Genoa Cooking Class: Learn Ligurian Recipes Hands-On

Make pesto, focaccia and handmade pasta the way Genoa does

A hands-on cooking class in Genoa where small groups of 2–10 prepare at least four traditional Ligurian recipes under instruction from a local chef, then taste everything together with wine or beer. The class runs about three and a half hours and meets at Via di Porta Soprana. Children under 5 attend free. Ages 5–12 get 50% off.

The experience

You'll start with the recipes Genovese master chefs consider essential: handmade testaroli or gnocchi paired with authentic pesto made from local basil and pine nuts, focaccia layered with Stracchino cheese from nearby Recco, and canestrelli. Small flower-shaped biscuits from the hills behind Genoa. The chef guides you through each one, sharing techniques and the reasoning behind ingredient choices. This is not a demonstration. You're doing the work yourself, learning how the dough feels, how the pesto comes together, why the proportions matter.

After cooking, you taste everything you've made, course by course, with water, wine or beer in limited amounts. The tasting also includes artisanal gelato. The whole experience (prep, cooking, tasting) takes around three and a half hours. Groups stay small, between 2 and 10 people, so there's room to ask questions and move at a pace that lets you absorb what you're learning. The class meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 09:00 am in front of Columbus House on Via di Porta Soprana.

The guide speaks both English and Italian during the class. If the minimum of two people isn't reached, the operator will contact you to reschedule for another time or day. Children under 5 attend free. Children 5–12 receive a 50% discount on the class price.

What’s included

• Instruction from a local chef.
• preparation of at least 4 traditional Ligurian recipes.
• tasting of everything you've made.
• water, wine or beer in limited amounts.
• artisanal gelato.
• coffee or tea.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday and ThursdayDeparts at 09:15

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 10

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.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Stroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Do Eat Better Experience

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want to learn by doing rather than watching. You're handling the dough, tasting the pesto as you make it, and taking home the techniques rather than just the meal. The small group size means the chef can adjust the pace to your questions and experience level.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

60 verified traveler reviews

5 ★57

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What recipes do I actually prepare during the Genoa cooking class?

You prepare at least four traditional recipes: handmade testaroli or gnocchi with pesto, authentic Genovese pesto sauce made with local basil and pine nuts, focaccia filled with Stracchino cheese from Recco, and canestrelli biscuits from Torriglia in the hills behind Genoa.

How long does the cooking class in Genoa take?

The class runs around three and a half hours total, including preparation, cooking and tasting all the recipes you've made.

What's included in the price besides the cooking and tasting?

Water, wine or beer in limited amounts, coffee or tea, and artisanal gelato are all included. You prepare at least four recipes and taste each one.