Mani in pasta at Convito: gnocchi and grispelle in the heart of Calabria

Traveling through Calabria offers endless surprises—stunning coastlines, rugged mountains, and, of course, unforgettable food. This particular experience at Convito Home Restaurant promises a deep dive into local culinary traditions, focusing on two iconic Calabrian dishes: homemade gnocchi and grispelle. If you’re curious to go beyond mere tasting and want to get your hands dirty with authentic recipes, this class might be just the ticket.

What sets this experience apart are two main things we love: first, the personalized attention in a small group—limited to just ten participants—and second, the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. That said, a possible consideration is the duration—five hours can feel a bit long if you’re pressed for time or not used to multi-part cooking sessions. Still, for those eager to truly understand Calabrian cuisine and enjoy a convivial meal afterward, this tour is a real treat.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy cooking classes with an authentic, local flavor, and those who appreciate learning from an experienced chef in a relaxed, family-style environment. It’s perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a meaningful connection to Calabria’s culinary roots.

Key Points

• Authentic Calabrian Dishes: Focus on making gnocchi and grispelle with traditional techniques.
• Hands-On Experience: Guided step-by-step by a professional chef, ensuring you learn proper methods.
• Local Ingredients: Emphasis on seasonal, high-quality produce from nearby farms.
• Inclusive and Intimate: Small group size guarantees personalized attention and a warm atmosphere.
• All-Inclusive Price: Ingredients, equipment, lunch, water, wine, and a takeaway recipe book included.
• Weather-Proof: Indoor setting ensures the activity runs smoothly regardless of the weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Off: Welcome & Introduction

Your time at Convito begins with a warm welcome, where you’ll get to learn about the restaurant’s approach to Calabrian cuisine and the recipes you’ll be preparing. The host points out that the dishes are especially popular during holidays, giving you a taste of local traditions. This initial chat sets a friendly tone, making it clear that this is more than just a cooking class—it’s a taste of Calabria’s homey, convivial spirit.

Preparing Gispelle Dough and Leavening

One of the highlights is the preparation of gispelle, a traditional potato-based dish typical during the holidays. You’ll learn how to make the dough from scratch, starting with fresh potatoes and mixing them with local flour. The process involves manual kneading—a satisfying experience that connects you directly with regional cooking methods. The chef emphasizes patience here, as the dough needs time to leaven, which makes the final product lighter and more flavorful.

Making Sila Potato Gnocchi

While the gispelle dough rests, you’ll switch gears to Sila potato gnocchi, renowned for their tender texture. Using fresh potatoes from the Sila mountains, you’ll learn the precise technique of mixing, rolling, and cutting. Our guide notes that with expert tips, even beginners can expect to produce perfectly light and fluffy gnocchi. The chef might share subtle secrets—like the importance of not overworking the dough—to ensure your gnocchi won’t turn out heavy or dense.

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The Chef’s Guidance & Tips

Throughout the class, the chef is attentive and eager to share little tricks—from how to shape gnocchi with a fork to how to recognize the right consistency for the gispelle dough. Several reviews highlight this personalized instruction: one guest mentioned how the chef’s tips helped them make restaurant-quality dishes at home. The relaxed atmosphere allows for questions and demonstrations, making it ideal for novices and seasoned cooks alike.

The Feast: Tasting Your Creations

Once the cooking is complete, everyone gathers around the table to sample the dishes. The shared meal is a lively, convivial affair, made even more special by the fact that you played a direct role in preparing it. The local wine and water complement the meal, and the experience is described as “authentic and satisfying,” with some guests noting that the dishes exceeded their expectations.

Takeaway & Recipes

To keep the spirit alive, each guest receives a personalized cookbook, with detailed recipes to recreate the experience at home. This thoughtful touch means you leave with more than just memories—plus, you can impress friends and family with your new skills.

Practical Details & Value

The five-hour duration might seem lengthy, but it’s a comprehensive immersion into Calabrian cooking, balanced with ample time for preparation, tasting, and conversation. The small group size (limited to ten) ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience. The all-inclusive nature—covering ingredients, equipment, lunch, and wine—represents very good value, especially considering the quality of ingredients and expert guidance.

An important feature is the indoor space, ensuring that the experience runs smoothly even if the weather isn’t cooperating. The activity is also wheelchair accessible, a considerate touch for inclusivity.

While the experience doesn’t include transportation, that’s typical for such culinary activities, and many travelers might combine this with a visit to Sangineto or nearby sights.

Who Will Love This?

This tour best suits foodies eager to learn authentic Calabrian recipes, couples who enjoy shared experiences, and travelers keen on engaging directly with local traditions. It’s less suitable for those with dietary restrictions (vegans, vegetarians, or food allergies are not accommodated), children under 18, or pregnant women, per the activity guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for people with food allergies or dietary restrictions?
No, the activity is not suitable for people with food allergies, vegans, vegetarians, or those with dietary restrictions, as the recipes use seasonal, local ingredients that are not tailored for special diets.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, guidance, a convivial lunch with tasting, water, local wine, and a personalized recipe book are included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts unexpectedly.

How long does the experience last?
It typically lasts around five hours, but check the availability for specific start times.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation to and from the venue is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Sangineto.

What language is the class conducted in?
The experience is led in Italian; some hosts may offer translations or assistance, but it’s primarily in Italian.

Is this experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

Can children participate?
No, the activity is not suitable for children under 18, as it involves detailed cooking techniques and adult supervision.

Final Thoughts

This culinary experience at Convito offers a genuine taste of Calabria, blending hands-on cooking with warm hospitality. It’s ideal for those who value authentic recipes, local ingredients, and the camaraderie of a small group. The focus on making dishes like gnocchi and grispelle from scratch means you’ll gain skills and confidence to try these recipes back home—and you’ll do so while savoring a delicious, locally crafted meal.

For travelers seeking a meaningful, culturally-rich activity that combines education, flavor, and fun, this tour delivers a satisfying slice of Calabrian life. Be prepared for a relaxed pace, plenty of guidance, and a hearty meal that reflects Calabria’s hearty, straightforward culinary roots. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, it’s a memorable way to connect with the region’s traditions—and taste them firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: