Top Genoa Classes & Workshops

There's no better souvenir to bring home from your travels than the gift of authentic Italian cuisine. Learn how to make fresh egg pasta the Italian way with a local chef in his home in a historic palazzo and master the art of fresh pesto, too. Numbers are capped at just six travelers, ensuring an intimate experience and likely the chance to make friends over lunch.

- The only cooking class in which a Chef and World Champion, Camilla Pizzorno, winner of the World Mortar Pesto Championship, teaches her recipe and its secrets; - Uses a large marble mortar and wooden pestle with more than 150 years; - Taste the freshly prepared pesto with a three-course Ligurian menu: the typical Genoese focaccia - a handmade pasta of the Ligurian tradition such as trofie or gnocchi seasoned with freshly prepared pesto - a traditional dessert: the Italian Tiramisù; - The dishes will be accompanied with a wine from the Ligurian Riviera and Italian liqueurs and grappas such as limoncello, myrtle and Camatti bitter; - Authentic Italian location surrounded by greenery: garden in the summer months and heated outdoors in the winter months.

This activity is special because it allows you to discover the secrets of real homemade ice cream directly with those who prepare it every day. It's not just a tasting: you actively participate in the creation of ice cream, learn real techniques and taste flavors prepared by yourself. It is an authentic, practical and engaging experience, combining theory, manual skills and flavours in an informal and welcoming environment. Eventually you bring home not only recipes, but a true understanding of what it means to make quality ice cream.

This experience offers an authentic deep dive into Genoa’s culinary tradition, just steps from the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You’ll learn to prepare real Genovese pesto using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle—just like locals have done for centuries. Set in our small artisan “food and wine” shop in the heart of the old town, the experience is hands-on, authentic and full of flavor. You’ll taste high-quality local ingredients and enjoy your handmade pesto served with trofie pasta, paired with a guided tasting of Ligurian wines. What makes this experience truly special is our family involvement: the class is led by us together with Gaia, our daughter, who was the youngest finalist at the World Pesto Championship in Genoa (March 2026). This is not just a cooking class, but a real connection to Ligurian culture, traditions and family hospitality.

This experience is special because it allows you to learn fresh pasta directly with a Pro Chef, in an intimate and authentic setting. Each participant prepares the pasta with their own hands, discovering traditional techniques not found in classic tourist courses. The final tasting makes the activity complete and convivial, transforming a simple cooking lesson into a real moment of Italian culture.

The experience is made truly special by Tiziana's guidance and the setting in a 17th century palace. She is a certified Mortar Pesto expert and will show you how to create the best pesto you have ever tasted.

In this activity you will get to know the ingredients and the authentic culinary traditions of the area, you will experience firsthand the preparation of fresh pasta and pesto and you can have lunch in a wonderful location inside an historical palace

There’s no better place to learn to make pasta than Italy and this small-group class in Genoa teaches you everything you need to know. Join a small group and learn to make fresh pasta from start to finish. You also learn how to make an iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu, before enjoying all your hard work during a delicious meal.

Step into the heart of Genoa and discover one of Liguria’s most beloved recipes: salsa di noci (walnut sauce). In our cozy food boutique, just steps from Christopher Columbus’ House, you’ll prepare this creamy sauce the traditional way — with mortar and pestle. Guided by a local host, you’ll blend walnuts, bread, garlic, and cheese into a velvety paste, then enjoy it served over pasta with a glass of fine Ligurian wine. To make the memory last, you’ll also receive a Certificate of Participation. A hands-on culinary experience that combines tradition, taste, and the warm atmosphere of Genoa’s historic center.

Learn to make delicious Ligurian dishes from a local during this private cooking class in Genoa. Get your hands dirty as you learn the tricks of the trade to make a few of the region’s best dishes. Then, enjoy the food that you’ve made paired with wines from the region and leave with an apron and reusable shopping bag as a keepsake.

This experience takes place inside a family-run Ligurian food shop, not in a standard cooking school. Prepare potato gnocchi from scratch and make authentic Genoese pesto with a marble mortar and wooden pestle. Then enjoy the food you created during a relaxed brunch, paired with 2 wines from small Ligurian producers. You will also discover the stories, ingredients, and traditions behind Genoa’s local food culture.

