Lecce isn’t just about stunning baroque architecture; it’s also a city where food traditions run deep, especially when it comes to pasta and regional specialties. The city’s warm, welcoming families and historic settings make it an ideal place to learn authentic Italian cooking. For instance, Enza’s cooking class, dinner, and wine tasting in Corigliano stands out thanks to its intimate villa setting and the chance to make oregheite and macaroni using traditional Apulian techniques. Reviews praise this immersive experience for feeling like cooking with old friends, making it a perfect pick for travelers seeking genuine local hospitality.
Lecce’s cooking classes are a mix of hands-on pasta making, market visits, and home dinners, offering a range of authentic culinary experiences. Whether you want to roll out pasta in historic courtyards or learn secret family recipes in private homes, the options below will give you a solid starting point.
1. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
At number 1, this Cooking class, dinner, and wine tasting in Corigliano offers a full evening of regional food and warm hospitality in a charming family villa just 15 minutes from Lecce. Enza and her family guide you through making oregheite and macaroni using local ingredients and age-old techniques. The class takes about 3.5 hours, making it an immersive experience without feeling rushed. The reviews are glowing, often mentioning how much fun it is to cook with patient hosts and how the meal feels like a gathering among friends. Enza’s storytelling and the family atmosphere make this class especially memorable.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting authentic home cooking combined with a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. The price is around $91.53 per person, which is excellent value given the full evening of food, wine, and companionship. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and leave with new skills to impress at home.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a warm, authentic experience with a focus on traditional recipes and local wines.
2. Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400s-Era Courtyard with Wine
Number 2 takes you into a historic 1400s courtyard in Lecce for a lively pasta-making class. This 1400s courtyard experience combines learning to craft orecchiette and sagne with the fun of socializing in an atmospheric, centuries-old setting. The session lasts around 2.5 hours, with a focus on traditional Apulian pasta techniques, and concludes with a shared meal accompanied by local wine.
Guests enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, often mentioning how the hands-on approach makes the process both educational and entertaining. The highlight is the chance to see and cook in a historic space that adds a sense of connection to the past. The class is well organized, and the staff’s friendliness shines through, making it suitable for couples, families, and small groups.
Priced at about $66.05 per person, it offers an excellent balance between affordability and an authentic cultural experience. The opportunity to make and then eat your pasta right after adds to its appeal.
Bottom Line: A memorable, historic setting for pasta lovers who enjoy a lively, interactive session with wine.
3. Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner and Wines
Number 3 spotlights a class in a beautiful 1400s courtyard in Lecce where you’ll learn the art of making oregheite and sagne from a professional cook. This Apulian pasta class is designed for about 2.5 hours of hands-on activity, culminating in a hearty meal with the pasta you’ve made, paired with regional wines. Guests love the friendly atmosphere created by Erica and her mother, who guide you patiently through each step.
What sets this apart is the focus on technique and tradition, with the added benefit of dinner on site. Reviews highlight the social vibe, with many noting how the experience feels like an evening among friends. The class is priced at $68.50 per person, which offers good value for the quality of instruction and local cuisine you get.
Ideal for those wanting to master traditional pasta techniques and enjoy a delicious meal afterward. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive cultural and culinary immersion.
Bottom Line: Excellent for pasta aficionados who want to learn in a historic setting and enjoy regional dishes in one go.
4. Make pasta, drink wine. Cooking class with transportation included!
Number 4 combines practical skills with culture in a 3.5-hour experience. This pasta and wine class is aimed at small groups and includes transportation, making it very convenient. You’ll learn to make fresh pasta by hand, emphasizing local Salento customs. The experience is lively, interactive, and designed to give you a lasting skill you can use back home.
Guests rave about the authenticity and fun of the class, noting how learning in a small-group setting fosters engagement. The included wine tasting adds a relaxing touch, making it ideal for food and wine lovers. The price is about $115.19, which covers transportation, making this a comprehensive experience.
Perfect for travelers who want to avoid logistical hassles and enjoy authentic Salento cuisine while learning from passionate hosts.
Bottom Line: A practical, fun choice for those who want a full, immersive, and convenient cooking experience.
5. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing in Lecce
Number 5 offers a hands-on class in Lecce’s historic center, combining making orecchiette with a guided wine tasting. This combo experience lasts around 2 hours and is ideal for those who want to learn regional pasta techniques and pair their meal with regional wines. The class is held in a charming Osteria, providing a cozy setting with personalized attention.
Guests consistently praise the friendly chef and the opportunity to taste four local wines paired with regional delicacies like cheeses and cold cuts. The price is $77.23, making it a good value for a culinary and wine experience in the heart of Lecce. Reviewers note how fun and relaxed the class feels, perfect for first-timers or casual food lovers.
Ideal for travelers interested in both cooking and wine and who want a small-group experience with personal attention.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want to combine pasta skills with wine tasting in a lively, authentic setting.
6. Lecce Hands-on Home Cooking Class: Craft Orecchiette & Savor Wine
Number 6 provides an intimate, family-led experience. This home cooking class lasts about 3 hours and includes making orecchiette, maccheroni al ferretto, and local sauces. Hosted by Lisa and Fabio in their cozy home, this class is perfect for small groups (max 7). Guests love the chance to prepare, cook, and enjoy a full meal with local wines and desserts.
The experience is highly praised for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and the authentic recipes taught. For about $115.12, you get hands-on instruction, a meal, and recipes to take home. Ideal for travelers seeking personalized guidance and a deep dive into Salento’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers wanting a small-group, family-style experience with lasting recipes.
