3- Cooking Making Spaghetti & Lasagna

Review of the Florence Cooking Class: Making Spaghetti & Lasagna

If you’re eyeing a culinary experience that lets you get your hands on real Italian pasta—without leaving Florence—this 3-hour cooking class offered by Dalle Nostre Mani might just be your ticket. It’s a small-group, hands-on session where you’ll prepare two classic dishes that are staples in Italian homes: spaghetti and lasagna. Located in the charming San Frediano neighborhood, the class offers a warm, well-kept setting just a short walk from central Florence, and at around $75 per person, it’s an accessible way to bring a slice of Italy’s culinary tradition home with you.

Two standout features make this experience shine. First, the personalized instruction—guides like Melina, Francesca, and Yasmine are repeatedly praised for their patience, warmth, and extensive knowledge. One review gushes, “Milena was so nice and welcoming,” highlighting how welcoming and approachable the instructors are. Second, the authenticity of the dishes and the techniques—from making pasta with just flour, eggs, water, and milk, to rolling dough with a traditional rolling pin—means you’re truly learning how to master Italian cooking rather than just following a recipe.

A small caveat worth noting: the class can be quite popular, book about 19 days in advance on average, so if Florence is your destination, it’s wise to secure your spot early. Also, it’s a three-hour session that ends back at the starting point, so plan your day accordingly. While the cozy setting is often praised, some might find the group size limited to ten (which is generally good for personalized attention).

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: You’ll make two real Italian dishes, learning the secrets behind perfect pasta and sauces.
• Expert Guidance: Guides like Melina and Francesca are praised for their patience, humor, and in-depth knowledge.
• Value for Money: At just over $75, this class includes all ingredients, recipes, wine, and dessert, making it a practical and fun way to spend an afternoon.
• Cultural Insight: The class takes place in Florence’s San Frediano district, giving you a feel for local life and traditional cuisine.
• Memorable Fun: It’s praised as a family-friendly activity, with many reviews mentioning how kids and adults alike enjoyed the process.
• Well-Organized and Clear: The instructions are straightforward, the setting cozy, and the group size small, ensuring personalized attention.

In-Depth Review

Location and Setting
The class begins in Piazza del Carmine, a lively spot near Florence’s historic center. The environment is described as well-kept and comfortable, creating a welcoming atmosphere where you can focus on learning without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Since it’s in the lively San Frediano neighborhood, you’ll get a taste of local Florence away from the most touristy spots—perfect if you want something authentic and intimate.

What to Expect During the Class
The three-hour experience is neatly divided between demonstration and hands-on work. The first part involves a brief history and explanation of traditional Italian cooking techniques. For example, you’ll learn how to make pasta dough with flour, eggs, water, and milk, and you’ll be shown the Italian secrets to achieving just the right texture. Then, you’ll get your hands dirty rolling out pasta dough with a rolling pin—an old-fashioned skill that truly connects you to Italy’s culinary roots.

Next, you’ll move on to making lasagna, which includes preparing the dough from scratch, layering it with Bolognese sauce, béchamel, and cheese, just as Italians do. The instructors like Milena or Aly emphasize the importance of simple, quality ingredients. While the lasagna simmers, you’ll prepare spaghetti, using similar techniques but with a different shape and texture. This part of the class is as much about understanding the process as it is about creating delicious food.

Cooking and Dining
Once your dishes are ready, you’ll sit down together to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The meal is complemented by Tuscan organic wine, which many appreciators find enhances the authentic experience. As you savor your homemade lasagna and spaghetti, you’ll get to taste not just the food, but also the shared joy of cooking. To round off the feast, a rich chocolate dessert awaits, bringing a sweet end to your pasta adventure.

Tips and Tricks from Guides
Authentic Italian cooking isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about technique. The instructors share all their little secrets—like how to cook Bolognese to perfection or how to stretch béchamel just right. Several reviews mention how patient and knowledgeable these guides are. Christen comments, “Melina was so accommodating and made the experience so much fun,” making clear that the guides prioritize a friendly, engaging environment for all skill levels.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback
With a perfect 5-star rating from 39 reviews, travelers clearly find this class worthwhile. Many highlight the friendly guides—“Yasmine was knowledgeable and funny”—and note how much they learned, from making pasta dough to understanding Italian sauces. Families especially appreciate how simple, well-structured instructions made it easy for kids, including 12-year-olds, to participate and enjoy.

Practicalities and Value
The class is priced at just over $75, including ingredients, recipes, wine, and dessert. Considering the personalized instruction, authentic techniques, and the enjoyable dining experience, this offers real value. You also receive recipes with all the guides’ secrets to recreate at home—a bonus that makes the price even more attractive.

Who Is This For?
This experience suits travelers who love food and want a tangible, memorable connection to Italian cuisine. It’s family-friendly, perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups eager to learn a skill they can recreate. If you’re curious about Italia’s cooking traditions but don’t want a formal, lengthy course, this class hits the right note by being engaging yet accessible.

Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Florence and eager to learn how to cook the dishes they’ve been savoring in restaurants—this hands-on pasta class offers unbeatable value and authenticity. You’ll leave not just with new recipes, but also with skills and stories that can turn a simple dinner into a culinary masterpiece back home. The friendly and expert guides make the experience feel more like a fun cooking session with friends than a formal lesson, which is exactly what many travelers love.

While the experience is well-organized and memorable, keep in mind that it’s popular—booking in advance is recommended. Also, as it concludes back at the starting point, plan your day so you can maximize this flavorful, fun immersion into Florence’s culinary life.

If you’re looking for a genuine, interactive taste of Florence’s food traditions paired with good company and local wine, then this class will serve you well. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to travel, connecting with local culture through its most beloved dishes.

FAQs

Is this a full meal or just a demonstration?
You’ll be actively involved in making the dishes, and then you’ll enjoy eating everything you’ve prepared, including spaghetti, lasagna, and a chocolate dessert.

How early should I book?
Most travelers book about 19 days in advance, so I recommend planning ahead to secure a spot during busy times.

Are children allowed to participate?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly. Many reviews mention how kids and adults alike enjoyed the process and the shared experience.

Does the class include any drinks?
Yes, you’ll be served Italian organic wine while you dine. However, some reviews note that unlimited wine isn’t offered, so enjoy your glass while it lasts.

Where does the class take place?
It starts at Piazza del Carmine and is held in a cozy, well-maintained space in Florence’s San Frediano neighborhood, a short walk from many sights.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded, so plan carefully.

Preparing your own pasta in Florence is a fantastic way to connect deeply with Italian cuisine and culture. This class offers a balanced mix of instruction, fun, and delicious food—all in a relaxed environment that feels more like cooking with friends than a formal lesson. Perfect for food lovers, families, or anyone looking for an authentic experience outside the typical tourist attractions.