Lecce isn’t just about baroque facades and winding alleyways—it’s also a fantastic place to learn how to cook true Apulian cuisine. The city’s rich culinary traditions, fresh regional ingredients, and warm hospitality make it ideal for hands-on cooking classes. We especially love experiences that go beyond just following a recipe, such as the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce, which takes you into a family home to make orecchiette with local hosts. Meanwhile, the Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400s-Era Courtyard offers a historic setting for a fun, authentic pasta session. Whether you’re after a cozy family experience or a more structured class, Lecce’s cooking tours bring the flavors of Puglia to life.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of cooking experiences—from intimate home-cooking classes and pasta workshops to market visits combined with private cooking lessons. Prices start around $66 and go up to about $217, with durations ranging from 2 to 5 hours. Some focus on regional specialties like orecchiette and sagne, others include wine tastings or market excursions. For a deeper dive into local ingredients and traditions, check out the Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home, which offers a personalized, immersive experience. Now, let’s take a closer look at each option.
1. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
This highly-rated experience offers a warm, family-run setting just 15 minutes from Lecce in Corigliano d’Otranto. Enza and her family open their authentic villa to teach the secrets of making orecchiette and macaroni using traditional Apulian techniques. Over about 3.5 hours, you’ll learn to prepare regional recipes using seasonal, fresh ingredients. The class ends with a delightful dinner paired with local wines, making it a comprehensive culinary immersion. Guests consistently praise the hosts’ warmth and the genuine, home-cooked atmosphere—”Enza and Antonio were perfect hosts,” one reviewer notes. The experience costs $91.53 per person, which is excellent value considering the hands-on cooking, dinner, wine, and cultural insight. It’s perfect for those craving a personalized, authentic taste of Lecce’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: A family-hosted experience ideal for food lovers seeking a warm, memorable evening with top-rated hosts.
2. Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400s-Era Courtyard with Wine
For about $66, this 1400s courtyard pasta class offers a fun, historically rich setting in the heart of Lecce. The class focuses on making Orecchiette and Sagne, two iconic Apulian pasta types, in a beautifully preserved courtyard from the 1400s. The small group size and friendly local instructor create an engaging environment, and after the hands-on session, you’ll enjoy your pasta with a glass of regional wine. Guests often mention the lively international atmosphere and the joy of making pasta in such a historic setting. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine history, culture, and local flavors with a relaxed, convivial vibe.
Bottom Line: A charming, affordable way to master traditional Apulian pasta recipes while soaking in historic ambiance.
3. Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner included and Wines
This 2.5-hour class, priced at $68.50, is held in a beautiful 1400s courtyard in Lecce’s center. You’ll learn the art of shaping orecchiette and sagne with a professional cook, gaining skills you can replicate back home. The class includes cooking the pasta, then enjoying a communal meal paired with regional wines. Reviewers highlight how friendly and patient the staff are, making it a great choice for first-timers or those looking for a relaxed, interactive experience. The focus on traditional techniques, along with the opportunity to taste your creations, makes this a very practical yet authentic introduction to regional cuisine. Overall, it’s excellent value for a hands-on cooking and dining experience in a historic setting.
Bottom Line: A friendly, comprehensive class perfect for those wanting to learn regional pasta secrets and enjoy a delicious meal.
4. Make pasta, drink wine. Cooking class with transported included!
At about $115, this 3.5-hour experience offers a full sensory immersion into Salento’s culinary culture. The class emphasizes making fresh pasta by hand, an important local tradition, with practical lessons in creating authentic dishes. The experience is tailored for small groups, encouraging direct interaction with your host, and includes transport, making it ideal for travelers who want convenience and a deeper cultural connection. The focus on both learning a skill and enjoying regional wines and local specialties makes this a versatile choice. Reviews mention it as a “fun, authentic” experience, with some noting the practical knowledge they take home. Suitable for those who want a comprehensive, all-in-one culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a full cultural and culinary experience, with the added convenience of transport.
5. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing in Lecce
For $77.23, this 2-hour class captures Lecce’s essence—combining hands-on pasta making with regional wine tasting. Held in an osteria in Lecce’s old town, it offers an intimate setting to learn the art of shaping orecchiette and then relax over a guided wine experience paired with cheeses and regional delicacies. Reviewers enjoy the informal atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from passionate hosts. The small-group size ensures personal attention, and the focus on pairing pasta with local wines makes it ideal for food and wine enthusiasts. It’s also a good value given the combination of activity and tasting.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want to combine pasta skills with regional wine and cheese in a cozy, authentic setting.
6. Lecce Hands-on Home Cooking Class: Craft Orecchiette & Savor Wine
For about $115, this small-group (max seven people) experience offers an intimate look at making orecchiette and maccheroni in a cozy family setting. The class begins with preparing fresh sauces and includes a welcome aperitif, local wines, and a chance to enjoy your meal with homemade bread and dessert. Reviewers praise the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the detailed instruction that leaves you with recipes to take home. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a more personalized experience and a chance to learn regional recipes in a relaxed, family environment.
