Sanremo isn’t just about glamorous casinos and seaside promenades; it also offers some fantastic hands-on culinary workshops that bring you closer to Liguria’s flavorful traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, you’ll find classes that deepen your appreciation for Italian cuisine. We especially like the Pizza Making Class in Sanremo for its lively, interactive approach, or the Sanremo Home Cooking Class for those who want a more comprehensive, local experience. And if pesto sauce is your passion, the Cooking Class Pesto Sauce provides a genuine, hands-on lesson in Ligurian flavors. These classes let you learn, taste, and take home authentic recipes, making your trip more memorable.
Sanremo is a vibrant spot for culinary exploration because of its local markets, seafood, and regional specialties. Participating in a cooking class or workshop here means more than just eating out; it’s about understanding the traditions, ingredients, and techniques that define Ligurian cuisine. Plus, most classes are led by passionate local chefs or guides who share stories and tips that you won’t find in cookbooks. Now, let’s explore each of these top workshops in detail.
1. Pizza Making Class in Sanremo
For around $82.69 per person, this pizza-making class in Sanremo offers a delicious dive into Italy’s most beloved fast food. It’s a hands-on experience where you learn to craft the perfect dough and select classic toppings like mushrooms, Parma ham, and Parmesan cheese. The class lasts about two hours, making it a manageable activity even on a busy travel day. What sets this experience apart is the lively atmosphere and the chance to play “pizzaiolo” (pizza maker) for the day, guided by Chef Nino, who is highly praised for his teaching skills and friendly approach.
The class begins with a welcome aperitif, allowing everyone to relax and chat. Then it’s straight to work, kneading dough, adding toppings, and learning the secrets behind a crispy crust. After baking your creations, you’ll enjoy your homemade pizza with a selection of wines, beers, and an espresso to finish. The reviews highlight how much fun and delicious the experience is—”Nino was an outstanding teacher,” says one. It’s a fantastic way to get your hands dirty and bring home a skill you’ll use long after your trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want a quick, lively introduction to Italian pizza-making, with the bonus of wine and a great view.
2. Sanremo Home Cooking Class
If you’re after a deeper dive into Ligurian cuisine, the Sanremo Home Cooking Class offers a comprehensive five-hour experience for about $235.29 per person. This class is ideal for those who want to see how Italians shop for ingredients and then cook a full multi-course meal. Led by a local chef, you’ll first visit a local market to pick fresh produce, seafood, and other regional ingredients, which is a highlight for many. Then, you’ll gather around the kitchen to prepare dishes like pasta, an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert—often panna cotta or tiramisu.
What makes this class special is the combination of market tour, hands-on cooking, and guided explanations from a licensed tourist guide, ensuring you learn the stories behind each ingredient and dish. Recent reviews mention how Roberta’s extensive knowledge made the class unforgettable, and how even the youngest family members enjoyed making pasta by hand. The class concludes with a shared meal, accompanied by wine, olive oil tastings, and sparkling prosecco.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking an immersive, educational experience that covers shopping, cooking, and tasting—and good for families or groups wanting a full taste of local life.
3. Cooking Class Pesto Sauce
Liguria’s pesto alla genovese is world-famous, but making it traditionally is no small feat. For about $80.41 per person, this Pesto Sauce Cooking Class offers a focused, two-hour lesson on preparing this aromatic sauce from scratch. Using a marble mortar and wooden pestle, you’ll grind fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and cheese—an authentic technique that produces a richer, more vibrant flavor compared to commercial versions. The class is led by a local chef who shares insights into the history and significance of pesto in Ligurian cuisine.
After preparing your pesto, you get to enjoy it tossed with pasta, drizzled with Liguria’s extra-virgin olive oil, and served with Taggiasca olives. Participants rave about the hands-on nature and the chance to make something truly authentic. Plus, you’ll leave with a recipe to recreate your pesto at home, keeping a piece of Liguria with you long after your trip ends.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary purists and pesto lovers, offering a focused lesson on a regional specialty using traditional tools and techniques.
$80.41 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Sanremo Culinary Experience
Choosing between these workshops depends on your interests, schedule, and what you want to take home. If you love quick, fun classes and want to learn pizza-making with a lively guide, the Pizza Making Class in Sanremo is a great pick. For a more thorough, culturally rich experience that combines shopping, cooking, and tasting, the Sanremo Home Cooking Class offers excellent value and depth. If your passion is regional specialties like pesto, then the Cooking Class Pesto Sauce provides a focused, authentic lesson.
Consider your budget and how much time you have—these classes range from two to five hours. Think about whether you prefer a quick hands-on activity or an immersive, multi-course experience. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
To sum it up, Sanremo has a wonderful variety of culinary workshops that cater to different interests. From the lively pizza classes to the comprehensive home cooking tours and the authentic pesto lessons, there’s something for every food lover. For a short visit, the pizza class offers quick fun; for those wanting a deeper dive into Ligurian cuisine, the home cooking class is ideal. And for pesto afficionados, the focused pesto class is a must.
No matter which you choose, these experiences will enrich your trip—adding a taste of local life and a skill to impress friends back home. Be sure to book early, and enjoy creating delicious memories in Sanremo.