Discover the birthplace of pesto with an authentic cooking class on a stunning terrace overlooking Genoa! Welcome to a genuine home in the historic center.
In this intimate class, a local chef will share grandmother's secrets for making perfect "Pasta Fresca" and authentic Pesto from scratch.
Your culinary journey unfolds in a top-floor apartment with a panoramic terrace. Please note: as is typical of historic Genoa, the apartment is on the 5th floor without an elevator.
After crafting dough and crushing fresh basil, indulge in a convivial feast. Enjoy a traditional antipasto, your handmade pasta, a local dessert, regional wines, and a typical liqueur.
Weather permitting, dine on the terrace; on colder or rainy days, your meal will be served in our cozy indoor dining room.
✓ Local wine and typical Genoese liqueur✓ Pesto and Fresh Pasta making masterclass✓ Full meal (Antipasto, Pasta, and Traditional Dessert)✕ Anything not mentioned in the inclusions is considered excluded.Activity Schedule
3 h
The Authentic Pesto: Learn the true, traditional Ligurian recipe. You'll master the proper technique for crushing and blending fresh basil, European pine nuts, garlic, coarse salt, and hard cheese with premium local olive oil.
Hands-on Pasta Making: It's time to get your hands messy! Mix flour, water, and eggs to create the perfect fresh pasta dough. A passionate local expert will share insider tips on kneading, rolling, and shaping.
A Convivial Feast & Local Toast: Relax and savor the fruits of your labor! Enjoy a delicious multi-course meal including an antipasto, your handmade pasta, and a traditional Genoese dessert. Complete your authentic Italian dining experience by toasting like a local with carefully selected regional wines and a typical Genoese liqueur.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Vico Inferiore Valoria
Building 1
Apartment 11
Buzz Granara
Copy paste this link on Google you will find the Video with the instructions to arrive from Piazza Valoria to Vico Inferiore Valoria
https://tinyurl.com/pestoclass
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are available nearby. Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Please communicate any dietary restrictions in advance. Accessibility: This experience takes place in a historic building on the 5th floor with NO elevator. Guests must be comfortable climbing stairs. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with severe mobility issues. Homemade Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef in Genoa
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for cooking. Arrive on time to fully enjoy the experience. Be prepared to climb stairs to reach the apartment. Inform the host of any dietary restrictions beforehand. Bring your appetite for a delicious meal! For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 17024P831
Activity offered by CURIOSEETY via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Food enthusiasts Couples Travelers interested in Italian cuisine Those comfortable with stairs Learn to make authentic pesto and fresh pasta. Enjoy a delicious meal with local wines. Stunning rooftop terrace views over Genoa. Intimate class with a local chef. Located in the historic center.
Population 558,745 (2023)
Elevation 20 m
Currency euro
Official language Italian
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, F, L · 230 V
Emergency number 112
Capital city Rome Average temperatures 4° Jan 5° Feb 8° Mar 12° Apr 16° May 20° Jun 23° Jul 23° Aug 19° Sept 14° Oct 9° Nov 5° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the cooking class? + The class lasts for 3 hours.
Is this a private class? + No, this is not a private class. The maximum group size is 6 people.
What is included in the class? + The class includes a pesto and fresh pasta making masterclass, a full meal (antipasto, pasta, and dessert), local wine, and Genoese liqueur.
Is the class accessible for people with mobility issues? + The class is on the 5th floor of a historic building with no elevator, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with severe mobility issues.
What happens if it rains? + If the weather is cold or rainy, the meal will be enjoyed in the indoor dining room instead of the terrace.
★★★★★ Viator review
A must do in Genova!!
Stacey_F, October 2026
We were lucky to book Alberto’s cooking class the night we arrived in Genova. It was a perfect evening on his lovely rooftop learning how to make homemade pesto and pasta! We came hungry and left with full bellies. We were offered focaccia, a beverage, snacks and local Cinque Terra wine with our dinner we prepared. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for a lovely way to spend an evening learning to make this local dish!
Response from the operator · Federico P It sounds like a wonderful way to kick off your stay in Genoa! Alberto will be delighted to know you enjoyed making fresh pasta and pesto, along with the rooftop setting and local flavours. Thank you for recommending the experience to fellow travellers!
★★★★★ Viator review
The Perfect Evening in Genova
Greg_P, October 2026
Alberto was an incredible host and made the whole evening so special. Communication and coordination were simple, and the experience itself was amazing from beginning to end.
The outdoor space is beautiful and expertly arranged to accommodate the activity. Alberto did an outstanding job sharing the history and significance of each ingredient and cooking instrument used in creating our dish. His preparation and cooking instructions were clear, and he provided helpful guidance along the way whenever things went sideways—which, of course, is part of the fun of cooking!
He also provided excellent wine and snacks to enjoy throughout the experience, and the food we created was absolutely delicious. We shared the evening with another couple and had a great time getting to know them and enjoying conversation together. Alberto was incredibly gracious and even allowed us to hang out and enjoy the evening a little longer after the class had finished.
Overall, this was a very special evening, and we are incredibly grateful to Alberto for hosting us. If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience while visiting Genova, I can't recommend this cooking class enough. It was one of the highlights of our trip and an evening we'll always remember!
Response from the operator · Federico P It’s wonderful to know that your evening with Alberto became one of the highlights of your trip to Genova! He puts so much care into sharing the stories behind Ligurian ingredients and traditions, and we’re delighted that you enjoyed both the hands-on cooking and the relaxed atmosphere on the rooftop. Good food, local wine, and great company are what make these moments truly memorable. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Alberto, and thank you for recommending the experience so warmly!
★★★★★ Viator review
Fab Genova pesto experience
Kim_A, September 2026
Alberto's pesto and pasta making class was fantastic. We learnt a lot and ate a lot!! We did the class with our two kids (ages 9 and 11) and Alberto was kind and patient with them. The rooftop location was lovely to enjoy local snacks, wine and our pasta.
Response from the operator · Federico P Thank you for such a lovely review! We’re especially happy that Alberto made the class enjoyable for the whole family and was so kind and patient with your children. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed learning, eating, and sharing the local snacks, wine, and homemade pasta on the rooftop.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A Wonderful experience not to be missed!
481peterm, September 2026
What a great experience. Learned not only the hands on way to make traditional pasta and pesto but there were lots of insights Alberto gave us on the history and methods to make a great meal. And a great meal we did have. Not only the pasta/pesto we made but other local Italian specialties that were delightful and nice to know about. This is definitely a worthwhile afternoon, the food, setting and the teacher were wonderful.
Response from the operator · Federico P Thank you for such a wonderful review! We’re delighted that Alberto’s knowledge added depth to the hands-on pasta and pesto experience, and that you enjoyed discovering local specialties alongside the dishes you prepared. It’s great to know the food, setting, and class all came together to make such a memorable afternoon.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Wonderful rooftop experience
685shawnb, September 2026
The Pesto, Fresh Pasta, and Wine cooking class on Alberto’s rooftop was a great experience. Alberto has immense passion for Genoese food and it really came through in his discussion of the origin of Genoese pesto. His discussion on the prep of the pesto and pasta was very informative and it was fun to be able to prepare our own pesto and pasta for dinner. Overall, a wonderful time.
Response from the operator · Federico P Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review! Alberto’s passion for Genoese cuisine is at the heart of this experience, and we’re glad his stories and hands-on guidance made the pesto and fresh pasta preparation both engaging and memorable. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed discovering a taste of Genoa from his rooftop!
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