Bologna, located in the foodie region of Emilia-Romagna, is arguably the best place in all of Italy when it comes to traditional cuisine. I’m actually from Bologna, born and raised in the city, but I promise I’m just a little not biased.
Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of many iconic products, from Parmigiano Reggiano to Parma ham, ragú, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and mortadella. And Bologna’s traditional dishes are next level… It’s Italy’s culinary hotspot for a reason!
Which is why on your next trip to Bologna, I highly recommend joining a cooking class in the city, on top of eating your way through it. I love cooking classes, as they’re not only super fun activities (and you eat so delicious) but they teach you all the secrets behind their most coveted dishes.
You’ll learn the exact recipe and techniques to make the famous Bolognese sauce from scratch, knead and shape fresh handmade pasta, whip up a traditional dessert… I know your friends back home will be very glad you took the class, and you will too!
In this post, I selected the most iconic cooking classes in Bologna to help you choose the perfect one for you. Check them out!
Why should you trust me? First of all, I’m from Bologna! Born and raised in this Italian city, I grew up learning to cook authentic local dishes from my nonna, and I know exactly what to look for in cooking classes in the area to ensure they teach you traditional recipes and offer a real, enjoyable class.
Plus, I have over 10 years in the travel industry, and have taken maaaany cooking classes around the world, so you could say I’m an expert when it comes to choosing culinary experiences when traveling. You can trust I’ve only selected the most spectacular activities to include in this post.
I generally use Viator and Devour to book activities around the world, and I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If you book a tour or cooking class through these platforms and your travel plans change, you can get a full refund for most activities, canceling up to 24 hours in advance.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST CLASS | Pastamama, Home Cooking Classes at Grace’s Home |
| CULINARY TOUR + CLASS | Parmigiano & Balsamic Vinegar Tour with Pasta Making |
| PRIVATE CLASS | Private Pasta Class & Meal at Local’s Home in Bologna |
| GELATO CLASS | Gelato Making Class in Bologna |
OUR PICK: The BEST Cooking Class in Bologna
The Pastamama, Home Cooking Classes at Grace’s Home take place in your host’s cozy kitchen, where she’ll guide you through the traditional techniques behind Bologna’s most beloved recipes, most of which have been passed down through generations.
During this hands-on class, you’ll prepare fresh tagliatelle and tortelloni from scratch, along with two classic sauces. One of them will be the ragù, known around the world as “Bolognese” for its place of origin. It doesn’t get more authentic than this!
As you cook, mixing ingredients, kneading, shaping, and cutting, your host will share stories about Bologna’s rich culinary traditions, from the city’s bustling markets to the history behind its regional specialties.
Once the cooking is done, sit down to enjoy hearty pasta dishes paired with local wine, followed by a homemade dessert.
Depending on the season, a tailored menu is available, with vegetarian options upon request.
Why is this the top tour? It’s an intimate, hands-on experience at a local’s home kitchen, which ensures you learn authentic recipes and get a glimpse into the lives of the locals, their culinary daily habits, and secret tips.
Read what the reviews say:
“Such a fun class!!! We made two servings of pasta from scratch. Pastamamma taught us all about the traditional ways to make pasta and prepared two sauces for us to enjoy the pasta with. We were able to mix the doughs, roll them out, cut them, and eat them! It’s a small group class so nothing feels chaotic or stressful. Highlight of our trip!”
Michelle_K – Read more reviews
This class also includes: All ingredients, a cooking class, a meal, wine, and dessert. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Cooking Classes in Bologna
▶️ The Bologna: Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu Cooking Class with Spritz is a fantastic experience that starts with a welcome aperitif of Mortadella & Wine.
You’ll then follow your host’s instructions to prepare a Casoni Spritz, a signature cocktail of the region, which you’ll sip throughout the class as you craft homemade pasta from scratch.
Learn the ingredients and techniques to prepare tagliatelle, which you’ll pair with a delicious house-made ragú sauce and heaps of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Enjoy your homemade meal with a glass of Sangiovese wine, followed by coffee and a digestif.
This class includes: A Spritz and pasta workshop, all ingredients, coffee, drinks, and recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Bologna lasts three hours, and it takes place in a Cesarina’s home kitchen in the center of the city. You’ll be welcomed with an aperitivo, and then dive into the class, learning the tips and tricks used by home cooks for generations to craft fresh homemade pasta.
