Are you looking to buy Italian dinnerware? Or do you just want to find out more about it? I’ve picked my 10 top Italian dinnerware brands that you can buy online, either directly from the companies’ websites, on Amazon, or by requesting a personalized quote.
I’ve featured a spectrum of Italian dinnerware brands at different price points that specialize in a variety of styles, to cover all tastes. If you’re looking for the best places to buy hand-painted Italian ceramics, read more about Where to Buy Italian Ceramics in Italy.
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HISTORIC ITALIAN DINNERWARE BRANDS
Many of these are brands that Italians use on their own tables every day, and all of them feature dinnerware that is made in Italy. In fact, all but one are Italian companies with decades, if not centuries of experience making high-quality plates, bowls, glasses, silverware, and more.
ITALIAN DINNERWARE MATERIALS
These Italian dinnerware brands use a range of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, and melamine. Each material has its own pros and cons, so when choosing a set make sure you consider how durable you need the dinnerware to be, and whether it will be for everyday use or for special occasions (in addition to your own personal style preference). Always remember to check if the dinnerware you love is microwave and dishwasher-safe if that’s what you need!
TOP 10 ITALIAN DINNERWARE BRANDS THAT YOU CAN BUY ONLINE
ALESSI
Founded in 1921, Alessi is a cornerstone of Italian design, with a team of independent designers from all over the world. Even if you don’t recognize the name Alessi, you might recognize Alessi’s famous 9093 bird whistle tea kettle, designed by Michael Graves, or the Juicy Salif lemon squeezer shaped like a spider designed by Philippe Starck.
There is even an Alessi Museum in Crusinallo di Omegna (Verbania), Italy that showcases the important pieces. Check out their iconic design items, and range of dinnerware, including plates, bowls, silverware and glasses here.
KARTELL
Kartell is another iconic Italian design pioneer. The Milan-based company was founded in 1949 and is known for its progressive design, and innovative use of plastic (for example, the La Marie chair). Not to be outdone, Kartell has its own Kartell Museum located in the company factory in Noviglio, Italy near Milan.
Kartell has a full offering of Italian dinnerware, by designers including Patricia Urquiola, Davide Oldani and Jean-Marie Massaud, which you can view here.
TOGNANA
Tognana is an Italian household name (at least in our family) for dependable ceramic and porcelain dinnerware. It was founded in 1946 and has its headquarters in Treviso, Italy. While it sells worldwide, the majority of Tognana’s dinnerware is sold to Italian households.
I can attest to its durability. We inherited my Italian husband’s grandmother’s simple yet elegant Tognana dinnerware set. She used it every day, and we still use the plates and bowls daily, along with another new, colorful Tognana set to mix things up.
Check out Tognana’s selection of Italian dinnerware here.
RICHARD GINORI
Ginori is a historic Italian dinnerware brand that enjoys very high respect. It was founded all the way back in 1735, in Doccia, near Florence, Italy. Ginori specializes in elegant porcelain, and it still produces designs dating back to the 1700s. This is my Italian mother-in-law’s special dinnerware that she uses for the utmost special occasions, like Christmas.
In addition to more classic styles, Ginori also works with current designers to produce contemporary designs. View their full spectrum of quality dinnerware here.
BORMIOLI ROCCO
Italy’s go-to brand for high-quality glassware, Bormioli Rocco was founded by the Bormioli family in 1825. These are the glass jars that Italians use to preserve their summer tomatoes, pomarola tomato sauce and jams.
Bormioli Rocco also produces a full range of dinnerware, from dinner plates to bowls, platters, and coffee cups. View their collections here.
ROYALE
Established in 1986, Royale is a relatively newer brand that has quickly become a respected leader in porcelain dinnerware. In fact, their luxury dinnerware graces the tables at Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world.
Sumisura, which means custom-made in Italian, is the name of Royale’s esteemed line of plates, bowls and platters, which are hand made and hand decorated in Italy. View all of Royale’s elegant and innovative dinnerware here.
BITOSSI HOME
Bitossi Home’s dinnerware designs hit just the right mix of “poetry and irony.” The company has been in the family for five generations, and the factory has been in the same spot in Montelupo Fiorentino, Tuscany since 1921. Even so, the brand is decidedly forward-thinking.
Bitossi Home’s Tavola Scomposta (Deconstructed Table) concept is a kind of “orchestrated chaos”, where eclectic designs come together in harmony. Check out Bitossi’s funky dinnerware here.
SELETTI
Seletti is another creative Italian company pushing the envelope. It combines pop art and design for the every day, resulting in fun, unique Italian dinnerware. Even though Seletti was founded in 1964 in Cicognara, Mantova, its identity and philosophy are absolutely contemporary.
Words can’t do it justice. See for yourself what Seletti dinnerware is all about here.
DOLCE & GABBANA
The iconic Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana was founded in 1985 by designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. In 2021 they launched their new home line, featuring plates, glasses, cups and more. Their made-in-Italy dinnerware is just like their couture: distinctive, colorful, and eye-catching.
Take in Dolce and Gabbana’s bold and beautiful dinnerware here.
VIETRI
The Vietri company sources dinnerware from Italy, but has been run and owned in the USA since its start in 1983. The company takes its name from Vietri Sul Mare, a town on the Amalfi Coast that is world-renowned for its beautiful, colorful ceramics. I’ve included Vietri on this list because its products match many people’s idea of Italian dinnerware: bright-colored, hand-painted ceramics.
Double-check the “Region and Artistry” tab on the Vietri website for the dinnerware you’re interested in, as some products are manufactured in countries other than Italy.
If you’re interested in artisanal ceramics, read more about where to buy hand-painted Italian ceramics in Italy.