Traditional cooking classes in Cinque Terre give travelers a chance to master local specialties while experiencing genuine Italian hospitality. The best options are intimate and hands-on, limited to small groups. Standouts include an excellent pasta-making workshop in Riomaggiore where you’ll learn to craft perfect tiramisu, and a memorable pesto class in Manarola where local experts share family secrets. We especially love the combination wine tasting and pesto-making trek – it pairs stunning coastal views with practical kitchen skills. Home cooking sessions in Riomaggiore offer the most authentic experience, as you work alongside local cooks in their personal kitchens. Check our recommended tours below for the finest culinary experiences in these five villages.
Key Points
- Pasta and Tiramisu class in Riomaggiore offers hands-on instruction in iconic recipes, sparkling wine aperitivo, and scenic location with high traveler recommendation.
- Authentic Pesto Making class in Manarola provides a 1-hour lesson from a local chef, including tastings of homemade focaccia and local wine.
- Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore features a private, hands-on lesson in fresh pasta and traditional regional desserts.
- BarCa Winery Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class combines a guided trek, wine tasting, and pesto-making class at a scenic vineyard.
- Gnocchi & Pesto Class and Pesto Cooking Class in Cinque Terre offer authentic cooking experiences with stunning views and high traveler recommendations.
Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Riomaggiore
A small group pasta and tiramisu class in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, allows participants to learn the art of making homemade pasta and the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, in the private home of a local cook.
The class is limited to 12 participants and has earned a 96% traveler recommendation rate with a Badge of Excellence award.
Over the half-day culinary workshop, guests receive hands-on instruction in two iconic pasta recipes and tiramisu, accompanied by a sparkling wine aperitivo, soft beverages, and the opportunity to taste their creations.
The class is set against the beautiful backdrop of Riomaggiore, with a 200m uphill walk to the instructor’s house.
While the location may be challenging for those with mobility issues, the overall experience is praised for its engaging hosts, authentic recipes, and enjoyable group atmosphere.
Priced from $187.94 per person, this pasta and tiramisu class offers a unique and immersive introduction to the flavors of Cinque Terre.
Read our full review: Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Riomaggiore Review
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Manarola: Authentic Pesto Making Class in Cinque Terre
One of the most popular culinary experiences in Cinque Terre, the Authentic Pesto Making Class in Manarola allows participants to learn the traditional art of preparing this iconic Ligurian sauce.
The 1-hour class takes place in the picturesque village of Manarola, with a maximum of 10 attendees. Led by a local chef, guests will learn to make pesto from scratch using fresh basil, pine nuts, and other regional ingredients, grinding the mixture in a traditional marble mortar.
Along With the hands-on pesto-making, the class includes tastings of homemade focaccia and local wine. Participants will also receive a recipe to recreate the dish at home and impress their guests.
The class is offered in both English and Italian, and has received excellent reviews, with customers praising the host’s knowledge and passion for the subject.
Priced at €83 per person, the experience can be booked in advance with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Manarola: Authentic Pesto Making Class in Cinque Terre Review
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Home Cooking Class & Meal With a Local in Riomaggiore
Although the Authentic Pesto Making Class in Manarola is a popular culinary experience in Cinque Terre, the Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore offers travelers a more immersive and personalized opportunity to learn about the region’s cuisine.
Hosted in the comfort of a local’s home, this private class features a hands-on lesson in making fresh pasta and a traditional Riomaggiore dessert, accompanied by regional wines.
Guests rave about the warm hospitality of hosts like Giulia, Barbara, Stefano, and Luca, who share their cooking expertise and family traditions.
While some visitors have encountered navigation challenges or weather-related adjustments, the overall experience is praised for its memorable moments, such as learning to craft tiramisu and engaging in lively conversations about local culinary heritage.
At $187.94 per person with free cancellation, this class provides an authentic taste of Cinque Terre that extends beyond the picturesque landscapes.
Read our full review: Home Cooking Class & Meal With a Local in Riomaggiore Review
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BarCa Winery Cinque Terre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class
For travelers seeking a multifaceted culinary experience in Cinque Terre beyond the classic pesto-making class, the BarCa Winery Cinque Terre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class offers an immersive journey through the region’s winemaking heritage and time-honored food traditions.
