Taranto is a city that takes its pasta seriously. While many travelers focus on historical sights or seaside views, Taranto offers some truly memorable pasta experiences that go beyond just eating—these are about learning, making, and sharing authentic dishes. Among the options, we particularly love the Puglia Cooking class “Le orecchiette, che pasta!”, a hands-on experience that combines culinary skill with cultural insight. The chance to make oregchiette — that distinctive, ear-shaped pasta — alongside a local cook in a countryside setting is both fun and enriching. Plus, you get to sit down afterward for a meal featuring your own handiwork, making it a full culinary adventure.
Taranto’s pasta tours tend to focus on traditional regional recipes, especially orecchiette, which is a signature dish from Puglia. Whether you want a comprehensive class or a quick, intimate workshop, each offers a different taste of local life. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at the top options to help you choose the perfect pasta experience for your trip.
1. Puglia Cooking class “Le orecchiette, che pasta!”
At number one, this small-group cooking class runs for about 4.5 hours and offers a deep dive into Puglia’s most iconic pasta: orecchiette. Held in a country home, this class is led by a local cook who shares secrets that have been passed down for generations. You’ll learn how to craft oregchiette from scratch, shaping the pasta in the traditional way — a skill that’s surprisingly meditative.
What makes this tour stand out is not just the hands-on pasta making but also the opportunity to explore seasonal dishes made with herbs and vegetables from the Itria Valley. After the cooking, you’ll sit down to a multicourse meal featuring your pasta, complemented by local wines. The reviews show it’s highly rated: “We learned to make traditional Puglian pasta in different styles,” one happy participant notes. The experience offers exceptional value for about $75 per person, making it perfect for foodies wanting a real connection to local cuisine.
Bottom line: If you want an authentic, hands-on pasta lesson with a scenic countryside backdrop, this class is your best bet.
2. I segreti di una pasta perfetta con Dora
Coming in second, I segreti di una pasta perfetta con Dora is a shorter workshop—about an hour and a half—that focuses on perfecting the art of making orecchiette with Dora, one of the region’s top chefs. This class caters to couples or small groups (no singles allowed), with a flexible schedule and a welcoming atmosphere.
What makes Dora’s workshop special is her personal touch—she is often described as “one of the best chefs,” and her approach combines friendly instruction with genuine passion. You’ll start with a local, zero-kilometer aperitivo—local products straight from the farm—and proceed to craft your own pasta before taking home a small batch of your handmade orecchiette. The class emphasizes improving dough consistency and shaping techniques. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to learn a skill they can replicate at home.
While it’s a shorter experience, reviews highlight its value and intimacy, with many noting how Dora’s warmth makes it feel like a visit to a friend’s kitchen. The price ($65) makes it accessible for those wanting a quick, authentic taste of Puglia’s pasta traditions.
Bottom line: Best suited for pasta lovers who want a quick, personal lesson from a top local chef with the flexibility to fit into a busy schedule.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two pasta experiences, consider how much time you have and what kind of experience you want. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, hands-on class with multiple dishes and a scenic setting, the Puglia Cooking class “Le orecchiette, che pasta!” offers a full day of learning, cooking, and feasting. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy regional culinary traditions.
If you’re pressed for time but still want to learn a new skill, the I segreti di una pasta perfetta con Dora provides a quick, intimate experience led by a highly regarded chef. Both tours are good value, with the longer class providing a more comprehensive experience and the shorter workshop offering personalized attention and a local chef’s insights.
For travelers planning to spend several days in Taranto, combining both could be ideal—starting with Dora’s quick lesson and then joining the full-day cooking class later in your trip. Remember to book early, especially for the popular classes, and confirm dietary restrictions or allergies in advance.
Final thoughts
Taranto’s pasta experiences range from intimate workshops with famous chefs to full immersion classes in rustic countryside settings. If you want a true taste of Puglia’s culinary soul, the Puglia Cooking class “Le orecchiette, che pasta!” is hard to beat for its depth and authentic atmosphere. For a quick, personalized lesson, Dora’s workshop offers a special chance to learn from a master.
Whether your schedule is tight or you’re ready to spend a relaxed day learning and eating, Taranto delivers authentic pasta experiences that are both fun and educational. Be sure to reserve your spot early—these popular classes fill up quickly, especially in high season. Now, get ready to roll up your sleeves and bring home a new skill that will impress at your next dinner party.
Happy cooking!
