Bologna: Home Pasta Cooking Class with Lunch at Grace’s

Summary

Roll tagliatelle & tortelloni in Grazia’s kitchen then eat together

You’ll knead dough by hand in a real Bolognese kitchen, learn to shape fresh pasta with guidance from Grazia herself, and share a homemade lunch around her table. Expect laughter over lopsided tortelloni, stories about Bologna’s food traditions, and maybe a friendly dog napping nearby — the kind of day that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I thought I knew what “pasta class” meant until we stepped into Grazia’s apartment in Bologna. The kitchen smelled like simmering ragù and something sweet I couldn’t place. Her dog (who’s basically her shadow) greeted us first, tail wagging like mad, before Grazia herself waved us in with flour-dusted hands. She switched between English and Italian so easily that I just nodded along sometimes — but she always made sure we understood the next step. There was no rush, just the sound of eggs cracking and someone humming softly (I think it was her).

We started making tagliatelle from scratch, which is way harder than it looks on YouTube. My dough stuck to my fingers at first — Grazia grinned and said, “That means you’re doing it right.” Rolling the pasta out with a heavy pin felt oddly meditative, even when mine came out lopsided. She showed us how to pinch tortelloni properly (“not too tight!”), and I definitely mangled a few. But nobody cared; it was all part of the fun. The kitchen got warm from the stove, and outside you could hear faint market sounds drifting up from Mercato di Mezzo.

Lunch happened around her table, sunlight slanting in through half-open shutters. We ate what we’d made: tagliatelle tangled up with rich ragù and pillowy tortelloni that tasted like Sunday afternoons should taste. Grazia poured wine for those who wanted it and told stories about Bologna — apparently everyone here has an opinion about sauce. Her dog curled up by my feet (if you’re not into dogs, maybe skip this one). Honestly, I still think about that meal sometimes when I’m back home eating store-bought pasta.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking fresh pasta at Grace's home

• Arrive at Grazia's kitchen
• Prepare two types of fresh egg pasta
• Mix egg and flour by hand
• Watch sauce preparation including Bolognese ragout
• Plate the dishes

Top questions

Is this Bologna cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian menu options are available if requested in advance.

Are gluten-free options offered at Grazia’s pasta class?

No, gluten-free or celiac menus are not available for this class.

Will there be other guests or is it private?

The class requires a minimum of two guests but may include others unless booked privately.

Is lunch included in the cooking class?

Yes, after cooking you’ll sit down together for lunch featuring what you’ve made.

Where does the class take place?

The pasta class is held at Grazia’s home in central Bologna near Mercato di Mezzo.

Can children join the cooking lesson?

Infants can attend if seated on an adult’s lap or in a stroller; check with host for older kids.

Are public transport options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Grazia’s home.

I’m allergic or afraid of dogs — should I book?

No; Grazia’s dog lives in the house and is present during the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes all cooking equipment provided by Grazia in her home kitchen plus a hands-on lesson making two types of fresh egg pasta before sitting down together for a homemade lunch featuring your creations—just bring your appetite (and maybe some curiosity).