Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu with Mamma in Lucca

Learn to Make Classic Italian Pasta and Tiramisu in Lucca

The Cesarine small-group cooking experience in Lucca, Italy, offers an engaging 3-hour class for $180.24 per person. Led by a passionate local cook, this experience focuses on creating two types of pasta from scratch and a traditional tiramisù under expert guidance. The class includes a family-style meal with your homemade dishes, paired with wine and coffee, making it an ideal choice for food lovers eager to embrace authentic Italian cuisine.

This class is perfect for all skill levels and suitable for families with kids. You can choose the option that involves shopping for ingredients at a local market, adding an extra layer of immersion. While the tour is often booked 52 days in advance, the small group setting—limited to 12 travelers—ensures an intimate and personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to connect with the local host and learn regional culinary traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic Italian cooking led by a local Mamma in her home in Lucca
• Prepare two kinds of pasta and classic tiramisù from scratch
• Includes a three-course meal with wine and coffee
• Small group experience suitable for families and all skill levels
• Optional ingredient shopping at a local market before class
• Free cancellation available with at least 24 hours’ notice

The Authentic Setting in a Local Lucca Home

The class takes place in a home setting in Lucca, where you meet your host cook—a welcoming and experienced local. The intimate environment allows for personalized instruction and a genuine taste of family culinary traditions handed down through generations. The small group size means plenty of interaction and individual attention, making this experience feel like cooking with a friendly local in her own kitchen.

The meeting point is centrally located at 55100 Lucca, Italy, with easy access near public transportation. Since the experience ends back at the starting location, traveling to and from the venue is straightforward. Group size is capped at 12, maintaining a cozy atmosphere and ensuring everyone gets involved.

Making Pasta from Scratch: Tagliatelle and Pappardelle

During the class, learn how to make two different pasta types: tagliatelle and pappardelle. The host guides each step, from mixing the ingredients to rolling and cutting the pasta. The process emphasizes regional techniques and traditional methods, so you’ll leave with the skills to replicate these recipes at home.

The fresh pasta is then cooked and served as part of your family-style lunch or dinner, which becomes a delightful culmination of your hard work. The pasta dishes are often complemented by a tomato sauce and butter and sage preparations, with some reviews mentioning extraordinary flavors and authentic textures.

Crafting Tiramisu with Family-Style Flair

The tiramisu component involves assembling this iconic Italian dessert under the guidance of the host. Techniques like preparing the mascarpone cream and layering soaked ladyfingers are demonstrated step-by-step. This hands-on activity allows participants to learn a traditional recipe that can be recreated at home.

After assembly, the tiramisu is served alongside the pasta dishes, making for a rich and satisfying meal. Many reviews praise the quality and flavor of the homemade tiramisù, describing it as delicious and one of the best they’ve tasted.

Family-Friendly Cooking in a Welcoming Environment

This experience is designed to be family-friendly, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. The host is praised for her warm demeanor, especially when working with children, making the class an engaging family activity. Kids as young as 7 and 9 have enjoyed the experience, with many comments on how much they appreciated learning family recipes.

The home environment fosters a relaxed atmosphere, where you can ask questions freely and enjoy authentic stories about regional cuisine. The friendly host ensures that everyone feels comfortable, regardless of their cooking experience.

The Lunch or Dinner: Three-Course Family-Style Feast

At the end of the class, you sit down to enjoy a three-course meal featuring the pasta and tiramisù you’ve prepared. The meal includes wine and coffee, enhancing the authentic dining experience. Reviews consistently highlight the deliciousness of the food and the generous portions, making this a great value for the experience.

This family-style serving encourages sharing and conversation, providing a warm, communal vibe that captures the spirit of Italian hospitality. The quality of the dishes and the attention to detail in presentation stand out as major positives.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour lasts approximately three hours, offering a well-paced culinary journey without feeling rushed. It is organized by Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of home cooks since 2004, ensuring quality and authenticity.

The booking window averages 52 days in advance, so early reservations are recommended. The cost of $180.24 per person reflects the small group size, hands-on instruction, and meal included. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility for changing plans.

Insight from Guest Reviews

Guests consistently praise the warmth and knowledge of the host—with many describing her as kind, knowledgeable, and professional. Silvia and Monica are often highlighted as exceptional instructors. The quality of food and personalized approach frequently receive high marks, with some reviewers noting that the pasta and tiramisù made during the class are among the best they’ve tasted.

Some reviews mention traffic or parking issues in Lucca, which is a busy city. It’s advisable to plan accordingly if driving or arriving early. Despite these minor logistical hiccups, the overall experience remains highly rated and recommended.

The Sum Up: Authentic Cooking in a Cozy Lucca Home

This small-group pasta and tiramisù class offers a rich culinary experience that combines hands-on cooking, local storytelling, and family-style dining. For those eager to learn authentic Italian recipes and connect with local traditions, this tour delivers value and authenticity.

The intimate setting and personal attention make it especially suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a genuine taste of Lucca’s culinary culture. While parking can be a challenge in busy Lucca, the delicious food, warm host, and culture make this a top choice for foodies visiting the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the class is family-friendly and kids as young as 7 or 9 can participate enjoyably.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?
Yes, special dietary options are offered upon request, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the cooking class, all ingredients, a three-course meal, wine, and coffee.

How long does the experience last?
The class runs for approximately 3 hours.

Can I book this experience in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended and can be made about 52 days in advance.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is in Lucca, and the experience ends back at the starting location.

What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Is there an option to buy ingredients or souvenirs?
The tour may include an option to shop for ingredients at a local market before class.

Are there any physical requirements or accessibility considerations?
The experience involves hands-on cooking in a home kitchen, so some mobility is helpful, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

What makes this tour stand out from other cooking classes in Lucca?
The small group setting, authentic home environment, and the expert guidance of a local Mamma distinguish this experience as both personal and culturally rich.