7. Pasta Cooking Classes and Apulian Recipes
Number 7 offers a full evening of pasta-making and regional dining in a welcoming home. This class lasts around 4 hours and is led by a host who shares regional traditions and culture. You’ll make several types of pasta and enjoy a dinner featuring your creations.
Guests highlight the knowledgeable host and the delicious meal that follows. The class is suitable for those who want an authentic, relaxed experience with plenty of time to learn and eat. Priced at $92.19 per person, it offers good value given the length and depth of the class.
Ideal for travelers wanting to enjoy regional cuisine and enjoy a long, social evening.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking comprehensive, cultural cooking with a relaxed pace.
8. Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Lecce
Number 8 is a personalized, private experience that begins with a market visit. This private tour lasts around 4.5 hours and includes learning to make three regional recipes in a host’s home, then sitting down to enjoy your meal with local wines.
Guests love the customized attention and deep insight into local ingredients. The market visit provides a rare glimpse into regional produce, making it ideal for foodies. The price is $216.67 per person, reflecting the personalized and comprehensive nature of this tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, in-depth culinary experience with market tour and home cooking.
9. Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Lecce
Number 9 combines a market tour and cooking class in a small-group setting. This experience lasts about 5 hours and starts with a local market visit. Afterwards, you’ll learn to make pasta and tiramisu in a host’s home, then taste your creations with local wine.
Guests appreciate the personalized approach, with reviews emphasizing the warm host and delicious food. At $172.31 per person, it offers a long, comprehensive culinary experience for those wanting to dive deep into local ingredients and regional recipes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culinary travelers who want a full immersion, from market to table, in a small-group environment.
10. Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo at a Local Home in Otranto
Number 10 presents a private dining experience in Otranto, with a cooking demonstration and a full meal. This 2.5-hour experience is hosted in a local’s home and includes a 4-course menu with regional recipes, wines, and family stories. It provides a cozy, authentic environment to taste and learn about local cuisine.
While reviews are limited, the experience is perfect for those wanting to connect with local families and enjoy a personalized meal. The price is $98.33 per person.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those seeking a culturally rich, intimate meal with expert insights into local recipes.
11. Focaccia and Dessert Cooking Class
Number 11 is a cozy class in Lecce’s old town focusing on focaccia and tiramisu. In just 2 hours, you’ll learn simple, traditional techniques in a casual atmosphere. The class includes hands-on preparation and lunch or dinner where you enjoy what you’ve made, along with local wines.
Reviewers love how easy-to-follow the recipes are and praise the delicious results. Priced at $92.55, it’s a great option for light, fun cooking with a focus on classic Italian baked goods.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a short, enjoyable, and tasty experience.
12. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Gallipoli with Show Cooking
Number 12 offers a show cooking experience in Gallipoli, where your host prepares authentic recipes in front of you. This 2.5-hour dining experience includes a full four-course menu and drinks, in a family-friendly environment.
It’s perfect for travelers wanting to see Italy’s culinary secrets demonstrated firsthand, then taste the results. The reviews praise the warm hospitality and exquisite food. At $102.33 per person, it offers a unique, interactive dining experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting show cooking along with a family-style meal in Gallipoli.
13. Cooking class in Masseria – Puglia
Number 13 takes place in an ancient 19th-century farmhouse, offering a rustic, countryside setting. This massive farm experience involves preparing orecchiette with water and durum wheat flour, and lasts about 2 hours. It’s simple but authentic, providing insight into traditional farm-to-table cooking.
While only one review is available, it praises the beautiful location and patient instructor. It’s especially suited for nature lovers and history enthusiasts looking for a rustic experience.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, authentic farm-based cooking class perfect for those wanting local, rustic traditions.
14. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Galatina with Show Cooking
Number 14 offers a family-style meal with show cooking in Galatina. This experience lasts about 4 hours, where you watch local recipes being prepared, then sit down to enjoy a beloved four-course meal with local wine. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a warm, personal connection with their hosts.
Reviews indicate this is a wholesome cultural experience, with friendly hosts and delicious food. The price is $101.77 per person, making it a value-packed way to taste authentic Salento cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking authentic local hospitality and interactive cooking.
15. Cooking class with family and in the garden of an old boathouse
Number 15 is a unique outdoor experience in a renovated garden of an old boathouse. Over 3 hours, you’ll make pasta and season it with local ingredients, then enjoy an aperitif with local wines. The setting offers a rustic, relaxed vibe with the chance to connect closely with Salento traditions.
Reviewers mention the lovely atmosphere and the delicious homemade pasta. It’s suitable for travelers looking for an authentic, scenic experience outside typical tourist spots.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for outdoor lovers seeking a personal, traditional cooking session.
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Lecce
When selecting a Lecce cooking class, consider your budget, time, and specific interests. If you want an all-in-one experience with dinner and wine, the Corigliano class offers exceptional value. For lovers of historic settings, the 1400s courtyard is a standout.
If you prefer private, personalized experiences, the market tour and private home class or the family-led garden class might be best. For those on a budget, shorter classes like the focaccia and dessert (class) give a taste of authentic Italian baking without breaking the bank.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes like Enza’s or the private market experience, to secure your spot during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a remarkable variety of culinary experiences, from full-day workshops to intimate home dinners. If you’re a foodie craving hands-on pasta making, options like Make pasta, drink wine or the Orecchiette Cooking Class will give you genuine skills and taste. Travelers seeking a more immersive local experience will appreciate the private market tour and cooking class.
For a relaxed yet rich experience, the Corigliano villa class stands out, offering a full evening of food, wine, and warm hospitality.
Whatever your style, Lecce’s cooking classes promise to leave you with more than just recipes — they’ll give you a taste of Salento’s real flavors and a story to bring home. Be sure to reserve ahead, especially in high season, to enjoy these authentic experiences without disappointment.
