Cooking Classes in Verona

It’s said that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Verona, Italy’s “City of Love,” is cemented as one of the world’s best romantic destinations. Shakespeare’s setting for his famous tragedy is dotted with monuments, relics and spots steeped in “Romeo and Juliet” lore.

After treading the cobbled streets in search of architectural marvels, historic ruins and lively piazze, you’re sure to build up an appetite. Replenish yourself with a cooking class in Verona that will leave you with recipes, skills, a full belly and plenty of memories.

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

What are the best cooking classes in Verona?

Pasta cooking classes

If you’re taking a cooking class anywhere in Italy, pasta is almost always on the menu. The intimidating art of “sfoglia,” or fresh pasta, is made accessible by patient instructors. They will break the process into manageable steps and leave you with skills better than any bought souvenir.

Along with kneading, rolling and cutting various pastas, you’ll simmer meat and vegetable-laden sauces with fresh local ingredients. Your instructor will show you how the pasta shapes lend themselves to certain sauces as you pair and enjoy them with Valpolicella wines.

Tortellini making classes

Wherelse but in Verona should you learn the art of making “love knots?” Go beyond mere noodles with a class that teaches you to create tortellini in a delectable butter and sage sauce. After mixing up the meat filling and carefully folding the knots, enjoy the fruits of your efforts over lunch with dessert, wine and coffee.

Pasta and risotto classes

Tackle two tricky Italian dishes in one class. Not only will you roll out some “sfoglia,” a seasoned chef will teach you the ins and outs of stirring up the creamiest risotto. Wines from the Valpolicella region will complement your creations for a meal you won’t forget.

Pasta and tiramisu classes

Let a chef introduce you to the secrets of Italy’s most beloved sweet and savory confections. With fresh pasta in seasonal sauces plus a swoon-worthy tiramisu, you’ll take away valuable skills and a happy stomach.

Private classes

Bask in the undivided attention of your instructor with a private cooking class in Verona. Lessons often take place in a certified home kitchen as part of Italy’s nation-wide “Cesarine” network.

Many classes will have you kneading up pasta dough, while others will hone your pizza and tiramisu skills. Your instructor will walk you through the steps for an entire meal that you’ll savor in a Veronese home.

Are there any combos available with cooking classes in Verona?

Cooking class with market visit

Witness the vitality of an Italian market brimming with the freshest ingredients, purchased right from their producers. Your instructor-guide will lead you through the maze of stalls to choose what looks best that day. Concoct a meal like the locals do with your instructor, often in a home kitchen.

Amarone cooking class with winery visit and tasting

Verona is enveloped in some of Italy’s best wine growing terrain. Take a break from the city tours on a private outing to a winery near Verona. In a Renaissance-era villa, taste the famed Amarone wines of Valpolicella before creating a meal with the help of an instructor.

What will you do?

Although Italian food has become a regular staple in kitchens worldwide, crafting pasta, doughs, sauces and desserts from scratch can be daunting. Your instructor will demystify the process of making noodles, filled pasta, rich sauces and the chewiest pizza crusts.

Break the ice with some nibbles and prosecco as you get to know your instructor and classmates. Small groups of no more than 12 people or private experiences ensure that your leader can give you the necessary attention.

Classes will have you rolling out noodles and stirring sauces to top them, but you may have a chance to whip up other enticing dishes. Possible savory recipes include bruschetta, braised beef, gnocchi and/or “risi e bisi.” For dessert, you could be baking up “baicoli” biscuits, chocolate “moro” pastry or “zaeti” cookies.

How much do cooking classes in Verona cost

Tortellini classes cost €55 per person. You’ll create tortellini and sauce, and dessert with wine will round out your meal. Pasta cooking classes cost between €85 per person and €100 per person depending on the group size.

Pasta and tiramisu classes cost between €100 per person and €135 per person. More expensive courses take place in “Cesarine” kitchens with smaller groups. Pasta and risotto classes cost €95 per person and outfit you with an apron to keep as well as a booklet of recipes.

Private cooking classes cost €145 per person for a 3-hour pizza-making lesson with a “Cesarina.”  Private Amarone cooking classes with wine tastings cost €700 per person, depending on group size.

With this price, you’ll have door-to-door transportation between your lodging in Verona and the winery in Valpolicella. The 8-hour outing includes a lesson and ingredients to craft a multi-course meal, a tour of the vineyard and caves and tasting of several wines.

What is included?

What you’ll get with the price of a lesson is a meal, drinks and recipes. The dishes are designed for you to replicate simply at home with the help of digital or a booklet of recipes. Some classes start with an aperitivo before the instruction begins, and others also provide you with an apron and/or market bag to take home.

If your class isn’t long enough to prepare an intricate dessert, there’s no need to miss out. Your instructor will have a sweet treat prepared to round out your meal. Look forward to cookies, pastries or a nutty “sbrisolona” tart to nibble with coffee.

Where do the cooking classes start?

Classes begin at varying locations. Lessons held in central Verona meet at well-known landmarks, such as the Arena, where your instructor will greet you and lead you to the kitchen. Many classes, especially “cesarine” classes take place in nearby village homes that are easily reached by public transportation or car. For “Cesarine” classes, you’ll receive the address after booking.

How long do they last?

Cooking classes in Verona last typically around 3 hours. Classes that include market visits last 5 hours. Private Amarone cooking classes with tastings last 8 hours.

Many cooking classes take place in “cesarine” homes that may be located in nearby towns. Buses, taxis and rideshares are available to make reaching these home kitchens easier.

Are the classes wheelchair friendly?

While most cooking classes in Verona are not wheelchair accessible, some advertise that they can accommodate wheelchairs. It’s worth asking at the time of booking whether your needs will be met.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Verona?

Verona is a destination that can be enjoyed all year, as well as the cooking classes.

Are there other gastronomic experiences you can enjoy in Verona?

• Wine Tours and Tastings in Verona
• Food Tours in Verona
• Gelato making workshop in Verona
• Cheese Tastings in Verona

Travel tips

• Especially if you're visiting during peak tourist seasons, it's a good idea to book your cooking class in advance.
• Cooking classes vary in duration and group size. If you prefer a more intimate or in-depth experience, check the details before booking.
• When choosing a class, look for one that emphasizes local Veronese specialties. This will give you a more authentic experience.
• Opt for comfortable clothing and closed shoes. Remember, cooking can get messy, so wear something you don't mind spilling on.