Donata
Cesarina from 2025My speciality: Ravioli
I live in: La Spezia
Spoken languages: Italian, English, Spanish
Good to know
I offer vegetarian alternatives
Donata
I’m Donata, a Cesarina with a great passion for traditional cuisine. My home overlooks the wonderful Gulf of La Spezia, and from the panoramic terrace I joyfully welcome friends and guests, offering them an unforgettable experience that combines flavors with the beauty of the landscape.My specialties are focaccia, vegetable pies, homemade fresh pasta, and of course pizza, all prepared with genuine, carefully selected ingredients. In summer, I bring to the table vegetables from our family garden, offering the very best of the season.I am deeply connected to Ligurian and Tuscan cuisine, and among the experiences I love to share there is also the authentic mortar-made pesto class, prepared according to tradition: an experience that smells of basil and tells the true essence of our land.
My specialities
- Gnocchi
- Ravioli
- Tiramisu
Experiences
Cooking Classes (3)
Reviews
5.0
5 reviews
- We had an unplanned day in Cinque Terre area, and booked our cooking class with Donata on very little notice. We had already taken a pesto making class, so chose the other option. Neither my husband or I are too fond of liver pates, so Donata quickly adjusted the menu for us and taught us how to make an exquisite Tuscan bruschetta. Upon arriving, we jumped right into making pasta dough and the spinach ricotta filling for the ravioli. Donata's recipes are based on simple pure flavors and are wonderful. We enjoyed our meal on her terrace overlooking the city of Manarola. Her house is outside of Manarola and required a taxi ride from the train station. We had a wonderful time at Donata's; she made us feel at home in her kitchen. Don't miss the opportunity to cook with her!
- Amazing experience!!! Donata was a wonderful host. Her beautiful home had a spectacular view of La Spezia and we made delicious gnocchi with pesto and tiramisu. She also made us anti-pasta dishes that were SO amazing. Her family made us feel welcome and we would highly recommend this!!!
- My husband and I met Donata and her husband Claudio at her house. She taught us to make Italian ravioli in her kitchen. It was an authentic Italian experience and has been a true highlight to our trip to Italy. They are such a nice couple. Claudio played selections from his vinyl collection as we dined on the delicious food overlooking the mountain view. It was like having dinner with old friends more than meeting strangers for the first time. I highly recommend this experience.
- We met Donata near an outside market area in LaSpezia & she showed us where she purchases fresh fish, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, etc. From there we went to her favorite bakery & sample some amazing breads. Then we went to her home with her & her husband Claudio. They made Rich & I both feel so welcome & at home! We made home pasta, homemade pesto & a wonderful appetizer! We sat outside on their lovely terrace, spoke about what we all do for work, our families & culture! She served us homemade tiramisu - the BEST I’ve ever had! The ENTIRE experience was the BEST, it exceeded our expectations - we LOVED EVERY MINUTE of our time with Donata cooking & being with her & her husband!!!!!
- 5 starts isn’t enough! This was the absolute highlight of our honeymoon! Our hosts were absolutely amazing and this was a once in a lifetime experience. Their house was beautiful and the food we made was authentic and fresh! We didn’t want it to end!
Pam - March 2026
Sara B. and family - March 2026
Melody - October 2025
Anita & Rich - October 2025
Eden & George - April 2025