Top Genoa Cooking Classes

Genoa Ravioli, Fettuccine & Tiramisu Class with Fine Wine

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine

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.

Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

With Tiziana Cooking Class for Pesto , Gnocchi and Tiramisù

Genoese cooking lesson in the with lunch in the terrace

3 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

- 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.

Mortar pesto lesson with World Champion and local Menu

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Genoa: Pasta and Tiramisu class by Cesarine

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.

Fresh pasta Michelin star

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.

Genoa Handmade Gnocchi and Pesto Class with Wine Tasting

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Offers Available

Capital of Italy’s beautiful Liguria region, the coastal city of Genoa takes great pride in its local cuisine—with fresh flavors and traditional recipes handed down through the generations. On this walking tour, explore Genoa’s culture and lifestyle through its food and learn why Italian cuisine is the envy of the world. Sample pasta dishes with fresh pesto, focaccia and seafood, and savory pastries, and taste the flavors the locals love.

Genoa Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Food Expert

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(568)

from $79

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.

Prepare homemade ice cream with a real master

Prepare homemade ice cream with a real master

1 hourFree Cancellation

Learn how to make the perfect Genoese pesto when you book this small-group cooking class. Learn the secrets of balancing flavors and textures, from mortar and pestle grinding to final blending as you combine fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil into the perfect sauce. Enjoy appetizers and locally-sourced wine that are perfectly paired to enhance your creations.

Pesto Making Class at Local's Home in Genoa

Genoa Culinary Masterclass-A Hands-On Experience by Do Eat Better

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.

Pesto Cooking Class at Villa in Santa Margherita Ligure

On this private, full-day shore excursion for cruise passengers, you’ll discover two of northern Italy’s most picturesque coastal towns: Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Enjoy panoramic views over the Ligurian coastline from Castello Brown, stroll through Portofino’s scenic central square, “La Piazzetta,” and grab a meal or a gelato in the colorful fishing port known to locals simply as “Santa.”

Shore Excursion: Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure Private Day Trip from Genoa

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Explore the city of Genoa with ease on a Segway during this small-group sightseeing tour. Learn about the importance of this historic port city as you zoom around historic landmarks including the Old Port district, the UNESCO-listed Caruggi area, and the Ducal Palace. End your tour with a relaxed walk along the seafront in the Porto Antico. All necessary equipment is provided and no previous Segway experience is necessary.

Segway Tour Caruggi - 2.5 ore

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Panoramic Tour across the "creuze" with a storyteller

Price varies by group size

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.

Guests learning how to prepare authentic Ligurian walnut sauce with traditional mortar and pestle

Genoa Walnut Sauce Experience with Mortar and Wine Tasting

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Genoa

Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Savona

Tour of Genoa and Day Trip to Portofino from Genoa

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Get to know Genoa on a 4-hour walking tour of the city’s historic sights with stops along the way to sample local delicacies. Learn about the city’s past battles and innovations. Visit local shops to try delicious hand-made focaccia, and sip local wines inside a wine shop. Meet the people who give the city its vibrant character while you explore on foot on a 3-mile walking tour past landmarks like one of the world’s first banks, and the birthplace of denim.

Genoa Day Tour: 4 hours of History with Focaccia , Prosecco & Joy

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy a hands-on way to discover Liguria’s storied cuisine during this gourmet, small-group cooking class, hosted in the resort town of Rapallo. In the morning, make your way to one of the town’s top restaurants, and be sure to come hungry. With your chef’s guidance, you’ll learn how to make traditional Ligurian pesto with a mortar and pestle, as well as several other dishes. At the end of class, sit down for a well-deserved lunch, accompanied with local wine.

Gourmet Cooking Lesson

Authentic Cooking Class in the Heart of Cinque Terre

Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine

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Must-Dos in Genoa

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What are people saying about Genoa

Lucianna_F, Oct 2026

The Best Pesto You Will Ever Make

We were immediately greeted and welcomed when walking in the shop. The shop owner was warm, kind and funny. She taught us how authentic pesto is made and I’m excited to do it at home. I highly recommend and will never forget this experience. My husband and I could not stop talking about how delicious authentic pesto tastes! It’s nothing like what you get in the store.

Genoa Ravioli, Fettuccine & Tiramisu Class with Fine Wine

Rebecca_T, Sep 2026

Fabulous Cooking Experience

This was the highlight of our time in Genoa. Pietro did a fabulous job teaching us to make two types of fresh pasta and tiramisu. We got to drink wine and eat what we made which was an awesome experience. Pietro was critical in making this well thought out experience spectacular.

Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine

Kim_A, Sep 2026

Fab Genova pesto experience

Alberto's pesto and pasta making class was fantastic. We learnt a lot and ate a lot!! We did the class with our two kids (ages 9 and 11) and Alberto was kind and patient with them. The rooftop location was lovely to enjoy local snacks, wine and our pasta.

With Tiziana Cooking Class for Pesto , Gnocchi and Tiramisù

Lauren_B, Aug 2026

Best part of our trip so far!

I wish I could rate this higher than 5 stars. This was by far the highlight of our trip. Tiziana and Roberto were such a delight, the food was absolutely delicious, and they even accommodated a mishap on our part. We really felt like part of their family. I would recommend this to anyone traveling to Genoa.

Mortar pesto lesson with World Champion and local Menu

Vanessa_R, Jul 2026

More Than a Cooking Class—A True Italian Experience

Lorenzo and Camila were such wonderful hosts! When we booked, we didn’t realize our accommodations were about an hour away. They were incredibly understanding of our situation and immediately put our minds at ease by allowing us to keep our reservation even though we arrived a little late. Camila made the pesto-making experience both fun and informative, explaining each step with enthusiasm and patience. Her encouraging teaching style made our party of three feel like confident chefs in no time! The meal we prepared was absolutely delicious, and the tiramisu was truly mouthwatering—the perfect ending to a fantastic experience. We wholeheartedly recommend this class to anyone visiting the area. Thank you, Lorenzo and Camila, for your warm hospitality, kindness, and for sharing your knowledge and passion with us. It was an experience we’ll always remember!

Genoa Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Food Expert

Justin_I, Jun 2026

I just love food!!!

This small group tour was wonderful. We got all the good local foods. The pesto at the restaurant was so amazing we were actually trying to buy it and bring it home. No dice though they didn't sell it, and I have tried and can't recreate it lol. The guide was wonderfully knowledgeable not only for food but for things as we walked around. We still got to see sights as we walked around getting food. I did the traditional tour and wouldn't change a thing. We even go to see some of the focaccia being made and flipped in the air to thin it out.

Genoa Culinary Masterclass-A Hands-On Experience by Do Eat Better

Irene_E, Jun 2026

Wonderful!

We had such a wonderful experience learning how to make pesto, pasta, a cheese dish & cookies! Mimo (Dominic) our cook, was friendly and kind! Gian Berto, our host, interpreted and is such a lovely person who was very helpful & kind. This was a fantastic morning of cooking and eating! Come hungry!

Genoa: Pasta and Tiramisu class by Cesarine

Marco_P, May 2026

10/10 afternoon in Genoa

The perfect way to spend your time indulging in rich Italian culture by learning how to make the most tasty Italian food. Tiziana & her husband were the best hosts, super welcoming, and full of life! There passion for providing the best experience possible is amazing whilst sharing tizianas local recipes. If you’ve got this far, don’t think about it any further, book this one. This is the best experience I’ve done in years!