What is the best risotto rice (carnaroli / arborio), according to chefs?

MyTastr’s top pick is Acquerello aged carnaroli, chosen by Heston Blumenthal; Gabriele Boffa (Locanda del Sant’Uffizio). Blumenthal called it “the best rice in the world”; Boffa: “a good resistance to overcooking.”

What are the other top picks for risotto rice (carnaroli / arborio)?

No. 2 is Gli Aironi Carnaroli, chosen by Jon Gutierrez (Sporked). No. 3 is Lundberg Family Farms White Arborio Rice, chosen by Jon Gutierrez (Sporked).

How does MyTastr choose these picks?

Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot.

Best risotto rice (carnaroli / arborio), according to chefs

Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Gabriele Boffa, Heston Blumenthal and Jon Gutierrez. Recommendations come from bonappetit.com and sporked.com.

Pantry Staples · The ranking

1
Top pick
Acquerello aged carnaroli
Chosen by
- Heston Blumenthal
- Gabriele BoffaLocanda del Sant’Uffizio
Blumenthal called it “the best rice in the world”; Boffa: “a good resistance to overcooking.”
Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: bonappetit.com ↗
2
Gli Aironi Carnaroli
Chosen by
- Jon GutierrezTaste tester, Sporked
“Best of the Best” in Sporked’s risotto-rice taste test (2024), the only carnaroli in a field of arborios: “definitely the firmest rice I tried, with a great al dente feel,” and “the overall tastiest of the bunch.”
Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: sporked.com ↗
3
Lundberg Family Farms White Arborio Rice
Chosen by
- Jon GutierrezTaste tester, Sporked
“Best for Creamy Risotto” and the best arborio in Sporked’s risotto-rice test (2024): it cooked a little faster and softer than the carnaroli but shed plenty of starch, giving “the creamiest risotto of the bunch.” California-grown and sold in most supermarkets, so it’s the easy one to find.
Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: sporked.com ↗

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Questions, answered

What is the best risotto rice (carnaroli / arborio), according to chefs?: MyTastr’s top pick is Acquerello aged carnaroli, chosen by Heston Blumenthal; Gabriele Boffa (Locanda del Sant’Uffizio). Blumenthal called it “the best rice in the world”; Boffa: “a good resistance to overcooking.” Source: bonappetit.com ↗
What are the other top picks for risotto rice (carnaroli / arborio)?: No. 2 is Gli Aironi Carnaroli, chosen by Jon Gutierrez (Sporked). No. 3 is Lundberg Family Farms White Arborio Rice, chosen by Jon Gutierrez (Sporked). Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?: Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

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