Ravenna isn’t just about stunning mosaics and ancient churches; it’s also a fantastic place to learn authentic Italian cooking and learn about local food culture. What makes Ravenna especially appealing for cooking workshops are its close ties to regional culinary traditions and the availability of intimate, hands-on experiences. We particularly love the Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home for its personalized touch, and the Small Group Market tour and Cooking class for those who want to combine shopping with culinary skills. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, these experiences offer a genuine taste of Italy that you can recreate at home.
If you’re wondering which class suits your style, this guide covers diverse options—from private lessons to small group experiences—so your culinary adventure in Ravenna can be tailored perfectly. For instance, the private lesson at a local Cesarina’s home provides a cozy, family-style setting, while the market tour with a cooking class offers a lively, interactive approach. All these options promise fun, learning, and delicious food—and many have excellent reviews.
1. Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home with tasting in Forlì
At number one on our list, this Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina’s home offers a personalized, intimate experience that’s hard to beat. Hosted in a welcoming home in Forlì—just a short trip from Ravenna—this class involves learning how to craft two regional pasta recipes plus the iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu, from scratch. Your Cesarina host, who shares her family secrets, will guide you through kneading dough, shaping pasta, and assembling tiramisu with fresh ingredients.
The beauty of this experience lies in its authenticity—you’re not just watching but actively cooking, then sitting down to enjoy your creations paired with local wines. The reviews highlight the warmth and friendliness of Sabrina, the host, and the fun atmosphere of kneading pasta while sharing family stories. At about 3 hours, it’s a manageable, enriching culinary escape.
Key highlights: Personal attention, homemade recipes, tasting session, local wine pairing.
Value for money: For $167.85, you get a full hands-on lesson and a delicious meal—great for foodies wanting a true taste of Italy.
Best suited for: Those seeking a private, relaxed experience and a chance to learn authentic recipes directly from a local.
Bottom Line: This class combines personalized instruction with genuine Italian hospitality, perfect for couples or small groups who want to deepen their cooking skills.
2. Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Ravenna
Next up is the Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Ravenna, which offers a well-rounded look at Italian culinary life. Over approximately five hours, you’ll start with an energetic stroll through a local market, led by your passionate host, where you’ll learn how to select the freshest ingredients—think spices, vegetables, and local specialties.
Once you’ve picked out your supplies, you’ll head to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking lesson. Here, you’ll learn how to make a signature pasta dish and tiramisu, with plenty of tips on ingredient choices and cooking techniques. The experience emphasizes local gastronomy and gives you practical skills to recreate Italian dishes at home. Beverages like wine and coffee are included, making it a complete culinary journey.
Key highlights: Market exploration, ingredient selection, authentic cooking, and tasting.
Value for money: At $150.49, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—market, cooking, and tasting—making it a fantastic choice for food and culture lovers.
Best suited for: Travelers who enjoy lively, interactive experiences and want to understand Italy’s food scene from the ground up.
Bottom Line: Combining local market knowledge with hands-on cooking, this tour is ideal for those wanting an immersive, educational day in Ravenna.
3. Share your Pasta Love: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Ravenna
For a cozy, home-based experience, check out Share your Pasta Love: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class. Hosted in a private Ravenna home, this class offers a warm setting where you can learn to make two types of fresh pasta and tiramisu. The host greets you with an Italian aperitivo—an added touch of hospitality—and guides you through every step, from kneading dough to plating your dishes.
You can choose between a lunch or dinner session, making it flexible for your schedule. After cooking, you’ll enjoy your meal with local wine, water, and coffee. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the focus on making authentic pasta and tiramisu makes it a memorable culinary lesson.
Key highlights: Home environment, flexible timing, local wines, and authentic recipes.
Value for money: At $149.46, it’s a great deal for a comprehensive, hands-on experience, especially for those who prefer small groups with personal interaction.
Best suited for: Travelers who want an intimate, home-cooked meal experience and the chance to learn classic Italian dishes from a local.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, friendly environment and a chance to take home authentic recipes.
$149.46 per person
4. Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Forlì
Finally, in Forlì, the Small Group Market tour and Cooking class offers a true slice of Italian life. This five-hour experience begins with a guided walk through a lively market, where your host shares tips on shopping like a local. Afterwards, back in the host’s kitchen, you’ll learn to prepare fresh pasta, sauce, and tiramisu from scratch.
This class is praised for its personal attention and authentic atmosphere. The meal is enjoyed together, providing a convivial setting to learn and taste. With just one review rating it a perfect 5 stars, this experience is highly recommended for those who want to combine market exploration with practical cooking skills.
Key highlights: Local market shopping, home-cooked meal, intimate group, and authentic dishes.
Value for money: For $150.99, it offers a full cultural and culinary immersion, especially appealing for those who enjoy a personal touch.
Best suited for: Foodies interested in shopping for ingredients and mastering Italian home cooking in a friendly environment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking both a market experience and hands-on cooking within a cozy, informal setting.
$150.99 per person
How to Choose the Best Workshop or Class in Ravenna
When selecting a culinary experience in Ravenna, consider your interests and style. If you prefer a private, tailored lesson, the Cesarina home class offers intimacy and expert guidance. For those passionate about immersive culture, the market tours combined with cooking classes provide a lively, educational experience. Budget-wise, most options hover around $150–$170, which offers excellent value considering the hands-on learning and tastings included.
Balance your schedule—if you’re short on time, the 3-hour classes like the Share your Pasta Love offer a quick but rich experience. For a full day of culinary discovery, the 5-hour market tours are perfect. Booking early is advised, especially in high season, to secure your spot in these popular small-group experiences.
In summary, Ravenna offers a fantastic variety of cooking workshops and classes—from private lessons with a local Cesarina to lively market tours combined with hands-on cooking. Whether you’re looking for an intimate, home-style session or a broader culture, these options deliver authentic Italian flavors and skills you can take home. We recommend booking in advance, especially for the small-group experiences, and choosing based on how much time you want to dedicate and your interest in either private or shared lessons. Whichever you pick, you’re sure to leave with new recipes, a fuller belly, and wonderful memories of your time in Ravenna.