Matera isn’t just a city of ancient stones and winding alleys; it’s also a place where food plays a central role. The city’s unique setting in the Sassi — winding tunnels and caves — makes it a natural backdrop for authentic cooking experiences. What we love most about these tours is how they blend culinary tradition with local culture, giving you a taste of daily life in this historic town. For a hands-on experience that connects you directly with Matera’s rural roots, the Matera Cooking Class stands out for its private farm setting, where you’ll make pasta and enjoy a country-style lunch. If you’re after a more intimate and historic setting, the Cooking class in a cave restaurant in the Sassi of Matera offers an extraordinary experience in an ancient cave, complete with stories behind each dish. These experiences are perfect for food lovers who want to see the real Matera beyond the tourist spots.
Below, you’ll find a list of the top five cooking classes, each offering a different flavor of Matera’s culinary heritage. Whether you want to learn traditional pasta, explore local ingredients, or enjoy a private lesson in a family home, there’s something on this list to satisfy your appetite.
1. Matera Cooking Class
This private cooking class at a traditional farm takes you off the usual tourist trail and into the rural heart of Matera. Over about four hours, you’ll visit an organic olive and orange grove with a local family, then roll up your sleeves to prepare fresh pasta and other classic dishes. This experience is perfect for those who want an authentic, hands-on taste of local life. The hosts, Greg and Sylvia, are praised for their warm hospitality and their ability to make even beginners feel like pasta pros. After cooking, you’ll sit down to a laid-back meal featuring the dishes you’ve created, paired with local wines.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on rural traditions and the opportunity to connect directly with a local family. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of a farm visit adds a special dimension of authenticity. Reviewers love the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to wander through beautiful grounds before cooking. At $161.34 per person, it offers good value for a comprehensive experience that lasts around four hours.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers seeking an immersive, farm-to-table experience with expert hosts in a private setting. It’s ideal for those wanting to escape the city and discover Matera’s countryside.
2. Matera: Pasta Cooking Class Old Farmer Style in a Sassi Cellar
At number two, this three-hour pasta class takes place in a cellar carved from ancient stone in the heart of the Sassi. Using ingredients sourced locally, you’ll learn to make bruschetta, cialledda salad, and traditional pasta with guidance from a professional chef. The setting alone — a historic cave in the oldest part of Matera — makes this experience memorable. The class emphasizes matera’s gastronomic heritage and allows you to master classic techniques that you can replicate at home.
From the reviews, this tour is highly praised for its authenticity and the personal touch of the hosts, who are passionate about keeping local traditions alive. It’s a smaller, more intimate experience, with only 12 participants, ensuring plenty of individual attention. The price, at $91.04 per person, reflects the high quality ingredients and the unique setting of the Sassi. Guests have called it an “authentic experience” and shared that they enjoyed lively conversations and a genuine cultural exchange.
Bottom line: This class is ideal for foodies who want to learn traditional pasta-making in a historic setting. It offers great value and a truly unique atmosphere.
3. Cooking class in a cave restaurant in the Sassi of Matera
This three- to four-hour experience combines culinary learning with an unforgettable setting — a cave restaurant in the Sassi of Matera. Accompanied by a local chef, you’ll explore local products at the nearby fruit market before heading into the cave to cook seasonal recipes, traditional pasta, and popular local dishes. The focus is on understanding the gastronomic habits of traditional Matera families and hearing stories that bring each dish to life.
Rated highly by the few reviews available, this experience is described as “exceptional” and “top-notch,” perfect for those who want a sense of authentic life in Matera’s caves. The setting is about as atmospheric as it gets, with the historic cave adding depth to your culinary adventure. The tour starts at Piazza Vittorio Veneto, making it easy to join in. The cost, at $192.62 per person, is on the higher side but reflects the exclusive location and comprehensive experience, including walking through a local fruit market.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a deep dive into Matera’s traditional cuisine with a story-rich environment. It’s a memorable, immersive experience that combines food, culture, and history.
4. Private cooking class at a Cesarina’s home with tasting in Matera
This private 3-hour cooking class in a local home provides an authentic look at southern Italian cuisine. The Cesarina hosts will guide you through preparing three pasta dishes and sauces, sharing trade secrets along the way. The relaxed, informal setting offers an intimate experience, perfect for small groups or couples. After cooking, you’ll sample your dishes with wine, often in the host’s home, making it a very personal experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its customization — the host can tailor the lesson to your skill level and interests, making it ideal for beginners or those wanting a relaxed, social atmosphere. Reviewers mention the instructor’s patience and the “authentic, delicious” food. The cost is $168 per person, which balances the personalized attention with quality ingredients and a cozy environment.
Bottom line: This class is ideal for travelers who want a private, home-based experience and enjoy engaging with local families. It’s perfect for small groups or couples seeking a relaxed and intimate culinary experience.
5. Matera: Homemade ravioli and ricotta: Italian cooking class
Focusing on two beloved Italian delicacies, this class is dedicated to teaching you the art of handmade ravioli and fresh ricotta. The session lasts about 3.5 hours, during which you’ll learn to make pasta from scratch and craft ricotta from milk, gaining skills you can use anywhere. The class concludes with a tasting of your ravioli, paired with Aglianico del Vulture, plus dessert.
While specific reviews aren’t provided, the focus on homemade pasta and cheese ensures a deep dive into traditional techniques. This class appeals to those interested in culinary craftsmanship and looking for a memorable, hands-on experience that emphasizes manual skills. It’s especially suited for foodies wanting to master pasta and cheese-making. The overall value depends on the price, which isn’t specified, but the duration and focus suggest a comprehensive experience.
Bottom line: Great for travelers passionate about learning pasta and cheese from scratch, providing skills they can use long after the trip ends.
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Matera
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and the type of experience you’re after. If you want a rural, farm-to-table experience, the Matera Cooking Class offers an immersive farm visit combined with cooking. For a historic setting in a cave, the cave restaurant experience provides a unique environment with an in-depth look at local traditions. Those seeking a personal, private lesson might prefer the Cesarina home experience, which offers flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere. Lastly, if mastering pasta or cheese makes your heart sing, the homemade ravioli and ricotta class is a solid choice.
Consider your schedule, interest in historic venues, and whether you prefer a group or private setting. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Matera’s cooking classes showcase the region’s authentic flavors and traditions. Whether you want to learn rustic farm cooking, explore ancient cave kitchens, or enjoy a private home-based lesson, there’s an option for every culinary curious traveler. For a more immersive experience, the farm or cave classes provide unforgettable atmospheres, while the private lessons suit those seeking personalized attention.
If you’re passionate about food, don’t delay in booking — these experiences fill up quickly, especially in the spring and summer. Whichever tour you pick, you’ll leave with new skills, delicious memories, and a deeper understanding of Matera’s rich culinary culture.
