The 9 BEST Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre [2023]

Eager to experience Italy’s culinary world? Check out this amazing list of cooking classes in Cinque Terre, where you’ll make your own pasta fresca (and much more)…and indulge in it later!  

The enchanting region of Cinque Terre is nestled along the picturesque coastline of Liguria and it’s a must-add to your Northern Italy itinerary. It will captivate you with its colorful cliffside villages, breathtaking views, and mouth-watering cuisine. 

Cinque Terre offers a remarkable gastronomic experience that’s as vibrant as its surroundings. To truly immerse in the flavors and secrets of Liguria, taking part in a cooking class is a must.

In this article, we’ll explore the 9 best Cinque Terre cooking classes that promise to awaken your taste buds, enrich your skills, and provide an authentic glimpse into the region’s culinary heritage. 

From learning traditional recipes passed down through generations to mastering the art of Ligurian pesto, each cooking class offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich flavors of this region. Are you ready? Let’s go!

👉 Why trust me with your Italian getaway? Simple: I’m a Bologna native with a 10-year track record of making Italian vacations memorable. I pick activities like a chef picks ingredients – only the best – and make sure your tours are the crème de la crème of travel experiences.

I use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours during my travels, and I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. It allows you to cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund, ideal for keeping plans flexible.  

The VERY BEST Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

▶️ Step into the heart of Italian cuisine with this delightful Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Riomaggiore. Join this group of 11 fellow food enthusiasts as you learn the art of making homemade pasta from scratch in the home of a Cesarina. 

Try your hand at crafting two different types of pasta, and then follow your head cook’s instructions to whip up a delicious tiramisu. Sip on sparkling wine or soft beverages, and savor your delectable creations afterward. 

📝 This cooking class in Cinque Terre includes: An aperitivo, and a meal with drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Delve into the flavors of Liguria with a delightful twist! Skip attending a formal Cinque Terre cooking school and step into a Cesarina’s kitchen for a Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore, in which you’ll get to unravel the culinary secrets behind three regional dishes. 

Master the art of pesto-making, and choose your pasta type – from tagliatelle to ravioli or linguine – to craft from scratch. Top it all off with a decadent dessert and relish your creations over a three-course feast, sipping on local wine. This private cooking class in Riomaggiore ensures a personalized experience for all ages and skill levels.

📝 This Cinque Terre cooking class includes: Tastings, and drinks.➥ BOOK IT HERE

Pesto Making Classes in Cinque Terre

▶️ This Pesto Course in Levanto allows you to immerse yourself in the world of the oh-so-delicious pesto Genovese. Learn from a charismatic local chef as you crush fresh basil, pine nuts, and garlic with a mortar and pestle. 

Savor the mouthwatering results, paired with a glass of wine and a spread of local products. This hands-on culinary adventure is an amazing introduction to Italy’s cuisine for food enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

📝 This pesto-making class in Cinque Terre includes: Pesto class, wines, and local specialties. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Manarola: Pesto Making Class with Tasting and Wine is a 1-hour experience in which an expert chef will let you in on all the secrets behind this famous basil-based sauce. Learn the techniques and arm yourself with a mortar and pestle to start crushing the ingredients by hand. 

After your delightful pesto sauce is complete, indulge in the perfect pairing for your creations: freshly baked focaccia. To elevate the experience, you’ll also get to sip on the finest Cinque Terre white wine. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting flavors of Liguria with Chef Yvonne!

📝 This tour includes: Cooking class, and pesto tastings with wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ Discover the art of crafting Italy’s mouthwatering basil sauce with this Pesto Making and Tasting in Portovenere in a charming villa. Led by a knowledgeable local lady, learn the secrets behind this Ligurian delicacy to ensure you succeed every time. 

Grind basil leaves, pine nuts, salt, and Parmesan cheese with a traditional mortar, and blend in extra virgin olive oil for the final touch. Indulge in the vibrant flavors paired with wine and focaccia while surrounded by a picturesque Mediterranean garden. 

📝 This tour includes: Cooking class and tastings with focaccia and local wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Cooking Classes in La Spezia

👉 La Spezia, located near Cinque Terre, is a popular choice for tourists visiting the region. While technically not part of Cinque Terre, La Spezia serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region. So, staying in La Spezia is a great option for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds. 

▶️ Join passionate local hosts, known as Cesarine, in their charming home for a memorable Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in La Spezia. Delve into the art of turning flour and eggs into mouthwatering pasta dishes, and craft a heavenly tiramisu for dessert. 

By the end of the class, you’ll master these Italian classics like a pro and will be equipped with the skills to recreate them at home. Sip Prosecco as you wait for your delectable creations to be ready, and then relish your meal with a group of fellow foodies. 

📝 This tour includes: Cooking class, an aperitivo, a meal, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia starts with a trip to the local market, where you’ll handpick the freshest seafood and produce for your dishes. You’ll then head to your chef’s cozy kitchen, ready to unlock the secrets of Ligurian cuisine. 

Following closely your guide’s instructions, you’ll create a 3-course meal with a starter, main, and a sweet dessert. Learn about the philosophy behind the slow food movement as you shape your gnocchi and whip up a tiramisu. 

With a small group of only four, you’ll receive personalized attention and get to savor your creations with complimentary wine. You will leave with cherished recipes to recreate the magic at home!

📝 This tour includes: Cooking class, market tour, a meal, and printed recipes. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Name Your Recipe: Food Market Tour and Workshop with a Cesarina in La Spezia ought to be one of the most enjoyable private Cinque Terre cooking classes. Unleash your inner Italian chef as you shop for ingredients at the local market and get equipped with an apron and whisker, ready to tackle the class’ menu. 

Learn the recipes and the best techniques for whipping up authentic Italian dishes, like trofie and ravioli alla spezzina, and get a hands-on lesson on making delectable tiramisu. Once the class is over, sit down to relish your creations paired with local wines. 

📝 This tour includes: Private cooking class, a guided market tour, and a meal with wine pairings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Cinque Terre Cooking Classes FAQs