Sorrento: Small Group Cooking Class & Hands-On Pasta School

Summary

Cook pasta in Sorrento’s heart with local chefs and real laughter

You’ll roll fresh pasta by hand in central Sorrento, guided by a local chef who makes you feel instantly at home. Sip prosecco, taste cheeses or shrimps, then cook your choice of meat, fish or veggie dishes before sharing everything around the table—with plenty of wine and laughter along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t let the gnocchi stick together!” our chef, Giulia, called out, waving her flour-dusted hands. We were maybe five minutes into the Sorrento cooking class and already I’d lost count of how many times I’d wiped my palms on my apron. The school sits right in the center of Sorrento—close enough that you can hear scooters zipping past if someone leaves the window open. There were just eight of us, so it felt less like a class and more like a kitchen full of friends who just met.

I went for the fish menu (couldn’t resist after seeing those clams), but two people next to me picked vegetarian and didn’t miss out at all. We started with prosecco and these salty little shrimps—my fingers still smelled faintly briny even after washing up. Giulia told stories about her nonna’s tricks for rolling pasta dough thin enough to read a newspaper through (I never quite managed it). She had this way of laughing when we messed up that made you want to try again instead of feel embarrassed. At one point I tried to pronounce “scialatielli” properly; she grinned and said I was close enough for a tourist.

The best part? Sitting down together at the end, passing plates of what we’d made—ravioli stuffed with mozzarella, fish baked with tomatoes, tiramisù that tasted like actual coffee instead of sugar overload. The wine flowed pretty generously too (they say a bottle per two people but I’m not sure anyone was counting). Honestly, I still think about that table sometimes—the clatter of forks, someone’s phone buzzing in the background, sunlight coming in crooked through the blinds. It wasn’t fancy or staged; it just felt real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking class at Quanto Basta school

• Arrive at Quanto Basta school
• Enjoy welcome prosecco cocktail
• Taste local cheeses, meats, or vegetables
• Prepare handmade pasta dishes
• Cook main course: meat, vegetarian, or fish
• Enjoy coffee tiramisù dessert
• Drink water and wine with meal

Top questions

How long does the Sorrento cooking class last?

The class lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where is the cooking school located in Sorrento?

It’s right in Sorrento center, easily reached by public transport.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are available if requested at booking.

Is lunch or dinner included in this cooking class?

Yes—after cooking you’ll eat what you made as a 3-course lunch or dinner with wine.

Can children join this Sorrento cooking class?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is pickup included for this activity?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet directly at the school in Sorrento center.

What dishes do you learn to cook during the class?

You’ll make handmade pasta plus meatballs/chicken, eggplant parmesan or fish depending on your chosen menu.

Is wine tasting part of this experience?

Yes—wine (white or red) is served throughout your meal at the end of class.

What’s included

Your experience includes hands-on cooking instruction from a local chef in central Sorrento, all ingredients for your chosen menu (meat, fish or vegetarian), welcome prosecco with tastings of cheeses or shrimps, bottled water and generous pours of local wine throughout your three-course meal—which you’ll share around the table after cooking together.