3- Cooking Making Spaghetti & Lasagna

If you’re dreaming of rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on with Italian cuisine in Florence, this 3-hour cooking class focused on spaghetti and lasagna might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve gone through plenty of reviews and details that give a clear picture of what to expect. What’s especially appealing about this experience? First, the chance to learn classic Italian dishes in a cozy, local setting, and second, the opportunity to taste your own creations paired with Tuscan organic wine.

That said, it’s worth noting that at around $75 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity, but considering the food, instruction, and the intimate group size (max of 10 travelers), it feels like good value. One potential consideration? This experience lasts about 3 hours, so it’s a bit of a time investment if your schedule is tight. Nevertheless, it’s a perfect pick for food lovers who want a genuine, practical taste of Italian cooking rooted in tradition.

This class generally suits those who appreciate interactive experiences, are comfortable in a small group, and want to bring home some authentic culinary skills — whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner. Families or travelers with kids might find it enjoyable too, especially if they’re interested in food, but the focus is primarily on learning and sharing in a relaxed environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Italian dishes: Learn to make traditional spaghetti and lasagna from scratch.
• Hands-on experience: You’ll get to knead dough and use a rolling pin, making the process fun and practical.
• Local setting: The class is held in San Frediano, a lively, well-kept part of Florence.
• Comprehensive instruction: Theoretic background on Italian cuisine paired with real cooking tips.
• Includes tasting: Enjoy a shared meal of your homemade pasta with Tuscan organic wine and a chocolate dessert.
• Recipes provided: You’ll leave with recipes and secrets to recreate these dishes at home.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Atmosphere

The class takes place in San Frediano, one of Florence’s most charming neighborhoods. The setting is described as well-kept and comfortable, which immediately sets a relaxed tone. Unlike heavily commercialized cooking classes, this feels more like cooking with friends in a homey space, which many reviewers appreciate. The fact that it’s in a neighborhood rather than a touristy spot adds to its authenticity.

What You’ll Do

The experience begins with a brief historical and theoretical introduction, giving you context about why these dishes are staples of Italian cuisine. This background enriches the cooking process and makes the meal more meaningful. Then, it’s straight into the practical part. You’ll learn how to make pasta dough with flour, eggs, water, and milk — with plenty of tips and Italian secrets from the instructor.

For the lasagna, you’ll get hands-on with rolling out dough using a traditional rolling pin, which is a fun throwback to how grandma used to do it. The instructor explains how to prepare a Bolognese sauce and a béchamel to layer in your lasagna. As the dishes cook, you’ll start preparing the famous Italian spaghetti, boiling and dressing it with your freshly made sauce.

The Meal and Tasting

Once your dishes come together, the group sits down to enjoy the meal together. It’s a convivial moment, with everyone sharing their creations and enjoying Tuscan organic wine. The inclusion of a chocolate dessert provides a sweet ending that’s much appreciated after a hearty pasta meal. During the tasting, you’ll get to savor the fruits of your labor, which many reviews call “delicious” and “superb.”

Instruction and Group Size

One of the highlights is the small group size — with a maximum of 10 people, you get plenty of personalized attention. Many reviewers praise the instructor, with several calling them “amazing,” “patient,” and “knowledgeable.” Names like Melina, Milena, and Francesca come up often, and the praise is consistent.

Value for Money

At $75.47 per person, this class offers a lot of value. You’re not only learning two classic dishes but also gaining practical skills, recipes, and a shared meal with wine. Multiple reviews highlight how much people enjoyed the experience, calling it a highlight of their trip and “well worth it.” Compared to other activities, the combination of hands-on cooking, local ambiance, and food quality makes it a worthwhile investment.

The Reviews Say It All

• Christen_S loved Melina, calling her “the best” and saying the experience was their trip highlight.
• Guy_R found Milena “amazing” with “expansive knowledge,” praising the pasta and sauce preparation lessons.
• Jacee_C shared how the instructor Alt made the class fun, especially for families, even while it rained.
• Janet_w appreciated Sartone’s clear explanations and delicious food.
• Heather_A and Lisa_G both talked about how fun and educational the class was, with Lisa calling it a “vacation highlight.”

Downsides or Considerations

No experience is perfect, and being truthful, the main consideration here is the duration — three hours can feel long if you’re on a tight schedule. Also, the class doesn’t include unlimited wine, as some might expect, but it does include enough for a good accompaniment to your meal. The price might be on the higher side for budget travelers, but given the personalized instruction and quality ingredients, many see it as a fair deal.

Is This Suitable for You?

If you love cooking and food and want to get a genuine taste of Italian culinary tradition, this class is a solid choice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy interactive, small-group experiences and want to bring home new skills, not just souvenirs. Families with children who are interested in cooking could also find it engaging, especially since some reviews mention children having a good time.

Summary: Who Should Consider This?

This Florence cooking class offers a fun, educational, and delicious experience for anyone curious about authentic Italian dishes. It’s especially suited for foodies, couples, or small groups who want a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and hands-on involvement. The inclusion of a shared meal and wine makes it feel like a genuine local experience, perfect for creating memories around good food. If you’re looking for a practical way to learn pasta-making skills and taste some of Italy’s best, this tour checks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the class last?
The experience runs for approximately 3 hours, including cooking and eating.

Where is the class held?
It takes place in San Frediano, a lively neighborhood in Florence, in a well-kept and comfortable location.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll learn how to prepare traditional spaghetti and lasagna, including dough, sauces, and layering techniques.

Is there a theoretical component?
Yes, the class begins with a brief background on Italian cuisine, making the cooking more meaningful.

Are ingredients provided?
Yes, all necessary ingredients for pasta, sauces, and dessert are included.

What’s the group size?
The class is small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized instruction.

Does the price include wine?
Yes, you’ll enjoy Tuscan organic wine during the meal, but it’s not unlimited.

Can I get the recipes?
Absolutely, participants receive recipes with the instructor’s secrets to recreate at home.

Is this experience suitable for kids?
Many reviews note that families and children had fun, especially with the engaging instructor and hands-on activities.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the class for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine, hands-on glimpse into Italian cooking with a friendly instructor in Florence, this 3-hour pasta and lasagna class offers excellent value. The experience blends education, local ambiance, and delicious food into a memorable activity. While it requires a bit of time— and isn’t the cheapest option — many reviewers find it well worth their while, especially considering the skills and recipes you’ll walk away with. Perfect for food lovers eager to expand their culinary repertoire in Italy’s culinary capital.