Features
The best cookbooks for Father’s Day 2026
by Jessica Lockyer-Palmer
published on 12 June 2020, last updated on 23 September 2025
Whether he’s a fan of Middle Eastern cooking, a commited carnivore, a fakeaway fan or newly turned vegetarian, we’ve got just the book for dad this Father’s Day.
A love letter to Palestinian food and culture from the Ottolenghi co-authors..
With a mix of traditional and modern recipes for everything from one-pots to perfumed sweet treats.
With beautiful photography and stories from unheard Palestinian voices.
Falastin
If dad is a big Ottolenghi fan and loves to try out Middle Eastern recipes, Falastin is the cookbook for him. Authors Sami and Tara are both key members of the Ottolenghi team and co-writers of many an Ottolenghi cookbook, and in this stunningly presented celebration of the food of Sami’s homeland, they share vibrant, authentic and failsafe recipes for all manner of Palestinian dishes. Check out this Chicken Musakhan for a mouth-watering taster of what’s in store and see 10 more reasons to fall in love with Falastin here.
Easy one-dish dinners inspired by flavours from around the world
Leave the hard work to the oven with minimal prep and less washing up
From easy midweek dinners to simple bakes and desserts
The Roasting Tin Around The World
Whether dad is already an Roasting Tin convert (a self-confessed #tinlad even) but doesn’t have the latest cookbook in the series, or is yet to join the kitchen revolution, The Roasting Tin Around the World is the gift to give. In this new addition to the collection, Rukmini takes us on a one-tin tour of the globe, sharing quick one-dish dinners inspired by the best-loved flavours and recipes from each of the world’s continents. Keen to know more? Check out this feature on 10 dishes to discover in this failsafe gift.
A journey through the diverse cuisines of the Mediterranean region.
With recipes ranging from Moroccan tagines to Italian desserts.
All laid out in Ainsley’s clear, accessible, and foolproof style.
Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook
Give dad a taste of the Med this Father’s Day with the latest cookbook from Ainsley Harriott. In Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook, the cookery legend travels across the region, discovering and sharing the flavours this beautiful part of the world has to offer and helping to soothe the sadness of missed getaways in the process. Take a look at this Sardinian Pasta for an idea of the kind of deliciousness we’re talking about.
A culinary journey across France with Rick Stein
All of your favourite recipes from the BBC series
Secret French recipes alongside authentic classics
Rick Stein’s Secret France
If dad loves Rick’s accessible and thorough approach to uncovering the secrets of a cuisine, his latest cookbook sharing the hidden gems of modern French cookery will not disappoint. Brimming with luxurious and authentic recipes from all four corners of France, a session spent cooking from Rick Stein’s Secret France will be the next best thing to a trip. Here’s 10 dishes from the book dad will love, and don’t forget you can pick up a copy via Waterstones with 25% off until 30th June using the code TheHappyFoodie at the checkout.
Easy veg-packed recipes everyone can enjoy
Jamie’s clever tips, tricks and twists for meat-free meals
Substantial recipes from one-pan wonders to family feasts
Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone
Even the most carnivorous of dads won’t fail to be charmed by Jamie’s hearty, creative and flavour-packed vegetarian recipes. There’s pies, tagines, curries and more, and all with Jamie’s signature easy-to-follow instructions and creative twists. Want to be sure it’s right for dad? Take a look at 10 favourites from the book here.
Healthier, tastier versions of popular takeaway dishes.
Recreate everything from your favourite curry to a classic diner meal.
With healthy ingredient swaps and budget-friendly shopping tips.
Fakeaway
If your dad loves a takeaway, the chances are there’s a recipe to help him create it at home in Chris Bavin’s Fakeaway . From tacos and curries to sushi and burgers, the easy-to-follow recipes are also often a much lighter, and cheaper, alternative too.
The Book of St John
Featuring over 100 brand new recipes from this iconic London institution, this is the perfect choice for any dad who is a fan of St. JOHN restaurant or likely to be aligned to its zero waste approach and nose-to-tail philosophy. Inspiring readers to use up every part of each ingredient, recipes include the likes of ox tongue with a carrot and caper sauce and duck fat toast, alongside feasts to please a crowd like this blackberry pavlova or this braised leg of lamb.
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