Sorrento: Cooking Class in Seaview Villa with Family Recipes

Summary

Cook gnocchi & tiramisu in Sorrento’s lemon-scented villa

You’ll cook classic Sorrento dishes in a family villa overlooking the sea—think gnocchi, eggplant parmesan, and homemade tiramisù—then share stories over local wine. Walk through lemon groves, taste fresh olive oil and limoncello, and leave with recipes plus a little bit of Italian warmth tucked away for later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the view—though yeah, the bay of Sorrento really does sprawl out below you—but the smell. It’s this mix of coffee, something sweet (maybe the tiramisù?), and lemons from the trees right outside. We’d barely set our bags down before our host, Chiara, handed us tiny cups of espresso and grinned like she knew we’d need it. Her grandmother’s kitchen is just… lived-in, you know? There are nicks on the wooden table and someone’s old apron hanging by the door.

We started with eggplant parmesan—Chiara showed us how to slice everything thin (“not too thick or it won’t melt right,” she said), and her uncle wandered in to check on us, making jokes about “too much cheese” (as if that’s possible). The gnocchi was messier than I expected; my dough looked like a disaster at first but Chiara just laughed and showed me again. The flour stuck to my fingers for hours after. Local wine appeared out of nowhere—her cousin poured it while telling us about their olive harvest last year. I think everyone helps out here.

After lunch, we walked through the garden where they pick most of what we’d just eaten. Olive oil tasted grassy and sharp; limoncello was icy-cold and almost too strong for me (Chiara winked and said her grandma makes it “for real Italians”). I tried to say thank you in Italian—probably butchered it—and everyone laughed. Sunlight came through the lemon leaves just so, and I still think about that moment sometimes when I’m back home making pasta from scratch. Not quite the same, but close enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cook traditional Italian dishes

• Arrive at seaview grandmother villa
• Relax with welcoming coffee
• Learn to make eggplant parmesan
• Prepare fresh gnocchi with tomato sauce
• Make homemade tiramisù dessert
• Discover olive oil and limoncello production
• Enjoy local wine and limoncello
• Share stories and cooking tips

Top questions

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held in a seaview villa in Sorrento where the host's family lives.

What dishes will I learn to cook?

You’ll make eggplant parmesan, gnocchi with tomato sauce and basil, and homemade tiramisù.

Is lunch included?

Yes, you eat all the meals you prepare during the class.

Are drinks provided?

You’ll get local wine, homemade coffee, and limoncello to taste.

Is this suitable for children or infants?

Infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are allowed.

How long does the experience last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but includes hands-on cooking plus time for tasting food and drinks.

Are vegetarian options available?

The main menu items are vegetarian: eggplant parmesan, gnocchi with tomato sauce, tiramisù.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the villa.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on cooking lessons using family recipes inside a Sorrento seaview villa, all kitchen equipment needed, a full meal featuring your own creations (eggplant parmesan, gnocchi, tiramisù), plus local wine, homemade coffee, fresh olive oil tastings from their garden olives, limoncello sampling—and plenty of stories shared around the table before you head home.