Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Genoa

If you’re dreaming of bringing a slice of Italy back home, learning how to make authentic pasta and tiramisu in Genoa might just be the perfect way to do it. This small-group cooking experience promises a hands-on dive into Italian culinary traditions, all hosted in a local home. We’ve gone through the reviews, the details, and what makes this experience stand out—and what might give some pause—so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What we really love about this tour is how intimate and personal it feels, thanks to the small group size, and the chance to learn genuine family recipes from local hosts. Plus, the fact that you get to enjoy your hard work over a meal they prepare together makes the whole process incredibly rewarding. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this experience isn’t for everyone—particularly if you’re looking for a more polished, commercial class, or have allergies to pets, since some hosts have cats or dogs in the home.

Overall, if you’re a foodie who loves hands-on experiences, or someone wanting a meaningful taste of local life in Genoa, this class is likely to leave you with both new skills and warm memories. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy authentic, relaxed environments over touristy spots.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Learn family recipes in a local Genoa home, not a commercial kitchen.
• Small group size: Max 12 travelers for personalized attention and interaction.
• All skill levels welcome: Fun and educational for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Includes a tasting meal: Enjoy the pasta and tiramisu you’ve made, plus a pre-class aperitivo.
• Flexible timing: Option for lunch or dinner to fit your schedule.
• Highly rated: With a 5.0-star rating from 58 reviews, it’s clearly a favorite.

What to Expect from the Genoa Pasta and Tiramisu Class

This experience is all about getting your hands dirty in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll meet your hosts, affectionately called “Cesarine,” in their own home, where they open their doors and their recipes for you. The class typically lasts around three hours, giving you plenty of time to learn, cook, and relax.

Meeting Your Hosts and Starting with Aperitivo

The journey begins with a warm Italian aperitivo. It’s a lovely way to settle in, sip some local wine or prosecco, and chat with your hosts about what’s to come. This moment sets the tone for an authentic and friendly atmosphere, making everyone feel at home. Based on reviews, you can expect your hosts to be welcoming, patient, and eager to share their culinary secrets.

Learning to Make Pasta

Next, the real fun begins—making fresh pasta from scratch. You’ll learn to craft two different pasta shapes, which could be anything from classic tagliatelle to perhaps ravioli or other regional styles. The process involves understanding the right dough consistency, rolling techniques, and cutting. Reviewers praise how knowledgeable and patient the hosts are, especially Daniela, who many describe as an “amazing” chef.

One reviewer shared, “Daniela taught us how to make two pasta dishes, two sauces, and tiramisu,” highlighting that the class is comprehensive yet accessible. For those new to pasta, this is a chance to pick up tips on kneading, shaping, and cooking pasta perfectly.

Making the Iconic Tiramisu

After mastering the pasta, you’ll move on to the dessert—tiramisu. The hosts teach you how to assemble this beloved Italian treat, sharing their family’s secret tips. The process is straightforward but requires a bit of patience and attention to detail, especially when balancing flavors. Many reviews mention how delicious their homemade tiramisu turns out, adding a true handmade touch to the end of your meal.

Enjoying Your Creations

The highlight is sitting down together to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll get to taste the pasta and tiramisu you made, often paired with more wine or local drinks. The relaxed environment in the hosts’ home makes this a memorable, intimate dining experience, where the focus is on savoring good food and lively conversation.

The Experience and Group Size

The small number of participants—up to 12—ensures you get more personalized attention. Multiple reviews mention how Daniela, Tiziana, Roberto, or other hosts take the time to answer questions, share stories, and make everyone feel comfortable. It’s a genuine, home-cooked vibe, rather than a staged commercial setup.

Location and Accessibility

The meeting point is conveniently located in Genoa, near public transportation, which makes it easy to fit into your day. The experience ends back at the start point, so you won’t have to worry about extra travel.

Price and Value

At $114.95 per person, this class offers good value considering the length, personalized attention, and the food you’ll get to enjoy. When you think about the skill you’ll take home—plus the memories—it’s a frugal way to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine.

Sanitary and Safety Measures

In light of current health considerations, the hosts are very careful—using sanitizing supplies, maintaining distance when necessary, and following sanitary protocols. Reviews note that the hosts are attentive to cleanliness and guest safety, which adds peace of mind.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

If you’re someone who loves hands-on culinary experiences, this class will hit the mark. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to learn something tangible—like how to make pasta from scratch or whip up tiramisu—rather than just tasting food. It’s a fantastic activity for couples, friends, or even a small family (if children are comfortable in home environments).

People who appreciate genuine local hospitality will especially enjoy this experience, as it offers a peek into everyday Italian life, not just a touristy demonstration. Those with dietary restrictions or allergies, especially to pets, should double-check with the hosts beforehand, as some homes have cats or dogs.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

For lovers of food, culture, and authentic experiences, this small-group Genoa class offers a warm, educational, and delicious journey into Italian cooking. The personal attention, cozy setting, and the joy of creating and sharing traditional dishes make it more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a memory-making event.

If you’re after a genuine taste of local life, want to pick up some new skills, or simply love Italian cuisine, this class will leave you feeling both satisfied and inspired. It’s especially valuable for those who value small, intimate experiences over large, commercial tours.

However, if you have allergies to pets or prefer a more polished, commercial environment, you might want to explore other options. But for the rest of us, this class feels like a true gift—an opportunity to become a little more Italian in your cooking and your spirit.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children? Many reviewers mention their kids participated happily, especially since the atmosphere is family-oriented and fun. However, check with the host if allergies or specific needs are a concern.

What’s included in the price? The fee covers the class itself, ingredients, and a shared meal featuring the pasta and tiramisu you prepare. Sometimes, drinks like wine or aperitivo are included or offered.

Can I choose between lunch or dinner? Yes, there are options for both, allowing you to fit the experience into your schedule.

How many people will be in the class? Up to 12 travelers, ensuring a cozy environment with plenty of personal attention.

Is there a cancellation policy? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the hosts friendly and knowledgeable? The reviews consistently praise Daniela, Tiziana, Roberto, and other hosts for their warmth, patience, and expert guidance.

What are the sanitary measures? Hosts are very careful—using sanitizers, maintaining distance, and providing necessary protective equipment when needed.

Will I get to eat what I make? Absolutely. You’ll enjoy a meal of your own pasta and tiramisu as part of the experience.

Is transportation easy to arrange? The meeting point is near public transit, making it accessible without hassle.

What makes this experience stand out? Its authentic setting, personalized attention, and the chance to make real Italian dishes in a home environment.

If you’re longing for a memorable, hands-on taste of Genoa’s culinary soul, this small-group pasta and tiramisu class is hard to beat. It’s more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and savor Italy in a truly personal way.