Paola
Cesarina from 2024My speciality: Stuffed ravioli
I live in: Bologna
Spoken languages: Italian, English, Spanish
Good to know
I offer vegetarian alternatives
Paola
With Calabrian roots, strong Sicilian influences from my grandmother, and Neapolitan heritage from my mother, I carry a rich culinary tradition. For 25 years, I’ve lived in Bologna, where I’ve passionately embraced the local gastronomy, mastering the art of traditional Bolognese dishes. At the same time, I love to experiment, creating new recipes that blend my roots with contemporary inspiration. My cooking is a journey through authentic flavors and innovation, always guided by a love for conviviality and the finest ingredients.
My specialities
- Tagliatelle Bolognese
- Stuffed ravioli
- Tiramisu
Experiences
Reviews
4.9
15 reviews
- We had such a wonderful experience at Paola’s home! From the moment we arrived, she made us feel incredibly welcome and treated us like guests rather than customers. Even though she didn’t speak much English, she went out of her way to make sure we could communicate by using a translator, which made the class fun, interactive, and easy to follow. The pasta-making experience was fantastic—we learned so much, and Paola was patient, encouraging, and clearly passionate about sharing her family traditions and recipes. It felt authentic and personal, making it much more special than a typical cooking class. The meal we prepared was absolutely delicious, and the entire experience was filled with warmth and genuine hospitality. To top it all off, Paola surprised us with a homemade dessert at the end, which was such a thoughtful and delightful touch. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian cooking experience in a welcoming home, I can’t recommend this class enough. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and we’ll remember it fondly for years to come. Thank you, Paola, for your kindness, generosity, and unforgettable hospitality!
- Fantastic experience! We expected a simple cooking class, but it was so much more: incredibly engaging and authentic, a truly all-around experience. We cooked and ate delicious dishes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Paola is wonderful, she immediately makes you feel comfortable and makes everything even better. The house, in the very center, is beautiful and really feels like an oasis where time flies with conversation and good food. You immediately create a connection that makes you feel at home. Highly recommended and we can't wait to return!
- We had the most fantastic experience, when we visited Paola. She was so kind and a really great teacher for us. We learned to make the most delicious tortelloni and tiramisu. Paola was really great in teaching us how to fold the tortelloni, which was very fun. After having prepared the delicious food, then we enjoyed it in Paolas very cozy dinning room. Paula and her assistant Hannah, where also very kind to give us good tips to Bologna. All in all it was a superb experience and we can highly recommend cooking classes with Paola
- Paola was amazing ! She welcomed us in her home with open arms. Her knowledge on cooking and experience is well beyond what we ever expected. I wish I could leave her 10 stars instead of 5 . she earned them. she was friendly. She was professional and knowledgeable at her craft. Thank you Paola
- A very special experience cooking with Paola in Bologna. Paola is a wonderful cook, teaching us to make pumpkin gnocchi, hand-rolled pasta and the best tiramisu in the world with patience and humor in her classic kitchen. Paola even invited a delightful university student to join us to assist in translation. It was a very special evening with delicious food and great conversations about living in Italy, all delivered in Paola's elegant dining room in her beautiful home. Our evening with Paola was the highlight of our two-week stay in Bologna. Even if you don't like to cook, this is an experience that should not be missed.
Benjamin Weinstein -
Translated from Italian•
Mariaquirina,Marilina, Benedetta, Alessia -
Kristian -
Mark -
Jeffrey S. -