Genoa: Hands-On Home cooking Class Pasta Pesto and more with wine

Overview

Available languages

English

Italian

French

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Step into a real Genovese kitchen and experience the heart of Italian cuisine in this hands-on cooking class with a local host. This immersive culinary experience takes you beyond restaurants and into the home of a passionate cook eager to share family recipes and Ligurian food traditions.

You’ll start by getting to know the fresh, seasonal ingredients typical of Liguria: fragrant basil, rich olive oil, Parmigiano, pine nuts, and more. Then, roll up your sleeves to prepare fresh pasta from scratch—perhaps trofie or tagliatelle—guided step-by-step by your host.

The highlight of the class is learning how to make traditional pesto alla genovese, the way it’s been done for centuries—by hand with a mortar and pestle. You’ll discover the stories and techniques behind this iconic sauce and why its flavor is unmatched when made fresh.

Once the cooking is done, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor: served with local Ligurian wine.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Communicate in advance any dietary restriction

Customers who have not reached the legal drinking age in Italy, i.e. 18, will not be served alcoholic beverages.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Wine

Hands on cooking class

Lunch: 3 courses diferents types of pasta prepared

Coffee and/or Tea

All that has not been mentioned in the inclusions

What To Expect

Get a real taste of Liguria with this hands-on cooking class in Genoa. Join a local host in their home kitchen and learn how to make traditional fresh pasta and the world-famous Genovese pesto from scratch. Enjoy local wine, discover authentic techniques, and share a homemade meal in a friendly and immersive Italian atmosphere. A must-do experience for food lovers and curious travelers alike! In this hands-on class, you'll create colorful gnocchi in vibrant shades of white, red, and green, all made with natural ingredients. The highlight? Crafting gnocchi stuffed with fragrant pesto and serving them with butter and sage—an irresistible Genoese specialty or fresh pasta. You’ll also learn to prepare authentic pesto using a mortar and pestle, unlocking the secrets of this beloved regional sauce. Throughout the session, enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environment as you prepare, cook, and savor your creations. Pair your meal with local wines and end with coffee for the perfect finale. This class is a unique opportunity to embrace Genoa's rich culinary heritage. Don’t miss out on this delicious and memorable experience!

Sample Menu

main

Hand made pasta and pesto

starter

Focaccia

Focaccia Genovese

Options

CORSO PODESTA

LOCATION: Corso Andrea Podestà 11 Genova Interior 3 - 2nd floor Buzz named "Naronte /Gherardi" click link herehttps://g.co/kgs/7P
Starting point:
Corso Andrea Podesta', 11, 16128 Genova GE, Italy

VICO PALLA

Meeting point at Vico Palla 9
Starting point:
Vico Palla, 3, 16128 Genova GE, Italy

Reviews

4.57

35 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Gnocchi and Pesto cooking class was amazing!
Adam C,
May 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Silvia and Alessandra welcomed us into their lovely home to teach us how to properly make an authentic pesto and gnocchi. This seemed less like a cooking class and more like visiting and cooking with a group of old friends. They were patient and generous with their time and knowledge. We laughed and sipped wine and enjoyed the fragrant flowers on the balcony while overlooking the city of Genoa. I highly recommend this class to people staying in Genoa or just visiting for the day on a cruise. The location is convenient to the port as well as the city center. The food is excellent and so is the company. We will definitely come back and do this again the next time we are in Genoa.
Splendid
Sandra M,
May 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had an amazing meal. Both Alexandra & Lydia were patient, friendly & warm. Passion for food is obvious & we learned skills that we can use.
True Italian Experience
Christine A,
May 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Alberto was a wonderful host and shared historical, traditional knowledge with us to teach us not just how to make pesto and fresh pasta, but how to make the very best! It was delicious and he was charming and hospitable. He’s as Italian as they come! Just know that there are many stairs to climb-our app didn’t inform us of that—and leave plenty of time to find the location.
Genoa Cooking Class
Gabriella P,
Apr 14, 2024
- Viator
5.00
We truly enjoyed a beautiful evening on the terrace and Alberto’s gracious hospitality. The food and instruction were excellent and were a wonderful final chapter to our vacation
Alberto’s cooking class...
Lily G,
Mar 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Alberto’s cooking class was a highlight of our trip to Genoa. He’s very kind and instructive. In addition to making pesto and pasta we were also served some Genovese pies, focaccia and wine. A delicious experience!