Discover the Flavors of Italy with a Gelato and Pasta Class on Piazza Navona in Rome

This engaging 2.5-hour cooking experience in Rome’s Piazza Navona offers a hands-on chance to master fettuccine pasta and gelato in a charming setting. Priced at $70.69 per person, the class combines culinary skill-building with authentic Roman flavors, making it ideal for food lovers and families alike. Held at the renowned Ristorante Tucci, this experience is led by professional guides who help participants create delicious dishes they can enjoy afterward, all while seated in one of Rome’s most iconic squares.

The tour includes a welcome Prosecco, a bruschetta appetizer, and a chance to relax with a glass of wine or beer as your freshly cooked pasta is served. Despite its intimacy and friendly atmosphere, the small group size of up to 10 participants ensures personalized attention. One of the standout features is the opportunity to make gelato from scratch, guided by a professional gelato maker, using recipes sourced from local artisans. While the small gelato lab may pose accessibility issues, the overall experience offers a delightful taste of Italy’s culinary traditions.

Key Points

Authentic Roman cooking: Learn to prepare fettuccine and gelato in the heart of Rome.
Expert guides: Guides are engaging, knowledgeable, and make the class fun.
Includes drinks and appetizers: Enjoy Prosecco, wine, beer, and bruschetta as part of the experience.
Relaxed setting: Sit outside on Piazza Navona and dine on your creations with a view.
Family-friendly: Suitable for children over 6 and those seeking a hands-on activity, though not accessible for wheelchair users or vegans.
Great value: The experience combines cooking, tasting, and stunning scenery for $70.69.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Learning to Make Authentic Italian Pasta in Piazza Navona

This class begins inside Ristorante Tucci, located right on Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most lively and picturesque squares. Upon arrival, a welcome Prosecco greets participants, setting a festive tone. The professional guides, such as Luca, Simone, Sarah, and others, bring enthusiasm and expertise, helping everyone feel confident in their pasta and gelato-making skills. They explain each step clearly, ensuring even beginners can succeed.

The pasta-making segment focuses on creating fettuccine from scratch. Guides teach how to roll and cut the pasta, with the restaurant chef cooking it to perfection afterward. Participants get to choose a sauce—ranging from classic carbonara to other options—and watch as their pasta is served at their table, hot and fresh. The gelato segment involves using a gelato machine and a recipe from a local artisan, resulting in a creamy dessert that rivals any shop in Rome.

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The Setting: Piazza Navona’s Iconic Charm

The class takes place at Ristorante Tucci, offering a cozy, Roman ambiance. The outdoor seating provides a beautiful backdrop of Piazza Navona, allowing participants to enjoy their food while watching the square’s lively atmosphere. Sitting outside while tasting homemade dishes adds a special touch, especially after a busy day of sightseeing.

The small group size ensures an intimate environment, with guides personally engaging each participant. Many reviews highlight the stunning location as a major plus, making this tour not just about cooking but also about soaking up Rome’s vibrant street life.

The Guide’s Approach: Engaging, Friendly, and Knowledgeable

Guides like Simone, Sarah, and Bea are praised for their friendly demeanor, sense of humor, and expertise. They help make the process feel easy and fun, explaining each step with clarity. Many mention that guides remembered their names, added personal touches, and shared helpful tips. This attentive approach turns a simple cooking class into a memorable, personal experience.

Participants appreciate how guides balance instruction with entertainment, keeping everyone involved and motivated. Whether teaching how to roll pasta or explaining gelato techniques, guides make sure everyone feels confident and involved.

The Menu: Pasta, Gelato, and Roman Flavors

This experience combines making fettuccine with gelato production, offering a well-rounded taste of Italy’s culinary staples. After creating your homemade pasta, a chef cooks it with your selected sauce, which could include traditional options like carbonara. The freshly cooked pasta is then served to the group, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer.

The gelato is prepared with a machine and sourced from a local artisan recipe, resulting in a creamy, authentic treat. The experience also includes bruschetta as an appetizer, providing a variety of flavors to start the meal. The drinks and appetizer are included, making this a good value for the all-in price.

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The Pacing and Duration of the Class

The class lasts 2.5 hours, providing enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy the dishes without feeling rushed. The start times vary, so checking availability ensures you can choose a time that fits your schedule. The pace is relaxed, with guides taking time to explain each step and answer questions.

Since the class is designed for small groups, the personal attention allows a comfortable, interactive experience. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and get involved at every stage, making it suitable for families and individuals alike.

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Accessibility and Suitability for Families

The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the small size of the gelato lab. It is not suitable for children under 6 years, but children over that age are welcome. The activity is engaging and fun for families, with guides making it accessible for kids and adults alike.

Participants should note that vegans and those with mobility impairments might find the experience unsuitable, given the specific dietary offerings and space limitations.

The Chef-Guided Cooking Experience

Guides such as Luca, Simone, or Sarah lead the class with enthusiasm. Many reviews highlight their engaging teaching style, sense of humor, and ability to make complex techniques simple. They provide guidance tailored to participants’ skill levels, ensuring everyone leaves with new skills and confidence.

Participants particularly enjoy the personalized instruction, which makes the experience feel less like a class and more like a friendly culinary gathering.

The View and Atmosphere in Piazza Navona

One of the unique aspects of this tour is the outdoor dining experience with a view of Piazza Navona. Sitting outside while enjoying your homemade pasta and gelato creates a relaxed, Roman atmosphere. The square’s lively vibe, with street performers and bustling cafes, enhances the overall experience, making it more memorable.

The stunning setting is often praised in reviews, adding a sense of romance and authenticity that few indoor classes can match.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $70.69, this tour offers excellent value considering the hands-on cooking, professional guidance, local ingredients, and stunning location. The inclusive drinks and appetizers complement the experience, making it a satisfying activity that combines culinary skill and local culture.

Many reviews note that the portion sizes and quality of food are impressive, providing enough for a full meal. The friendly guides and beautiful setting make this an activity highly recommended for those seeking a fun, interactive way to learn about Roman cuisine.

Authentic Roman Cuisine with a Personal Touch

This class excels at offering a personalized look into authentic Roman cooking. The guides’ expertise and friendly approach make the process accessible, even for beginners. Making fettuccine and gelato from scratch, then enjoying the dishes in Piazza Navona, provides a memorable taste of Italy.

While the small gelato lab limits accessibility, the overall experience compensates with delicious food, lively atmosphere, and professional instruction. It appeals most to those eager to gain new skills, enjoy local flavors, and experience Rome’s vibrant street life in a relaxed setting.

Ready to Book?

Gelato and Pasta Cooking Class in Rome – Piazza Navona

4.8

(83)

“My family of four loved the class and it was a great break from the crowds and contrasted with all of the amazing archaeological sites Rome has aro…”

— David, May 13, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the class suitable for children?
Yes, children over 6 years old are welcome, but the activity may not be suitable for younger kids or those with mobility issues due to space limitations.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides lead the class in English, making it accessible for most visitors.

Does the experience include drinks?
Yes, a glass of wine or beer is included, along with water and soda for children under 18.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

What is the location of the start point?
The class begins inside Ristorante Tucci on Piazza Navona; staff will assist upon arrival.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour is not suitable for vegans and may not accommodate other dietary restrictions owing to ingredient use.

This Gelato and Pasta Cooking Class in Rome offers a genuine taste of Italy through hands-on learning and a stunning setting. It’s a lively, friendly experience perfect for anyone eager to take home new culinary skills while enjoying Rome’s vibrant atmosphere.