La Spezia’s cooking classes offer practical lessons in authentic Ligurian cuisine. Local instructors teach essential regional specialties like pesto-making and fresh pasta in small-group settings. I especially love the market-to-kitchen experiences where you’ll shop alongside locals before cooking your finds. The home-based classes particularly stand out, giving you genuine insight into Italian family cooking techniques.
For the best hands-on culinary education in La Spezia, these are our favorite cooking experiences.
Key Points
- The Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson offers a 4-hour class with hands-on preparation of a 3-course meal and a surprise dish in a small group setting.
- The Levanto Fresh Pasta and Pesto Class provides a 3-hour experience to craft Ligurian pesto, Corzetti pasta, and tiramisu, including an aperitivo and local wines.
- The La Spezia Cooking Class + Home Restaurant features a 4.5-hour class with options for lunch or dinner, focusing on fresh pasta, pesto, and tiramisu preparation in a wheelchair-accessible setting.
- The Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class offers a 3-hour experience including a market visit for fresh seafood and a hands-on cooking lesson on mussels, baccalà, gnocchi with pesto, and tiramisu.
- The Private Cooking Class at a Local’s Home provides a 3-hour personalized experience taught by a certified home cook, covering 3 authentic local dishes from family cookbooks.
Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia
If you’re a foodie seeking an authentic Ligurian culinary experience, the Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia is the perfect opportunity. The 4-hour class, starting at 10:00 AM, allows you to learn about local cuisine.
You’ll meet at the Nostra Signora della Neve church at 10:30 AM and embark on a journey to select fresh seafood and produce from a nearby market.
The intimate class, limited to just four participants, ensures personalized attention from the engaging chef. In the kitchen of a nearby osteria, you’ll learn new cooking techniques and prepare a delicious 3-course meal, including a surprise dish.
As you enjoy the fruits of your labor, paired with local wine, you’ll understand why this class has an average rating of 4.9 based on 26 reviews.
The modern, clean kitchen and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff contribute to an engaging learning environment.
With the opportunity to take home printed menus and ingredients, this class is a must for seafood lovers and cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Read our full review: Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia Review
Book now: Check availability
Levanto, Cinque Terre: Fresh Pasta and Pesto Cooking Class
Exploring the culinary wonders of Cinque Terre, the Levanto, Cinque Terre: Fresh Pasta and Pesto Cooking Class offers an immersive experience in Ligurian cuisine. Priced from $95.20 per person, this 1-hour class is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring a personalized learning environment.
Hosted by the knowledgeable Chef Ermanno and Clara, you’ll learn to craft traditional dishes like Ligurian Pesto, Corzetti pasta, and Tiramisu. The class includes an aperitivo, local wines, espresso, and recipe handouts, providing a well-rounded culinary journey.
With daily sessions (except Sundays) starting at 11:00 AM and lasting 3 hours, you’ll dive deep into the techniques and history of authentic Italian cuisine. The class is suitable for families and children, with positive reviews highlighting the instructors’ expertise and the engaging atmosphere.
However, it’s not recommended for individuals over 95, those with gluten intolerance, wheelchair users, children under 10, or babies under 1 year old.
Read our full review: Levanto, Cinque Terre: Fresh Pasta and Pesto Cooking Class Review
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La Spezia: Cooking Class + Home Restaurant Experience
Enjoy the culinary wonders of La Spezia with the captivating Cooking Class + Home Restaurant Experience.
Over 4.5 hours, you’ll learn to craft fresh pasta, pesto, and tiramisu under the guidance of local Italian families. This intimate class, limited to just 6 participants, offers a chance to bond with the community and savor the flavors of authentic cuisine.
Choose from a lunch (10:00-14:00) or dinner (16:00-21:30) session on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. Once the cooking is complete, you’ll set the table together and enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared.
Afterward, relax in the serene garden or take a dip in the swimming pool. Priced from $158.67 per person, this experience is wheelchair accessible and available in both Italian and English.
Secure your spot with no upfront payment and take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: La Spezia: Cooking Class + Home Restaurant Experience Review
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The Spezia: Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class With Lunch
Set out on a culinary adventure in La Spezia with the Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class. This 3-hour experience, limited to 8 participants, immerses you in the local market and teaches you to prepare beloved Italian dishes.
Start with a stroll through the market, selecting fresh seafood and seasonal produce under the guidance of your knowledgeable instructor. Then, head to a restaurant for a hands-on cooking lesson, where you’ll learn to make mussels, baccalà, gnocchi with pesto, and tiramisu.
Pair your homemade meal with a hand-picked bottle of Italian wine. Take home printed recipes to recreate these dishes. Priced at $154.44 per person, this class offers excellent value, with a 4.3/5 rating based on 4 reviews.
Enjoy the informative content and pleasant interactions with your guide. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve your spot without upfront payment. Enjoy the flavors of La Spezia through this market visit and seafood cooking class.
Read our full review: The Spezia: Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class With Lunch Review
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La Spezia: Private Cooking Class at a Local’s Home
A private cooking class at a local’s home in La Spezia offers an intimate opportunity to explore the culinary traditions of the region. The 3-hour experience costs from Kč 3,663 per person and is taught in English or Italian.
You’ll learn to cook 3 authentic local dishes from family cookbooks under the guidance of a certified home cook. As you work at individual workstations with all necessary ingredients and utensils, you’ll gain lifelong Italian cooking skills.
After preparing the meal, you’ll savor the dishes accompanied by local wines. The class also includes complimentary beverages like water, wines, and coffee.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 4 reviews, this private class promises a wonderful family atmosphere and a highlight of your visit to Italy.
Flexible booking options, including reserve now & pay later, and accommodations for dietary needs make this an accessible and personalized culinary adventure.
Read our full review: La Spezia: Private Cooking Class at a Local’s Home Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
You’ll find a variety of cooking classes in La Spezia that’ll let you learn about the local cuisine. From hands-on pasta and pesto workshops to market tours and seafood-focused experiences, there’s something to suit every interest and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, these classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn, explore, and savor the flavors of the Cinque Terre region.