Bari might not be as famous as Florence or Rome, but its local workshops and classes give a genuine taste of Puglian life — from mastering handmade pasta to exploring regional markets. We’re especially fond of activities like Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare, which invites you inside a local home for an authentic pasta-making experience. It’s perfect for those wanting to connect with regional traditions guided by an expert who shares the secrets of orecchiette and cavatelli. Plus, the informal, cozy vibe makes it more like cooking with family than a typical class.
Among the options, Bari offers a rich variety of workshops — from small-group pasta and tiramisu classes to multi-day culinary explorations. Whether you prefer a quick two-hour session or a full immersion over several days, there’s something here to satisfy your appetite for authentic Puglian cuisine.
1. Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare
At number 1 on our list, this 2-hour cooking class offers an authentic immersion in Puglian cuisine, guided by a local woman who holds deep knowledge of regional recipes. Held just outside Bari in Polignano a Mare, the experience focuses on making oreghettte and cavatelli, two iconic pasta shapes that define Puglia’s culinary identity. You’ll learn to make these from scratch, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
What makes this class stand out is its informal, welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers praise Daniele’s expertise and Anna Maria’s warm hospitality, noting how fun and flavorful the process is. Guests often mention that they leave not just with new cooking skills but with memories of being welcomed into a family kitchen. The price of around $77 makes it an accessible way to deepen your appreciation for regional food, especially since it includes an aperitif and wine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want a genuine, hands-on experience in a relaxed setting with a local expert. If you love pasta and warm hospitality, this class is a top choice.
2. Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Bari
Number 2 on our list is a 3-hour small-group class that combines making two types of pasta and a classic tiramisu — all in a Bari home. This experience is particularly appealing because it’s led by a passionate home cook, Rosa, who welcomes you into her kitchen to share her tips and secrets. You’ll start with an aperitivo and end with tasting your creations, making it a full, satisfying experience.
This class shines for its personalized, intimate atmosphere. Reviewers emphasize Rosa’s hospitality and patience, noting how much they learned about pasta techniques and Italian desserts. The price of around $113 offers great value considering all that’s included, from preparing sauces to enjoying a family-style meal with wine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, personalized look at Italian cooking in a cozy home setting. Suitable for those who enjoy hands-on classes combined with authentic storytelling.
3. 4-Day Puglia Sightseeing Tour Including Cooking Class
Third on our list is a 4-day tour combining cultural sightseeing with a private cooking class — a fantastic way to explore Puglia’s landscapes and flavors. Staying in Bari, you’ll visit UNESCO sites like Alberobello’s Trulli, national parks, and mountain villages. The highlight is a cooking class at a chef’s private home, which offers a deeper dive into regional cuisine.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience—covering history, nature, and cuisine. The itinerary includes visits to iconic sites like Saint Michael’s UNESCO-listed shrine and the Gargano National Park, alongside hands-on cooking. Reviewers appreciate the expertise of guides like Vito and the authentic feel of staying in local accommodations.
Bottom Line: Best for those with several days to spare, eager to blend sightseeing with culinary learning. It’s a well-rounded, immersive Puglian experience.
4. Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Bari
At number 4, this 3-hour private experience offers a personalized look into Bari’s culinary traditions inside a local home. You’ll learn how to prepare three regional recipes, then enjoy a meal paired with local wines. The host, Fernanda, makes sure you get a true taste of home-cooked Bari.
Guests love the intimate setting and personalized attention. Commenters mention Fernanda’s warmth and how her family’s dishes reflect authentic Bari flavors. The price of about $171 is reasonable considering the level of personal interaction and the quality of the food.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking an authentic, private experience with a local host who shares genuine recipes and stories.
5. Bari: Home Cooking Class- Make Cavatelli & Capunti with Wine
Number five features a small-group class focusing on classic Puglian pasta like cavatelli and capunti. For around $102, you get a 3.5-hour hands-on experience in a local home, making pasta from scratch and then enjoying a full meal paired with regional wine and antipasto.