Knead, cut, and shape under your host’s supervision, and after the pasta is made, delve into the preparation of a creamy, espresso-rich tiramisu. You’ll finish the class indulging in your creations paired with a glass of wine, and take home the recipes.
This class includes: An Italian aperitivo, all ingredients, a meal, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Most Comprehensive Culinary Experience in Bologna
The Parmigiano & Balsamic Vinegar Tour from Bologna with Pasta Making is the foodie experience if you want to get the full picture of the region’s recipes, products, and culinary scene.
You’ll start with a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, where you’ll learn how the fresh milk turns into the beloved cheese, and enjoy a delicious tasting of three differently aged cheeses.
Visit the lovely town of Modena, where you’ll step into an acetaia to discover how the authentic Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is made, and sample a few varieties. You’ll quickly realize it’s nothing like the one you get at the store!
Back in Bologna, you’ll put on an apron and enjoy a hands-on pasta workshop, mixing the ingredients and rolling, shaping, and filling fresh pasta by hand…which will then become your lunch!
You’ll savor homemade tagliatelle and filled pasta with prosciutto di Parma, gnocchi fritto, and local wines.
This tour includes: Guided visits, tastings, a pasta-making class, lunch, wine, and transportation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cooking Classes
▶️ If you’re traveling with a partner or friends, you might prefer to join this Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Bologna with Giovanna, an exclusive experience for up to three people.
The tour starts with a visit to Mercato del Quadrilatero or Mercato dell’Erbe, where you’ll wander along the stalls as you learn about the spices, produce, and ingredients used in Bolognese cuisine. Your host, Giovanna, will then lead you to her home kitchen, where she’ll teach you how to prepare three traditional recipes.
You’ll craft a pasta dish, a rich sauce to pair it with, and dessert, all of which you’ll later enjoy with a glass of wine.
This cooking class includes: A market tour, a private class, all ingredients, food, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A good alternative is the Cesarine: Private Pasta Class & Meal at Local’s Home in Bologna. It accommodates larger groups of up to 10 people, and takes place in a Cesarina’s kitchen, where you’ll be introduced to recipes passed down through generations, and unique cooking techniques.
You’ll prepare three different pasta dishes, such as tagliatelle, lasagna, tortellini, gramigna, or balanzini, from scratch, honing your skills as you learn how to knead, stretch, shape, and cut.
At the end of the class, enjoy your creations paired with wine.
This tour includes: A private cooking class, all ingredients, a meal, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Cooking Classes in the Bologna Countryside
▶️ This Lezione con Chef di Cucina Tradizionale Bolognese is a private lesson led by a chef, offering an authentic introduction to traditional Bolognese cuisine.
You’ll learn to prepare different types of fresh pasta, including tortellini and tagliatelle with ragú sauce, and a typical dessert, such as pinza bolognese. When the food is ready, you’ll savor it with a glass of wine.
The class lasts 5 hours, and it accommodates groups of up to 7 people.
This class includes: A private class, all ingredients, a pasta meal, dessert, wine, and tea/coffee. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Felsina Culinaria – Personalised Private Cooking Course takes place in the beautiful Villa degli Olmi, located atop rolling hills, and it’s exclusive to your group. You’ll select the menu from a variety of options that include tagliatelle al ragú, lasagne, tortellini, and wild boar stew, and follow your host’s directions to craft a spectacular local meal.
The class lasts about three hours, and it includes the preparation of a traditional dessert before you sit down to indulge in your creations.
This cooking class includes: All ingredients, a private class, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Learn How To Make Gelato
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then you shouldn’t miss this Gelato Making Class in Bologna City center Cooking School. You’ll be welcomed by a professional chef, who will introduce you to all the secrets behind authentic, creamy gelato.
From the quality of the ingredients to the proper ways of mixing and churning, and freezing the cream, you’ll learn the step-by-step process to make your very own Italian gelato.
Use seasonal ingredients and classic pairings, including fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts, or spices, to create different flavors, and relish your gelato at the end of the class.
This gelato making class in Bologna includes: All ingredients and equipment, a recipe book, and gelato. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
