You cook divinely! I have never eaten so well.
'Divinamente' = di-vi-na-MEN-te, stress on fourth syllable. 'Mangiato' = man-GIA-to.
Use this after a meal cooked by someone. Food compliments are among the most important social expressions in Italy. A sincere, enthusiastic compliment about food is reciprocated with deep pride and often more food.
'Cucinare divinamente' — the adverb 'divinamente' (divinely) from 'divino' (divine). Italian uses religious-level hyperbole for food more naturally than English: 'buono da morire' (good enough to die), 'paradisiaco' (heavenly).
Il risotto era una meraviglia.
The risotto was a wonder.
'Una meraviglia' (a wonder) — high Italian food praise
Come fai a cucinare così bene?
How do you cook so well?
Asking for the secret behind exceptional cooking
Hai le mani d'oro in cucina.
You have golden hands in the kitchen.
'Mani d'oro' (golden hands) — Italian idiom for exceptional skill
In Italy, cooking skill is considered one of the greatest personal virtues. Complimenting someone's cooking with genuine enthusiasm is an act of profound appreciation. Italian cooks often respond with 'ma no, non è niente' (oh no, it is nothing) — false modesty that invites you to insist on the compliment, which is the expected social dance.