Genova: Homemade Pasta & Pesto Local Chef Class with Wine

Key Points

• Authentic Ligurian cuisine: Learn to make famous Genoese pasta and basil pesto from scratch.
• Expert guidance: The class is led by a friendly local chef with detailed tips on dough and sauce preparation.
• Small group experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personal attention and an intimate atmosphere.
• Beautiful setting: Conducted in a historic palace apartment with a terrace overlooking Genoa.
• Tasty finale: Enjoy your freshly made pasta and pesto paired with local wine and traditional Genoese desserts.
• Comprehensive learning: Receive recipes to recreate the dishes at home and learn culinary secrets rooted in regional traditions.

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Introduction to the Genoa Pasta & Pesto Cooking Class

The Genoa: Homemade Pasta & Pesto Local Chef Class offers an engaging culinary experience in the heart of Liguria, Italy. This 3-hour hands-on class is perfect for anyone eager to master authentic Ligurian pasta and basil pesto. Led by a friendly local chef, the tour takes place in a historic apartment on the 5th floor of a palace, with no elevator, emphasizing the authentic vibe of the experience.

The class starts with a welcome at the meeting point in Vico Inferiore Valoria, where participants are introduced to the master chef. The small group size—limited to 8 people—ensures plenty of individual guidance, making it suitable for beginners or seasoned cooks alike. Guests are drawn to the stunning views from the terrace that overlook Genoa, adding a special backdrop to this flavorful journey. The focus is on making pasta from scratch and preparing traditional basil pesto, a regional specialty famous for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.

Making Pasta Fresca in a Historic Genoese Setting

The core of this experience is learning to create pasta fresca, a hallmark of Italian cuisine. The chef guides participants through the entire process, from mixing raw ingredients—flour, eggs, water—to rolling and shaping the dough. The emphasis is on passion and family recipes, many of which are rooted in grandma’s traditions. This step-by-step approach makes even newcomers feel confident in their skills.

The apartment’s ambiance enhances the experience, combining historic charm with practical learning. Participants get to shape different types of pasta, with a special focus on the “crazy napkin” pasta, a fun and traditional Ligurian style. The chef shares useful tips and tricks along the way, ensuring everyone gets a hands-on understanding of dough consistency and techniques for perfect pasta.

Preparing Ligurian Basil Pesto with Local Ingredients

The first task of the class is preparing the classic Ligurian basil pesto. The chef explains that the traditional pesto is made with crushed garlic, European pine nuts, coarse salt, fresh basil leaves, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, all blended with olive oil. Participants use mortar and pestle to crush the ingredients—an authentic method that enhances the flavor.

This pesto becomes the sauce for the freshly made pasta, allowing students to see how regional ingredients and simple techniques produce exceptional results. The chef’s explanations highlight the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients and long-standing regional traditions that make Genoese pesto unique.

Rolling, Shaping, and Cooking the Pasta

After preparing the dough, participants roll out their pasta using traditional tools, gaining a tactile sense of dough elasticity. Shaping the pasta is part of the fun, with the chef providing personalized guidance to ensure everyone masters the technique. The class caters to all skill levels, with the small group size fostering a relaxed, friendly environment.

Once the pasta is shaped and cut, it is boiled in salted water, a process that the chef explains in detail. At each step, helpful tips are shared to help ensure perfect al dente results. This part of the class is lively and interactive, with everyone actively participating in creating their signature dish.

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Dining on Your Handmade Creations with Regional Wine

The culmination of the class is a leisurely lunch where everyone savors the fresh pasta with pesto they prepared. The setting on the terrace offers a stunning view of Genoa’s rooftops, creating a memorable dining atmosphere. The meal is accompanied by local Ligurian wine, which enhances the flavors of the homemade dishes.

Plus, guests are treated to a traditional Genoese dessert—an atipasto—and a Genoese liqueur to finish the meal. The atmosphere is warm and convivial, making this more than just a cooking class—it’s a celebration of regional food culture. The chef often supplements the meal with appetizers and homemade treats, adding extra layers of flavor and authenticity.

The Unique Location and Its Impact on the Experience

Hosting this class in a historic palace apartment on the fifth floor adds a special touch to the experience. The apartment features stunning views from the terrace, providing a picturesque backdrop for cooking and dining. The location is in the heart of Genoa’s old town, making it convenient yet intimate.

Participants should note, however, that the apartment does not have an elevator, so those with mobility issues might find this challenging. The stairs and historic building contribute to the authentic charm but require some physical effort. The setting enhances the feeling of stepping into a local Ligurian home, offering a genuine insight into regional life.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point is in Vico Inferiore Valoria, specifically building 1, apartment 11, in the Granara. If unsure, a helpful tip is to google map the Cucina Valoria Restaurant and locate the small gate on the left of the square. The exact coordinates are 44.40678787231445, 8.931174278259277.

The small group size—limited to 8 participants—ensures plenty of personal attention from the chef. This intimacy creates a friendly atmosphere, allowing everyone to ask questions and engage fully in both the cooking and learning process.

Value and Additional Benefits

This class offers excellent value for a three-hour experience that combines education, hands-on cooking, and regional culture. Guests receive recipes at the end, enabling them to recreate their favorite dishes at home. The instruction is in both English and Italian, making it accessible to international visitors.

The inclusion of local wine, a Genoese dessert, and homemade appetizers adds to the overall experience, making it feel like a culinary evening rather than just a class. The high ratings—a perfect 5 out of 5 from over 213 reviews—attest to the quality, friendliness, and authenticity of this experience.

The Sum Up: A Genuine Taste of Genoa’s Culinary Heritage

The Genoa Pasta & Pesto Cooking Class provides an authentic, engaging way to discover Liguria’s culinary treasures. The expert guidance from a local chef, combined with the stunning rooftop setting and regional ingredients, creates a memorable experience.

This small-group tour is ideal for those interested in cooking, regional culture, or simply sampling delicious food in an authentic environment. While the stairs may be a consideration for some, the personalized attention and comprehensive recipes make this class a valuable addition to any Genoa visit.

Whether a food lover or a curious traveler, this experience offers a true taste of Liguria—simple, flavorful, and shared in the warmth of a Genoese home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cooking class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to accommodate all skill levels, and the chef provides clear, detailed instructions suitable for beginners.

What is included in the price?
Participants learn to make fresh pasta and pesto, enjoy a leisurely lunch with regional wine, and receive recipes to take home.

Where does the class take place?
In a historic apartment on the fifth floor of a palace in Genoa’s old town, with stunning views from the terrace.

Are there any physical requirements?
The location involves stairs since there is no elevator, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What languages are spoken?
The class is conducted in English and Italian, ensuring clear communication for international participants.

How many people participate in each class?
The group is limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I receive recipes afterward?
Yes, detailed recipes are sent after the class so you can replicate the dishes at home.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, the class features local Ligurian wine, along with appetizers and dessert to complement the meal.

Is this a good value for money?
With professional guidance, authentic recipes, and a beautiful setting, the class offers excellent value based on its high ratings and full experience.

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