Pasta & Tiramisu: Authentic Italian Cooking Class

This Pasta & Tiramisu: Authentic Italian Cooking Class offers a delicious hands-on experience in the heart of Rome. With a rewarding 5.0-star rating from 44 reviews and a price of $75.47 per person, this class delivers a compact but comprehensive introduction to classic Roman cuisine. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it ideal for travelers seeking a flavorful, cultural activity that fits into a busy schedule. The class is conducted at a centrally located venue, close to public transportation, which adds to its convenience. Participants get to roll up their sleeves and learn from a professional, fluent chef, gaining practical skills that can be recreated back home.

One of the key strengths of this experience is its small-group format, with a maximum of 14 participants. This ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere, often highlighted in reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and warm teaching style. The menu focuses on authentic Italian dishes, including pasta varieties like carbonara or cacio e pepe, paired with two Roman sauces, followed by homemade tiramisu. The class also includes lunch with your own dishes, along with non-alcoholic drinks and a glass of Prosecco, wine, or Limoncello to toast your culinary creation.

Potential participants should note that gluten, dairy, and vegan options are not available**, and those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance should plan accordingly. The booking process is straightforward, with most reservations made about 37 days in advance, reflecting high demand.

Key Points

• Hands-on Italian cooking experience in Rome lasting 3 hours.
• Learn to make pasta, Roman sauces, and tiramisu with an expert chef.
• Small group size enhances personalized instruction and fun.
• Includes lunch featuring your own pasta and tiramisu, plus wine and Prosecco.
• Central Rome location makes it easy to join after exploring the city.
• Suitable for most travelers, but not vegan or gluten-free.

Location and Meeting Point in Rome

The tour begins at Via Cesare Balbo, 25, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. This spot is conveniently close to public transportation, making it straightforward for visitors to reach. After the class, the activity ends back at the same meeting point, so no additional travel is necessary. The central location also means you can easily combine this experience with sightseeing or other activities in Rome.

The Three-Hour Cooking Class Experience

Participants spend about three hours in a modern, stylish cooking school located in central Rome. The experience is designed to be fast-paced but enjoyable, with clear guidance from a professional chef. Reviewers frequently mention the friendly and knowledgeable instructors who make learning accessible and fun.

During the class, you’ll make fresh pasta—either Carbonara or Cacio e Pepe—and learn the secrets to Roman sauces. The chef demonstrates tips and tricks that help you recreate authentic flavors at home. The group then whips up a delicious tiramisu, which you’ll enjoy together as part of a group meal.

Making Pasta and Roman Sauces

The pasta-making process involves hands-on techniques, with step-by-step instructions. Participants learn how to knead dough properly and create fresh pasta shapes. The Roman sauces, paired with your pasta, are made using traditional recipes, often including ingredients like guanciale, pecorino cheese, and black pepper for carbonara, or a simple Pecorino and pepper for cacio e pepe.

The guide explains key techniques such as achieving the perfect sauce consistency and pasta al dente. The focus on authentic flavors ensures that the dishes taste just like those from a Roman trattoria.

Tiramisu: The Perfect Italian Dessert

No Roman meal is complete without tiramisu, and this class teaches how to prepare this classic layered dessert from scratch. The recipe involves soaking ladyfingers in coffee and layering with mascarpone cream. The chef provides tips for achieving the right texture and flavor balance, resulting in a rich and creamy finale to your meal.

Included Food, Drinks, and Vegetarian Options

The lunch features your own pasta dishes—either Carbonara or Cacio e Pepe—and Tiramisu for dessert. The tour also includes non-alcoholic beverages like water, juice, and soft drinks, along with a glass of Prosecco, wine, or Limoncello to enjoy with your meal.

Vegetarian options are available, but there are no gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free choices. Reviewers highlight the quality of the food and drinks, often describing the pasta as delicious and the wine as well-chosen.

The Chef Guiding the Class

The professional chefs leading the class are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. Many reviews mention the fun and welcoming atmosphere created by the instructors, who share tips and stories about Roman cuisine. Names like Marcel, Sherri, Ingar, Sunaz, and Ida appear frequently in positive feedback, emphasizing their expertise and warmth.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 14 participants, the class maintains an intimate and interactive environment. Many reviewers appreciate the small group setting for its personal attention and opportunity for questions. The friendly, diverse groups often result in cheerful exchanges and a relaxed vibe.

Timing and Scheduling

Most bookings are made around 37 days in advance, indicating high interest. The 3-hour duration makes it an ideal activity for an afternoon or early evening during a sightseeing trip. The class runs most days, but travelers should reserve early to secure a spot.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

Since the activity involves kneading dough and handling pasta, it may require some physical effort. However, it’s generally suitable for most healthy adults. The venue is located in a modern facility, but no specific details about accessibility features are provided.

Value for Money

At $75.47 per person, the experience is considered very good value, especially considering it includes hands-on cooking, a group meal, drinks, and recipes emailed afterward. Many reviews praise the generous portions, quality ingredients, and knowledgeable instruction as worth the cost.

Cancellation and Flexibility

The free cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance or changes made within that period are not refunded. Weather-related cancellations are fully refundable or rescheduleable.

Best Suited For and Recommendations

This authentic Roman cooking class appeals most to food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone eager to bring Italian flavors into their home cooking. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making it especially attractive for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.

Participants should be comfortable with some physical activity involved in pasta making and avoid gluten-free or vegan diets, as these options are unavailable. The welcoming guides, combined with delicious food and drinks, make this experience a highlight of any Roman trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are used in the pasta and sauces?
The class uses traditional ingredients such as guanciale, pecorino cheese, and black pepper for Roman sauces, and fresh pasta dough made from basic ingredients like flour and eggs.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the class offers vegetarian options for the pasta and sauces. However, gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free options are not provided.

Can I get the recipes after the class?
Absolutely. Participants receive email copies of the recipes for pasta, sauces, and tiramisu to recreate the dishes at home.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of 14 travelers ensures a small, interactive environment.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the hands-on nature and small group format suggest it is best suited for adults or older children comfortable with kitchen activities.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start time. Less than 24 hours in advance, the booking is non-refundable.

This Pasta & Tiramisu: Authentic Italian Cooking Class provides a rich, lively introduction to Roman cuisine within a manageable 3-hour session. Its small-group format, expert guides, and delicious menu make it an appealing choice for foodies and culture seekers alike.