For those seeking an exclusive and regenerating wellness experience: Perfect for those who want to disconnect from the daily routine and dedicate themselves to their psychophysical well-being, in a unique and relaxing setting. For those who practice Pilates and want to experience a new dimension of the discipline: Ideal for Pilates enthusiasts who want to try a sweet and therapeutic version of the practice, immersed in the natural beauty of the sea. For small groups, couples or individuals looking for an intimate and personalized experience: Suitable for up to 4 participants, the experience is designed for those who want to enjoy a moment of tranquility and harmony, away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Get off the beaten tourist path and you’ll be welcomed into your host’s home in Savona for a private cooking class. Embark on a local market visit to find the freshest ingredients for your cooking class, then get to work making three traditional dishes. You’ll get personalized attention from your guide and enjoy the ability to ask plenty of questions while you taste your creations.

Immerse yourself in Italian culinary culture while visiting Camogli by booking this private cooking class. You and your private party will be welcomed into a local home, where you’ll learn to make three traditional Italian dishes; all ingredients and tools will be provided. Then sit down to taste what you’ve made with a glass of wine and conversation about Italian culture and food.

Discover the secrets of the original Tiramisu in a hands-on workshop with an Expert local chef. In this engaging workshop, you will learn how to prepare the perfect cream and dunk the ladyfingers, following the Italian tradition. At the end, you can enjoy your masterpiece, savoring every bite of your sweet creation.

At Villa San Giacomo, a historic gem overlooking the Ligurian Gulf, a pesto cooking class awaits. Guided by a local home cook, you'll master the art of making authentic Genovese pesto with a traditional mortar and pestle. After your culinary creation, savor your homemade pesto paired with trofie pasta in the villa's elegant surroundings, complemented by a glass of local Italian wine. This hands-on experience is perfect for food lovers eager to indulge in the rich flavors and traditions of the Italian Riviera, just a stone's throw from Portofino and the Cinque Terre.

Delve deeper into Italy’s culinary culture than you would in a restaurant during a private market tour and cooking class in a local home. Designed for travelers with a vested interest in food, this experience promises both the undivided attention and insider knowledge of your guide, and allows you to cook in the intimate setting of a local home.

Charming hillside home overlooking Portofino. Make fresh pesto, savor warm focaccia, sip poolside aperitifs, and enjoy homemade tiramisu and limoncello from garden-grown lemons

Learn to cook fresh Italian dishes in the home of a local during this small-group, hands-on cooking experience in Chiavari. Join your dedicated host in their home and prepare a meal from scratch, which may include fresh pasta and a traditional Italian dessert. Then, sit down to the fruits of your labor paired with local wines and good conversation.

For those who want to disconnect from the daily routine: Perfect for those looking for a moment of total relaxation away from the chaos and commitments, surrounded by nature and tranquility of the sea. For those who love to practice yoga and meditation in unique places: Ideal for fans of holistic practices who want to live an intimate and authentic experience in a suggestive and relaxing setting. For those looking for an exclusive experience to regenerate body and mind: A unique opportunity for small groups, couples or individuals who want a private and personalized experience of psychophysical well-being.

Take a break from touring and meet a local host and passionate cook to prepare two of the most beloved Italian dishes from scratch. Learn how to knead, roll, and shape two types of fresh pasta and sauces to go with them, then assemble an authentic tiramisù just like an Italian “mamma”. Cap off your time together with a family-style meal featuring the dishes you’ve created served with regional wines.

Discover the flavors of coastal Liguria in this 4-course cooking class in Genoa hosted through Cozymeal in a warm, welcoming home with Prosecco and wine included. Start with regional nibbles and a glass of bubbly, then dive into classic Genoese recipes that locals have loved for generations. Menu: - First course: Prosecco ®gional nibbles - Second course: Focaccia Genovese with soft, olive oil-rich dough - Third course: Fresh handmade pasta made with flour, eggs and olive oil, served with a local sauce of your choice - Dessert: Traditional tiramisù with mascarpone and cocoa Get hands-on as you bake iconic focaccia, shape pasta from scratch and finish with a creamy tiramisù worth savoring.

This isn’t a typical guided tour, but a glimpse into a daily ritual that still shapes life along the Ligurian coast. The 'passeggiata' is how locals slow down at the end of the day: stepping out for fresh air, a chat, or simply to see and be seen. Rather than explaining it from the outside, I share it as it’s actually lived. Santa Margherita Ligure is a place I’ve returned to over the years, and where my family has deep roots. This personal connection shapes the way I lead my walks: informal, attentive, and grounded in real familiarity with the town. We won’t rush from sight to sight. Instead, we take time to notice small details, follow the natural rhythm of the evening, and experience the town as locals do. For those choosing the “Italian on the Go” option, a gentle language guidance is also included, with simple phrases and conversation naturally woven into the walk, allowing you to engage more directly with the place. A small effort with Italian can transform your experience.