Rome: Tonnarello Cacio & Ama Cooking class with Dinner & Wine

If you’re dreaming of rolling up your sleeves and learning how to cook some of Rome’s most beloved dishes, this cooking class in the Jewish Ghetto might just be the experience for you. It promises more than just a hands-on lesson in pasta making; it offers a chance to explore a historic neighborhood, savor authentic flavors, and enjoy a relaxed dinner paired with fine Italian wine.

What we love about this experience is the personal touch—a small group setting ensures you get plenty of attention from your chef, Gabriele, who brings both skill and warmth to the kitchen. Plus, the backdrop of a 12th-century eatery adds a dash of old-world charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a kosher or gluten-free experience, which might matter if you have specific dietary needs.

This tour works best for food lovers who want a genuine, fun, and immersive way to connect with Roman culinary traditions. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or even a small family, you’re likely to come away with new skills—and a full belly.

Key Points

• Authentic Roman dishes: Learn to cook iconic recipes like cacio e pepe and amatriciana from scratch.
• Small-group intimacy: Limited to 10 participants, which means more personalized instruction and interaction.
• Includes all equipment and ingredients: No need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.
• Tastings and drinks: Enjoy your homemade pasta with free-flowing wine and water.
• Special local setting: The class takes place in a historic 12th-century building in the Jewish Ghetto.
• Family-friendly and inclusive: Suitable for kids, vegetarians, and vegans, though the food isn’t kosher.

A Closer Look at the Experience

This cooking class is more than just a demonstration. It’s a full-on participation experience where you’re involved from start to finish. Meeting your host in Piazza Mattei, you’re greeted with a warm welcome before heading into the beautifully preserved eatery from the 12th century—an environment that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of living history. The setting is atmospheric, adding a special layer to the culinary journey.

The chef, Gabriele, is described as friendly, engaging, and full of fun. He learned his craft cooking with his grandma, which means you’re getting authentic, home-style Roman recipes. The class covers everything from preparing seasonal vegetables (like artichokes or zucchini flowers) to making pasta from scratch. You’ll learn to create two different sauces—typically a cacio e pepe and an amatriciana—and then challenge yourself to cook perfect pasta under Gabriele’s supervision.

The highlight for many is the opportunity to taste what you’ve made, sitting down in the restaurant to savor your creations paired with local wines. As one reviewer put it, the food is plentiful enough to serve as a full dinner, topped with the chef’s signature ricotta cheesecake, which is included as a gift. The entire session lasts around three hours—just enough time to immerse yourself without feeling rushed.

Having a translator, Anastasia, helps bridge language gaps, making sure everyone understands the steps and the stories behind each dish. Many reviews mention how personable and knowledgeable the guides are—adding depth with stories about the Jewish Ghetto, its history, and food traditions. This contextual background makes the experience more meaningful and memorable.

What You’ll Cook and Taste

Expect to get hands-on with some classic Roman flavors. The menu typically includes fresh homemade pasta, prepared from scratch—no shortcuts here. You’ll learn how to clean and prepare seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini flowers, then fry them to perfection for a delicious fritto romano, a typical Roman fried appetizer.

The sauces are a major part of the lesson. Gabriele shares tips on making cacio e pepe and amatriciana, two staples of Roman cuisine. The process involves working with fresh ingredients, and many guests comment on how much they appreciate the authenticity of the recipes.

Once your pasta and fried appetizers are ready, you sit down to enjoy your creations—an experience that’s as much about tasting as it is about cooking. The accompanying free-flowing Italian wine helps enhance the flavors and keeps the atmosphere lively.

Finally, the chef’s ricotta cheesecake, a sweet finale, caps off the meal. It’s a generous offering that actually feels like a full dinner, so you won’t need to seek additional food afterward unless you’re really hungry.

The Value and Practicalities

At around $103 per person, this experience offers a lot. You’re not simply paying for a cooking lesson but also for a culture in a historic neighborhood, guided by passionate professionals. The class includes all necessary equipment and ingredients, plus a souvenir apron and a free cookbook—great for bringing the experience home.

Reviews consistently praise the quality of the food, the friendliness of the staff, and the overall warmth of the experience. As one reviewer mentioned, Chef Gabriele is both engaging and funny, which keeps the class relaxed and enjoyable. Many have expressed how the tour added a personal touch to their trip and how the food was some of the best they had in Rome.

One important note is that the experience is suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarians and vegans, although the restaurant and food are not kosher. Also, due to the nature of the ingredients, it’s not recommended for those with gluten allergies or milk/nuts allergies.

The tour operates rain or shine, and the meeting point is easy to find—right in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, a must-see neighborhood. With a maximum of ten travelers, it’s intimate enough to ask questions and get personalized tips.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

Most reviews highlight how authentic and fun the class is. Many travelers appreciated the chance to cook in a historic setting, with stories and tips that bring the dishes to life. The presence of a translator like Anastasia helps make everything accessible and engaging, especially for non-Italian speakers.

The small-group setup often results in a lively, convivial atmosphere—some guests even mention singing along or sharing stories over glasses of wine. This is not a stiff, formal cooking class; it’s a warm, communal experience that leaves you with not only recipes but also stories and memories.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This class is perfect if you’re eager to learn traditional Roman cooking in a friendly environment. It’s suitable for anyone who enjoys hands-on food experiences, from solo travelers to couples and small groups. If you love wine, good company, and authentic local flavors, you’ll find plenty to love here.

While children can participate, keep in mind the class involves handling hot oil and sharp utensils, so it’s better suited for older kids or teens. Vegetarians and vegans are welcome, though the dishes are primarily meat and dairy-based.

If you’re interested specifically in Roman recipes, its historical setting, and a lively, engaging group atmosphere, this is a solid choice. It’s a well-reviewed experience that travelers say makes their trip memorable—adding a delicious piece to their Roman adventure.

FAQs

Is this a full meal or just a demonstration?
You’ll get to cook and enjoy a substantial meal that includes fresh pasta, a fried appetizer, and a ricotta cheesecake. The experience is hands-on and dinner-sized, not just a quick demo.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the class includes free-flowing Italian wine and water, which enhances the tasting experience and keeps the mood lively.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, vegetarians and vegans are welcome, but the dishes are not kosher, and the food may contain milk, eggs, or gluten. It’s best to inform the organizers if you have special dietary restrictions.

Where does the class take place?
In a historic 12th-century building in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, an environment that enriches the culinary experience with its atmosphere and stories.

How many people are in the class?
A maximum of 10 travelers, which allows for personalized attention and a more intimate setting.

What is the total duration?
Approximately 3 hours, enough to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, giving you flexibility if needed.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, kids and teenagers can enjoy the class, but supervision is recommended because of kitchen tools and hot oil.

Final Thoughts

If you’re into authentic Roman food, warm hospitality, and a touch of history, this cooking class in the Jewish Ghetto offers a genuine slice of local life. The combination of expert guidance, a historic setting, and delicious food create an experience that’s both fun and memorable. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Roman culture through its flavors, especially if you’re eager to learn some recipes to take home.

While it’s not a gourmet tasting tour or a fancy culinary seminar, the relaxed vibe and personal attention make it stand out. The reviews reflect consistent satisfaction, with many guests describing it as one of their trip’s highlights. For those looking for a relaxed, friendly, and authentic cooking experience in Rome, this class is definitely worth considering.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just love good food and lively company, this experience will likely leave you with a full belly and a happy heart.

Ready to learn how to make Roman pasta with a side of history and good wine? This class is an authentic, warm, and tasty way to spend part of your Roman holiday.