A Taste of Italy: Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Sant’Agnello
If you’re dreaming of a genuine Italian culinary experience, this private cooking class in Sant’Agnello might just be what you’re looking for. Unlike busy restaurant kitchens or group tours, this is a cozy, home-based session where you actually get to roll up your sleeves and learn from a local who’s passionate about sharing her recipes.
We love how this experience offers a glimpse into everyday Italian life — with a chance to sit down afterward and enjoy your own creations paired with regional wines. The attention to detail, from the carefully selected host to the focus on authentic dishes, makes it feel special but still approachable.
That said, it’s not a cooking class for those seeking a fast-paced or large-group activity. It’s a relaxed, intimate experience best suited for travelers who appreciate genuine local insights and want to craft real Italian food themselves. If that sounds appealing, keep reading — this could be one of your favorite memories from the Amalfi Coast.
Key Points

- Private home setting offers an authentic and personalized experience.
- Learn to prepare three traditional dishes, including a starter, pasta main, and dessert.
- Enjoy your meal with local Campanian wines and coffee, enhancing the authentic flavor.
- Flexible timing options available, including morning or late afternoon classes.
- All participants are only from your group, ensuring a tailored, intimate atmosphere.
- Sanitary measures are in place, with all Cesarine following strict health guidelines for safety.
What Is This Cooking Class All About?
This experience is a chance to step into a local’s home near Positano and learn how to make authentic Italian dishes, not just watch a demonstration. The host, a Cesarina, is someone who’s passionate about sharing her culinary traditions, and she welcomes you into her space for a four-hour session.
You get to prepare three courses: a starter, a pasta dish, and a dessert. Each dish will showcase regional flavors, giving you a true taste of Campanian cuisine. It’s a hands-on experience—so you’ll be kneading pasta, chopping ingredients, and perhaps even sharing stories along the way. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to enjoy what you’ve made, sipping local red and white wines, which helps create a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
The class is designed to be private, meaning only your group will participate, making it more personal and flexible. It’s offered in the morning or late afternoon, giving you options that fit your overall itinerary. All utensils, ingredients, and sanitary measures are provided, so you just need to show up hungry and ready to learn.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Positano
The Experience in Detail
The Setting and Atmosphere
Picture yourself stepping into a warm, inviting home in Sant’Agnello, just a short drive from Positano. The host’s kitchen is a reflection of genuine Italian life — cozy, functional, and filled with the smells of fresh ingredients. It’s not a commercial kitchen or a touristy setup, but a true local residence, which brings a comforting authenticity to the experience.
The host, Francesca in one review, is praised not just for her culinary skills but also for her hospitality and warmth. She took her guests into her garden and shared stories, making the experience feel more like a visit to a friend than a class.
The Cooking Lesson
You’ll first get an introduction to the ingredients—local products that are staples on the Amalfi Coast. Then, guided step-by-step, you’ll learn how to make three regional dishes. While specifics aren’t listed, the focus on “starter, pasta, and dessert” suggests classic recipes, perhaps like a bruschetta or seafood antipasto, a regional pasta such as Gnocchi al Limoncello, and a sweet treat.
The review highlights that Francesca not only teaches but also shows the garden, which indicates a farm-to-table vibe and an appreciation for fresh, local ingredients. The experience is suitable for those who enjoy hands-on learning rather than just watching a chef.
The Meal and Wines
The real payoff comes at the end, when you get to sit down and feast on your handiwork. The meal is complemented by local wines—expectedly from Campania—which enhances the flavors of the dishes. The inclusion of coffee rounds out the authentic Italian dining experience.
While in Positano, here are other experiences we've covered
- Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Positano: Gnocchi, Tiramisù & Drinks
- Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu
- Ravioli & Tagliatelle Cooking Class at a Local’s Home in Positano
- Hands-On Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Positano with Local Family
- Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano
Sanitary and Safety Measures
In response to current health concerns, the Cesarine (hosts) are noted for their attentiveness to safety. They provide sanitary equipment, and guests are asked to maintain distance and wear masks if needed. This reassures travelers who might be wary about health standards in private homes.
