10 Authentic Cooking Classes in Rome

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There are so many things to do in Rome that you can easily fill up your vacation with visiting historic monuments, museums, and other top attractions, but if you really want to make your trip to Rome memorable, opt for taking a cooking class! Cooking classes are one of my favorite things to do when visiting new destinations, especially cities that are best known for their amazing food and Rome is at the top of that list. Many people visit Rome to soak in the sights and learn the rich history, but the majority choose Rome or Italy in general because of its’ delicious, melt-in-your-mouth food! From fresh handmade pastas and perfected pizzas to gelato that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, the food in Rome is truly unforgettable. Taking a cooking class in Rome is the perfect way to bond with your travel partner or even meet new people if you’re traveling solo. I’ve rounded up ten of the best cooking classes in Rome Italy below and there’s something on this list for everyone!

What Types of Cooking Classes are in Rome?

There are three main types of cooking classes that you can find in Rome and typically abroad in general. There are small group classes, private classes, and market tours. Small group cooking classes are by far my favorite because these typically max out at around 10 people, so it doesn’t feel too crowded, and you still get the instructor’s attention if you need help along the way. Small group classes are also fun because you get to interact with other tourists that have a similar interest and it’s really interesting to hear other people’s backgrounds. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting or traveling with a large group, then private classes are probably the best option for you. This gives you complete one-on-one time with the instructor, and you can easily go at your own pace. The third option is market tours, which essentially is a combination of a market tour and a cooking class. These tend to last longer since you’re splitting your time and spending the first part of your class shopping the market with your instructor. While at the market, you’ll learn about how to select the best types of produce and even learn where it’s locally sourced from. Once your instructor has gathered all of the fresh ingredients for your class, you’ll head back to the kitchen location and begin learning how to prep your ingredients and start cooking.

What Kind of People Attend Cooking Classes in Rome?

So many different types of people attend cooking classes, and that’s part of the fun. I’ve taken cooking classes while on vacation with my best friend, with significant others, and to be honest, I’d even take one by myself if I were traveling solo! Cooking classes bring all types of people together that have one common interest – a love for food. No matter what your experience in the kitchen is, you're sure to have a great time! You will typically see couples and friend groups in cooking classes, and you’ll see families. Rome offers a wide variety of cooking classes, and some are even great for kids!

How much and How Far in Advance Should I Book a Cooking Class in Rome?

The average price of Rome cooking classes ranges from $60-$150 depending on the length and the dish you’ll be preparing.  As for how far in advance should you book a cooking class in Rome, this is really dependent on the season you plan on visiting. Summer is Italy’s high season and tourists flood the cities during these months so if you plan on visiting in the Summer, I would highly recommend booking your cooking class, and all tours, 2-3 months in advance if you can. Most booking sites allow you to book pretty far out and as a personal rule of thumb, I like to book my tours and even my restaurant reservations a few months prior to my trip so I have one less thing to worry about leading up to my trip. If you’re traveling during Rome’s off-season, which is during the late Fall and Winter months, you will most likely be safe booking up to a month in advance. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting during this off-season there might be fewer options available.

Rome Pasta Making Classes

1. Cook with a Local Chef with Walks of Italy

This is hands down my favorite pasta cooking class in Rome! This small group, hands-on pasta-making class in Rome is led by a local chef and takes place in a quaint apartment with a full-size commercial kitchen and a rooftop terrace with great views of Rome. The class starts out with introductions along with a champagne toast, and then you’ll dive right into learning how to make fresh pasta from scratch and form two types of pasta: linguine and ravioli! Our class only had 6 participants and it was so much fun!

Duration: 3 hours

Price: $93

2. Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class

Learn the Italian secrets from a local! This 4.5-hour hands-on cooking class takes place at the instructor’s home in the heart of Rome where you’ll learn authentic techniques and tips that you can take back home with you. In this class, you’ll make pasta with two different types of sauce and tiramisu! Appetizers and wine are included!

Duration: 4.5 hours

Price: $145

Someone kneading dough by hand on a floured surface

Pizza-Making Classes in Rome

3. Pizza and Pasta Combo Class

This class has it all and if I went to Rome again, this would be at the top of my list! Your chef for the day will pick you up at the meeting point and drive you to an ancient part of the city where you’ll learn how to make three different types of dough, including pizza dough, from scratch, two homemade sauces to accompany the two pasta dishes you’ll make and 10 different types of pasta shapes! On top of that, you’ll be able to taste appetizers and the chef’s famous tiramisu for dessert, along with a red wine tasting.

Duration: 4.5 hours

Price: $72

4. Pizza Making Class at a Local Restaurant

Learn how to make your own pizza from scratch from a local chef in this quick one-hour class. The class starts with welcome drinks and then your chef will dive in and teach you the basics of how to create pizza dough. Pizza dough must rest and rise for 8 hours so you won’t be eating the dough you make in class, but the chef has pre-made dough available for you to craft your pizza. You’ll choose between Neapolitan, Divola, or Margherita and bake it in a wood-burning oven.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $58

Market Tours + Cooking Classes in Rome

5. Small Group 4 Course Meal Class

This small-group market tour and cooking class will have you walking away as a new expert on pasta making! You’ll start this pasta class off by visiting Rome’s Campo de Fiori market where you’ll shop for local, fresh ingredients with your instructor. Once in the kitchen, you’ll learn how to make three different types of pasta and then sit down to enjoy your 4-course Italian meal with a selection of regional wines.

Duration: 5 hours

Price: $161

6. Gnocchi and Ravioli Class with Gourmet Food Shop Tastings

This Italian cooking class starts off with a trip to a local gourmet food shop where you’ll learn about different local ingredients and try different food and wine tastings. Next, you’ll head to a family-owned restaurant where you’ll learn to make gnocchi and ravioli from scratch. Wine is served throughout the class and the instructor provides tiramisu for dessert!

Duration: 4 hours

Price: $105

Other Cooking Classes in Rome

7. Gelato Making Class

Learn the ins and outs of gelato and the secrets to making this delectable treat! Spend an hour at an authentic gelateria where you’ll learn the history of this dessert and watch the instructor make three of their most popular flavors. After watching the demonstration, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own flavor and walk through the process of gelato making.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $58

8. Tiramisù Making Class

Learn tips for how to make the most delectable Italian desserts from a local pastry chef. This tour begins with gelato where you’ll learn what makes gelato different than other forms of ice cream, before making your way to the location of the cooking class. Spend the next hour and a half learning how to create a decadent Italian masterpiece from scratch!

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $73

9. Walking Tour and Cooking Class Combo         

This is a great option if you’re short on time! Instead of touring a market for the first half of class, this tour starts off with a walking tour that takes you to iconic sites such as the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Your guide is a local resident and is super knowledgeable about the city, so this is a great way to knock some of those sites off your list while incorporating a cooking class into your itinerary. The second part of the tour takes place at a local restaurant, where you’ll learn to make pasta from scratch.

Duration: 4 hours

Price: $126

10. Medieval Cooking Class Day Trip from Rome

Cook in a fairy-tale setting during this day trip from Rome. This small-group tour includes roundtrip transfers from Rome to the medieval village of Mazzano Romano, just 40 minutes away. Here, you’ll shop at a local market with a local chef, sip wine while soaking in the views on the outdoor terrace of the location of the cooking class, and enjoy an authentic 5-course meal.

Duration: 7 hours

Price: $189

Happy travels!

- Tess


Tess Arnold

Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip!  If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!

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