Best Cooking Classes in Bologna: The Ultimate Guide to Pasta, Markets & Villas (2026)
You cannot visit Bologna without eating pasta. But if you want to take the magic home with you, you need to learn how to make it.
Bologna is the world capital of fresh egg pasta (Sfoglia). Here, making Tortellini is not just cooking; it’s a religion. The “Sfogline” (pasta ladies) are respected figures who roll dough so thin you can allegedly see the San Luca sanctuary through it.
But with dozens of cooking schools available, which one is actually worth the €80–€150 price tag?
We have analyzed the Best Cooking Classes in Bologna by category, so you can find the perfect fit — whether you want a professional culinary degree vibe or just a fun afternoon drinking wine with a local grandma.
Quick Comparison: Which Class is for You?
| School / Type | Best For… | Vibe | Price Range |
| Cesarine | Authenticity | Cozy, “Nonna’s Kitchen” | €€ |
| Il Salotto di Penelope | Technique | Pro Kitchen but Friendly | €€ |
| Felsina Culinaria | Luxury Escape | Countryside Villa + Pool | €€€ |
| Try and Taste | Dietary Needs | Vegan / Vegetarian Focus | €€ |
| CIBO (Culinary Inst.) | Serious Chefs | Technical & Market Tour | €€€ |
| FICO / Eataly | Families | Fun, Fast, Kids | € |
1. The “Authentic” Choice: Cesarine (Home Cooking)
Best For: Travelers who want a private, intimate “local” experience.
What is it?
Cesarine isn’t one school; it is a network of carefully vetted Italian home cooks who open their actual houses to travelers. You aren’t in a stainless-steel culinary school; you are in someone’s dining room, often surrounded by their family photos.
- The Experience: You usually meet the host, sometimes shop at the local market together, and then go back to their apartment to cook a 3-course meal.
- The Menu: Typical dishes include Tagliatelle al Ragù and Tiramisu.
- Why book this: It’s the most intimate. You eat what you cook with the host, usually accompanied by local wine (Pignoletto or Sangiovese).
Recommended: Book here a Private Cesarine Cooking Class in Bologna!
2. The “Pro” Choice: Il Salotto di Penelope
Best For: Foodies who want to learn proper technique in a professional setting.
What is it?
Located near the city center, Il Salotto di Penelope is run by Barbara and Valeria. Their motto is “Chiacchiere e cucina” (Chatter and cooking).
- The Setup: Unlike a home kitchen, this is a professional workspace. You get your own station, apron, and tools.
- Why book this: It bridges the gap between a “fun tourist class” and a “serious school.” You learn the real chemistry of flour and eggs, but the atmosphere is laughing and relaxed.
- Classes: They offer specific workshops like “Everything about Tortellini” or general Bolognese sauce classes.
3. The “Countryside” Choice: Felsina Culinaria (Villa Degli Olmi)
Best For: A luxury day trip escape.
Sometimes the best food is just outside the city. Felsina Culinaria, run by Bianca, is located in a stunning historic hunting lodge (Villa Degli Olmi) about 20 minutes from Bologna.
- The Experience: You take a short train ride (they often pick you up) to the villa.
- The Vibe: You are cooking in a massive kitchen overlooking rolling hills. In the summer, some guests are even allowed to dip in the pool after cooking!.
- Menu: Traditional Tagliatelle, but also “Green Pasta” (with spinach) and Ricotta Ravioli.
4. The “Hardcore” Choice: CIBO (Culinary Institute of Bologna)
Best For: Serious chefs and market lovers.
Run by Chef Maribel, CIBO is famous for its intensive “Market to Table” classes.
- The Difference: The class starts with a serious tour of the Mercato di Mezzo or local shops. You don’t just buy ingredients; you learn how to choose the right tomatoes and the difference between Prosciutto grades.
- The Cooking: It gets into the “nitty-gritty” of pasta textures. This is for people who actually want to cook this at home, not just take photos.
Recommended: Book here a Guided Food Markets Tour in Bologna!
5. The Dietary Choice: Vegan & Gluten-Free
Best For: Travelers with restrictions (who still want to eat well).
Many travelers fear they can’t do a cooking class because of allergies. That is wrong.
- For Vegans: Look for “Try and Taste”. They offer a specific “Vegan and Vegetarian Pasta Class” where you make Potato Gnocchi and Garganelli with rich vegetable sauces instead of meat ragù.
- For Gluten-Free: Many hosts (like Carmelita’s Paste e Basta) are experts at using alternative flours (rice/corn mixes) to create pasta that still holds a sauce. You must request this in advance when booking a private tour.
6. The Family Choice: FICO / Eataly World
Best For: Travelers with Kids (or impatient adults!).
Making tiny Tortellini requires serious patience (and small fingers). If you are traveling with kids under 10, a 3-hour ragù class might be too long.
- The Alternative: Head to FICO Eataly World (the food theme park).
- The Class: They offer 1-hour “Pizza Making” or “Gelato” workshops. It’s fast, messy, and the kids get to eat pizza at the end.
Practical Tips for Booking
- Book in Advance: The best schools (like Il Salotto and CIBO) are small. They sell out 2-3 weeks ahead in high season (May-September).
- The “Ragù” Rule: A true Bolognese ragù takes 3-4 hours to simmer. In most 3-hour classes, you will start a sauce to learn the technique, but you will eat a sauce that the chef started hours before you arrived. This is normal!.
- Dress Code: Wear closed-toe shoes. You will be working with boiling water and knives. No flip-flops in the kitchen.
Summary: Which should I book?
- I want to feel like a local: Cesarine.
- I want to learn skills: Il Salotto di Penelope or CIBO.
- I want a vacation vibe: Felsina Culinaria (Villa).
- I’m Vegan/Gluten-Free: Try and Taste (Private).
Planning your Foodie Trip?
Once you’ve mastered the pasta, check out our other guides to eating in Bologna:
- Where to Eat: The Ultimate Bologna Food Guide (Restaurants & Dishes)
- Dessert: Best Gelato in Bologna: Artisan Shops Ranked
- Souvenirs: What to Buy in Bologna: Food & Kitchen Gifts
- Dietary Needs: Gluten-Free Bologna Guide
Buon Appetito!
