Bologna: Pasta Making Class & Family Meal with Locals

Roll tortelloni and ravioli by hand then gather for a real Bolognese lunch

You’ll step into a real Bolognese home to roll tortelloni and ravioli by hand with locals, then sit down together for a meal of your own making—plus wine and a sweet surprise for dessert. Expect laughter in the kitchen, flour everywhere, and flavors you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on pasta making with Irene and Marco in their Bologna family home using fresh Food Valley ingredients, followed by a homemade lunch (or dinner) featuring your creations with wine and dessert—all in an accessible setting close to public transport.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Traditional pasta making and meal

• Meet Irene and Marco
• Make three pasta shapes
• Taste Food Valley products
• Enjoy lunch or dinner
• Drink wine with meal
• End with sweet dessert

The Experience

We rang the bell and Irene opened the door, already dusted in flour. The kitchen smelled like simmering ragu—honestly, I was hungry before we’d even started. Marco greeted us too (he’s got this easy laugh), and suddenly we were rolling up sleeves at their big wooden table. I didn’t expect how sticky the dough would feel at first, or how much patience it takes to get those little tortelloni folded right. Irene kept saying “piano, piano”—slowly—and showed me again, her hands moving so quick I almost missed it.

Making pasta in Bologna is nothing like following a recipe back home. There’s this rhythm to it: everyone chatting, someone grating cheese, Marco pouring us a splash of local wine while we worked. He told us about the truffles they sometimes add in autumn—today it was all about fresh ricotta and herbs. When my ravioli looked lopsided, Marco just shrugged and said they’d taste better that way. Maybe he was being nice but I liked that.

Sitting down together felt like joining their family for Sunday lunch (even though it was Tuesday). We ate what we’d made—tagliatelle tangled with ragu, pillowy ravioli—and Irene brought out a dessert she called “a surprise.” It was sweet but not too much; honestly I still think about that last bite. I left smelling faintly of flour, which made me smile later on the bus.

Top questions

Is this pasta making class in Bologna suitable for beginners?

Yes, Irene and Marco guide you through every step—even if you’ve never made pasta before.

What types of pasta do you make during the class?

You’ll usually make three shapes like tortelloni, ravioli, and tagliatelle depending on the season.

Does the experience include lunch or dinner?

Yes, after cooking you’ll sit down to eat everything you made together as lunch or dinner.

Are vegetarian options available during the class?

The menu depends on seasonal ingredients; mention dietary needs when booking to check availability.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed to join the pasta making class?

Infants and small children can attend; strollers are welcome.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the house.

Are service animals allowed at this experience?

Service animals are allowed during the class and meal.