Cassone Riminese and Piadina: Culinary Experience and Hands-on Workshop

If you’re craving a taste of genuine Romagna cuisine and want to roll up your sleeves in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, this Cassone Riminese and Piadina workshop in Bologna might just be your ideal escape. We’ve come across this experience as a well-rounded way to learn, taste, and connect with local food traditions—perfect if you’re curious about Italian staples or looking for an authentic activity while exploring Bologna.

What strikes us most about this experience is how accessible it is—even if you’re a total beginner, you’ll find yourself kneading and shaping dough with confidence. Plus, the pairing of delicious cured meats, cheeses, and local wines makes the session not just about cooking but about savoring the flavors of Romagna. One possible consideration to keep in mind is the activity’s timing—it’s a relatively short 2.5 hours, so if you’re after a more extensive culinary immersion, you might want to look at other options. Nevertheless, for those open to a fun, convivial introduction to local foods, this workshop hits the right notes.

This experience works well for solo travelers, couples, friends, or anyone eager to get a real taste of Bologna’s food culture without needing prior cooking skills. If you’re after a lively, hands-on day that combines craftsmanship with lots of tasting, you’ll likely enjoy this outing.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: You get your own workstation to knead, roll, stuff, and cook, even if you’re new to cooking.
• Authentic flavors: Tasting local cured meats, cheeses, and wines like Sangiovese and sparkling Pignoletto enhances the experience.
• Rich insights: A handout with recipes, history, and fun facts means you can recreate the dishes at home later.
• Friendly atmosphere: The setting is informal, lively, and filled with smiling faces, making it ideal for socializing.
• Local expertise: Guided by true Romagna artisans, ensuring authenticity and tradition.
• Take-home goodies: You can bring your prepared piadina and cassoni home, plus the recipes and tips.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Taste of Romagna in Bologna

Picture yourself in Bologna’s bustling Via Zamboni, a lively university area filled with students, cafes, and historic sights. Here, this culinary workshop transforms a simple kitchen into a lively gathering of food lovers eager to learn and taste. It’s not just about cooking but about capturing the spirit of Romagna’s convivial eating culture.

You start by meeting your guide—an authentic Romagna artisan—who welcomes everyone warmly. The group is kept small, capped at six participants, which means you’ll get personalized attention and plenty of interaction. Over the next two and a half hours, you’ll learn to make piadina and cassoni from scratch, beginning with simple ingredients like local flours, extra virgin olive oil, and traditional fillings.

Making Piadina and Cassoni

What we love about this workshop is how approachable it is, even for beginners. The instructor walks you through kneading, rolling, and cooking, emphasizing craftsmanship without making it intimidating. As you work, you’ll hear stories about the origins of these dishes, which adds a layer of cultural insight that makes the experience more meaningful.

Since the activity encourages independent work at your own station, you’ll quickly feel confident handling the dough. The key to the success here is simplicity—using quality local ingredients and traditional techniques. The result? Fresh, warm piadina and cassoni that you’ve made yourself, ready to be filled with Squacquerone cheese and arugula, prosciutto crudo, or grilled vegetables.

Tasting and Pairings

Tasting is a core part of the experience. Alongside your homemade creations, you’ll sample a variety of typical Romagna cured meats, cheeses, and local wines. The selection includes Sangiovese, sparkling Pignoletto, and Rebola, which are poured to perfectly complement the dishes. Reviewers frequently mention the quality of the wine, describing it as “excellent,” and note that the pairings elevate the overall experience.

One participant shared, “The wine tasted great and was well paired with the food, making each bite even better.” The tasting acts as a convivial moment, encouraging conversations and a genuine appreciation of the region’s flavors.

Learning and Fun

Beyond the hands-on cooking, the guide shares curiosities, traditions, and anecdotes—adding context that turns a cooking class into a culture. You’ll learn about the history of the piadina and its significance in Romagna, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Participants praise the friendly, relaxed setting, with comments like “everyone was smiling, and the instructor made it fun for all skill levels.” Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this activity fosters a convivial atmosphere where sharing and tasting are key.

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Taking It Home

One of the highlights is that you get an illustrated handout with recipes and fun facts, so you can recreate the dishes at home or impress friends with your newfound skills. Plus, if you wish, you can take your freshly made piadina and cassoni home—perfect for a snack or meal later.

For those wondering about dietary restrictions, vegetarian and vegan options are available, with cassone and piadina made without lard and using EVO oil. Remember to communicate any allergies or intolerances when booking.

Is It Worth the Price?

Considering the inclusion of hands-on activity, tastings, wine, and the recipe handout, many find the price reasonable for an authentic, small-group experience. The intimacy of the group and the quality of the guidance add value that makes it a worthwhile activity for food lovers or curious travelers.

What We Think and Who It’s For

This workshop truly shines as a fun, approachable way to get a taste of Bologna’s local food scene without overextending yourself. It’s especially suited for those who love hands-on experiences and want to learn in a relaxed, social environment. If you’re an absolute beginner or even a bit nervous about cooking, you’ll appreciate how simple and straightforward it is—plus, you’ll leave with recipes and confidence to try your hand at home.

While it’s not a full culinary tour of Italy, it offers a genuine slice of Romagna’s culinary soul. The focus on local ingredients, traditional techniques, and convivial tasting makes this activity more than just a cooking class—it’s a cultural snapshot that you can enjoy with new friends.

FAQ

Is previous cooking experience necessary? No, the activity is designed for beginners. Everyone works independently but at a relaxed pace.

Can I participate if I’m vegetarian or vegan? Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available, made with EVO oil and without lard.

What types of wine are served? You’ll taste Romagna wines like Sangiovese, sparkling Pignoletto, or Rebola, which pair beautifully with the food.

Can I take the dishes home? Yes, you can bring your homemade piadina and cassoni home, along with the recipes.

Is the activity suitable for children? The tour is geared toward adults and those interested in culinary traditions. Children might enjoy it, but it’s primarily aimed at travelers seeking food experiences.

How long is the workshop? It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including tasting and socializing.

Where do I meet? The meeting point is in Bologna’s Via Zamboni area at coordinates 44.495514, 11.348617. Arrive about 10 minutes early.

Is there a cancellation policy? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the experience conducted in English? Yes, the instructor speaks English, and some content is shown in its original language. Support for French is available on request.

How many people are in each group? The group is limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personal, engaging experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine, hands-on taste of Romagna’s culinary traditions—paired with good wine, friendly company, and useful recipes—this workshop offers a charming, well-balanced experience. It’s perfect for those who want to learn something new, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and bring some authentic flavors home with them.

While it might not be a comprehensive cooking course or a full-day experience, the intimate setting, expert guidance, and focus on authentic ingredients make it stand out as a memorable culinary mini-adventure. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this activity can add a flavorful chapter to your Bologna trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: