The 7 Best Cooking Classes in Italy
Italy’s charm isn’t just in its scenery or art—it’s in its food. And what better way to truly experience Italian culture than by learning how to cook the dishes yourself? Italy offers a variety of cooking classes that blend authentic recipes, regional traditions, and hands-on learning. Some of our favorites include the Pesto Experience in Sestri Levante for a quick but flavorful burst of Ligurian culinary identity, and the Ligurian Cooking Classes in Anna’s home for a more immersive, multi-course adventure. We love these because they give you an authentic taste of regional flavors and the chance to get your hands dirty in a real Italian kitchen.
Whether you’re after a brief introduction to local delicacies or a full-day experience in a historic setting, Italy has a lot to offer. From a 1-hour pesto lesson to a 5-hour pasta-making journey with Nonna, these classes cover a wide range of interests and budgets. For an overview of the variety, check out the list below, which includes options in Liguria, Umbria, Tuscany, Calabria, and even a medieval village experience.
1. Pesto Experience, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting in Sestri Levante
At number 1, the Pesto Experience in Sestri Levante stands out thanks to its short, fun format and engaging local flavor. For just $58.05 per person, you get a private class led by a personal chef, who guides you through making Genoese pesto using a mortar—a traditional method that preserves the authentic flavor. The class lasts about an hour, making it perfect if you’re short on time but still want a genuine Italian experience. After the pesto, you’ll sample local wines, including a glass of Vinaccieri, to keep your motivation high.
This class isn’t just about pesto; it also covers Ligurian pasta, including I Corzetti (an ancient pasta stamped with wooden molds) and Ligurian potato gnocchi, plus a lesson in making flavorful focaccia and bread. Reviewers praise the patience and encouragement of the chef, with many raving about how delicious their pasta turned out and how much they learned in a short time. The highlight is the opportunity to taste your own creation and bring home a special container of pesto.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, engaging, and delicious introduction to Ligurian cuisine with a bit of wine, this class offers excellent value and authentic flavor.
2. Ligurian Cooking Classes
Next on our list, the Ligurian cooking classes led by Anna in her private house, provide a deeper dive into regional flavors. For about $103.72, you spend roughly five hours immersed in Ligurian culinary traditions. The class is praised for its warm atmosphere—participants often feel like they’re cooking with a cousin rather than in a formal kitchen. Anna’s extensive knowledge about regional dishes and history enriches the experience and makes it more meaningful.
You’ll learn to prepare dishes like vegetable Pansotti with walnut sauce, stuffed roasted veggies, and even a layered dessert with figs and rum-soaked amaretti. The reviews speak volumes: one mentions feeling like they were “at home” with a host who was engaging, friendly, and attentive. The class offers a comprehensive experience: you cook, taste, and learn stories behind each dish, making it perfect for those wanting to understand Ligurian food in depth.
Bottom line: This multi-hour experience is ideal for travelers who want to take their time, enjoy regional storytelling, and leave with a full stomach and new skills.
3. Valnerina/Pasta Cooking Class in a 12th Century Location
Number 3 brings us to the scenic Umbria region, where the Valnerina Pasta Cooking Class offers a unique setting inside a 12th-century location. Over three hours, you’ll learn to craft authentic Italian pasta at Alloro Ristorante and Relais Abbazia San Pietro In Valle. The class emphasizes practical skills and discovering regional recipes, all set in a serene, historic backdrop that adds to the experience.
What makes this class special is its focus on authenticity and hands-on learning in a private group. The itinerary includes a picturesque stop at a historic site, enhancing the cultural feel. The class is suitable for all levels and accessible for those in wheelchairs. The instructor speaks multiple languages, including English, German, and Italian, making it accessible for international visitors.
Reviewers mention the peaceful setting and the chance to gain confidence in pasta-making. With the option to reserve and pay later, this class offers flexibility for planning your trip.
Bottom line: If you want a historic setting combined with authentic pasta skills and a relaxed pace, this class in Umbria fits the bill.
4. Cooking Class: Italian Authentic Recipes with Lunch
In Tuscany, the Cooking Class with Lunch in a Chianti estate offers a full immersive experience. For about three hours, you’ll learn to cook typical Tuscan dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. The class culminates in enjoying a full lunch with the dishes you’ve prepared, making it ideal for food lovers who want a satisfying, tangible result.
What sets this class apart is the combination of hands-on cooking with wine tasting in a scenic estate. You’ll taste Poggio ai Laghi wines, oils, and vinegars, and learn about the art and history behind them. The class is suited for those interested in Tuscan cuisine as well as wine aficionados. The expert chef offers insights into traditional methods, and you finish with a delicious meal.
Guests rave about the quality of the food and the comprehensive experience, which blends cooking, tasting, and learning. It’s a good value, especially if you want a relaxed, well-rounded taste of Tuscany.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who love hearty meals, wine, and a scenic setting, this class offers a complete Tuscan culinary experience.
5. Calabria: Maccarruna Pasta Making Class with Nonna
For a truly regional experience, the Maccarruna Pasta Making Class in Calabria with a nonna is hard to beat. Over five hours, you’ll learn how to make maccarruna, a traditional regional pasta, from scratch. The class includes a visit to an ancient stone mill—an authentic setting where wheat was ground for generations.
The nonna will teach you how to use a ferro, a thin metal rod, to shape each piece of pasta, giving you a true taste of Calabria’s culinary heritage. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of regional traditions and see the old mechanisms in action. The hands-on approach is ideal for those interested in traditional techniques and regional history.
Reviewers highlight the warmth of the instructor and the memorable experience of working in a rustic setting. The class also includes a meal made with your pasta, often praised for its flavor.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to learn regional pasta and enjoy a cultural story, this class offers a genuine Calabria experience.
6. Cooking Class in a Private Medieval Village
Number 6 takes you to a private medieval village in Tuscany for a three-hour cooking experience. This class provides a chance to cook in a setting straight out of history, with views that capture the essence of traditional Tuscany. It’s a unique blend of culture and culinary practice.
Participants love the atmosphere—an authentic village where you can feel the connection between local life and food. The class is designed to be a different kind of experience that deeply involves you in the history and ambiance of the region, while still focusing on Italian cooking techniques.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want something more than just a cooking lesson—who also want an emotional connection to Tuscany’s heritage. It’s suitable for all ages and offers the chance to enjoy a relaxed day in a stunning environment.
Bottom line: For those seeking a memorable, historic setting combined with authentic cooking, this private village experience is a top pick.
7. Morcone: Olive Oil Tasting and Cooking Class with Lunch
Finally, the Olive Oil Tasting and Cooking Class in Morcone offers a full sensory experience in Campania. Over four hours, you’ll visit a family-run organic farm where you’ll learn about extra virgin olive oils and wild herbs. The class includes a guided tasting, collection of herbs, and a cooking session where you prepare a traditional soup with your gathered herbs.
The highlight is the opportunity to learn about both the culinary and rural aspects of Italy—meeting farm animals, understanding agricultural traditions, and then cooking in a rustic setting. The class ends with a convivial lunch featuring your creations, along with printed recipes to take home.
Reviewers appreciate the authenticity and the friendly atmosphere of this experience, which combines education, hands-on cooking, and farm life.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in authentic farm-to-table cooking with a focus on olive oil and herbs, this class offers a well-rounded, flavorful experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Italian Cooking Class
When selecting a cooking class in Italy, consider your budget, available time, and culinary interests. For a quick taste of Ligurian pesto and wine, the Pesto Experience in Sestri Levante offers excellent value. If you want a more immersive, multi-course regional meal, Anna’s Ligurian class provides depth. For history buffs, the Valnerina pasta class in a 12th-century setting combines culture with cuisine. Tuscany’s estate class is perfect for wine lovers, while Calabria’s pasta with Nonna offers a genuine regional experience.
Budget and time are key: shorter classes like Sestri Levante’s are ideal for a quick culinary fix, while longer, more detailed courses suit travelers with more days to spare. Booking early is always wise, especially for popular experiences like the Tuscany estate or the Ligurian multi-hour classes.
Final Thoughts
Italy offers a wonderfully diverse array of cooking experiences—from quick lessons on regional specialties to full-day culinary adventures. For those seeking authentic flavors, the Pesto Experience in Liguria and the Ligurian cooking classes are perfect for a taste of local tradition. If history and ambiance matter, the 12th-century pasta class in Umbria or the medieval village experience in Tuscany will satisfy your curiosity.
For wine and food lovers, the Tuscany estate class and Calabria’s farm-to-table experience stand out. No matter your choice, booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable culinary journeys. Embrace the flavors of Italy, learn some new skills, and bring home a piece of Italy’s delicious soul.
