Tours/Genoa/Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine
Viator · group up to 6 pax

Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine

5.0(339)Genoa1 hour
VIATOR5.0(130)TRIPADVISOR5.0(209)

Description

Learn to make the famous Ligurian sauce in the city where it was born, topped off with a stunning terrace view over Genoa! Welcome to a genuine home in the historic center. In this intimate class, a local chef will teach you grandmother's secrets to making perfect "Pasta Fresca" and authentic Pesto from scratch. Your journey takes place in a top-floor apartment boasting a panoramic terrace. (Please note: as typical of historic Genoa, the apartment is on the 5th floor without an elevator). After rolling dough and crushing fresh basil, enjoy a convivial feast featuring 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, you'll enjoy your meal in our cozy indoor dining room.

Tour Options

Homemade Pasta and Pesto Class with a Local Chef in Genoa

Highlights

Local wine and typical Genoese liqueur
Pesto and Fresh Pasta making masterclass
Full meal (Antipasto, Pasta, and Traditional Dessert)

What's included

Included
Local wine and typical Genoese liqueur
Pesto and Fresh Pasta making masterclass
Full meal (Antipasto, Pasta, and Traditional Dessert)
Not included
All not mentioned in the inclusions is considered excluded.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
339 reviews
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334
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Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Communicate in advance any dietary restriction.
  • 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.

Reviews(339)

M
Michaela_K
June 24, 2026
10/10 Must Do!

Had the most amazing time on the rooftop - the roof is and a family of 3! The food was remarkable!! I loved the history the most and learning about Genova and why their food is different from other cities in Italy. The aperitif and first course were phenomenal. We got to enjoy them after making the pasta and pesto by hand. And then we got to eat the pasta with our freshly made pesto sauce. Alberto (I hope I spelled it right) was remarkable!! The dessert after was so great too! A nice Genoise take on tiramisu.

Operator response

Hearing that you loved learning the history of Genova and tasting that Genoise tiramisu is the best compliment! We are thrilled you had an amazing time at our authentic Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine. Alberto loves sharing traditional local flavors through a hands-on experience. We're so glad the phenomenal food made your day. Grazie mille!

D
Denise_B
June 21, 2026
Pesto in the sky

This is a fun experience, nestled away in a little pathway. Make sure you can climb up narrow staircases! If you can definitely worth it! Be sure and watch the video on how to arrive at the location.

Operator response

Thank you for your review! We're delighted that you enjoyed the experience and appreciated the unique setting of this rooftop cooking class in Genoa. Located in the heart of the city's historic center, the experience offers an authentic glimpse into local life, traditions, and Ligurian cuisine. Thank you also for highlighting the arrival instructions, which help future guests enjoy a smooth and stress-free visit. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

S
Shannon_S
June 16, 2026
Amazing experience!!!...

Amazing experience!!! Alberto welcomed his home to us all, such an unforgettable time. This was by far our favourite part of the trip in Genova!

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear that Alberto made your rooftop cooking class in Genoa such an unforgettable part of your trip. Sharing his home, the secrets of authentic Ligurian pesto and fresh pasta, along with the warmth of local hospitality, is what makes this experience truly special. We are delighted that you enjoyed this unique culinary moment and your time in Genova. We hope to welcome you back soon for another authentic Italian food experience.

S
selenanavedo
June 15, 2026
Amazing experience!!

We booked this as a separate cruise excursion. Alberto communicated well on how to arrive and was very informative on the history behind our cooking class. Not only that we learn a lot about making pasta, we enjoyed good company, great wine, and an amazing meal. Would 100% recommend!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your glowing recommendation and for choosing to spend your cruise stop with us in Genoa! Alberto takes great pride in ensuring every detail of your visit is seamless and enjoyable, from providing easy arrival instructions to sharing the fascinating history behind Liguria's cherished culinary traditions. Crafting authentic fresh pasta and traditional pesto from scratch on our rooftop is a wonderful way to step away from the busy port and experience the true, authentic flavors of the city. We are absolutely thrilled that you enjoyed the lively company, the excellent local wine, and the rewarding meal you created together. It is always a joy to host travelers who are so enthusiastic about Italian culture, and we would be honored to welcome you back to our terrace for another unforgettable cooking adventure the next time you drop anchor in Italy!