Duration and Price
At four hours, this is a well-paced experience that balances cooking and dining without feeling rushed. For $174, the cost is reasonable considering it’s a private, personalized class with a meal included. It’s an opportunity to learn genuine recipes in a relaxed setting, which is often more memorable than a quick cooking demonstration.
Who This Experience is Best For
If you’re someone who values authentic experiences, loves cooking, or simply wants a break from busy sightseeing days, this class could be perfect. It’s especially suited for those traveling as a small group or couples who enjoy intimate activities. The emphasis on local culture, wine, and home-cooked food makes it a charming, memorable addition to your trip.
It might not be ideal if you’re in a hurry or prefer larger, more impersonal classes. Also, if you’re looking for a guided tour with historical commentary or a large-group setting, this isn’t the right fit. But for genuine connection, learning, and tasting, it hits the mark.
Final Thoughts
This private cooking class offers a wonderful way to explore authentic Italian cuisine without leaving the comfort of a local home. The personal touch of your Cesarina host, combined with the chance to cook and then savor regional dishes, makes it a memorable cultural experience. You’ll love the opportunity to learn recipes that you can try again at home, especially paired with local wines that highlight the flavors of Campania.
Affordable and intimate, this experience is a nice break from typical sightseeing. It’s perfect for food lovers, those keen to connect with local traditions, or travelers who want to bring a piece of Italy back in their own kitchen.
If you’re looking for a relaxed, genuine encounter with Italy’s culinary roots, this class would be a highlight of your trip to the Amalfi Coast.
Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Sant’Agnello
“One of the most amazing experiences! I was on a girls trip with 5 of my friends to Positano and found this hidden gem. Francesca is a beautiful hum…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized, private session.
How long does the class last?
The experience runs for approximately four hours, including cooking and dining.
Can I choose between morning or late afternoon?
Yes, there are options for both morning and late afternoon classes, offering flexibility for your schedule.
What is included in the price?
All ingredients, utensils, sanitary equipment, and a selection of local wines and coffee are provided.
Is this experience suitable for children or families?
The tour doesn’t specify family suitability, but given the nature of the activity, it’s likely best suited for adults or older children interested in cooking.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
While not explicitly mentioned, it’s best to contact the host directly to discuss any dietary needs.
What safety measures are in place?
Hosts follow strict sanitary rules, provide sanitizing supplies, and guests are asked to maintain distance and wear masks if necessary.
Where does the class take place?
In a private home in Sant’Agnello, near Positano, with the meeting point at a specified address.
What’s the typical cost for this experience?
It’s priced at $174, which offers good value considering the personalized instruction and meal.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.
If you’re craving an authentic home-cooked Italian meal and a chance to learn from a local in a cozy setting, this class is worth considering. It combines culinary skills, genuine hospitality, and regional flavors — a true taste of Italy you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
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- Sorrento: Private Positano and Amalfi Coast Boat Tour
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- Private Amalfi Coast Mini-Motor Boat Excursion from Amalfi Coast Towns
- Private Tour: Campania Food and Wine Day Trip from Positano with lunch
More Tour Reviews in Positano
- Private Day on the Island of Capri with Departure from Positano
- Farm to Table Cooking Class in Amalfi Coast
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More Positano experiences we've covered
- Farm to Table Cooking Class in Amalfi Coast
- Ischia: Private Boat Tour on board of a luxury boat
- Capri Tour: Full Day Boat Tour Around the Blue Island
- Sorrento: Private Positano and Amalfi Coast Boat Tour
- Private Full Day Capri Tour by Boat from Positano
- The Godfather of the Amalfi Coast
- Private Amalfi Coast Mini-Motor Boat Excursion from Amalfi Coast Towns
- Private Tour: Campania Food and Wine Day Trip from Positano with lunch
- Positano: Boat Tour of Capri with Drinks and Snacks
- 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast
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