Enjoy Spritz and Pasta Making in Piazza Navona

If you’re visiting Rome and want more than just sightseeing, trying a hands-on cooking class can be a real treat. One popular experience takes you to the lively area near Piazza Navona, where you’ll learn to craft authentic Italian spritz cocktails and traditional pasta dishes from scratch. This activity, run by Eat and Walk Italy, lasts about 2.5 hours, costs around $78, and is praised for its engaging guides and delicious results. It’s perfect for anyone craving an intimate, flavorful taste of Roman food culture, especially since many travelers book it about a month in advance—testament to its popularity.

What I really like about this experience is how it balances education and fun. First, you start with learning the art of making a perfect Spritz, a quintessential Roman aperitivo, which sets a relaxed, enjoyable tone. Later, you’ll get your hands dirty kneading and shaping fresh pasta dough, turning it into fettuccine and maltagliati, which means “badly cut” in Italian but tastes fantastic. The fact that you prepare most of your meal from scratch makes the final tasting all the more satisfying. I also appreciate that the class offers flexibility—you can choose to have a late lunch or early dinner, making it fit easily into your sightseeing schedule.

One potential headache could be the group size, which is limited to 12, ensuring personal attention but also meaning spots can fill up quickly. The price might seem a bit high for some, but considering you get the ingredients, instruction, wine, limoncello, and a full three-course meal with desserts, it’s quite reasonable for the quality and authentic experience provided. Plus, many visitors comment on the warm, lively instructors, like Chef Maria and Carlotta, who make the class enjoyable whether you’re a foodie or just eager to try something new.

Key Points

• Authentic Roman cuisine: Enjoy making classic dishes like fettuccine, Maltagliati, bruschetta, and tiramisu.
• Hands-on learning: You’ll knead pasta dough and learn new skills, perfect if you like to get involved.
• Small group setting: Max 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Ideal timing: Flexible options for late lunch or early dinner align with your sightseeing plans.
• Guides with enthusiasm: Many reviews highlight engaging instructors like Maria, Lori, and Carlotta.
• All-inclusive: Food, drinks, and instruction included—no hidden costs.

The Complete Experience

Starting at Via Giuseppe Zanardelli, the tour puts you right in the heart of Rome’s historic center, near Piazza Navona. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing Spritz, setting a lively, relaxed tone. This cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s an Italian symbol of leasure, typically made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda, and Chef Maria or Tiziana guides you through making it to perfection. Many guests say this “quick Spritz tutorial” is a fun way to kick off the session.

Once your thirst is quenched, you head into the kitchen for the main event. You’ll learn to make pasta dough from scratch, a skill that sets apart authentic Italian cooking from pre-made store-bought pasta. Under the watchful eye of your instructor—often Maria or Carlotta—you’ll shape and cut your own fettuccine and maltagliati. These are “serious” tools of Roman cuisine, and many reviews mention how much fun it is to cut pasta by hand, with a few funny moments of imperfect shapes that still taste divine.

While your pasta dough rests, the class shifts to preparing a new appetizer—bruschetta topped with tomatoes, basil, and oregano—further immersing you in Italy’s simple but flavorful ingredients. Then it’s time for the pasta—your hand-shaped noodles are cooked freshly, and paired with basil Pesto and sugo al Pomodoro for the main courses. The fact that you’ve made these dishes yourself is a huge plus—many reviews praise how satisfying it is to sit down and eat what you’ve crafted.

The dessert, Tiramisu, is the grand finale. You’ll learn how to assemble this iconic Italian treat, often with a lighthearted instructor like Lori or Tommy. Many guests highlight how enjoyable it is to end the meal with a generous pour of Limoncello or coffee, perfectly complementing the flavors.

The entire experience ends with you sitting down to feast on your homemade pasta and desserts, often with a glass of Italian wine. People consistently say the quality of the food is excellent—fresh pasta, flavorful sauces, and well-made tiramisu—and that the entire atmosphere is convivial and warm.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Many reviews mention Maria, Lori, Carlotta, and Tiziana as the energetic and engaging instructors who make the class lively and approachable. Their helpful tips, like taking time to knead the dough properly or how to cut pasta uniformly, elevate the experience without turning it into a class that’s intimidating for beginners.

The setting is thoughtfully chosen—near Piazza Navona—offering a charming environment that blends authentic Roman ambiance with the friendly vibe of a small group. The restaurant or cooking studio is described as lovely, adding to the cozy and welcoming feel.

Practical Considerations and Value

The price of $78 per person includes all ingredients, instruction, drinks, and your meal. While it might seem steep compared to just eating out, you’re paying for a comprehensive culinary experience—not just a meal but a skill you can recreate at home. Several reviews affirm this, with comments like “I will now try making pasta once I’m back home,” and “highly recommend for everyone.”

The duration of about 2.5 hours makes it a substantial experience without feeling rushed. Plus, with booking 35 days in advance on average, it’s clear this is a popular activity for those who want an immersive, fun, and delicious break from sightseeing.

A few travelers mention that organizer rebookings or slight variations in the menu can happen, but most agree these don’t detract from the overall quality. If you’re traveling with children or solo, the small group setting fosters connection, making it a social activity as well.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, solo adventurers, or couples looking for a memorable outing. It’s especially suited for those who want a hands-on introduction to Italian cuisine, rather than just tasting pre-made dishes. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a fun activity to share, the interactive nature makes it a great choice.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed or purely observational tour, this might not be the ideal fit. Also, since part of the class involves kneading dough and cooking, those with mobility issues might want to check how physically demanding it is.

Final Thoughts

This Spritz and Pasta Making experience combines flavor, learning, and a dash of Roman charm. You’ll leave with new skills, a fuller belly, and stories of the lively guides and your own culinary efforts. It’s a fantastic way to step out of typical sightseeing and dive into authentic Italian food culture, all within a friendly, intimate setting.

If you enjoy engaging, practical activities that reward you with delicious food and new techniques, this class is definitely worth considering. The value of learning how to make pasta from scratch and enjoying it in Rome’s vibrant center makes it a memorable part of any trip.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children? Many reviews mention that children can join if accompanied by an adult. The activity is family-friendly and interactive, making it a good choice for a fun family outing.

What should I wear or bring? Comfortable clothing is recommended since you’ll be kneading dough and possibly getting a bit floury. All ingredients and utensils are provided, so no need to bring anything else.

Can I choose between lunch or dinner? Yes, you can pick a late lunch or early dinner time slot, according to your schedule. This flexibility helps fit the class into your sightseeing plans.

Are vegetarian options available? Yes, a vegetarian option is available if you advise at the time of booking. Dietary requirements are accommodated if specified in advance.

What’s included in the price? The fee covers the hands-on class with a professional chef, ingredients for pasta, bruschetta, tiramisu, wines and spirits including limoncello, water, and the finished meal.

How far in advance should I book? Booking about 35 days ahead is typical, so I recommend reserving early to secure your spot, especially in high season.

In the end, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, this class offers a real taste of Roman life through the craft of making pasta and sipping Spritz in a lively, authentic atmosphere.