Funny Cooking Class in Genova with Local Chef: Full Ligurian Menu

Discover a lively Ligurian cooking experience with Chef Fabrizio in Genoa

This 4-hour and 30-minute cooking class in Genoa, Italy, offers a chance to learn and taste the authentic flavors of Liguria. For $167.62 per person, you get to prepare 6 traditional dishes under the guidance of expert Chef Fabrizio, a seasoned cook with a passion for sharing Ligurian culinary secrets. The class is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 15 participants, and departs at 3:00 pm from Via Malta, 4.

What makes this experience especially appealing is its engaging, hands-on approach. You get to prepare everything from appetizers to dessert, using top-quality ingredients in a spacious, central location. Plus, the lively atmosphere and Fabrizio’s humorous, friendly style ensure that laughter and good conversation are guaranteed. It’s a fantastic way to dive into Ligurian cuisine, whether you’re a home cook or simply love good food and company.

Key Points

• Full Ligurian menu: Learn to cook 6 traditional dishes including Panissa, focaccia, gnocchi with pesto, and Panera.
• Expert guidance: Chef Fabrizio provides step-by-step instructions in a friendly, engaging manner.
• Includes tasting: Enjoy your homemade meal with a glass of wine, making the experience both delicious and social.
• All ingredients and utensils provided: No need to bring anything; everything is prepared for your cooking session.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highly rated: The experience has received perfect 5-star reviews for its fun atmosphere and authentic dishes.

Learning Ligurian appetizers: Panissa and focaccia varieties

The class kicks off with the preparation of Panissa, a typical Ligurian appetizer made from chickpea flour, seasoned with oil, lemon, and pepper. You’ll also make three different types of focaccia—a seasoned version with oil and salt, an onion focaccia, and one topped with cherry tomatoes and olives. These focaccias are especially notable because Fabrizio claims to teach how to make the best focaccia in Genoa, surpassing even those found in local delicatessens.

Each focaccia type offers a different flavor profile, giving you a well-rounded taste of Ligurian baking traditions. The focus on quality ingredients and authentic techniques ensures that each focaccia is flavorful and perfectly textured. This part of the class is both fun and informative, and the resulting focaccia is perfect to enjoy later or take home.

Crafting Gnocchi with Genoese Pesto from scratch

Next, the class moves on to making gnocchi, a beloved first course in Liguria. Chef Fabrizio teaches how to prepare both the gnocchi dough and the pesto from scratch, with a focus on authentic techniques. You’ll learn how to combine fresh ingredients to create the classic Genoese pesto that is thick, fragrant, and full of flavor.

This step is especially satisfying because you get to roll out and shape the gnocchi yourself, gaining confidence in traditional pasta-making skills. The pesto, made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese, perfectly complements the tender gnocchi, providing a taste of Liguria’s culinary simplicity and freshness.

Recco focaccia: the cheese-filled specialty

For the second course, everyone gets hands-on experience making focaccia di Recco, a thin, crispy focaccia filled with stracchino cheese. This regional delicacy is prized for its delicate, cheesy flavor and layered, flaky texture. Chef Fabrizio walks you through the process of stretching the dough to the right thinness and filling and baking it to crispy perfection.

This dish highlights the importance of technique and quality ingredients, and its unique filling makes it a standout in Ligurian cuisine. The preparation is straightforward but rewarding, resulting in a delicious, cheesy treat that you will enjoy during the meal.

Making and tasting Panera for dessert

The final dish is Panera, a traditional Ligurian sweet bread. You will learn how to prepare the dough and shape it into a flavorful, slightly sweet loaf. Once baked, Panera provides a satisfying ending to the meal, combining comforting flavors with a light, fluffy texture.

After the cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy your homemade Ligurian menu. The relaxed setting, along with fabrizio’s warm guidance and plenty of laughter, encourages lively conversation and a genuine sense of shared achievement. The meal is paired with a good glass of wine to enhance the flavors.

The lively atmosphere and chef Fabrizio’s personality

Chef Fabrizio’s many years of experience shine through his engaging teaching style. His funny, approachable manner makes the class particularly enjoyable, as he ensures everyone feels involved and confident. The review highlights how he connects with participants, making the experience educational and entertaining.

Beyond the cooking, guests often meet Fabrizio’s family, adding a personal touch to the experience. The lively chatter, shared laughter, and wine flow naturally, creating a warm, friendly environment that feels more like a gathering of friends than a formal class.

Practical details: logistics and inclusions

The meeting point is Via Malta, 4 in Genoa, conveniently close to public transportation. The class begins at 3:00 pm and includes all necessary ingredients and utensils, so no additional supplies are needed. The price covers all food, drinks, and learning materials.

Participants receive the opportunity to sample the entire menu they prepare, with the meal paired with a quality glass of wine. The experience is designed for small groups, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace. It’s suitable for those interested in authentic Ligurian cuisine and eager to have fun cooking.

Actual course length and group size considerations

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, giving ample time for each dish’s preparation and tasting. The maximum group size is 15 participants, which helps maintain a friendly, intimate environment. The class is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced cooks wanting to learn regional specialties.

Why this cooking class stands out among Genoa food experiences

Unlike more passive food tours, this experience is hands-on and interactive, providing practical cooking skills that extend beyond the class. The focus on regional dishes like focaccia di Recco, gnocchi with pesto, and Panera offers genuine insight into Ligurian culinary traditions.

The fun atmosphere, expert guidance, and delicious results make this tour a popular choice for food lovers. The perfect 5-star review confirms its reputation as an engaging and worthwhile activity. It’s ideal for anyone craving authentic local cuisine combined with a lively, personable guide.

Final thoughts on the Ligurian full menu cooking experience

This Genoa-based cooking class offers more than just a meal—it’s an immersive, fun, and educational journey into Ligurian flavors. Chef Fabrizio’s expertise and humor create an atmosphere where learning and laughter go hand in hand. The chance to prepare and taste a full menu of regional specialties makes it a memorable choice for foodies.

While the experience requires a few hours, the quality of the dishes, the personalized attention, and the authenticity of the recipes make it well worth the time. The inclusion of wine and all ingredients simplifies planning, and the free cancellation policy provides peace of mind. This class suits those eager to bring home authentic Ligurian recipes and enjoy a lively, warm social environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dishes will I learn to prepare?
You will learn to cook Panissa, three types of focaccia, gnocchi with pesto, focaccia di Recco, and Panera.

Are ingredients and utensils included?
Yes, all ingredients and utensils needed for the dishes are provided, so participants only need to bring enthusiasm.

When does the class start?
The class begins at 3:00 pm from Via Malta, 4 in Genoa.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

What is the atmosphere like?
The atmosphere is lively, friendly, and engaging, with Fabrizio’s humorous style creating a warm environment.

Is the experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, the class caters to all skill levels and emphasizes learning in a relaxed setting.

Will I taste everything I make?
Yes, you will enjoy the entire Ligurian menu you prepare, paired with a good glass of wine.

Is the group size large or small?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Do I meet the chef during the class?
Yes, Chef Fabrizio is actively involved, guiding you through each step and sharing stories along the way.

What is special about this cooking class?
The combination of authentic Ligurian recipes, Fabrizio’s personable guidance, and delicious, homemade dishes makes it stand out in Genoa.