Florence: Private Pasta Cooking Class & Garden Lunch

Florence pasta making with locals in a family garden

You’ll join a Florentine family in their home kitchen for a relaxed pasta cooking class using seasonal ingredients—sometimes straight from their own garden. Taste local wine, share stories over lunch beneath the vines if weather allows, and finish with homemade dessert and coffee. You’ll leave with new recipes—and maybe a few new friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private cooking class with family

• Arrive at Florentine family home
• Prepare homemade pasta together
• Use garden or local products
• Cook traditional sauces and dishes
• Taste wine and local products
• Enjoy dessert and drinks
• Eat in the garden if weather permits

The Experience

She handed me an apron before I’d even set my bag down—her hands still dusted with flour, laughing as she tried to guess where we were from. The kitchen smelled like basil and something sweet I couldn’t place at first (later found out it was the olive oil). Our small group circled the wooden table, rolling dough while her son, Matteo, showed us how not to overwork it—he grinned when mine stuck to the board. “More flour,” he said, but didn’t sound annoyed. It felt like visiting relatives you hadn’t met yet.

I didn’t expect to be so proud of my lopsided ravioli. We used tomatoes from their garden—tiny, bright red ones—and when we sat outside under the vines (weather was perfect that day), the city noise faded behind us. Someone poured local wine and passed bruschetta around; honestly, I could’ve just eaten that and been happy. There was this moment where everyone went quiet except for forks scraping plates and birds somewhere above us. Kind of peaceful in a way I didn’t know I needed.

The best part? They let us try making Spritz too—mine was mostly ice but Li laughed and called it “refreshing.” Dessert was cantuccini dipped in vin santo; not something I’d usually order but now I get why people love it here. Our guide told stories about Florence in between courses—nothing rehearsed, just little things about the neighborhood or where their olive oil came from. If you’re looking for a private cooking class in Florence that actually feels like someone’s home, this is it. I still think about that view from their garden sometimes.

Top questions

Is this Florence cooking class private or small group?

It’s usually private, but sometimes may be small group if requests overlap—they’ll contact you first to confirm.

What dishes will we make during the pasta class?

You’ll make fresh pasta (tagliatelle, ravioli, or lasagna), sauces based on what’s in season, plus appetizers and dessert like cantuccini or fruit salad.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are provided if you let them know when booking.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held in a family home in Florence’s Oltrarno district, often with lunch served in their private garden if weather permits.

Is lunch included with the cooking class?

Yes, your experience includes lunch with wine and dessert made during the class.

Can I buy their olive oil after the class?

Yes, you can purchase high quality extra virgin olive oil produced by the family if you wish.

What happens if it rains on the day of my booking?

If it rains, eating in the garden won’t be possible—the meal will be served indoors instead.

How many people are needed to book this experience?

A minimum of 3 people is required per booking for this activity.

What’s included

Your day includes all kitchen equipment for hands-on pasta making, lunch with local wine and dessert (with vegetarian or vegan options if requested), plus time relaxing in a real Florentine family’s garden—if weather allows—before heading back into town full and happy.