Make traditional handmade pasta from scratch with a local chef!

Imagine spending a few hours in Bologna—Italy’s culinary capital—learning how to craft fresh pasta completely from scratch. For around 3 hours, you’ll be guided by a passionate home chef who’s committed to sharing her knowledge in a cozy, real kitchen. Priced at $183.42 per person, this experience is perfect for food lovers eager to deepen their understanding of Italian cuisine. What makes this tour special? Well, first, the hands-on nature of the class means you’re not just watching; you’re actively making pasta, shaping tortellini, or rolling out sheets with a rolling pin—just like an Italian mamma.

We love that this experience emphasizes authenticity—no machines, just genuine technique—and that you get to decide what dishes to prepare, whether it’s classic tagliatelle with ragù, tortelloni, or a sweet dessert. The small-group format (max 10 travelers) promises personal attention, and the chance to enjoy your own cooked creations over a relaxed lunch is truly a highlight.

A possible consideration? The class requires a minimum of two people, so solo travelers might want to coordinate with a friend or join with others. Also, since the experience is quite involved, it’s best suited for those ready to get their hands floury—expect a true hands-on lesson, not just a demonstration.

This class appeals most to foodies, aspiring cooks, and travelers who love authentic experiences. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the secrets of Bolognese pasta or experience local life through a warm, home-style kitchen, this is your ticket.

Key Points

• Authentic hands-on experience in a real Italian kitchen
• Learn from a passionate home cook with 15 years of teaching experience
• Customize your menu with dishes like tortellini, lasagna, and desserts
• Small-group setting ensures personalized attention
• Enjoy your creations in a relaxed lunch environment
• Market tour available upon request for fresh ingredients

The Heart of Bologna’s Culinary Traditions

When you step into this cooking class, you’re stepping into a warm, real kitchen in Bologna—famous for its pasta and sauces. Your host, Ilaria, brings her 15 years of experience to the table, making sure you not only learn recipes but also understand the techniques behind making pasta by hand. This isn’t just a quick demo; it’s a three-hour journey where you’ll get your hands floury and your mind full of new skills.

The class begins with a warm welcome at Largo Respighi, where you’ll meet your host and gather in her cozy kitchen. From there, the focus is entirely on making everything from scratch. This means mixing dough, rolling out pasta sheets, and shaping various types of stuffed pasta, such as tortellini or ravioli. And crucially, no machines! Instead, you’ll use a rolling pin—a true test of patience and technique that makes the finished pasta all the more satisfying.

The Art of Pasta-Making

What makes this class stand out is the hands-on approach. As one reviewer put it, “Making pasta from scratch and rolling it to paper-thin was definitely a new experience for us.” The process can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with working with dough. But that’s part of the charm—learning a skill that many Italian cooks still hold dear. Ilaria patiently guides you through each step, sharing her tips and tricks along the way.

You might find the process slow at first, but that’s exactly why you’ll feel proud once you succeed. Plus, you’ll learn how to prepare a full menu including a main dish and dessert, which you get to enjoy together over your own delicious meal.

Customizing Your Menu

One of the highlights is the menu flexibility. Before your class, you’re encouraged to contact Ilaria to choose the dishes you want to make. Whether you’re craving tagliatelle with ragù, tortelloni filled with ricotta, or lasagne, the options are yours. This personal touch makes the experience especially memorable, as it’s tailored to your tastes and interests.

The Lunch: A Celebration

What could be better than eating your own creations? The class wraps up with a relaxed lunch, where you sit down to savor the fruits of your labor. It’s a moment of pride and sharing, especially since you’ll be savoring dishes made with authentic ingredients and local techniques.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guidance of Ilaria and the authentic atmosphere. One wrote, “She explained all of her techniques, took her time, and made us feel like real cooks.” The small size of the group (up to 10 people) ensures everyone gets plenty of individual attention, making it a personal and enriching experience.

Many mention how much they learned—“The class made me understand cooking,” said one reviewer who previously disliked it. Others appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the chance to ask questions about Italian ingredients, especially if a market tour is included.

Some reviews highlight the value of the experience, noting how the skills learned can be recreated at home. The class isn’t just about making pasta; it’s about understanding Italian culinary traditions—knowledge that lasts well beyond your trip.

A Few Cautions

While most reviews are glowing, keep in mind that the class requires a minimum of two participants. Solo travelers or couples should plan accordingly, perhaps coordinating with friends or family. Also, the pace of the class can be quite lively, so if you prefer a very relaxed or demonstration-only experience, this might feel a bit intensive.

The Practical Details

The tour begins at Largo Respighi at 10:00 am, and the whole experience lasts roughly 3 hours. The price of $183.42 per person reflects the small-group format, personalized instruction, and the inclusion of a full lunch.

The experience is booked 135 days in advance on average, indicating how popular and well-regarded it is. It’s a mobile ticket, making it easy to organize your day. The class is suitable for those comfortable working closely in a kitchen environment, and group size is limited to 10 travelers for a more intimate setting.

Additional Notes

• The class occurs in a real home kitchen—not a commercial teaching kitchen—adding to the authenticity.
• Contact Ilaria beforehand to customize your menu.
• If interested, a market tour can be arranged to explore local products and ingredients before cooking.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for foodies who want more than just tasting—they want to learn. If you enjoy hands-on activities and value authentic experiences, you’ll find this a rewarding way to spend a few hours in Bologna. It’s particularly suited for those who want to bring home new skills and feel confident making pasta from scratch.

Travelers who appreciate small-group experiences and personal attention will also find this class a highlight. It’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups of friends looking for a meaningful cultural activity—plus, you get to enjoy a delicious meal of your own making.

FAQ

How long does the class last?
The class runs for approximately 3 hours, offering plenty of time to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal.

What dishes can I make?
You can choose from a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including tagliatelle with ragù, tortellini, ravioli, and desserts. Be sure to contact Ilaria before booking to decide on your menu.

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes! The class is designed to teach fundamental techniques of pasta-making, even for those with no prior experience. Patience and enthusiasm are the only requirements.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, everything needed—ingredients, utensils, and expertise—is provided. Just bring your appetite and a desire to learn.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
The information doesn’t specify restrictions, but since the menu is customizable, it’s best to contact Ilaria beforehand to discuss any dietary needs.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers hands-on instruction, ingredients, and a lunch featuring your homemade dishes. The class takes place in a real kitchen with a small group for personalized attention.

In The Sum Up

If you’re visiting Bologna and want an authentic, hands-on culinary experience, this pasta-making class is a fantastic choice. You’ll gain practical skills, learn about local ingredients, and enjoy a delicious meal you’ve crafted yourself. It’s especially suited for those eager to connect with Italian traditions and expand their cooking repertoire.

The personal guidance of Ilaria, combined with the opportunity to make real pasta by hand, makes this experience more than just a class—it’s a memorable journey into the heart of Bologna’s gastronomic culture. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a complete novice, you’ll leave with new skills, new recipes, and plenty of stories to tell.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to deepen your appreciation for Italian cuisine, this class offers genuine value and authentic fun in the kitchen. It’s not just about making pasta, but about understanding and experiencing the joy of Italian cooking firsthand.