase her cooking expertise. Lidia has also launched a range of culinary products, further expanding her brand. Her businesses are renowned not only for their delicious food but also for their emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
In 2025, Lidia continues to innovate within the culinary scene, frequently appearing in guest spots on major television networks and participating in culinary festivals. She is also committed to philanthropic endeavors, supporting various charitable organizations, especially those focused on education and food security.
The success of Buonavia led to the opening of the second restaurant in Queens, Villa Secondo. It was here that Bastianich gained the attention of local food critics and started to give live cooking demonstrations, a prelude to her future career as a television cooking show hostess.
Social Network
Lidia Bastianich is active on social media platforms, engaging with her fans and sharing her culinary journey. Her official Instagram and Facebook pages feature delicious recipes, cooking tips, and heartwarming family moments. This online presence allows her to maintain her connection with her audience and inspire aspiring cooks around the world.
- Instagram: @LidiaBastianich
- Facebook: Lidia Bastianich
For the 2010 holiday season, her new television production company, Tavola Productions, created an animated holiday children's special for Public Television "Lidia's Christmas Kitchen: Nonna Tell Me a Story" to go along with the book by the same title that was written by Bastianich.
Education
Lidia Bastianich honed her culinary skills at the Culinary Institute of America, where she received formal training. Her education, combined with her rich Italian heritage, has equipped her with the knowledge and passion necessary to succeed in the competitive culinary industry.
Although she and her family are nationally Italian, a DNA test indicated that her family is largely of Eastern European descent, due to the multiethnicity of Istria. Concerning her identity, Lidia has stated: "I feel very Italian, but I do have some Slavic in me, and I relate to that as well; so that forms the mixture that is Lidia."
