Sanremo, with its charming streets and fresh markets, is a fantastic place to learn authentic Italian cooking. Unlike many touristy spots, Sanremo offers genuine experiences that connect you with local traditions—whether that’s shopping at a village market or mastering Ligurian recipes in a cozy home kitchen. We especially like the Sanremo Home Cooking Class because it combines hands-on cooking, local market shopping, and a wine tasting—perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves deeply in regional flavors. This tour is a great way to bring home authentic recipes and stories from a licensed guide who makes it all accessible and fun.
In this list, you’ll find two very different but equally authentic cooking experiences. One offers an intimate, home-based approach with a focus on Ligurian dishes, while the other hones in on the iconic pesto alla genovese—the sauce that is practically a culinary emblem of the region. Each provides a unique slice of Liguria’s rich food culture and practical skills you can recreate back home. Let’s explore what makes each of these Sanremo cooking classes stand out.
1. Sanremo Home Cooking Class
For those who want to truly experience Italian home cooking, this class is hard to beat. Over around 5 hours, you’ll walk through a local market to pick fresh ingredients, then join a licensed guide in preparing a four-course Ligurian meal. The menu often features regional favorites like pasta, a Ligurian appetizer, a main course, and a classic dessert like panna cotta or tiramisu. What makes this tour distinctive is its hands-on approach—not just demonstration but active participation, where you’ll be rolling pasta or making sauces with your own hands.
The guide, a knowledgeable local, shares stories about Ligurian cuisine and the region’s culinary traditions, making it more than just a cooking class. The experience includes wine, olive oil tasting, and a sparkling prosecco aperitif, giving you a real taste of local flavors. This class is ideal for travelers who want an immersive, authentic experience—especially for families or small groups. The reviews reflect this, with one saying, “The depth of knowledge of Roberta made it so very memorable,” adding that even a 12-year-old enjoyed learning alongside adults.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an authentic, hands-on Ligurian cooking experience with local market shopping and wine tasting, this class offers excellent value at around $235 per person.
2. Cooking Class Pesto Sauce
This shorter class, taking about 2 hours, zeroes in on the region’s most famous delicacy: pesto alla genovese. Here, you’ll learn how to make this iconic sauce using traditional techniques—ground with a marble mortar and a wooden pestle—just as Ligurian nonnas have done for generations. The instructor, a local chef, shares insights into the history and cultural significance of pesto, making this more than just a cooking lesson.
What sets this class apart is the focus on authenticity: you’ll use local basil, pine nuts, and Liguria’s excellent extra-virgin olive oil. After making your pesto, you’ll sample it tossed with fresh pasta and served with Taggiasca olives, giving you a delicious taste of the region’s flavors. Plus, you get to take home a recipe to recreate the sauce anytime. The class has a warm, intimate feel, perfect for those pressed for time but keen to master Liguria’s most famous sauce.
One reviewer calls it “a great way to learn about Ligurian cuisine in a short time,” highlighting the practical skills gained. The value here is clear—an approximately $80 price tag for a hands-on, memorable experience that leaves you with a lasting skill.
Bottom Line: For a quick, focused, and authentic pesto experience, this class offers excellent value and a memorable skill for your culinary repertoire.
How to Choose Your Perfect Sanremo Cooking Class
If you’re trying to decide between these options, consider your interests and schedule. The Sanremo Home Cooking Class is ideal if you want a comprehensive, immersive experience that covers multiple dishes and includes market shopping and wine tasting. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to learn techniques they can replicate at home and enjoy a leisurely half-day with a knowledgeable guide.
On the other hand, if your main goal is mastering pesto, or if you’re short on time, the Pesto Sauce Class offers a focused, exciting session that provides a specific skill with a delicious payoff. Both experiences are worth booking early, especially in the busy summer months, to ensure availability.
Think about your budget and what kind of experience you want—are you more interested in a full Ligurian meal or just the secrets behind one iconic sauce? Either way, both tours promise an authentic taste of Sanremo’s culinary traditions.
Final Thoughts
Sanremo offers a tempting mix of culinary adventures that suit different travelers. For those eager to dive into Ligurian cuisine from market to plate, the Sanremo Home Cooking Class provides a rich, hands-on experience. If you’re more interested in mastering a regional specialty like pesto, the shorter, focused Pesto Sauce class is a smart choice.
No matter which you pick, these classes are a wonderful way to connect with local culture through food. They also make memorable souvenirs—skills and recipes—that last well beyond your trip. Book early to secure your spot, and prepare for a tasty, authentic Ligurian adventure.
