Cooking Classes in Naples

As the infamous birthplace of pizza, Naples is an undisputed foodie heaven. The southern Italian coastal city offers a smorgasbord of culinary delights, from fresh seafood to succulent pizzas and pastries that melt in your mouth.

For those looking to explore the city’s vibrant flavors in a more hands-on manner, cooking classes are available across the city. From private pizza-making lessons with local chefs to group pasta-making activities led by passionate instructors and foodies alike, there is something for every skill level and taste preference.

If you want to experience an authentic side of Italian culture, consider adding a Naples cooking class to your to-do list.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating culinary experiences in Naples.

What are the best cooking classes in Naples?

Pasta cooking class in Naples

While Naples is most famous for its pizza, the pasta scene in the city is equally delicious. A pasta cooking class in Naples will give you a chance to learn all there is to know about making fresh, homemade pasta dishes like spaghetti and ravioli from scratch. Plus, with a large selection of recipes and techniques, you can find something that fits your skill level and taste preference.

These cooking classes typically take place in a local cooking school or restaurant. You will generally prepare a multi-course meal, including the main pasta course and a few other traditional dishes from the region. As you're cooking, your friendly instructors will also teach you about the history of Italian cuisine and the local ingredients used in the recipes.

Naples pizza making class

Thanks to its reputation as the birthplace of pizza, Naples is unsurprisingly also home to some of the best pizza-making classes in Italy. Here, you will learn how to make a traditional Neapolitan Pizza like a pro.

While each class is slightly different, you will most likely make a Margherita pizza — this is the most common variety of pizza in Naples, and it includes tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, olive oil and basil.

In addition to hands-on instruction from a talented local chef, you'll also get the chance to explore the city’s vibrant food culture. During your lesson, learn about the history of pizza-making in Naples, as well as the local ingredients used to make some of the best pizzas in Italy.

After the cooking is complete, you can sit down for your dinner with a glass of local wine.

Private cooking class in the Naples countryside

For a truly unique culinary experience, consider taking a private cooking class in the Naples countryside. This type of class will offer you an intimate lesson with a local chef, who will teach you how to make traditional Italian dishes like risotto and tiramisu.

What you make depends on the ingredients in season, but it will almost always be accompanied by a delicious Gragnano wine. Besides the food portion of the experience, you'll get to enjoy some breathtaking views of the rolling hills and green countryside.

Many Naples countryside cooking classes are located close to Pompeii — if that's the case, you will have time to visit the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Cooking class in a local home

This style of Naples cooking class is authentic, intimate and unique. You will be invited into a local home and taught how to make traditional dishes from the region by a passionate home cook.

This type of class gives you an opportunity to understand the true flavors of Naples, as well as gain insight into the daily life of Neapolitans. Depending on which activity you choose, you may make pizza, pasta, seafood risotto or a traditional Neapolitan dessert.

You will be guided through the recipes and learn about the history of Italian cuisine as you go. At the end of your lesson, enjoy your meal with a glass of local beer or wine in a cozy atmosphere at home!

Which places are visited?

The places visited will depend on the type of cooking class you choose. Some Naples cooking classes include a visit to a local market before the cooking begins, such as La Pignasecca, Mercato di Poggioreale or Mercatino di Antignano.

Generally, however, you will spend most of your time at the cooking venue. If you take a pasta or pizza-making class in Naples, it will likely be held in a local cooking school or restaurant. For classes taking place in the countryside, they are typically located close to Pompeii and other nearby attractions.

A private home-cooking class will take place in a local home, allowing you to see a different side of traditional Neapolitan culture.

How much do cooking classes in Naples cost?

The price of cooking classes in Naples starts at around €40 per person. The price often depends on the type of class you take and group size.

Pizza-making small group classes are the cheapest, ranging between €40-€110. Private classes tend to cost more — they run from €100-€200 per person. Cooking classes in the countryside are around €160 per person.

Home-style cooking classes typically cost anywhere from €60-€200 per person, depending on the dishes made and whether the activity is private or not.

What is included?

Every cooking class in Naples includes a hands-on lesson from an experienced and knowledgeable local chef, as well as all the necessary ingredients and equipment needed to make the meals. Most tours will include complimentary wine.

On some tours, a guided market tour is included, while others may include transportation to and from the venue. It's best to double-check the details when booking, as different tour operators may include different extras.

Where does it start?

Your Naples cooking class meeting point depends on the type of activity you book. For most classes, you'll meet at the cooking venue. However, some activities meet at a public landmark such as the Fountain of Neptune, after which you may walk to a local market to pick up ingredients. Every tour is different, so double-check the details when booking.

How long does it last?

A typical cooking class in Naples lasts around 3 to 4 hours. This includes the cooking lesson, time to sit down and enjoy the full meal and sometimes a local market visit.

Pizza-making classes are generally shorter, around 2 hours, because it takes less time to cook. If you book a tour that includes transportation or visits to other sites, it will take longer — usually 5 to 6 hours.

When is the best time for a cooking classes tour in Naples?

The best time for a cooking class in Naples is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and you can eat outside if you choose to.

Visits during shoulder seasons, from April to June or from September to October, are often cheaper and less crowded. In any case, Naples cooking classes operate year-round.

As for the time of day, there are lunch and dinner cooking classes available. Book your cooking class toward the start of your trip to discover which flavors you like and apply that knowledge to the rest of your stay in Naples.

Are there any combos available with cooking classes in Naples?

Yes, there are a handful of cooking classes in Naples that come as a combo package. Some tours may include a market visit and a wine tasting, while others may include additional activities such as a visit to Pompeii.

Street food walking tour plus pizza-making class

This tour is suited to visitors who want a broad overview of Neapolitan food culture. It usually starts with a guided walking tour of the city's best street food spots in characteristic neighborhoods like via Toledo and Spaccanapoli.

Along the way, you will pass by notable landmarks and learn about the history of local food. The tour ends with a pizza-making class where you can make your own traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Cooking class plus Pompeii visit

Naples is most famous for two things:  its delicious food and its proximity to Pompeii, the historic Roman city destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption. This style of combo tour is perfect for visitors who want to experience both of these attractions in one day.

You have various options to choose from — generally, they will include a tour of the ancient ruins, an olive oil tasting experience and a cooking class.

Is it safe?

Cooking classes in Naples are safe, however if you suffer from food allergies (especially dairy or seafood), they should be avoided. If in doubt, consult the tour operator before booking.

Are children allowed?

Children are generally allowed on cooking classes, however they must be accompanied by an adult. Age restrictions may be in place for tours that include wine tastings.

Travel tips

• Make sure not to eat before the cooking class! You will be provided with a full meal at the end of your session, so it's best to come on an empty stomach.
• If you have any dietary requirements, make sure to leave a note with your tour provider in advance. It is also recommended to tell your instructor at the beginning of your experience.
• Book your cooking class online and in advance to ensure that you secure a spot on your preferred day. This is especially important if you're visiting during peak tourist season, as classes can fill up quickly.
• Finally, don’t forget to bring an appetite for learning too — Naples cooking classes are about much more than just food!