Bari isn’t just a gateway to the beautiful beaches of Puglia; it’s a city that’s perfect for those who love to roll up their sleeves and cook authentic Italian dishes. The city’s rich culinary traditions, combined with its lively old town and fresh ingredients, make it an ideal setting for cooking classes. We particularly like the Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine because of its warm, family-owned setting, and the chance to enjoy three glasses of local wine after mastering pasta and tiramisu. You can find more details here.
Many of the tours in Bari focus on traditional recipes, like making orecchiette and focaccia, or exploring authentic family recipes in private homes. Several tours include local wine tastings and hands-on pasta making, perfect for travelers wanting a true taste of Puglia’s culinary soul. Below, we’ve rounded up the best options, each offering a unique way to connect with Bari’s food culture.
1. Bari: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine
This 3-hour class takes place at a family-owned restaurant close to Bari Vecchia, giving you a cozy, authentic atmosphere. You’ll learn how to make fresh pasta and tiramisu, two staples of Italian comfort food, while sipping a glass of Prosecco and three glasses of local wine. The instructor shares the secrets behind perfecting your pasta and dessert, making this a great choice for food lovers who want to enjoy a meal with a story. The experience ends with coffee or limoncello, perfect for chatting about Bari’s culinary traditions.
This class is highly rated (4.8/5 from 366 reviews), thanks to its friendly hosts and relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for those seeking a family-style experience with plenty of tasting and socializing. The value for money is excellent, considering the included drinks and the opportunity to learn from locals.
Bottom Line: If you want a warm, interactive class that combines cooking, wine, and conversation in a family setting, this one should be at the top of your list.
2. Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare
For around $77, this 2-hour class offers a deep dive into Puglian pasta, specifically orecchiette and cavatelli, guided by a local woman who holds centuries of family recipes. Based just outside Bari, this experience is praised for its informal and cozy atmosphere, with guests learning directly from someone who knows the secrets of traditional pasta.
Guests have raved about the instructor Anna Maria, describing her as a master pasta maker, and noting how delicious the food turns out. She shares her family’s techniques, making it feel like a private lesson with a friend rather than a tourist activity. Many reviewers mention they plan to recreate these dishes at home, which is the real mark of a successful cooking class.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those looking for an authentic, hands-on experience with a warm host and the chance to learn classic Apulian pasta recipes.
3. People of Bari unusual guided tour with pasta making at Grandma house
This 3-hour tour offers a blend of cultural exploration and cooking. Rather than a typical class, you’ll meet local people, walk through Bari’s old town, and visit a grandmother’s house where she gladly shares her pasta secrets. You’ll chat with locals, taste regional specialties, and watch as an authentic “orecchiette” is made in her kitchen—without the formality of a school setting.
Giorgio, the guide, is praised for his passion and knowledge. While you might not make pasta yourself during this tour, the personal stories and local connections make it memorable. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Bari’s everyday life and enjoy home-cooked recipes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A uniquely personal experience, ideal for those who want to meet locals and see Bari through a more intimate, cultural lens.
4. Bari Cooking Class: Traditional Focaccia & Orecchiette
This 2-hour class takes place in a secret, local Bari location—a real treat for those wanting an authentic, off-the-radar experience. Participants learn to make focaccia and orecchiette with authentic techniques from skilled local chefs. The class includes fresh ingredients, and vegetarian options are available, making it accessible for most dietary needs.
The experience features a food and wine tasting, along with a photo stop in Bari’s historic streets. The guide emphasizes the local techniques used, making this ideal for travelers eager to master regional specialties in a cozy, intimate setting.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a hands-on, authentic cooking experience in a hidden Bari spot, this class offers great value and a true taste of Puglia.
5. 4-Day Puglia Sightseeing Tour Including Cooking Class
For travelers who want a comprehensive immersion in Puglia, this 4-day tour offers a mix of sightseeing and culinary experiences. Highlights include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, exploring Gargano National Park, and discovering Matera or mountain villages in Monti Dauni.
On the last day, you’ll enjoy a private cooking class in a chef’s home, learning regional recipes in a relaxed setting. The tour is highly rated (5/5 from 18 reviews) and perfect for those seeking a well-rounded experience of Puglia’s food and landscape.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with cooking, and don’t mind a longer trip.
6. Bari: Bike Tour & Pasta Making Experience
This 2.5-hour tour combines cycling through Bari’s streets with a pasta-making session led by a friendly local woman. You’ll explore Bari’s hidden alleys and vibrant neighborhoods by bike, then stop to learn how to make traditional pasta.
The tour gets rave reviews, particularly for its fun pace and informative narration. It’s a great option for active travelers who want a dynamic way to experience Bari’s culinary and cultural scenes simultaneously.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who love a little exercise with their culinary education and want a more energetic experience.
7. Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Bari
This private 3-hour class takes place in a local home, where you’ll learn to prepare three traditional Bari dishes. The host, a passionate cesarina, guides you through the recipes, which you’ll then enjoy with local wine in her cozy kitchen.
