Cooking Class in Rome Making Cacio e Pepe Pasta and Tiramisu

If you’re dreaming of bringing a taste of Italy home, this cooking class in Rome might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a relaxed, interactive experience where you can master two iconic dishes—Cacio e Pepe and tiramisu—with the guidance of a knowledgeable local chef. While not a full-fledged culinary tour, it offers a genuine glimpse into traditional Roman cuisine and a memorable, hands-on activity perfect for food lovers.

What really caught our attention are a couple of standout features: the opportunity to learn authentic pasta-making skills and the inclusion of a delicious glass of wine to enjoy with your creations. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that special dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options aren’t available, which might be a consideration for some travelers. This experience is a cozy, intimate choice for those who want to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and come away with new recipes—and perhaps a little more confidence in the kitchen.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who love food, enjoy interactive experiences, and want a manageable, small-group setting. It’s not geared specifically for families with young children or those with specific dietary needs, but anyone interested in authentic Roman recipes will find plenty to appreciate here.

Key Points

• Authentic learning: Master the art of making fresh pasta and classic Roman dishes.
• All-inclusive: Ingredients, tools, and a glass of wine are provided, making it straightforward to focus on cooking.
• Small group size: With a maximum of 12 travelers, the experience feels intimate and personalized.
• Time well spent: At roughly 2.5 hours, it’s a manageable duration without feeling rushed.
• Practical tips: The guide shares insider tricks, so you get more than just a recipe—you learn techniques.
• Limited dietary options: The experience does not cater to vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free diets.

A Closer Look at What This Cooking Class Offers

Introduction to Roman Cuisine

The class begins at a meeting point in Rome, near public transportation, which makes it easy to access. From there, you’re welcomed into a cozy, small-group setting—up to 12 people—that encourages interaction without feeling crowded. The host, Elisabeth, receives glowing reviews for being both friendly and an effective teacher. She makes the process seem simple and fun, even for complete beginners.

Making Cacio e Pepe from Scratch

While health regulations prevent you from physically making the pasta in the kitchen—something that might seem like a missed opportunity—you’re allowed to watch the chef expertly turn out the classic Cacio e Pepe. This dish, made with just a few simple ingredients—pasta, goat cheese, and black pepper—is deceptively straightforward but requires a bit of know-how to perfect. The guide’s insider tips can help you recreate it at home, hopefully with similar success.

Kneading and Cutting Fresh Pasta

Even if you aren’t able to make the pasta in the kitchen, the class ensures you learn how to knead, roll, and cut your own dough. This practical knowledge is valuable; many participants find it empowering to see how easy it is to craft a simple, delicious meal from scratch. We loved the way this hands-on approach demystifies pasta, making it accessible for future cooking adventures.

Creating the Sauce

The sauce, made with goat cheese and black pepper, is a real highlight. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare once you understand the process. Plus, the guide shares tips on achieving the perfect texture and seasoning—details that can elevate your home cooking.

Tiramisu—A Sweet Finish

For dessert, you’ll get to try making tiramisu, a decadent classic Italian treat. The process is straightforward and fun, and you get to enjoy a generous slice at the end. The class emphasizes that making tiramisu isn’t intimidating, which makes it a great confidence booster for home bakers.

Enjoying Your Creations

The best part? After all the work, you get to sit down and enjoy your homemade dishes with a glass of wine. This communal meal provides a relaxed environment to share your culinary successes and chat with fellow travelers. As one reviewer noted, making tiramisu and pasta was “easy, not intimidating and fun!”

The Practical Side: What to Expect

The Experience Format

This is a 2.5-hour session that balances demonstration, hands-on practice, and tasting. The class is designed to be relaxed, allowing you to learn without feeling rushed. Given that all ingredients and tools are included in the price of $83.07 per person, there are no hidden costs or need to bring anything along.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a cap of 12 travelers, you’ll likely enjoy a friendly, personal atmosphere. This smaller group size means the instructor can give more tailored advice and ensure everyone gets involved, which is perfect if you’re new to the kitchen or prefer a more intimate experience.

Accessibility and Location

Meeting near public transportation makes it easy to reach. The activity starts at Osteria San Giorgio, and the entire process ends right back at the meeting point—no complicated logistics afterward.

Dietary Restrictions

A key point to keep in mind: Vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options aren’t available. If you have specific dietary needs, you might find this limiting, but for most, the ingredients provided will be sufficient for a delicious meal.

Cancellation Policy

If your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Just keep in mind that cancellations within 24 hours won’t be refunded, so it’s good to plan accordingly.

What Travelers Say

One review sums up the experience well: “Elisabeth was a host and teacher. Making both tiramisu and pasta was easy, not intimidating and fun!” The participant appreciated how approachable the process was and felt confident to attempt these dishes back home. The fact that the chef turned out the Cacio e Pepe while participants observed didn’t detract from the overall experience—many found it a valuable way to learn the technique.

The inclusion of a good glass of wine was also a hit, adding a relaxing touch to the meal. The shared nature of the experience fosters camaraderie and makes it feel like cooking with friends rather than a formal class.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves learning new recipes in a relaxed environment, this class offers a practical, enjoyable way to dive into Roman cuisine. The focus on classic dishes like Cacio e Pepe and tiramisu means you’ll leave with recipes you can recreate at home—plus some handy tips that might just improve your pasta game.

It’s particularly appealing if you appreciate small-group settings, want a taste of authentic local cooking, and enjoy the social aspect of sharing a meal with fellow travelers. While it’s not suitable for those with special dietary restrictions, for most foodies, it offers a solid value—delicious food, expert guidance, and a fun experience all in one.

For travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and actually learn how to make Roman dishes, this class hits the sweet spot. It’s a simple yet rich experience that adds a flavorful touch to your Rome visit.

FAQ

Can I make Cacio e Pepe in the kitchen?
Due to health law regulations, you won’t physically make the pasta in the kitchen; however, you’ll watch the chef turn it out and learn all the techniques.

Is the class suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the instructor makes everything easy to follow, and many people find it approachable even with no prior cooking experience.

Are ingredients included?
Absolutely. All ingredients for pasta, sauce, and tiramisu are provided, so you can focus purely on learning and enjoying.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions?
This experience doesn’t cater to vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free diets, so plan accordingly.

Does the experience include wine?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, which adds a nice touch to the communal atmosphere.

What is the duration?
Expect approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of cooking, learning, and eating time.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

This cooking class in Rome offers a genuine opportunity to connect with Italian culinary traditions in a friendly setting. Whether you’re a solo traveler eager to learn or a couple wanting a memorable experience, it’s a practical and tasty way to spend part of your trip.