Bestseller

Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine

4.96

5.0(339 reviews)

3 hours

English, Italian

Mobile ticket

Show all 17 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

Italian

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Learn to make the famous Ligurian sauce in the city where it was born, topped off with a stunning terrace view over Genoa! Welcome to a genuine home in the historic center. In this intimate class, a local chef will teach you grandmother's secrets to making perfect "Pasta Fresca" and authentic Pesto from scratch.

Your journey takes place in a top-floor apartment boasting a panoramic terrace. (Please note: as typical of historic Genoa, the apartment is on the 5th floor without an elevator). After rolling dough and crushing fresh basil, enjoy a convivial feast featuring a traditional antipasto, your handmade pasta, a local dessert, regional wines, and a typical liqueur. Weather permitting, dine on the terrace; on colder or rainy days, you'll enjoy your meal in our cozy indoor dining room.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Communicate in advance any dietary restriction.

Accessibility: This experience takes place in a historic building on the 5th floor with NO elevator. Guests must be comfortable climbing stairs. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with severe mobility issues.

What To Expect

The Authentic Pesto: Discover the true, traditional Ligurian recipe. You will learn the proper technique to crush and blend fresh basil, European pine nuts, garlic, coarse salt, and hard cheese with premium local olive oil. Hands-on Pasta Making: Time to get your hands messy! Mix flour, water, and eggs to create the perfect fresh pasta dough. You will get insider tips on kneading, rolling, and shaping from a passionate local expert. A Convivial Feast & Local Toast: Relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Savor a delicious multi-course meal including an antipasto, your handmade pasta, and a traditional Genoese dessert. Complete your authentic Italian dining experience by toasting like a local with carefully selected regional wines and a typical Genoese liqueur.

Sample Menu

main

Pasta Fresca

Picagge- traditional Ligurian pasta similar to wide tagliatelle

main

Pesto

dessert

Traditional Genoese dessert

starter

Genoese focaccia, Focaccette di patate, torte salate

Options

Homemade Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef in Genoa

What‘s Included

Local wine and typical Genoese liqueur

Pesto and Fresh Pasta making masterclass

Full meal (Antipasto, Pasta, and Traditional Dessert)

All not mentioned in the inclusions is considered excluded.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.96

339 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

334

10/10 Must Do!
Michaela K,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Had the most amazing time on the rooftop - the roof is and a family of 3! The food was remarkable!! I loved the history the most and learning about Genova and why their food is different from other cities in Italy. The aperitif and first course were phenomenal. We got to enjoy them after making the pasta and pesto by hand. And then we got to eat the pasta with our freshly made pesto sauce. Alberto (I hope I spelled it right) was remarkable!! The dessert after was so great too! A nice Genoise take on tiramisu.
Pesto in the sky
Denise B,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is a fun experience, nestled away in a little pathway. Make sure you can climb up narrow staircases! If you can definitely worth it! Be sure and watch the video on how to arrive at the location.
Amazing experience!!!...
Shannon S,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing experience!!! Alberto welcomed his home to us all, such an unforgettable time. This was by far our favourite part of the trip in Genova!
Amazing experience!!
selenanavedo,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked this as a separate cruise excursion. Alberto communicated well on how to arrive and was very informative on the history behind our cooking class. Not only that we learn a lot about making pasta, we enjoyed good company, great wine, and an amazing meal. Would 100% recommend!
Strong recommendation.
Ute B,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This cooking class with Alberto is an absolute recommendation, both for Alberto himself and the location on his rooftop terrace.
Anytime again!
782kiad,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Alberto is very friendly and authentic. Great terrace! The cooking class was very well organized. Everything was delicious, and we had a lot of fun!
Wonderful Experience
Leisha P,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a once in a lifetime type experience. The class was conducted in the rooftop patio of the chief's home. There was four of us in the class. The chief made everyone feel very comfortable as we made pest and pasta. In addition the chief made us a small breakfast before we started the class and provided a dessert after we ate our pesto and pasta. Highly recommend this cooking experience. PS sorry for the late review.
Best cooking class in Italy
Maya J,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was easily one of the highlights of our trip to Italy! The class was fun, hands-on, and incredibly informative. Alberto was kind, patient, and very knowledgeable, sharing not only great cooking techniques but also insights into Italian food and culture. Making fresh pasta from scratch was a fantastic experience, and we left with new skills, delicious food, and wonderful memories. The atmosphere was welcoming and authentic, making it feel much more personal than a typical tourist activity. If you're visiting Genoa, I highly recommend this class. It was a truly memorable experience and one of our favorite parts of the trip!
A wonderful experience.
Marie F,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Alberto was amazing. He kindly opened up his home to us. He provided us with the best ingredients, warm hospitality and a wonderful rooftop. He explained thoroughly all the ingredients and how to make our pesto and pasta. He also provided us with lots of other local culinary treats. A lovely way to spend an afternoon; eat some lovely food with wonderful company and instruction. Highly recommend.
An experience to live!
Culture282758,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Welcoming and very friendly chef!