Rated 5/5, this experience offers a personalized, authentic taste of Bari’s culinary traditions. Guests love the warm hospitality and the chance to ask questions about regional ingredients and techniques.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a home-cooked meal with a personal touch and the insight of a true local.
8. Bari: Home Cooking Class- Make Cavatelli & Capunti with Wine
This 3-hour class in a local Bari home focuses on handmade pasta, including cavatelli and capunti. Participants use authentic ingredients to craft their pasta, then enjoy a meal featuring regional antipasto, pasta, and dessert, all paired with local wines.
Rated 4.5/5, many visitors appreciate the personalized attention and family-like atmosphere. The experience is well-suited for those wanting to master regional pasta techniques and enjoy a full meal afterward.
Bottom Line: Great for pasta lovers who want a comprehensive, hands-on workshop with delicious regional dishes.
9. Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local’s Home in Bari
In this 2.5-hour private experience, you’ll join a local host in their kitchen to cook and taste classic Bari dishes like orecchiette and stuffed mussels. The meal, served with regional wine, is a chance to see authentic home cooking in action.
Rated 5/5, it’s perfect for those who want an interactive, cultural experience in a warm family setting. You’ll learn tips and tricks directly from a local, making this a memorable way to connect with Bari’s culinary roots.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those craving an in-depth, personalized cooking experience at a local home.
10. Cooking lesson in a typical house in Polignano with aperitif
This 2-hour class in Polignano a Mare combines making orecchiette with tasting taralli and focaccia, along with seasonal vegetables and regional wine. Held in a typical Puglian home, it offers a real taste of local life.
Reviewers mention the excellent explanations and delicious end results, making it ideal for travelers interested in traditional dishes and authentic settings. It’s a good choice if you want a short, focused experience that covers both cooking and tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a genuine, small-scale class with a friendly atmosphere.
11. 3 Hour Cooking Class in Bari with well-known Chef
This 3-hour session features Chef Lello, who shares his culinary secrets at his restaurant in Bari. You’ll start with selecting ingredients from the alleys of the historic center, then learn to prepare classic dishes in a more professional setting.
Though it has only one review, it’s rated 5/5 and appeals to those who want insider tips from a renowned local chef. The class culminates in plating your dishes—a satisfying way to learn restaurant-quality techniques.
Bottom Line: Best suited for foodies eager to learn from a well-known chef and improve their cooking skills.
12. Cooking class: We prepare orecchiette with vegetables from the garden
Set in a historic farmhouse, this 3-hour class emphasizes fresh ingredients from the garden. You’ll learn how to make oregchiette and prepare vegetables in a simple, flavorful way.
One review praises the immersive experience and the chance to connect with nature and local tradition. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine cooking with a rural, rustic setting.
Bottom Line: For those who enjoy farm-to-table experiences and want to learn authentic, simple recipes.
13. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Trani with Show Cooking
This 2.5-hour private dinner in Trani offers show cooking and a 4-course menu featuring regional favorites like pasta, seafood, and desserts. Hosted by a local, you’ll enjoy family-style hospitality with drinks included.
Rated 5/5, it’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate evening with authentic dishes, cultural stories, and regional wines. It’s a great way to experience local life without leaving Bari’s surroundings.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a memorable, flavorful evening with personal touches.
14. Bari: Homemade Pasta Cooking Class & Tasting
This 2-hour class focuses on making orecchiette in a local home, with an emphasis on secrets of handmade pasta and pairing with Apulian wine. Participants learn shaping techniques and watch their pasta being cooked with regional sauces.
Rated without reviews, the experience promises authenticity and simplicity, perfect for those wanting a quick, hands-on taste of Bari’s pasta traditions.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, authentic pasta lesson ideal for pasta enthusiasts short on time but eager to learn.
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Bari
When selecting a cooking class, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. If you prefer a professional chef-led experience, the 3 Hour Cooking Class in Bari with well-known Chef offers expert insights, while those seeking family warmth might prefer Bari: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class. For a more cultural, personal touch, the People of Bari tour with pasta making at Grandma’s provides a unique connection.
Budget-wise, classes like Apulian Cooking Class in Polignano are affordable and include local wine and pasta. If you want a multi-day experience, the 4-Day Puglia Tour with Cooking combines sightseeing and food in a well-rounded trip.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, to secure your preferred date and group size.
Final Thoughts
Bari offers a wide range of cooking classes, from short, focused lessons to multi-day tours. Whether you want to learn family recipes, master regional pasta, or dine with locals, the options are plentiful. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, classes in homes or small groups stand out. For those wanting a culinary masterclass, the professional chef-led options are ideal.
Two standout choices are the Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine for its warm family setting, and the Apulian Cooking Class in Polignano for its authentic pasta techniques. Remember to book early and choose according to your interest level, budget, and schedule. Exploring Bari’s food scene through these classes will give you a true taste of Puglia’s rich culinary heritage.
