Matera isn’t just famous for its dramatic stone houses and ancient sassi caves. It’s also a fantastic place to learn authentic Southern Italian cooking. Unlike typical classes, many of these experiences take you into local homes, farms, or historic cellars, where you can see and taste real Matera traditions. We especially like the private farm experience, which combines rural charm with hands-on cooking, and the pasta class in a Sassi cellar—both offer a taste of local life that you won’t find in a touristy kitchen. For a more personalized touch, the private Cesarina class in a local home really stands out. Whether you’re after rustic farm dishes or classic pasta, these options give you an authentic, engaging way to bring southern Italian flavors home.
Quick Overview
Below, we review four top-rated cooking experiences in Matera. The list includes farm-to-table classes, pasta-making in a historic cellar, and private lessons in locals’ homes—each offering a unique glimpse into Matera’s culinary scene. To see the details, follow the links for the Matera Cooking Class, Pasta Cooking Class Old Farmer Style, Market and Private Home Cooking, and Cesarina Home Tasting.
1. Matera Cooking Class
This private farm experience offers a full immersion into Matera’s rural side. Over around four hours, you’ll connect with a local family at their organic olive and orange farm, a setting that many travelers miss entirely. After a brief tour of the groves, you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn how to prepare fresh pasta along with other traditional starters. The highlight? Sitting down at the end of the class to enjoy a country-style lunch with everything you’ve made, paired with local wines if you’d like.
This class is perfect if you want to escape the crowds and see how local families live and cook. The hosts are described as delightful, and the experience earns a flawless 5.0/5 rating from 66 reviews. Guests love the authentic farm setting, the hands-on pasta making, and the casual, friendly atmosphere. The price ($161.34 per person) reflects its private, personalized nature and the chance to connect with local hosts directly.
Bottom Line: If you’re after authentic rural cuisine and a genuine cultural exchange, this class is a standout choice. It’s great for foodies who want to learn traditional recipes in a relaxed setting.
2. Matera: Pasta Cooking Class Old Farmer Style in a Sassi Cellar
For around $91, this 3-hour pasta class offers a roughly half-day dive into Matera’s culinary roots. Held in a historic Sassi cellar carved from ancient stone, this experience is a feast for the senses. Led by a professional chef, you’ll learn how to make bruschetta, cialledda salad, and traditional pasta with local ingredients. The setting makes this especially memorable—imagine kneading dough in a cave that’s centuries old.
What makes this class unique is the setting in the Sassi’s ancient cellars and the focus on traditional techniques. The class emphasizes local ingredients that are carefully sourced, ensuring an authentic taste. The reviews are glowing—guests note the authenticity, and the hosts making the experience feel more like a cultural exchange than just cooking.
The class is suitable for those interested in Italian food traditions, especially history lovers who enjoy the atmosphere of old stone. The value for money is high, considering the quality of instruction and setting.
Bottom Line: A perfect pick for history and food buffs who want a hands-on, intimate experience in a historic setting.
3. Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home in Matera
This 6-hour experience is tailored for those who really want to enjoy local life. Starting with a trip to a local market, you’ll learn how to select the best fresh produce and ingredients—a crucial step many overlook. Afterward, you’ll be welcomed into a private home for a personalized cooking class, where you prepare three regional specialties. The class ends with sharing your meal over local wine and coffee, creating a true culinary exchange.
What sets this apart is the personalized attention and the private setting, perfect for small groups or couples. The host’s insider knowledge makes this a deep dive into Matera’s regional cuisine. The experience lasts about six hours, making it the most comprehensive culinary experience on the list.
Rated 5.0/5 from a single review, this experience offers a highly personalized, cultural experience that appeals to foodies eager to learn regional secrets. The price ($218.98 per person) might seem high, but it includes market shopping, cooking, and tasting, making it excellent value.
Bottom Line: Best for culinary travelers who want an in-depth, private experience that combines market shopping, cooking, and cultural insights.
$218.98 per person
4. Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina’s Home with Tasting in Matera
At around $168, this private 3-hour class offers a relaxed, intimate way to learn how to prepare three different types of pasta and sauces. Held in a local home, the setting is informal but professional, and perfect for small groups or couples. Under the guidance of your host, you’ll gain tricks and techniques to replicate authentic Italian pasta at home.
Guests consistently praise the friendly atmosphere and tailored instruction. The class concludes with a tasting of your dishes served with local wine, making it an interactive, delicious experience. Several reviews mention that the host emphasizes techniques tailored to your skill level, making it accessible for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Compared to other options, this class offers more flexibility in timing and a personalized touch, making it ideal if you prefer a small, private lesson in a comfortable home environment.
Bottom Line: Excellent for learners seeking a relaxed, private experience with hands-on pasta making and a friendly host.
How to Choose
When selecting the best cooking class in Matera, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a full rural experience and enjoy farm visits, the Matera Cooking Class is ideal. For those craving a historic setting in ancient caves, the Pasta Class in a Sassi Cellar delivers a unique atmosphere.
If you prefer a deeper dive into regional ingredients and personalized attention, the Market and Home Cooking is perfect. For more flexible scheduling and a focus on pasta techniques, the Cesarina Private Home Class stands out.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, as these classes tend to fill up quickly. Think about how much time you have—if you only have a few hours, the shorter classes are best. If you’re eager for a full-day immersion, the market experience will give you a richer taste of Matera’s culinary scene.
In summary, Matera offers a range of cooking experiences that cater to different interests. Whether you want rustic farm-to-table cooking, a historic cave setting, or an intimate home lesson, there’s something to satisfy every food lover. For best value and authenticity, the farm experience and private home classes are particularly compelling. Whichever you choose, remember to book early—these delicious experiences fill up fast!