Lecce is a city that excites more than just your eyes — its culinary scene offers a true taste of Salento’s flavors and traditions. Whether you want to learn how to make traditional pasta, enjoy a home-cooked family meal, or experience a private chef’s specialties, Lecce has something for every food enthusiast. We particularly love the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce in Corigliano for its warm atmosphere and hands-on approach, perfect for those who want an authentic experience and a memorable meal. The chance to make orecchiette and macaroni with local ingredients makes this a highlight for anyone eager to connect with regional cuisine. Check out the full experience here.
Lecce’s dining experiences range from immersive cooking workshops and family-style meals to private home dinners with show cooking. Many of these tours emphasize regional ingredients, shared stories, and genuine local hospitality. Below, we’ll explore eight of the best options, each offering a unique way to savor Salento’s flavors.
1. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
At number 1, this immersive cooking class in Corigliano is a standout. Led by Enza and her family, it combines hands-on pasta making, a traditional dinner, and regional wine tasting. You’ll learn how to craft orecchiette and maccheroni using classic Apulian techniques, right in a welcoming home setting. The experience lasts about 3.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to connect, cook, and enjoy.
What sets this tour apart is the personal touch — Enza’s hospitality shines through, and her patience in teaching pasta-making is top-notch. The reviews emphasize how warm and friendly this experience makes you feel, with visitors calling it a “major highlight” of their trip. The storytelling, combined with a shared meal, creates an authentic local vibe. The price of around $91.53 per person makes it a good value for a comprehensive cultural experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want to learn regional pasta skills, enjoy local wines, and share a meal in a friendly atmosphere.
2. Lunch and dinner at my house with the typical products of Salento
Number 2 on the list is a personalized culinary experience where the host invites you into their home for a taste of genuine Salento cuisine. The host explains the region’s food and wine culture while preparing a meal from scratch, including local wines. This experience lasts about 2 hours, making it a quick yet intimate way to explore regional flavors.
The reviews highlight the convivial atmosphere and the host’s enthusiasm, with one noting the “little anecdotes and stories around the food and wine” that made the experience memorable. At $71.10 per person, it offers a great value for a private, home-cooked meal that feels like dining with family.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a cozy, authentic meal with a local host and a more personal connection to Salento’s culinary traditions.
3. Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner included and Wines
Number 3 is a hands-on pasta class in a historic Lecce courtyard. You’ll learn the secret techniques of making orecchiette and sagne, the signature pasta of Apulia, from a professional cook. The class lasts about 2.5 hours and culminates in enjoying your freshly made pasta in a hearty meal paired with regional wines.
The highlight here is the expert instruction in a beautiful setting, plus the fun of making pasta with others from around the world. Reviewers often mention how friendly and patient the staff are, and how the experience is both educational and entertaining. For around $68.50, this class offers a great balance of learning and tasting.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want to master regional pasta techniques and enjoy a memorable outdoor dinner in the historic heart of Lecce.
4. Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo at a Local Home in Otranto
Number 4 takes you into a private home in Otranto for an authentic cooking demonstration. The host prepares a 4-course meal of regional specialties, with drinks—including regional wines—already included. The experience lasts about 2.5 hours and offers a warm, intimate setting.
What makes this tour special is the personal connection and the opportunity to see traditional recipes prepared firsthand. Reviewers note the friendly hospitality and the chance to learn family secrets passed down through generations. The cost of $98.33 provides a comprehensive experience of Italian home cooking in a relaxed environment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a private, in-depth look at regional recipes, with the chance to ask questions and discover family culinary traditions.
5. Lecce: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home
Number 5 offers a 3-course meal paired with a cooking demonstration, hosted by a local family. Lasting about 2.5 hours, this experience emphasizes authentic recipes and the chance to create a genuine connection with your hosts.
Reviewers appreciate the personal touch and the chance to learn secret family recipes. It’s well-suited for those interested in culinary storytelling and enjoying a full meal in a homely setting. The focus on making a connection makes it stand out compared to more commercial experiences.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking to combine a cooking demo with a full, authentic meal and meaningful interaction with local families.
6. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Gallipoli with Show Cooking
Number 6 is an interactive dinner in Gallipoli, where your host prepares the meal in front of you. With show cooking, you’ll watch as regional dishes come together—plus, you get to enjoy a 4-course meal with drinks included.
Guests rave about the hospitality and the ability to watch and learn during the cooking. The shared experience makes it more than just a meal—it’s a cultural activity. For $102.33, you get a comprehensive and engaging culinary experience, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of theater with their dinner.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers who want an immersive, interactive evening with authentic regional dishes in Gallipoli.
7. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Galatina with Show Cooking
Number 7 is a longer, family-style meal in Galatina. Lasting about 4 hours, you’ll experience show cooking and traditional dishes served in a warm, informal setting. Your host shares secrets of recipes handed down through generations, and the meal includes wine.
Reviewers describe this as a “wonderful and wholesome” experience, highlighting the generous hospitality and the chance to learn about the regional cuisine firsthand. The longer duration makes it more suitable for those with time to indulge in an authentic, relaxed meal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a deep dive into local traditions with a relaxed, family-style atmosphere.
8. Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Otranto
Finally, number 8 offers a personalized culinary journey in Otranto, focusing on regional dishes. You’ll learn to cook from start to finish, then enjoy your creations paired with local wines. The session lasts about 3 hours, and you’ll also leave with a souvenir apron and shopping bag.
What makes this stand out is the personalized coaching from your private host and the focus on regional specialties. The experience is ideal for those who want an exclusive, tailored class and a memorable meal.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer a private, customized cooking experience with regional dishes in Otranto.
How to Choose the Best Dining Experience in Lecce
When selecting your culinary adventure, consider your budget, time, and interest level. Want to learn pasta-making hands-on? The Orecchiette Class is perfect. Craving a cozy, home-cooked meal with a local family? The Salento home dinner offers intimacy and authenticity. For a private, tailored class in Otranto, the private cooking class might be your best choice.
Timing matters too—most experiences are flexible but booking early ensures availability, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider whether you prefer a hands-on cooking session, a showcooking demonstration, or a shared family meal when choosing.
Final Thoughts
Lecce and its surroundings offer an impressive array of culinary experiences that go beyond just eating out. From immersive cooking classes and private home dinners to demonstration-based experiences, there’s something to satisfy every palate and curiosity. If you’re looking to learn regional pasta techniques, the Orecchiette Cooking Class is a standout. For a genuine taste of Salento culture, the home dinner experience offers intimacy and authenticity. And for those wanting a more elaborate, theatrical evening, the show cooking in Gallipoli combines entertainment with excellent regional dishes.
No matter your preference, Lecce’s food scene provides a delicious way to connect with local traditions. Booking early is recommended, especially during busy months, to secure your spot in these memorable experiences.
