The Inventor Of Tiramisu, Roberto “Loli” Linguanotto, Passes Away At Age 81

Roberto “Loli” Linguanotto, co-creator of the famous Italian dessert tiramisu, has passed away at the age of 81. Called the “Father of Tiramisu,” Linguanotto came up with the idea while working at Le Beccherie, with the help of Alba Campeol, the wife of the owner of the restaurant. 

The two turned mascarpone, espresso, cocoa dust, and lady fingers into one of the world’s most beloved desserts. In a Facebook statement shared by the restaurant, they confirmed his passing:

“We join the mourning for the passing of Roberto “Loli” Linguanotto, who marked the history of Beccherie and the most beloved dessert in the world. His memory lives on in our restaurant! Thank you loli.”

According to the Washington Post, Linguanotto died from a long-term battle with an unknown illness. As the story goes, he accidentally made tiramisu after spilling mascarpone into a bowl of eggs and sugar. The recipe would later evolve to include ladyfingers and espresso with input from Campeol. It was added to the restaurant’s menu in 1972 and the rest is history. 

Alba Campeol’s take on how tiramisu came to be differs, however. According to the Le Beccherie website, she claims to have been inspired by a breakfast sweet that her mother-in-law made and asked Linguanotto to collaborate. There are also others who claim to have invented it. Whoever deserves the credit we’ll never know. As for now, the world honors the legacy of Linguanotto.