Rome: Pasta Making Class by Vatican with Chef & Wine

Summary

Roll fresh pasta with a Roman chef steps from the Vatican and share laughs over wine

You’ll get your hands into real Roman pasta dough just steps from the Vatican, guided by a friendly local chef who shares stories as you roll and cut fettuccine. Enjoy a welcome aperitif, cook at your own station, then gather for wine and laughter around a shared table—no dishes to wash, just good food and new friends.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if you could actually pull off making pasta in Rome, like for real? I did too. The place was just around the corner from the Vatican — you could almost hear the city humming outside, but inside it smelled like flour and tomatoes. Our chef, Marco, had this way of making everyone relax right away (even when I got flour everywhere). He handed me an apron and said something about “pasta is love,” which sounded cheesy until we started kneading dough side by side. My hands stuck to everything at first — he laughed and showed me how to fix it with just a splash of water. I didn’t expect that part to feel so… grounding?

We kicked things off with a spritz and these homemade chips dusted in Pecorino Romano — salty, sharp, kind of addictive. There were maybe eight of us huddled around our own workstations. Marco told stories about his grandmother’s kitchen in Trastevere while we rolled out fettuccine. The light from outside was sort of golden on the flour-dusted tables. At one point I tried saying “basilico” in Italian and pretty much butchered it; everyone laughed (including me). It felt easy, like cooking with friends you just met.

When the pasta hit the pot, there was this quick hush — everyone watching as Marco tossed it with tomato sauce that smelled like summer gardens. We all squeezed together at a big table (inside because June was already too hot for the terrace) and clinked glasses of local wine. Honestly, eating what I’d made tasted different somehow — maybe pride is an ingredient? I still think about that first bite. No one rushed; we swapped travel stories until plates were wiped clean.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on pasta making and tasting

• Enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo
• Learn to mix and knead pasta dough
• Roll and cut fresh fettuccine
• Chef adds fresh tomato and basil sauce
• Sit down to enjoy your pasta meal
• Have a second drink of your choice
• Chat with chef and fellow travelers

Top questions

Is this pasta making class near the Vatican?

Yes, it's just steps from the Vatican Museums in Rome.

Are drinks included in the class?

You get a welcome aperitif plus a second drink (wine, beer or soft drink) included.

Can vegetarians or gluten-free guests join?

Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if you let them know in advance.

How many people are in each class?

The class is small-group style—usually around 8 guests per session.

Will we be making pasta from scratch?

Yes, you'll mix ingredients, knead dough by hand and shape fresh fettuccine yourself.

Is there air conditioning inside?

Yes—the restaurant is air-conditioned for comfort while cooking.

Do I need any experience to join?

No experience needed! The chef guides you through every step.

Are children allowed in the class?

Yes—children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can stay in strollers or prams.

What’s included

Your booking covers all ingredients for making fresh fettuccine at your own workstation, guidance from an Italian chef, use of aprons and utensils, a welcome aperitif with homemade chips dusted in Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, your finished pasta meal topped with classic sauce, one additional drink (wine, beer or soft drink), water throughout the experience—and no dishes to wash at all before you leave.