Discover the secrets of authentic Genovese cuisine with an immersive cooking class in the historic city of Genoa. Offered by the renowned Do Eat Better Experience, this intimate 3.5-hour session allows you to master traditional techniques as you craft iconic dishes like pesto. Held at the iconic Christopher Columbus House, the class welcomes up to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the friendly chefs. Savor the flavors of Liguria as you indulge in the delicious Fugassa c’ö formaggio, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the region’s culinary traditions. Ready to embark on a flavorful adventure?

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Cooking Classes In Genoa.

Key Points

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Key Points

  • A 3.5-hour hands-on cooking class in Genoa, Italy, offered by the tour company Do Eat Better Experience, focusing on authentic Genovese dishes.
  • Maximum of 10 participants for an intimate and personalized culinary experience, with techniques taught for making pesto and Fugassa c’ö formaggio.
  • The class takes place at the Christopher Columbus House in central Genoa, with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly chefs.
  • Featured dishes include Gnocchi or Testaroli with pesto, Focaccia topped with Stracchino cheese, and the local specialty Canestrelli biscuits.
  • Inclusions such as tasting of artisanal gelato, limited beverages, and discounts for children, creating a well-rounded and engaging cooking class experience.

Location and Provider

The cooking class takes place in the historic city of Genoa, Italy and is provided by the tour company Do Eat Better Experience. Located in the northwestern region of the country, Genoa is known for its rich culinary traditions and picturesque coastal setting.

The class meets at the Christopher Columbus House, a landmark in the heart of the city. With a maximum of 10 participants, the 3.5-hour experience offers an intimate and hands-on introduction to the flavors of Genoa.

The tour company, Do Eat Better Experience, specializes in providing authentic food and cultural experiences for travelers seeking to enjoy the local way of life.

Class Duration and Size

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Class Duration and Size

The cooking class lasts around 3.5 hours, providing participants with an immersive experience in the culinary traditions of Genoa.

It accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized learning environment.

This small group size allows the experienced chefs to guide each person through the preparation of authentic Genovese dishes, such as the iconic pesto and the delectable Fugassa c’ö formaggio.

With ample time to learn techniques, sample the results, and savor the flavors, attendees are guaranteed an authentic and memorable cooking adventure in the heart of this historic Italian city.

Meeting Point and Start Time

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Meeting Point and Start Time

At the historic Christopher Columbus House, located on Via di Porta Soprana in Genoa, travelers gather at 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays to embark on their cooking class experience, which commences promptly at 9:15 AM. The meeting point offers a convenient and picturesque starting point for the culinary adventure.

Upon arrival, participants can look forward to:

  1. Exploring the rich history and architecture of the Christopher Columbus House.

  2. Mingling with fellow cooking enthusiasts before the class begins.

  3. Receiving a warm welcome from the friendly and knowledgeable chefs who’ll guide them through the authentic Ligurian dishes.

With the meeting point and start time set, the stage is now set for an unforgettable cooking class in the heart of Genoa.

Dishes Prepared

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Dishes Prepared

During the cooking class, participants dive into preparing a variety of traditional Ligurian dishes, including the renowned Genovese pesto, the delectable Fugassa cö formaggio, and the simple yet flavorful Canestrelli biscuits.

First, they’ll learn how to make the iconic pesto, using a marble mortar and pestle to grind together fresh basil, pine nuts, and other ingredients into a fragrant sauce.

Next, they’ll tackle the Fugassa cö formaggio, a delicacy from the nearby towns of Camogli and Recco, featuring two layers of dough filled with prescinsùa cheese.

Sample Menu

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Sample Menu

Along With the featured dishes, the cooking class also includes a main course of either Gnocchi or Testaroli pasta tossed with the freshly made Genovese pesto, as well as a Focaccia bread topped with Stracchino cheese.

For dessert, participants can indulge in the delectable local Canestrelli biscuits.

The sample menu offers a well-rounded culinary experience, allowing participants to:

  1. Savor the traditional Genovese pesto and learn how to prepare it using a marble mortar and pestle.

  2. Enjoy the delicate Focaccia bread with creamy Stracchino cheese.

  3. Delight in the simple yet flavorful Canestrelli biscuits, a local specialty.

Class Inclusions

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Class Inclusions

The cooking class in Genoa includes the preparation and tasting of at least four recipes, as well as an additional tasting of artisanal gelato.

Participants will also be provided with water, wine, or beer in limited amounts.

The class doesn’t include transportation, pickup, snacks, coffee/tea, or additional alcoholic beverages.

There are discounts available for children under 5 who attend for free and those aged 5-12 who receive a 50% discount.

The cooking experience offers an authentic and engaging opportunity for travelers to learn traditional Ligurian dishes and techniques while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.

Participant Feedback

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Participant Feedback

Participants consistently praised the engaging and friendly chefs who led the Genoa cooking class. The interactive and welcoming atmosphere was a highlight for many, allowing them to fully enjoy the authentic Italian cooking experience.

Attendees particularly enjoyed:

  1. Learning the traditional techniques and history behind the preparation of local dishes like Genovese pesto, fugassa c’ö formaggio, and canestrelli.

  2. The opportunity to actively participate in the hands-on cooking, using a mortar and pestle to grind the pesto ingredients.

  3. Savoring the delicious final products, including the artisanal gelato tasting, in a convivial setting.

Additional Information

Cooking Class in Genoa - Do Eat Better Experience - Additional Information

The cooking class in Genoa isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed.

Public transportation is available nearby, and infant seats can be provided upon request.

The class follows a flexible cancellation policy, allowing participants to get a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The guides leading the class are multilingual, able to converse in both English and Italian. This ensures a seamless and inclusive experience for all travelers, regardless of their primary language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The cooking class may be suitable for vegetarians, as it includes the preparation of dishes like pesto and focaccia. However, it’s unclear if the class can accommodate vegans, as some dishes contain cheese. Participants should inquire about any dietary restrictions before booking.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Wine or Beer?

Participants can bring their own wine or beer, but the cooking class includes a limited amount of these beverages. The inclusions specify that water, wine, or beer are provided, suggesting participants can enjoy additional alcoholic drinks if desired.

Is There a Parking Facility Near the Meeting Point?

There is no dedicated parking facility near the meeting point at the Christopher Columbus House. However, there are several public parking garages and metered street parking options available in the vicinity.

Do the Chefs Provide Instructions in English and Italian?

The chefs provide instructions in both English and Italian during the cooking class. This allows participants to fully engage and understand the recipes and techniques, regardless of their primary language.

Can Participants Take Home the Dishes They Prepare?

Participants can typically take home the dishes they prepare during the cooking class. The class provides an opportunity to learn traditional recipes and enjoy the fruits of their labor by savoring the homemade dishes.

Recap

The Cooking Class in Genoa by Do Eat Better Experience offers an immersive culinary adventure.

Participants learn to prepare authentic Genovese dishes, including pesto, and indulge in the local specialty, Fugassa c’ö formaggio.

With a cozy atmosphere and friendly chefs, it’s the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of Liguria.

The class’s small size ensures personalized attention, making it an unforgettable experience for foodies.