Bologna Food Tours Bologna Pasta Food Tour: Cooking Class with Local Expert Giovanna C
Bolognese Pasta Class in Bologna with a Local Expert, Giovanna C

Bologna Pasta Food Tour: Cooking Class with Local Expert Giovanna C

Private cooking class in Giovanna’s Bologna home: learn 2-3 family recipes like handmade tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne or gramigna with sausage, plus seasonal side/dessert; start with crescentine stuffed with salumi/cheese, enjoy your meal with Pignoletto/Lambrusco wine and local stories.

5
$ 98 per person
3 hours
257 + bookings
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Overview

Step into a warm Bolognese home for a private cooking class with Giovanna, your welcoming local host, where you’ll roll fresh egg pasta by hand and simmer a rich ragù in her cozy kitchen.

Learn the secrets behind 2–3 traditional family recipes—like tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, or the lesser-known gramigna with local sausage—plus a seasonal side or dessert, all made with love and shared stories of Bologna’s culinary heritage. Start with crescentine or tigelle filled with salumi and cheeses as a pre-aperitivo, then sit down together at her dining table to enjoy the meal you created, paired with a glass (or two) of Pignoletto or Lambrusco wine.

This intimate 3-hour experience is just for your group—no commercial kitchen, no strangers—pure home-cooked authenticity in the heart of Italy’s food capital.

Real talk: portions are hearty and the atmosphere relaxed—come hungry, bring comfortable shoes for standing, and let Giovanna know dietary needs early (vegetarian options possible).

Exclusive for your party; book ahead for peak season.

What's Included

  • Private cooking class and shared meal at Giovanna’s home.
  • Hands-on preparation of 2–3 traditional Bolognese recipes (fresh pasta, sauce, side/dessert).
  • Starter (crescentine/tigelle with salumi/cheeses).
  • Alcoholic beverages (1–2 glasses of local wine: Pignoletto or Lambrusco).
  • All ingredients, equipment, and guidance.
  • Warm hospitality and cultural stories.
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off (meet at her home).
  • Gratuities (optional but appreciated).
  • Additional food/drinks beyond the class.

Itinerary

  1. Meet Giovanna at her home in Bologna (exact address provided upon booking confirmation).
  2. Warm welcome with a quick introduction and overview of Bolognese cooking traditions.
  3. Start hands-on: prepare fresh egg pasta (tagliatelle, lasagne, or gramigna) and roll it thin.
  4. Cook a rich ragù or meat sauce (or vegetarian alternative), plus a seasonal side or dessert.
  5. Enjoy crescentine or tigelle with local salumi and cheeses as a starter.
  6. Sit down together at the dining table to savor the full meal you created.
  7. Pair the dishes with 1–2 glasses of local wine while sharing stories.
  8. Wrap up and say goodbye (tour ends at Giovanna’s home).

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your cooking class go perfectly, based on common experiences with home settings, cooking, and pacing. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Comfortable clothes and shoes (you’ll stand for periods), an apron (provided), and an appetite aren't optional. Guests said kitchens stay warm—light layers work best.
  • Cooking level. Beginner-friendly—Giovanna teaches step-by-step, no prior skills needed. Couples loved rolling pasta together and learning family tricks.
  • Meal portions. Generous—starter, main pasta, side/dessert, and wine. Guests said it felt like a home-cooked feast without being overly heavy.
  • Atmosphere. Warm, personal, and unhurried. People appreciated the stories and hospitality—feels like visiting a friend who loves to cook.
  • Group setup. Just your party—fully private. Past guests said the intimacy made it more special and flexible than group classes.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) for mild weather and seasonal ingredients. Guests early 2026 noted May classes had perfect light and fresh produce.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
Apr-Jun (Spring) Mild temps, fresh ingredients Busier season Afternoon/evening
Sep-Oct (Fall) Cooler, harvest flavors Shorter daylight Late afternoon
Nov-Mar (Winter) Cozy kitchen warmth Chilly walks to/from Early evening
Jul-Aug (Summer) Long days, lively vibe Hotter kitchen Late afternoon/evening

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—home has stairs or uneven floors. Guests found moderate standing but plenty of sitting during meal. Weather rarely affects indoor class; dress comfortably.

FAQ

Do I need cooking experience?

No experience needed—Giovanna teaches everything step-by-step. Past beginners rolled perfect pasta and felt confident by the end.

How filling is the meal?

Generous—starter, pasta, side/dessert, and wine make a full meal. Guests said it satisfied without feeling heavy; pace yourself.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for ages 10+ who enjoy cooking and sitting for a meal. Families said older kids loved rolling pasta and tasting, but notify ahead for child-friendly portions.

Vegetarian options?

Yes—notify early for meat-free ragù or alternatives. Guests found vegetarian versions hearty and flavorful.

Photos allowed?

Yes—guests loved capturing the cooking and meal moments. Giovanna encourages photos of the process.

Why this private cooking class?

Intimate home setting, hands-on family recipes, and shared meal with wine. Past guests said the personal touch and authentic Bolognese feel made it more memorable than commercial classes.

Book it today with Bologna Italy Food Tours or simply following this link.

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