Gambero Rosso was initially an eight-page supplement of il manifesto, first published on 16 December 1986, and was founded by Stefano Bonilli [it].

It contributed early to spreading the views of "ARCI Gola", which was a forerunner to the Slow Food movement.

From 1987, Gambero Rosso has published a guide to Italian wine, titled Vini d'Italia, which in a short time became the most influential within Italy.

From the 2010 edition, the guide is published without the participation of the Slow Food movement, following controversy over the removal of founder Stefano Bonilli from his position.

In 2002, Gambero Rosso's Città del gusto ("City of taste") was opened in Rome, featuring TV studios, cooking school, wine bar and professional and educational activities on 10,000 square meters.