Cooking classes

Cooking class: Gnocchi & Pesto in Riomaggiore

4.9
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Barbara

Riomaggiore

Duration 3h

Max 8 guests

Spoken languages:  Italian and English

Cooking class: learn how to make homemade Gnocchi and Genovese Pesto

Shared Experience
Your experience
  • Gnocchi & Pesto alla Genovese
  • Traditional desert or seasonal fresh fruit

Learn to prepare gnocchi and Pesto alla Genovese in a picturesque olive grove, overlooking the sea in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre. In this 3-hour cooking class, you will discover the art of creating fluffy homemade gnocchi and authentic Genovese pesto, prepared exclusively with mortar and pestle. My husband and I carefully select local and high-quality ingredients: fresh basil, pine nuts, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino Sardo. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of our olive grove as you savor your creations paired with local wines, and enjoy fresh seasonal fruit or the traditional dessert we have prepared for you!

Vegetarian

Total: €179.00

€179.00 
per guest

€89.50 per child

Reviews
4.9
75 reviews
A Magical Dining Experience in the Hills of Riomaggiore Dining at Barbara's home was one of the most unique and heartfelt culinary experiences we've had in Italy. Nestled in the peaceful hills of Riomaggiore, this hidden gem offers not only breathtaking views but also a deep connection to local tradition and the land itself. Barbara welcomed us into her world with warmth and passion, guiding us through a fully vegetarian dinner made entirely with ingredients from her garden. We began with an array of delicious appetizers — crostini and bruschette topped with fresh pesto and roasted vegetables, eggplants baked straight from the garden, zucchini alla scapece, and sweet-and-sour bell peppers, all prepared with love and authenticity. The highlight of the evening was the Croxetti, an ancient local pasta that Barbara makes by hand, preserving a Ligurian tradition that dates back centuries. It's rare to see such heritage being carried forward so genuinely. For dessert, we were treated to a wonderful sbrisolona cake paired with a creamy tiramisù, all served outdoors under a charming gazebo as the sun set over the hills — an unforgettable moment. This isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience of taste, history, and nature all coming together. Highly recommended to anyone looking for something truly special in the Cinque Terre.

Valentina  - June 2025

Outstanding experience. Barbara was welcoming and has mastered the techniques of true old world Italian cooking. The food was amazing. Worth every penny!

MJ - June 2025

Our group had so much fun! The atmosphere was amazing and so fun to be in. The wine was delicious and the food was amazing. I can’t wait to try these recipes at home even though they will nowhere close to Barbara’s. If I come back to Italy I will definitely book another cooking class with her!

Kadi K - June 2025

We loved the experience of learning to cook with Barbara. She spent a great amount of time instructing us on how to properly prepare the food. You could tell she had a strong passion for food and all the ingredients.

Amanda - June 2025

Barbara and Stefano were awesome! The view was breathtaking. First off, it’s not usual to dine with locals nevertheless have them teach you a generational recipe with up in this part of riomaggiore. We made pasta with a few different types of pasta, tiramisu, and incredible salad. There dogs Anna and Julie were so sweet. Stefano and Barbara were masters at using local ingredients paying attention to detail about flavors, quality, freshness, texture and orientation of the food. I would definitely do it again just to see them and enjoy the view. Thank you Barbara and Stefano

Steven L - May 2025

Where
You’ll receive the exact address after the booking
Image Profile
Barbara
Cesarina from 2022Location: Riomaggiore    Languages: Italian and English
Hi there, I'm Barbara!
 I was born in the Gulf of Poets, to a Sardinian mother and a Genoese father, and spent my childhood with my beloved grandparents. I like to think of myself as a citizen of the world, but I have a strong connection to my land and its traditions, as does my husband Stefano. Together, we want to share our passion for cooking and our roots with other enthusiasts and curious minds. Since I was a child, I developed a strong passion for cooking, thanks to my grandmother who taught me to experiment and taste new flavors. I have always been adventurous and have tried all the original recipes from different countries around the world, but Ligurian cuisine remains my favorite. We decided to open the doors of our house, located on the terraces of the Cinque Terre above Riomaggiore, to share our passion for cooking and local culture. For us, cooking is the best way to tell the story of our land and pass on the true Ligurian tradition to others. We are excited to share this culinary journey with guests from around the world!
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