Rome: Piazza Navona Pasta Cooking Class & Fettuccine Lunch

Summary

Learn to make fresh pasta in Rome’s iconic piazza with local chefs

You’ll roll fresh fettuccine by hand right above Piazza Navona, learn tips from local chefs, enjoy bruschetta and drinks while your pasta cooks, then eat your creation overlooking Rome’s famous fountains. Expect laughter, floury hands, and a taste of real Roman life that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re going to get flour everywhere,” our chef grinned, and she wasn’t wrong. I was already dusted up to my elbows before we’d even cracked the eggs for our fettuccine in Piazza Navona. The square outside buzzed with street artists and the clink of coffee cups. Inside Ristorante Tucci, the light was warm and golden, bouncing off the marble tables — it felt like we were tucked into a little pocket of Roman life, just for a while.

I’ll admit, I thought making pasta would be harder. Our guide (I think her name was Elena?) showed us how to swirl the flour into a nest and drop the eggs in — she made it look so easy. My dough was lumpy at first but she just laughed and helped me knead it smooth. There was this faint smell of tomatoes and basil drifting from the kitchen; honestly, I got distracted watching people outside waving their hands as they talked. Italians really do talk with their whole bodies.

While our fettuccine rested, we sat back with bruschetta — crispy bread with sweet tomatoes — and a glass of wine (or beer if you wanted). It tasted different here; maybe it was just being in Rome or maybe it’s that you can see Bernini’s fountains through the window. When they brought out our pasta with sauce (I picked cacio e pepe because when in Rome…), everyone at our table went quiet for a second except for someone whispering “wow.” I still think about that first bite — soft noodles, peppery cheese, sunlight on my face. After lunch, there was limoncello if you wanted it instead of coffee. I’m not sure which wakes you up more.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much or feel so at home with strangers from all over. If you’re looking for a pasta cooking class in Rome that feels less like a lesson and more like being invited into someone’s kitchen — well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pasta making and tasting in Rome

• Arrive at Piazza Navona restaurant
• Learn to make fettuccine pasta
• Choose a traditional Italian sauce
• Enjoy bruschetta appetizer
• Eat pasta with chosen sauce
• Drink wine or beer included

Top questions

Is this pasta cooking class in Rome suitable for beginners?

Yes, the class is beginner-friendly and guided step-by-step by local chefs.

Where does the fettuccine class take place?

The class is held inside Ristorante Tucci on Piazza Navona in central Rome.

Are drinks included during the cooking class?

Yes, you get a glass of wine or small beer included with your meal.

Can I choose my own sauce for the pasta?

Yes, after making your fettuccine you can pick from traditional Italian sauces prepared by the restaurant kitchen.

Is there a gluten-free option available?

No gluten-free options are offered for this class.

Are vegan options available for this cooking class?

No, as eggs are used in the pasta dough this class is not recommended for vegans.

What appetizers are served during the experience?

You’ll be served bruschetta with tomatoes as an appetizer while your pasta is prepared.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Piazza Navona.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes all ingredients for making fresh fettuccine by hand with guidance from local chefs inside Ristorante Tucci on Piazza Navona. You’ll enjoy bruschetta as an appetizer plus your choice of wine or beer during lunch; after eating your handmade pasta with sauce chosen by you and prepared by the kitchen staff, finish off with coffee or limoncello before heading back out into Rome’s lively square.