Hosted by Andrea and his family at their scenic vineyard overlooking the sea, the 4.9/5 rated private tour combines a guided trek, wine tasting, and hands-on pesto-making class.
Guests enjoy sampling the winery’s renowned Rosè Rosaluna, Cinqueterre DOC, and Memento white wines, complemented by a delightful pesto-making session using fresh local ingredients.
The intimate setting and small group size foster a personalized experience, with hosts sharing insights into the area’s winemaking legacy.
Travelers consistently highlight the breathtaking views, quality of the wine and pesto, and the memorable nature of this unique experience, making it a must-do activity for food and wine enthusiasts visiting Cinque Terre.
Read our full review: BarCa Winery Cinque Terre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class Review
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Pasta, Pesto, and Tiramisu – Class in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
Travelers visiting Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre can enjoy the region’s culinary heritage by participating in the highly-rated Pasta, Pesto, and Tiramisu Class.
Set in a welcoming home environment with stunning views, this 4.9-star experience allows guests to learn from the engaging instructor, Luca, as they prepare local dishes like trofie pasta, pesto alla Genovese, and tiramisu.
The class includes a welcome glass of prosecco and local white wine, as well as a dinner featuring the prepared dishes. With a maximum group size of 4 travelers, participants enjoy personalized attention and the opportunity to bond with fellow foodies.
While the class isn’t suitable for those with dietary restrictions, reviewers praise the delicious food and the class’s memorable, enjoyable atmosphere.
Conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from Riomaggiore’s train station and parking area, this cooking class offers an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Cinque Terre.
Read our full review: Pasta, Pesto, and Tiramisu – Class in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre Review
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Cinque Terre: Gnocchi & Pesto Class With Seaview in Riomaggiore
This Gnocchi & Pesto Cooking Class in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s culinary traditions.
Hosted by local experts Barbara and Stephano, the class provides a hands-on experience in a small group setting, with a maximum of 15 participants. The 189€ fee includes all necessary supplies, beverages, and a delightful lunch or dinner featuring the two recipes you’ll learn to prepare.
The class location is a 30-minute uphill walk from the meeting point, so it’s recommended for reasonably fit individuals. While the views from the location are stunning, the rocky path may pose challenges for some.
The class receives excellent reviews, with 91% of travelers recommending it. Highlights include the authentic cooking experience, personal interaction with the hosts, and the opportunity to learn family recipes and techniques.
However, some guests have reported issues with meeting arrangements and responsiveness from the organizers, as well as difficulty finding the location.
Read our full review: Cinque Terre: Gnocchi & Pesto Class With Seaview in Riomaggiore Review
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Cinque Terre: Pesto Cooking Class With Sea View in Riomaggiore
Step into the heart of Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, and learn about the art of pesto making. This exceptional pesto cooking class offers a unique opportunity to learn the traditional methods from local experts, Barbara and Stefano.
With a maximum of 10 participants, you’ll enjoy an intimate, welcoming environment and stunning sea views that enhance the experience.
During the class, you’ll discover the secrets to crafting the perfect pesto genovese using both an electric blender and the classic pestle and mortar. As a souvenir, you’ll take home a jar of your homemade pesto.
The class includes beverages such as water, wine, and coffee, as well as a glass of local wine. With a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, this activity is in high demand, so book early to secure your spot.
The meeting point is easily accessible, just a 200-meter uphill walk to the Cesarina’s house. Don’t miss this chance to master the art of pesto-making in the breathtaking setting of Cinque Terre.
Read our full review: Cinque Terre: Pesto Cooking Class With Sea View in Riomaggiore Review
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The Sum Up
The Cinque Terre region offers a range of hands-on workshops and classes to immerse visitors in the local cuisine. From pasta and tiramisu making to authentic pesto classes, these experiences provide a unique opportunity to learn traditional techniques and flavors from knowledgeable locals. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, these classes are a fantastic way to discover the culinary delights of this picturesque Italian destination.