Cooking Class in Matera: 3 Local Recipes at Cesarina's Home

Cook three Matera recipes in a home kitchen, then eat what you've made.

A 3-hour cooking class at a Cesarina's home in Matera where you learn to prepare three authentic local dishes, cook them at your own workstation, and taste the finished recipes with local red and white wines. The class runs in the morning or afternoon in a small group, with all ingredients and kitchen tools provided. Your guide speaks English or Italian.

The experience

You arrive at a local home in Matera or the surrounding area and step into a kitchen set up for a small group. Each person gets their own workstation with utensils and all the ingredients laid out. The Cesarina (a member of Italy's network of home cooks who open their kitchens to travelers) walks you through three authentic Matera recipes, revealing the techniques that make them work. You're not watching a demonstration. You're the one handling the pasta, mixing, tasting as you go.

The class takes three hours. You cook, ask questions, adjust your technique based on what the Cesarina shows you. Halfway through or at the end, depending on how the recipes stack, you sit down to taste everything you've prepared. Local wines (red and white) come with the meal, along with water and coffee. It's not a restaurant meal plated by someone else. It's the food you made, the way it turned out.

You choose between a morning or afternoon departure when you book. Public transportation runs nearby if you need it. The Cesarina's home has hand sanitizer, paper towels and the space to keep distance if you prefer. The address stays private until after you've booked, for the host's security.

What’s included

• All kitchen equipment and ingredients for the three recipes.
• tastings of everything you cook.
• local red and white wines.
• water and coffee.
• small group instruction in English or Italian.
• local taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cooking Class AMGuide in English or Italian · 10:00Morning cooking class with tasting

Cooking Class PMGuide in English or Italian · 17:00Afternoon cooking class with tasting

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 17:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Public transport nearby

Operated by Cesarine: Cooking Class

Is this one for you?Choose the morning class if you want to cook early and have the rest of the day free in Matera. Pick the afternoon slot if you'd rather explore the town first and cook later. Either way, you're cooking in a real home kitchen with a working Cesarina, not in a commercial cooking school.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What three dishes do I actually cook during the class?

The Cesarina teaches typical Italian pasta in different types: the exact recipes depend on the season and what your host specializes in. You'll learn the techniques that make them authentic to Matera, not shortcuts or simplified versions.

Do I need cooking experience to join this class?

No. The class is built for small groups of mixed skill levels. The Cesarina guides you through each step and adjusts the pace to the group. You're learning her way of doing it, not proving you already know how.

Is the morning or afternoon class better for my schedule?

Both run the same way and last three hours. The morning class (AM) starts earlier in the day. The afternoon class (PM) fits better if you want to explore Matera first or have a late start. Pick whichever fits the rest of your itinerary.

What happens if I have a dietary restriction or allergy?

Contact the operator after you book with any dietary needs. The Cesarina can often adapt recipes or substitute ingredients, though some dishes may not work with certain restrictions. Mention it early so she has time to plan.

How far from central Matera is the Cesarina's home?

The home is in Matera or the surrounding area. You decide how far you're willing to travel when you book. Public transportation is available nearby. The exact address comes through after your reservation is confirmed.