Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine

Trying to capture the true essence of Italian cuisine often involves more than just tasting; it’s about learning the craft behind each dish. This cooking class in Positano offers a hands-on experience that goes beyond the typical tourist fare. Led by Ferdinando, a passionate chef born and raised on the Amalfi Coast, the session combines traditional techniques with a scenic farm setting, making it a truly memorable culinary adventure.

One aspect we particularly love is how Ferdinando’s warm personality and deep knowledge create an engaging, genuine atmosphere—plus, you get to indulge in local wines and fresh ingredients straight from the farm. A potential drawback? The experience is held a little away from Positano itself, so transportation arrangements are worth considering if you’re not local or without a car.

This class suits travelers who want an immersive, authentic food experience, especially those eager to learn how to recreate classic Italian dishes with fresh, local ingredients. It’s also ideal for food lovers who enjoy cultural insights and beautiful scenery—an excellent way to turn a restaurant visit into a memorable part of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn to make pasta, mozzarella, and tiramisu with expert guidance in a farm setting.
• Beautiful Setting: Located in scenic Positano, surrounded by gardens, animals, and stunning hillside views.
• Good Value: At around $79.39 per person, you gain hands-on skills, a delicious meal, and local wine—an excellent price for the quality and authenticity.
• Expert Host: Ferdinando’s warmth and storytelling make the experience special, enhanced by his family’s welcoming atmosphere.
• Tasting & Wine: Post-cooking tasting with local wines elevates the experience, adding a real taste of the region.
• Group Size & Flexibility: With a maximum of 40 travelers and options for flexible scheduling, it maintains an intimate and relaxed vibe.

What to Expect from the Cooking Class

Meeting Point & Location

The class begins at Via degli Ontanelli, 13, 80051 Pianillo NA, a short drive from Positano’s busy streets. While not directly in Positano, the journey up the hills rewards you with peaceful views and a genuine rural farm atmosphere. Transport options are nearby, and many reviews mention that the scenic ride alone is worth it.

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step

1. Making Mozzarella
Ferdinando guides you through the traditional craft of mozzarella production. Expect to get your hands into the fresh curd, learning artisanal techniques to achieve the perfect texture. Reviewers like Sandy mention how much fun Ferdinando’s humor adds, especially during this part. His passion for sharing authentic methods makes the process engaging rather than technical.

2. Crafting Homemade Pasta
Next, the focus shifts to pasta, specifically homemade ravioli or similar tagliatelle. Using local ingredients, you’ll learn how to knead, roll, and cut the dough just right. Several reviews highlight how surprisingly easy and rewarding it is to make pasta from scratch, with Ferdinando sharing handy tips along the way. One guest, Louis, called it a “wonderful and fun experience,” emphasizing how Ferdinando’s staff, especially Michael, made the making process lively and memorable.

3. Creating Tiramisu
Finally, you’ll master the iconic Italian dessert—tiramisu. Ferdinando shares secrets for layering mascarpone, coffee, and cocoa, resulting in a delicious, creamy tiramisu that you’ll get to taste at the end. Reviewers like Daniel praise how fabulous the dessert turned out, noting Ferdinando’s fabulous teaching style.

4. Tasting & Wine
After cooking, you’ll settle into a picturesque farm setting to sample your creations. Local wines are served to complement each dish, adding an authentic touch. Guests often comment on the quality of the wines, with many noting they bought bottles to take home after the experience. As Louis H states, Ferdinando’s selection and presentation make for a “wonderful and fun” tasting.

The Setting and Atmosphere

This experience is set on a tranquil farm, surrounded by lush gardens, animals, and sweeping hillside views that make the hours fly by. It’s a peaceful escape from the crowds, offering a glimpse into rural Amalfi life. Several guests mention that the environment feels like “classic Italy,” with Ferdinando’s family making everyone feel exceptionally welcome.

Music often plays in the background, and the whole vibe is intimate enough that even larger groups feel cozy. The outdoor setting, combined with the fresh air and scenic backdrop, makes the cooking experience more than just a lesson—it’s an immersion in Amalfi coast hospitality.

