Rome: Fresh Pasta-Making Class with Italian Chef and Wine

Discovering Rome’s Pasta Secrets: A Hands-On Experience with Chef Riccardo

If you’re craving a genuine taste of Rome beyond the typical tourist spots, this Fresh Pasta-Making Class with Italian Chef and Wine offers an inviting glimpse into local culinary traditions. Set in a small-group environment—either at Chef Riccardo’s grandma’s house or a dedicated cooking studio—you’ll spend about three hours learning how to craft authentic Italian pastas like Ravioli, Fettuccine, and Tortellini from scratch. With top-quality organic ingredients, expert guidance, and a generous splash of local wine, it’s a memorable way to connect with Roman culture through food.

What I love about this experience is how personal and intimate it feels—a real taste of family life, not just a staged demonstration. The hands-on approach means you’ll leave with practical skills and recipes you can recreate at home, plus stories and tips from Riccardo that make it all feel authentic. Another highlight is the excellent wine pairing; sipping local organic wine while cooking adds that extra layer of enjoyment. The only possible drawback? If you’re a solo traveler or part of a mixed-language group, you might find some parts in French or Italian, which can affect the feeling of inclusion, but Riccardo’s friendly manner helps bridge any gaps.

This class offers great value for the price—around $89.50 per person—for a deep dive into Roman pasta traditions, combined with a delicious meal and wine that make the experience worthwhile.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Roman culinary experience led by a passionate local chef.
• Hands-on pasta-making with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Includes a 3-course meal featuring Italian sauces, with wine tasting.
• Small class size (limited to 10 participants) for personalized attention.
• Flexible dietary options available, including vegetarian and special recipes.
• Travel and location are easily accessible, with clear meeting instructions.

Setting the Scene: What’s the Experience Like?

Walking into Riccardo’s cooking studio or grandma’s cozy home in Lazio, you immediately feel you’re part of something special. This is not your average cooking class in a big, impersonal kitchen—it’s an authentic family environment that pulls you into the heart of Roman home cooking. The meeting point is conveniently located near a café, making it easy to find, and the class lasts about three hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the process without feeling rushed.

Once gathered, Riccardo and his team welcome you with warmth and enthusiasm. They’re fluent in English and Italian, ensuring you understand every step, but a few reviews mention some parts in French, so if you’re traveling with multilingual friends, be aware of possible language differences. The small group setting—up to 10 people—means plenty of interaction and individual attention, allowing you to ask questions and get hands-on practice.

Making Pasta from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Look

The core of the class involves making traditional Italian pastas using just the freshest ingredients. Riccardo’s recipes include a variety of styles—long pastas like Fettuccine and Spaghetti, stuffed varieties like Ravioli and Tortellini, and even specialty pasta like Cappelletti and Pasta alla Chitarra. The process is clear and accessible, with Riccardo patiently guiding each participant through every stage.

What sets this class apart is the focus on quality ingredients. You’ll learn how to handle fresh pasta dough, knead it properly, and shape it with confidence. The chefs also teach specific techniques, such as how to work with different pasta shapes, which is particularly useful if you want to impress friends or family back home.

Pairing Pasta with Delicious Sauces and Local Wine

The class isn’t just about making pasta; it’s about understanding how to serve it. Riccardo shares his favorite Italian sauces, including classics like Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe, which are prepared from scratch using authentic methods. You’ll also get tips on shopping for ingredients, ensuring you can recreate these dishes at home.

After all the hard work, you get to enjoy your creations in a convivial atmosphere—an Italian meal paired with organic wine, which is included in the price. Multiple reviews mention how much guests appreciated the quality of the wines, often paired with each pasta course. One guest noted, “Riccardo paired each part with a different wine,” adding an educational touch to the experience.

Who Would Love This Class?

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to learn traditional Roman dishes in a friendly, informal setting. It’s especially suitable if you want practical skills, delicious food, and a taste of Italian hospitality. Solo travelers, couples, and small groups will all find this engaging, especially since the class is limited to 10 participants. If you’re vegetarian, no worries—special menus are available, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Price, Duration, and Overall Value

At $89.50 per person, this class delivers excellent value. You receive a hands-on experience, high-quality ingredients, a full meal, and wine—all in a setting that feels like a family gathering. The three-hour duration strikes a good balance, giving you enough time to learn, cook, and enjoy without rushing. Plus, the ability to reserve and pay later provides flexibility, which is always a plus while traveling.

Unique Tips and Insights from Reviews

Several reviews highlight Riccardo’s knowledge and friendly approach. For example, one guest praised Riccardo’s patience and humor, making the learning experience both fun and informative. Another reviewer appreciated the restaurant recommendations Riccardo provided, which can be helpful during your stay in Rome.

The class also includes useful tips on shopping for ingredients—something that many travelers find invaluable—so you can keep the Roman pasta tradition alive back home. For vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, the possibility of arranging special recipes like gnocchi or tiramisu in private classes is an added bonus.

Accessibility and Ease of Location

The meeting point is conveniently close to public transportation, making it easy to reach from the city center. The studio or home environment is wheelchair accessible, which broadens the appeal for guests with mobility concerns.

Final Thoughts

This pasta-making class offers an engaging, flavorful immersion into Roman cuisine that goes beyond just following recipes. It’s about learning techniques, understanding local ingredients, and sharing a meal in a welcoming atmosphere. The combination of expert guidance, delicious food, and good wine makes this a worthwhile activity for anyone wanting to take a piece of Rome home with them—literally.

If you’re a passionate cook or simply curious about Italian culinary traditions, this experience will deepen your appreciation for Roman food and give you practical skills to impress friends and family back home. It’s a genuine taste of Italy that combines learning, eating, and drinking in a way that feels personal rather than touristy.

This class is ideal if you want a practical, hands-on introduction to Roman pasta-making. It suits those who enjoy cooking at a relaxed pace and want to connect with local culture through food. Solo travelers, couples, or small groups will find the intimate setting particularly inviting. If you have dietary restrictions, the ability to request special recipes makes it flexible. And for anyone who wants to leave Rome with not just photos but new skills and authentic recipes, this class is a perfect choice.

Is this class suitable for vegetarians? Yes, vegetarian options are available, and special recipes can be arranged, especially in private classes.

How long does the class last? It lasts approximately 3 hours, giving ample time for hands-on cooking, eating, and wine tasting.

Is the price of $89.50 per person good value? Considering the inclusion of ingredients, wine, a meal, and practical cooking skills, many find the price very reasonable for an authentic experience.

What’s the meeting point? The class begins near a café on Circonvallazione Gianicolense 418, 00152 Rome. It’s easy to reach via public transportation.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated? Yes, especially if you inform Riccardo in advance. Private classes can include special recipes for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets.

Can I book and pay later? Absolutely, you can reserve your spot now and pay no upfront cost.

Is the environment family-friendly? Yes, the small group setting is welcoming for all ages, and the experience is very informal.

Are tips on shopping for Italian ingredients included? Yes, Riccardo shares advice on how to buy quality ingredients locally—useful for recreating recipes at home.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues? The location is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm with the provider if you have specific needs.

Will I take home recipes? Yes, you’ll leave with recipes and skills to make pasta and sauces back home.

To sum it up, this pasta-making class with Riccardo offers a genuine slice of Roman life. For those eager to learn, eat, and drink in a friendly atmosphere, it’s a thoroughly rewarding experience. If you enjoy hands-on cooking, authentic flavors, and local wines, this class is a fantastic way to spend a few hours in Rome—creating culinary memories to last long after you leave the Eternal City.