U
Ute_B
June 6, 2026
Strong recommendation.

This cooking class with Alberto is an absolute recommendation, both for Alberto himself and the location on his rooftop terrace.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words about our Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa. Alberto truly loves sharing the authentic flavours of Ligurian cuisine, and we’re delighted that you enjoyed both his hospitality and the unique setting on his terrace. Mastering pesto and fresh pasta with a glass of local wine, all while overlooking Genoa, is a memory we hope stays with you for a long time. We would be thrilled to welcome you back for another taste of Italian tradition whenever you return.

7
782kiad
June 5, 2026
Anytime again!

Alberto is very friendly and authentic. Great terrace! The cooking class was very well organized. Everything was delicious, and we had a lot of fun!

Operator response

Thank you for your wonderful feedback on our Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa. Alberto truly embodies the warm, authentic spirit of Ligurian hospitality, and we’re so glad you enjoyed his organised yet fun approach on that beautiful terrace. Fresh pasta, pesto, local wine, and a great atmosphere, that’s a combination hard to beat. We would love to welcome you back for another delicious afternoon overlooking Genoa.

L
Leisha_P
June 4, 2026
Wonderful Experience

This was a once in a lifetime type experience. The class was conducted in the rooftop patio of the chief's home. There was four of us in the class. The chief made everyone feel very comfortable as we made pest and pasta. In addition the chief made us a small breakfast before we started the class and provided a dessert after we ate our pesto and pasta. Highly recommend this cooking experience. PS sorry for the late review.

Operator response

Thank you for this thoughtful review of our Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa. There’s something truly special about making fresh pasta and pesto on a chef’s own terrace, surrounded by the city’s rooftops and that warm, unhurried atmosphere. We’re so glad the small group size helped everyone feel at ease, and that the little touches like a morning bite and dessert made the experience even more memorable. A once-in-a-lifetime experience is the highest compliment, and please don’t apologise for the timing, we’re just happy it stayed with you long enough to share. We would love to welcome you back anytime you’re in Genoa.

M
Maya J
June 3, 2026
Best cooking class in Italy

This was easily one of the highlights of our trip to Italy! The class was fun, hands-on, and incredibly informative. Alberto was kind, patient, and very knowledgeable, sharing not only great cooking techniques but also insights into Italian food and culture. Making fresh pasta from scratch was a fantastic experience, and we left with new skills, delicious food, and wonderful memories. The atmosphere was welcoming and authentic, making it feel much more personal than a typical tourist activity. If you're visiting Genoa, I highly recommend this class. It was a truly memorable experience and one of our favorite parts of the trip!

Operator response

Thank you for your thoughtful review. Alberto will be delighted to know that the class became such a special part of your time in Genoa. Our goal is to offer an authentic Genoese cooking class where guests can discover traditional pesto, fresh pasta-making, and local food culture in a welcoming home setting. We’re so pleased you left with new skills, great memories, and a deeper connection to Ligurian cuisine. We hope to cook with you again on your next visit to Genoa.

M
Marie_F
June 2, 2026
A wonderful experience.

Alberto was amazing. He kindly opened up his home to us. He provided us with the best ingredients, warm hospitality and a wonderful rooftop. He explained thoroughly all the ingredients and how to make our pesto and pasta. He also provided us with lots of other local culinary treats. A lovely way to spend an afternoon; eat some lovely food with wonderful company and instruction. Highly recommend.

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Alberto truly is amazing – we're so glad he opened his home and rooftop to you. Best ingredients, warm hospitality, and thorough instruction make this pesto and pasta class in Genoa unforgettable. A lovely afternoon with great company and local treats. Grazie!

C
Culture282758
May 31, 2026
An experience to live!

Welcoming and very friendly chef!

Operator response

Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad you found our chef welcoming and very friendly. Making pesto and fresh pasta on a rooftop in Genoa with great wine and stunning views – that's the perfect Italian experience. Hope to see you again soon!

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