The Value & Practical Considerations

At roughly $79.39 per person, this class provides a lot of value. You’re not only learning authentic recipes but also gaining insight into traditional methods, enjoying local wine, and experiencing the gorgeous rural scenery. For many, the cost is justified by the quality of instruction, the freshness of ingredients, and the engaging, friendly atmosphere.

The duration is approximately 3 hours, which strikes a balance between a comprehensive session and a relaxed experience. Visitors should plan a bit of extra time for transportation since the meeting point is outside Positano’s main area, but many reviewers agree that the journey and the setting are well worth it.

Highlights from Guest Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise Ferdinando’s warmth and expertise. Charlotte notes the fun atmosphere created by Michael, who’s known for his humor, making the process of making noodles and tiramisu especially enjoyable. Sandy calls it “the highlight of our trip,” emphasizing how friendly and kind Ferdinando and his family are.

A common theme is the authenticity of the ingredients—many mention that everything is sourced from Ferdinando’s farm, which elevates the quality of the dishes. The wines served are also a standout for many; guests often buy bottles to take home, appreciating their local origin and pairing.

Some guests, like Santra, encountered issues with the location—it’s slightly farther from Positano than expected, and communication about the venue was not clear upfront. However, this seems to be an exception rather than the rule, and most reviews highlight the scenic drive as part of the charm.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cooking class is perfect for foodies wanting an authentic Italian culinary experience. If you enjoy hands-on activities, learning new techniques, and eating well in a peaceful setting, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also a great option for those interested in local wines and regional ingredients, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts.

Travelers seeking a more personal, cultural encounter with Amalfi life will appreciate Ferdinando’s friendly approach and storytelling. Families, couples, or solo travelers who don’t mind a short trip outside Positano will find this to be a rewarding and memorable way to connect with Italian food traditions.

The Sum Up

This Amalfi Coast cooking class balances authenticity, scenic beauty, and fun. Ferdinando’s passion for sharing his culinary heritage shines through, making the whole experience engaging whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned foodie. Knowing that everything is made from ingredients grown right on the farm adds authenticity and freshness that’s hard to beat.

At a reasonable price, travelers gain not just new skills but also a deeper appreciation for Amalfi’s food culture, accompanied by beautiful views and good local wine. It’s a fantastic choice for those who value genuine experiences and expert guidance in a peaceful, picturesque setting.

While slightly outside the main hub of Positano, the journey and authentic environment make this a standout activity that’s well worth planning for. Whether celebrating a special trip or simply wanting to learn more about Italian cuisine, this class offers a warm, flavorful slice of Italy to take home with you.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, the experience begins at a specified location in Pianillo, which is accessible by public transportation or car. The scenic drive up the hills is part of the charm.

How long does the class last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, offering plenty of time to learn, cook, and taste your creations without feeling rushed.

What dishes will I learn to prepare?
You will make fresh mozzarella, homemade pasta (like ravioli or tagliatelle), and tiramisu. All recipes use local, fresh ingredients.

Are drinks included?
Yes, local wines are served during the tasting session, adding an authentic regional touch. Guests often appreciate the selection, with some buying bottles afterward.

What’s the group size?
The maximum number of participants is 40, but the setting remains intimate enough for personalized attention, especially with smaller groups.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the hands-on nature and age restrictions on alcohol suggest it’s best suited for adults or older teenagers.

Do I need any cooking experience?
Not at all. The class is designed for all skill levels, and Ferdinando’s guidance makes learning easy and fun.

Is the farm environment accessible?
The experience takes place outdoors in a farm setting, surrounded by gardens and animals, offering a charming, rustic vibe.

This cooking class promises a genuine taste of Amalfi life—combining skill, scenery, and delicious regional flavors in a truly memorable way. Whether you’re a food lover or just looking for a meaningful activity, it’s a delightful way to spend part of your trip.