Rome: Enjoy Spritz and Pasta Making in Piazza Navona

If you’re looking for a way to get a genuine taste of Italy without just sitting in a restaurant, this pasta and Spritz making experience in Rome might be just what you need. Located close to the lively Piazza Navona, the class offers a chance to roll up your sleeves and learn authentic Italian techniques from local chefs. It’s a fun, interactive activity with a memorable meal at the end, and it’s especially popular among travelers craving something more personal and hands-on.

What we love about this experience is how it combines two iconic Italian pleasures—crafting the perfect Spritz and making fresh pasta from scratch**. Plus, the positive reviews are full of praise for the friendly guides who make the atmosphere lively and welcoming. That said, a potential consideration is the 2.5-hour duration, which might feel a bit rushed if you’re really eager to master pasta completely or want a more relaxed pace.

This tour suits food lovers, those curious about Italian cuisine, or travelers who want a lively, social activity in the heart of Rome. It’s not ideal for very young children under 4 or for those who prefer a less interactive, more observational experience, but otherwise, it’s a broad appeal kind of activity.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: You get to make your own pasta and Spritz, not just watch others do it.
• Expert guidance: Local chefs make the process fun and accessible, sharing tips along the way.
• Tasty reward: End the class with a satisfying meal paired with wine or non-alcoholic drinks.
• Great location: Near Piazza Navona, making it easy to combine with sightseeing.
• Family-friendly & accessible: Suitable for many, including those with children over 4.
• Excellent reviews: Consistently high ratings and glowing feedback from past participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Setting

This experience is based at Restaurant Gusto – Eat and Walk Italy, a charming spot just a short walk from the bustling Piazza Navona. The setting is cozy and authentic, giving you a real feel for Roman dining ambiance. Being centrally located, it’s easy to tie this activity into your day of exploring the city.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, which might seem short but is packed with activity and learning. It kicks off with you learning to craft the famous Italian Spritz—a refreshing cocktail that’s become a symbol of socializing in Italy. You’ll get to master the proportions and mixing techniques, guided by friendly instructors who make the process approachable.

Next, the focus shifts to pasta-making. You’ll learn to prepare two types of pasta: Fettuccine and Maltagliati. The latter might be less familiar; it’s essentially irregular-shaped pasta that’s perfect for hearty sauces. Under the supervision of experienced chefs, you’ll knead, roll, and cut your dough, discovering how different techniques impact the final product.

What Makes the Pasta Special?

Participants rave about how fun and rewarding it is to make pasta from scratch. Many say that the process is straightforward enough for beginners—“making pasta is difficult,” says one reviewer, but the guidance makes it manageable. The pasta is then cooked by the kitchen staff, but the act of shaping it yourself adds a real sense of accomplishment.

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The Meal and Tasting

After making your pasta, you’ll enjoy it with two classic sauces: Sugo al Pomodoro (tomato sauce) and Basil Pesto. The combination allows you to taste the difference your work makes, and many describe the flavor as “delicious” and “authentic.” The meal is served in a relaxed setting, accompanied by a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink, such as sparkling water or juice.

Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

One of the highlights, based on reviews, is the friendly and enthusiastic guidance by chefs like Jessica, Lori, and Maria. The small group sizes—often just a handful of participants—make it personalized and engaging. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with friends, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to chat, learn, and share a laugh.

The Value for Money

Given that you’re not only learning new skills but also enjoying the fruits of your labor with wine and a full meal, many consider this excellent value. The reviews emphasize how much participants appreciate the thorough guidance and the high quality of the food and drinks. Plus, the emailed recipes and photos mean you can try replicating your dishes back home.

Accessibility and Practical Info

The activity is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus. It operates in English and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. The reserve now, pay later option provides flexibility, especially important if travel plans change unexpectedly.

What to Expect from the Tour

• Start with Spritz: Learn to prepare this refreshing cocktail, with guidance on the perfect mix.
• Pasta preparation: Make Fettuccine and Maltagliati from scratch—kneading, rolling, and cutting.
• Cooking and tasting: The pasta is cooked separately, but you’ll enjoy it with two sauces—tomato and basil pesto—at the end.
• Relaxed environment: A friendly group, lively instructors, and a cozy restaurant setting.
• Additional treats: After your meal, enjoy Limoncello or coffee to round out your experience.

Why Past Participants Love It

Many reviews highlight the enthusiasm and friendliness of the instructors. For example, one states, “Our instructor Maria was just a delight, so friendly and we really had fun,” while another mentions, “Chef Jessica was funny, friendly, and a great teacher.”

Others point out how the experience is not just about the food, but about meeting new people: “Loved it, got to meet new people and eat amazing pasta we made ourselves,” says one happy participant.

The high ratings—4.8/5 from 379 reviews—reflect consistent praise, especially for the quality of the guidance, the delicious meal, and the overall fun atmosphere.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This activity is ideal if you want to try your hand at making Italian pasta while enjoying a fun social environment. It’s suitable for adults, couples, families with children over 4, and anyone interested in a culinary experience rather than a sightseeing tour. However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into Rome’s history or prefer a more passive experience, this might not be your best fit.

Travelers who appreciate good value for money, friendly guides, and participatory activities will find plenty to love here. It’s also a solid choice if you want to combine learning with eating and drinking—who doesn’t want a delicious meal at the end of a hands-on class?

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This activity isn’t recommended for children under 4, but older kids who enjoy hands-on activities might find it fun. The focus on making pasta and cocktails makes it more suited to adults and families with older children.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking process offers a “reserve now, pay later” option, giving you flexibility.

Is the pasta cooked during the class?
No, the pasta is made by you, but it is cooked separately in the kitchen. The focus is on shaping and preparing the pasta, not cooking it yourself.

Are drinks included?
You’ll get a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink with your meal, and Limoncello or coffee at the end.

How many people are in a typical group?
Groups tend to be small, with around 10-12 participants, ensuring you get plenty of guidance and personal attention.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, interactive way to experience Rome’s culinary delights, this Spritz and pasta-making class fits the bill. It’s well-reviewed, with knowledgeable guides and a lively atmosphere that makes learning feel more like hanging out with friends. You’ll walk away not just with new recipes but with a sense of achievement and some great stories to tell.

This experience makes for an ideal activity for those who love Italian food, enjoy social activities, or want to add a memorable, hands-on element to their Rome trip. It’s not overly formal, and the focus on fun and authenticity makes it a standout choice for a lively city like Rome.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Happy cooking, and buon appetito!