Ligurian Cooking Lesson in Genoa: Make Pesto & Pasta

Make three Ligurian dishes from scratch, then eat them

A three-hour morning cooking class in Genoa's historic center where you learn to prepare pesto alla Genovese, lasagne and seasonal stuffed vegetables from a chef, then sit down to lunch with the dishes you made and local wine. The class is hands-on throughout. A chef guides you through each recipe. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice, and the lesson can be arranged as a private booking for your group.

The experience

The class takes place in a gourmet restaurant in Rapallo's old city center, and you spend the morning working through three dishes that define Ligurian cooking. A chef walks you through pesto alla Genovese, lasagne al pesto, and the region's stuffed vegetables called ripieni: explaining the technique and the reasoning behind each step. This is not a demonstration: you handle the ingredients and the tools yourself, learning how the flavors build and what makes each dish work. You receive written recipes and instructions to take home.

After the cooking finishes, you move to the table. Lunch is the meal you just made, served with Ligurian wine and time to taste what you've created without rushing. The whole experience runs three hours from start to finish, so it fits into a morning without consuming the rest of your day.

What’s included

• Cooking instruction from a chef in English or Italian.
• recipes and written instructions to take home.
• lunch featuring the three dishes you prepared.
• local Ligurian wine with the meal.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 30 Dec

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 6

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Infant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Experience My Portofino

Is this one for you?The class is hands-on and runs three hours straight, so you'll be on your feet in the kitchen for the full morning. Come ready to cook, not to watch. If you want to learn by doing rather than observing, and you have a morning free, this fits the bill.

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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 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What dishes do I actually make during the cooking lesson?

You prepare pesto alla Genovese, lasagne al pesto, and ligurian stuffed vegetables called ripieni. The chef guides you through each one, and you handle the cooking yourself rather than watching a demonstration.

Is lunch included, and what do I eat?

Lunch is included and consists of the dishes you prepared during the class, served with local Ligurian wine. You sit down to eat what you made.

Can I book this as a private lesson for my group?

Yes, the class can be arranged privately. A minimum of two people per booking is required, whether you book the group session or request a private arrangement.

What if I'm vegetarian?

Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at the time of booking so they can adjust the menu to suit your needs.

How long does the whole experience take?

The class runs three hours total, from the start of cooking instruction through lunch and wine. It takes place in the morning.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the restaurant?

The restaurant is in Rapallo's historic old city center. Public transportation options are available nearby, and you'll need to arrange your own way there. Transportation to and from the venue is not included.