Bottom Line: A highly personable, hands-on experience perfect for those looking for an authentic family-style cooking day.
7. Pasta Cooking Classes and Apulian Recipes
This 4-hour class at $92.19 offers a deep dive into regional pasta traditions, guided by a host who shares insights into Lecce’s culinary culture. You’ll learn to make various pasta types, from scratch, and cook traditional recipes. Reviewers appreciate the engaging host and the chance to prepare a full meal of pasta, sauces, and regional dishes. The longer duration makes it suited for travelers wanting a thorough, multi-course experience. It’s particularly appealing for those interested in learning the cultural background behind the recipes.
Bottom Line: A detailed, immersive cooking session for those eager to learn regional pasta and culinary traditions.
8. Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home
This premium, personalized experience at $216.67 lasts about 4.5 hours. It includes a market visit with your host, followed by a private, hands-on class making three regional recipes in their home. The experience concludes with a meal accompanied by local wines. Reviewers value the personalized attention and the chance to see firsthand how local ingredients are selected and used. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth, tailored culinary journey and an authentic connection with local life. The price reflects the private, customized nature of the tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking an exclusive, comprehensive culinary experience with personal guidance.
9. Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Lecce
For about $172, this roughly 5-hour experience combines market exploration with hands-on cooking. Led by friendly locals, you shop for ingredients and then prepare dishes like pasta and tiramisu in a welcoming home or B&B setting. Reviewers highlight the friendly hosts and the chance to learn regional specialties firsthand. It’s a great option if you want to understand local ingredients before cooking and enjoy a meal with wine afterward. The smaller group size ensures an intimate, educational experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive look at local ingredients coupled with authentic cooking.
10. Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo at a Local Home in Otranto
Priced at $98.33, this 2.5-hour private experience offers an authentic home-cooked meal including a cooking demonstration. It features recipes handed down by local Italian Mammas, with a full 4-course menu and regional wines. Reviewers appreciate the warm hospitality and the chance to connect with local families. It’s ideal for those who want a personal, intimate culinary experience focused on family recipes. The experience provides a good balance of demonstration and participation, perfect for a relaxed, authentic taste of Salento’s culinary heritage.
Bottom Line: An intimate, family-style experience ideal for those looking for authentic recipes and warm hospitality.
11. Focaccia and Dessert Cooking Class
For just around $92, this casual class in Lecce’s old town offers a hands-on experience making focaccia and tiramisu. It takes about 2 hours and is led in a cozy Bistrot, focusing on simple, culinary techniques taught by local chefs. Reviewers love how relaxed and fun it is, with plenty of tastings of their freshly made focaccia and desserts. It’s perfect for those wanting to combine baking with a laid-back atmosphere, and it includes a casual lunch with your creations, making it a great value.
Bottom Line: A fun, relaxed class ideal for those interested in baking regional treats in an informal setting.
12. Private Cooking Class in Lecce: Handmade pasta
This exclusive 4.5-hour class at $142.51 focuses on making authentic homemade pasta, including Orecchiette and Maccheroncini. Led by Enza, you’ll learn her secret recipes and use locally sourced ingredients for an unbeatable flavor. After preparing the pasta, you’ll enjoy a feast of local vegetables, cheeses, and your own creations, complemented by regional wines and homemade limoncello. Guests rave about the detailed instruction and the quality of the ingredients, making it perfect for serious food lovers. It’s a great choice if you want a comprehensive, personalized culinary experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent, in-depth pasta-making experience for those wanting a memorable, chef-led class.
$142.51 per person
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Lecce
When selecting a Lecce cooking class, consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. If you’re after a family-style, authentic experience, the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano offers warm hospitality and homemade dishes. For history buffs wanting a historic setting, the Pasta Making Class in 1400s-Era Courtyard combines historic ambiance with fun pasta-making. If your focus is on regional ingredients, the Market Visit and Private Cooking Class provides a personalized, immersive experience.
For those who prefer a shorter, more casual outing, the Focaccia and Dessert class is a delightful choice, while travelers wanting a comprehensive, in-depth immersion might prefer the Pasta Cooking Classes and Recipes. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak months, to secure your preferred time and experience.
Lecce offers a diverse array of culinary experiences. Whether you want to learn traditional pasta, enjoy a private family dinner, or explore Lecce’s markets, there’s a class suited to your style. For a personalized, hands-on experience, the Private Cooking Class in Lecce or the Market Visit and Cooking will satisfy those looking for authentic, in-depth insights. For casual afternoons, the focaccia and dessert classes fit the bill perfectly. Whatever your preference, Lecce’s cooking tours promise an authentic taste of Puglia that’s both delicious and fun. Book early, bring your appetite, and get ready to cook like a local.