What makes this experience stand out is the personal attention from your host, Christiana, who emphasizes traditional techniques. Reviewers describe it as “like being in the kitchen with family,” and mention the delicious meal and warm atmosphere. This class is especially good for those who want to learn specific pasta recipes and enjoy a full regional feast.
Bottom Line: Ideal for pasta lovers looking to master Puglian favorites in a friendly, family-style environment.
6. Cooking lesson in a typical house in Polignano with aperitif
Number six offers a 2-hour cooking experience in Polignano a Mare, focusing on making the famous orecchiette pasta. After learning the craft, you’ll sit down together to enjoy your dishes with a traditional aperitif featuring taralli, focaccia, wine, and seasonal vegetables.
This class gets praise for its excellent explanations and warm setting, although some reviewers note difficulty in finding the location. It’s perfect for a quick, authentic session that combines cooking and socializing. The price of around $77 makes it accessible for a short but memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting to try making orecchiette while enjoying local snacks and wine in a friendly environment.
7. Cesarine: Market Tour & Home Cooking Class in Bari
For those who love the idea of combining a market visit with cooking, this full-day private experience is an excellent choice. You’ll explore Bari’s markets, pick fresh ingredients, then head to a local home to prepare a 3-course Italian lunch with guidance from your host. It’s a deep dive into regional ingredients and dishes.
Guests mention the personal attention and the insider tips they get, along with the opportunity to bring home an apron and tote. The price of about $219 reflects its comprehensive scope, making it perfect for food-focused travelers who want an all-in-one experience.
Bottom Line: Best for culinary travelers who want a full immersion into Bari’s food scene, from market to table.
8. Cesarine: Private Pasta Class & Meal at Local’s Home in Bari
Number eight is a 3-hour private class where you learn to make pasta from scratch in a local home. Your host will guide you through regional favorites, then you sit down to enjoy your own creations with local wine.
What’s special here is the personalized attention and the chance to cook in an authentic, family setting. Reviewers highlight the genuine experience of making pasta and tasting it with wine. The price of around $168 makes it a worthwhile investment for a true local culinary experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, hands-on pasta-making experience with a friendly host.
9. 3 Hours Private Course Traditional Apulian Cuisine – Hands-on
Number nine offers a 3-hour private course that focuses on making traditional Apulian pasta, including techniques learned from family traditions. Hosted outdoors, it’s ideal for those who want an immersive, relaxed experience that mixes cooking with storytelling.
Reviewers mention Lucia’s warmth and her sharing of personal stories about family Sunday lunches and her grandmother’s recipes. For $104, this class provides a heartfelt culinary window into regional life.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting an intimate, family-style cooking session in a scenic setting.
$104.28 per person
10. Cooking class: We prepare orecchiette with vegetables from the garden
Rounding out our list, this 3-hour class takes place at a historic farmhouse surrounded by nature. You’ll learn how to make oreghettte and prepare vegetables from the garden, adding a fresh twist to traditional dishes.
This experience appeals to those who want an authentic, rustic atmosphere combined with hands-on pasta making. Reviewers note the charm of the location and the opportunity to cook locally grown vegetables alongside expert hosts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a genuine farm-to-table experience in a scenic, country setting.
$89.21 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the right workshop or class in Bari, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick but authentic pasta session, Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal, offers a personal touch in just 3 hours. If you want a multi-day adventure combining sightseeing and culinary learning, the 4-Day Puglia Tour is perfect.
For those eager to master regional pasta like orecchiette or cavatelli, classes such as Bari: Home Cooking Class- Make Cavatelli & Capunti with Wine or Cooking lesson in a typical house in Polignano provide hands-on techniques. Budget-conscious travelers may find Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare offers excellent value.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private experiences or multi-day tours, to ensure availability during peak seasons. Think about what excites you: a quick pasta lesson, a full culinary tour, or a deep dive into local markets.
In sum, Bari’s culinary workshops range from intimate home classes to multi-day explorations blending culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a serious cook or just curious about regional flavors, these experiences promise a genuine taste of Puglia. For the best experience, pick one that matches your level of interest, budget, and schedule — and don’t forget to book early to secure your spot in these authentic, flavorful classes.