Italian Genoese Ligure Cuisine

Authentic Genoese Cooking in a Local’s Home for $92.55

This Genoese culinary experience offers a 2-hour private cooking class with Ornella Zerbone in Genoa, Italy. Priced at $92.55 per person, it provides an intimate opportunity to learn traditional Ligurian recipes like pesto, handmade tagliatelle, and classic dessert. The tour begins at Corso Firenze, 46 at 6:30 pm, and concludes back at the starting point, offering a relaxed evening with Italian wine, coffee, and a seaside terrace.

What makes this experience unique is the personalized approach—being hosted in a local’s home ensures a genuine taste of Genoese culture. The tour has received perfect 5-star reviews, highlighting its value, warm atmosphere, and culinary authenticity. While designed for small groups, its private setting makes it ideal for those seeking an immersive, hands-on cooking session with a friendly local guide.

Key Points

• Private 2-hour cooking class in Genoa with Ornella Zerbone
• Learn to make Genoese pesto and handmade pasta
• Includes wine, dessert, and coffee for a full meal experience
• Seated on a seaside terrace overlooking the water
• Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

Meet Ornella Zerbone: Your Host in Genoa’s Kitchen

Ornella Zerbone leads this private culinary experience, welcoming guests into her home in Genoa’s local neighborhood. Her warm personality and expertise make the session accessible, even for those with limited Italian language skills. She takes pride in sharing her authentic Ligurian recipes, especially the secrets behind traditional pesto.

Guests will appreciate her friendly, welcoming style, which creates a relaxed environment for learning. The personalized nature of the experience means you receive direct attention, making it easier to ask questions and gain confidence in your new culinary skills.

Learning to Prepare Genoese Pesto from Scratch

The highlight of this class is mastering the art of Genoese pesto. Ornella guides you through the process of making pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, and olive oil. It’s a hands-on experience where you crush ingredients together using traditional tools, replicating the authentic Ligurian method.

This step-by-step process is explained clearly, and guests with limited Italian find the instructions easy to follow thanks to Ornella’s friendly communication. The result is a vibrant green pesto that you can take home, along with new confidence in your culinary skills.

Crafting Handmade Tagliatelle in a Home Kitchen

Next, the class focuses on making handmade pasta, specifically tagliatelle. Ornella demonstrates how to knead the dough to the right consistency and roll it out using traditional techniques. Guests will cut and shape the pasta themselves, learning skills they can recreate at home.

The fresh pasta is cooked during the session, allowing everyone to experience the aroma and texture firsthand. This part of the class offers both practical skills and a satisfying sense of accomplishment. The pasta, combined with the pesto prepared earlier, becomes the centerpiece of the meal enjoyed on the sea-view terrace.

Enjoying a Seaside Meal with Italian Wine

The meal is set on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, providing a relaxing backdrop for savoring the dishes prepared. Ornella ensures each guest sits back to enjoy the fruits of their labor, complemented by Italian wine and coffee.

Guests appreciate the opportunity to dine in a peaceful, scenic setting, adding to the authentic experience. The combination of delicious food, stunning views, and good company makes for a memorable evening in Genoa.

Dessert and Coffee: Sweet Finishes Ligurian Cuisine

The class concludes with a local dessert, which Ornella prepares to complete the authentic Ligurian meal. Guests get to taste the sweet treat, paired with coffee to round out the culinary journey. This final touch emphasizes the importance of balance and tradition in Ligurian dining.

The dessert adds a sweet and satisfying conclusion to the class, leaving guests with both new cooking skills and fond memories of the flavors.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from Corso Firenze, 46 at 6:30 pm. It is a private experience, so only your group participates, providing a more personalized and flexible environment. The activity is near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers staying in Genoa.

The duration is approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable activity for an evening outing, especially for those interested in culinary traditions and local culture.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

This tour depends on good weather, as it involves dining on the terrace. If canceled due to poor weather, options include a full refund or a reschedule. Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in case of changing plans.

What Sets This Experience Apart from Others in Genoa

Unlike typical walking tours or general sightseeing, this experience offers hands-on cooking in a local home, making it a personal and immersive way to connect with Genoese culture. The focus on traditional recipes like pesto and handmade pasta highlights the region’s culinary identity.

Plus, the warm hospitality of Ornella and the seaside setting elevate this experience beyond a standard cooking class. The perfect 5-star reviews reflect excellent value and authenticity, especially appreciated by those wanting a deeper culinary connection.

Final Thoughts on the Genoese Cuisine Class

This private, hands-on cooking tour in Genoa offers a wonderful blend of learning, eating, and scenic relaxation. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic Italian food and want to gain practical skills while enjoying a comfortable, scenic setting.

While the price of $92.55 covers a full evening of culinary discovery, the personalized attention and local hospitality make it a worthwhile investment. The small group format ensures a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for food lovers or cultural explorers wanting a deeper connection to Ligurian cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cooking class?
The class lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at 6:30 pm.

What is included in the price?
Guests receive instruction on pesto and pasta, along with wine, coffee, and dessert, and enjoy their meal on a sea-view terrace.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Corso Firenze, 46 in Genoa.

Is this a group or private experience?
It is a private tour, meaning only your group participates.

Is the experience suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, communication is straightforward, and Ornella’s friendly approach makes the experience accessible regardless of language skills.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

What should I wear or bring?
Guests should wear comfortable clothing suitable for cooking. No specific items are required.

Is this experience suitable for children or dietary restrictions?
No specific information is provided on age restrictions or dietary needs, but the private setting and hands-on nature make it flexible for most.

How accessible is the location?
The starting point is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

What makes this tour stand out?
The personalized home environment, focus on authentic Ligurian recipes, and stunning seaside views set this experience apart in Genoa.