3- Cooking Making Spaghetti & Lasagna

If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing home a taste of Italy — not just souvenirs but real culinary skills — this Florence-based cooking class might be your perfect match. Hosted by Dalle Nostre Mani, this three-hour experience offers a chance to craft two beloved Italian dishes: spaghetti and lasagna. It’s a fun, interactive way to deepen your appreciation for Italian cuisine while enjoying the company of fellow travelers and the flavors of Tuscany.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances theoretical insights with practical skills—you’re not just watching, but actively making each dish from scratch using traditional methods. Plus, the venue in San Frediano is cozy, well-maintained, and conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. On the flip side, the limited wine offering might be a consideration for those expecting unlimited pours, but considering the value and depth of learning, it’s a minor point.

This tour is ideal for food lovers, curious travelers eager to learn authentic Italian cooking, or families looking for a memorable activity that’s both fun and educational. If you want to leave Florence not just with photos but with recipes and new skills, this class fits the bill.

Key Points

• Authentic Italian dishes: Learn to prepare staple dishes like spaghetti and lasagna using traditional techniques.
• Hands-on experience: Make pasta with flour, eggs, water, and milk, and learn the secrets of perfect sauce and béchamel.
• In-depth insights: Includes a historical and theoretical introduction to Italian culinary traditions.
• Enjoy sharing: Sit down together to eat your creations, complemented by a glass of Tuscan organic wine.
• Well-situated venue: Located in the charming San Frediano neighborhood of Florence.
• Small group size: Max of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

This class offers more than just a meal; it’s a full immersion into Italian culinary culture. We loved the way the instructor, Milena, combined patience with expertise — she’s praised for her friendly approach and deep knowledge of Italian cuisine. Guests describe her as “amazing,” “fabulous,” and “expansive in her knowledge,” making the learning process enjoyable and accessible.

The setting in San Frediano is a highlight too. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with local charm — narrow streets, colorful buildings, and a lively atmosphere that makes the cooking experience feel authentic. The venue is comfortable and well-kept, providing a cozy environment perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

The actual cooking process is masterfully designed to be both educational and fun. Guests get a chance to make pasta dough with rolling pins, learn how to create a flavorful Bolognese sauce, and master the art of béchamel. Several reviews mention the great tips and “little Italian secrets” shared by the instructors, which elevate the dishes from good to genuinely Italian.

Arrival and Introduction: You’ll meet at Piazza del Carmine, a lively and central spot in Florence. The group (limited to 10 people for an intimate experience) is welcomed and briefed on what’s to come.

Historical and Cultural Context: The instructor begins with a short talk about the significance of spaghetti and lasagna in Italy’s culinary landscape. This gives you an appreciation of why these dishes are more than just comfort food — they’re culinary symbols.

Hands-on Pasta Making: You’ll dive into creating your own pasta dough using traditional ingredients: flour, eggs, water, and milk. With guidance, you’ll learn how to roll out the dough with a rolling pin, aiming for the perfect thin sheets for lasagna and spaghetti.

Sauces and Filling: The class then shifts focus to sauces. You’ll learn how to prepare a classic Bolognese, with tips on balancing flavors and slow cooking to develop richness. Meanwhile, the béchamel sauce for the lasagna is explained and demonstrated, giving you the confidence to replicate it at home.

Assembly and Cooking: Working together, you’ll assemble the lasagna layers — pasta, Bolognese, béchamel, and cheese — and cook the spaghetti fresh, tasting the dough as you go. This step-by-step process demystifies the art of Italian home cooking.

Shared Meal and Wine: The pièce de résistance? Sitting down together to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The dishes are served with local Tuscan organic wine, which, while not unlimited, adds a genuine touch of Italy to your meal.

Dessert and Recipes: To finish, you’ll taste a delicious chocolate dessert, possibly a traditional Italian sweet, and receive recipes with all the secrets shared during the class.

At about $75.47 per person, this experience offers remarkable value considering the quality of instruction, the ingredients, and the takeaway recipes. Compared to dining out in Florence, where a meal can easily reach similar or higher costs without the hands-on element, this class provides an educational experience you can replicate at home.

Guests consistently comment on the generous portions of food and the knowledgeable guidance from instructors like Milena and Aly. Several reviews highlight that the dishes made during the class are among the best pasta they’ve had in Florence, which speaks to the authenticity and quality of the food.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it manageable even for travelers with tight schedules. The group size is small (maximum of 10), which means more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The activity is accessible to most travelers, including those with service animals, and is conveniently located near public transportation.

Booking in advance (average booking is 19 days ahead) is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy travel periods. Cancellation policy is flexible — free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance — so you can plan with confidence.

Reviewers consistently praise the instructor’s friendliness and expertise. Christen loved how Melina made the class fun and accommodating, while Guy appreciated Milena’s patience and expansive knowledge. Several mentioned how much they learned, with some saying they now feel confident making pasta at home.

Families, in particular, found the experience delightful. Jacee noted that her husband and son had more fun than expected, especially while it was raining outside. The approachable instructions and enjoyable group atmosphere make it ideal for all ages.

The shared meal is often highlighted as a memorable part. Guests appreciated the chance to taste their own creations paired with good-quality Tuscan wine, which added to the sense of genuine Italian hospitality.

If you’re eager to get hands-on with Italian cuisine, this class is perfect. It suits food lovers, cooking enthusiasts, and those who want a meaningful experience beyond just sightseeing. It’s especially ideal for families or small groups looking for a friendly, interactive activity that leaves you with practical skills.

Travelers who enjoy authentic, home-style dishes — and are curious about Italy’s culinary secrets — will find this class a treasure. The small group format fosters a cozy, engaging environment, making it suitable for beginners or seasoned cooks alike.

This Florence cooking class offers a fantastic blend of learning, tasting, and socializing. From making pasta from scratch with traditional ingredients to enjoying a shared meal paired with local wine, it’s a comprehensive culinary experience that transcends typical sightseeing. The instructors’ warmth and knowledge, combined with the authentic setting, make this a highly recommended activity.

While the wine might not be unlimited, the quality of instruction, the delicious dishes, and the recipes you bring home make it well worth the price. Whether you’re a solo traveler wanting to deepen your culinary knowledge or a family seeking a fun activity, this class promises a taste of Italy that’s both memorable and practical.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be easy to follow, with clear instructions and plenty of guidance from the instructor. It’s perfect whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience.

How long does the class last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including cooking, eating, and enjoying your meal together.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You will learn how to make spaghetti and lasagna from scratch, including pasta dough, Bolognese sauce, and béchamel.

Is there a wine included?
Yes, the experience includes Tuscan organic wine, which you can enjoy with your meal. However, it’s not unlimited, so drink responsibly.

Where is the meeting point?
The class starts at Piazza del Carmine, 4 in Florence, a lively area well-connected by public transportation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

Is the group size small?
Yes, a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.

Will I receive recipes?
Definitely. All participants get copies of the recipes, including the chef’s secret tips for perfect pasta and sauces.

Is the venue comfortable and well-equipped?
Yes, the teaching space in San Frediano is well-kept, cozy, and designed to facilitate hands-on cooking.

This Florence cooking class delivers a genuine taste of Italy — through its flavors, techniques, and warm atmosphere. It’s an experience that’s as much about making memories as it is about making pasta.