Pasta, Pesto and Tiramisu class Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Authentic Italian Cooking in Riomaggiore: Pasta, Pesto and Tiramisu Class

This highly-rated cooking class offers a genuine taste of Ligurian cuisine, set in a charming XVI-century private house in the heart of Riomaggiore. It’s a cozy, intimate experience where you’ll learn to craft some of Italy’s most beloved dishes—pasta, pesto, and tiramisu—from scratch, guided by Luca, a warm and knowledgeable host.

What makes this experience stand out is the setting: a historic home with a terrace overlooking the sea, perfect for savoring your homemade creations. The reviews consistently praise Luca’s friendly teaching style, the delicious food, and the chance to connect with fellow travelers.

A potential consideration is that the class involves a fair amount of stairs to access the location, and it’s not suitable for vegans, celiacs, or those with severe food allergies. This experience is best suited for food lovers, who enjoy hands-on cooking, meaningful cultural insights, and beautiful seaside views.

Key Points

• Authentic recipes: Made from Luca’s grandmother’s traditional techniques, ensuring genuine flavors.
• Intimate setting: Small group size (max 4 travelers), fostering personalized attention and lively conversation.
• Stunning views: A terrace overlooking the Ligurian Sea offers a perfect backdrop for tasting your dishes.
• Comprehensive experience: Learn to make pasta, pesto, and tiramisu, with a focus on techniques and history behind each dish.
• Excellent value: For around $137, you get hands-on cooking, local wine, and a memorable cultural experience.
• Inclusive atmosphere: Luca and his dog Ettore create a relaxed, welcoming environment that makes even beginners comfortable.

The Experience Breakdown: Cooking in a Historic Riomaggiore Home

The Welcome and Setting

From the moment you arrive, Luca greets you like an old friend—alongside his adorable dog Ettore—and offers a glass of prosecco to set the mood. The house, dating back to the 16th century, has an inviting charm. You’ll gather around a well-set table on the terrace, where the sea views immediately put you at ease.

Starting with Tiramisù

The class kicks off with the preparation of Tiramisù, a true Italian classic. Luca’s step-by-step guidance ensures even newcomers can follow along, and reviewers love how personable and patient he is. As you layer mascarpone, espresso, ladyfingers, and cocoa, you’ll get a real sense of the care that goes into Italian desserts. Several travelers mention that this dish is not just tasty but also a fun collaborative effort.

Crafting Pesto with Mortar and Pestle

Next, the focus shifts to the legendary Ligurian Pesto. Instead of blending in a machine, Luca insists on crushing basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese with a mortar and pestle—a technique that really unlocks the flavors. This hands-on approach makes a noticeable difference in taste, and many guests rave about the “BEST pesto ever” they’ve made. Luca shares stories about the origins of pesto, adding cultural depth to the cooking.

Making and Tasting Trofie Pasta

Now, it’s time to make the local TROFIE pasta, which is perfect for pairing with your freshly made pesto. Luca guides you through kneading, rolling, and shaping the pasta—sure to be a highlight for those who enjoy tactile cooking. Once cooked, you’ll sit down on the terrace to enjoy your meal with a glass of local white wine. The pairing of homemade pasta and Ligurian wine earns high praise, with many noting the dishes are “delicious” and the atmosphere “relaxing.”

The Final Touch: Tiramisu Again?

Yes, the class concludes with a second round of Tiramisù, reinforcing the technique and leaving you with a dessert you’ll be confident making at home. Reviewers frequently mention how Luca’s explanations make the process approachable, and some say they now have the confidence to recreate these dishes themselves.

The Cultural and Personal Touches

Throughout the experience, Luca shares tidbits about Ligurian cuisine and local traditions. His warm personality and the intimate setting make it feel more like a cooking session with a friendly neighbor than a commercial class. Reviewers point out that this personal touch elevates the experience, making it both fun and educational.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Location and Accessibility

The class takes place in Riomaggiore, just about a 10-minute walk from the train station. The house is in a historic part of town with some stairs involved in reaching it, so be prepared for a bit of a walk. Parking is available nearby, but at a cost, and the harbor is also within walking distance.

Duration and Group Size

At approximately 2.5 hours, this class offers enough time for detailed instruction without feeling rushed. The maximum group size is four people, which ensures personalized attention but also means you should book well in advance—on average, travelers book 39 days ahead.

Cost and Value

Priced at $137.57 per person, this experience provides good value considering the hands-on cooking, local wine, and personalized attention. The inclusion of all fees and taxes simplifies the booking process, and the small group enhances the intimate feel.

What’s Included & What’s Not

You get a welcome glass of prosecco, local white wine during the meal, and the dishes you’ve prepared—plus all fees and taxes. Not included are breakfast, snacks, brunch, private transportation, and the host’s private toilet, so plan accordingly.

Suitability & Considerations

This experience is best for those comfortable with stairs and not dealing with food allergies or celiac sensitivities. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or travelers craving authentic, home-cooked Italian flavors and a glimpse into local traditions.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences: What Travelers Say

Reviewers love Luca’s genuine hospitality and his ability to make everyone feel comfortable. Many mention how much they appreciated the detailed explanations about ingredients and techniques, which they plan to replicate back home. The setting—an historic house with panoramic views—adds to the authenticity, making this more than just a cooking lesson.

Several guests highlight the value of the experience, noting that they gained confidence in making pasta, pesto, and tiramisu on their own. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy the meal on a terrace overlooking the sea makes the time feel truly special.

While some mention the stairs or the timing stretching longer if the group moves slowly, these minor points don’t overshadow the overall positive vibe. Luca’s engaging style and delicious food ensure this experience is memorable.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re a food lover eager to learn traditional Ligurian dishes from someone who genuinely cares about sharing his culture, this class is perfect. It’s also a fantastic choice for couples or small groups wanting a relaxed, personal experience with stunning views. The focus on making dishes from scratch offers a deeper connection to Italian cuisine—something many travelers cherish.

It’s less suited for travelers with severe food allergies, vegans, or celiacs, given the specific ingredients used. Also, those who dislike stairs or prefer larger groups may want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

This Riomaggiore cooking class is a rare opportunity to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting. The combination of Luca’s warm hospitality, the scenic terrace, and the hands-on cooking makes it a standout experience for anyone who wants to go beyond sightseeing and truly taste Liguria.

You’ll leave with new skills, a better understanding of local flavors, and a collection of recipes to impress friends back home. It’s perfect for intimate groups, couples, or solo travelers seeking a meaningful cultural activity that combines learning, eating, and breathtaking views.

If you’re longing for a taste of Italy’s culinary soul in a cozy, picturesque environment, this class is likely to become one of your trip’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cooking class suitable for beginners?
Yes, Luca’s friendly approach makes it accessible for all skill levels, even those new to cooking.

How long does the class last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including cooking, eating, and chatting.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll prepare pasta (Trofie), pesto, and tiramisu—all from scratch, following traditional recipes.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dishes are vegetarian-friendly, but it’s not suitable for vegans or celiacs.

Are drinks included?
Yes, a welcome glass of prosecco and local white wine are part of the experience.

Where does the class take place?
In a historic XVI-century house in Riomaggiore, about a 10-minute walk from the station.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for cooking, and be prepared for some stairs to access the venue.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, with a full refund.

Is this activity family-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be able to handle stairs and the length of the session.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 4 travelers, ensuring a personalized, relaxed environment.

This Riomaggiore cooking class offers a perfect blend of authentic flavors, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality—ideal for those who want to experience Italy through its culinary traditions.