London’s Italian restaurant scene is almost as varied as Italy’s itself and there are now hundreds of fun Italian cooking classes offering locals and tourists the chance to make authentic Italian food just like mama makes.
Learn how to make Fusilli Avellinesi at Luca Favorita’s handmade pasta workshop (Photo: Classbento.co.uk)
Italy might seem like the obvious place to pick up pasta and pizza-making tips from the pros, but London comes a close second. Italian has practically been a national cuisine since the 1950s and the capital is now crammed full of brilliant Italian restaurants run by equally brilliant Italian chefs. Many of these restaurants, as well as dozens more schools, have opened their doors to curious tourists keen to learn how to cook up authentic Italian grub. With so many to choose from, we’ve selected seven fun Italian cooking classes in London that are guaranteed to impress.
Handmade Pasta Making Workshop
This cheap and cheerful three-hour workshop offers the ultimate introduction to fresh pasta making. Under the guidance of seasoned chef Luca Favorita, travellers learn how to master ancient and artisan pasta rolling techniques, the history of pasta and its different shapes and invaluable tips on how to create the perfect dough for Fusillia Avellinesi, a popular pasta shape from Luca’s home town. Guests receive a welcome aperitivo and a selection of antipasti, as well as sparkling wine throughout the session too. From £60 per person.
Pasta Masterclass – Patterns and Textures Galore
A quirky approach to pasta-making (Photo: Classbento.co.uk)
For a quirkier introduction to Italian cooking, this three-hour workshop is a must. As well as learning the basic art of making fresh egg pasta dough, you’ll get the opportunity to experiment with colours, patterns, shapes and consistencies. You’ll get to dye fresh pasta using vegetables, spices and other ingredients, laminate pasta with herbs and edible flowers and invent your own fillings and sauce pairings. The workshop includes a complimentary glass of wine or prosecco and everything you need to take your pasta dish home with you. From £85 per person.
Pasta Making Class in a Michelin Star Restaurant
Looking to level up your culinary skills? This two-hour workshop at Michelin-starred Pied a Terre should be just the ticket. In this masterclass, travellers are invited to learn all about the technical skills and methods involved in the art of pasta making. You’ll get to grips with everything from preparing the dough to rolling and boiling it to al dente perfection. Pastas change depending on the day, but the menu usually includes ravioli made with a variety of fillings, traditional Italian gnocchi or a longer pasta like tagliatelle. Customers receive a Pied A Terr goody bag, a glass of bubbles and fresh pasta to take home. From £130 per person.
Classic Pizza Making ClasIf pizza tickles your tastebuds more than pasta, this six-hour Italian cooking class is an excellent option. Under the guidance of pizzaiola Antonio Carlos, a World Champion Pizza Chef, you’ll get to grips with the art of pizza making and learn all the secrets from a pro. Classes include a theoretical introduction to do, a lesson on flour types and how they work with yeast, salt and water and a session dedicated to stretching dough techniques. The class takes place at Pizza San Carlo, located in the heart of Saint James’s near Marylebone. From £150 per person.
Italian Feast Cooking Class
Learn how to cook a multi-course Italian feast (Photo: Classbento.co.uk)
Those looking to learn a little more about Italian cooking beyond pasta and pizza will be hard-pressed to find a better workshop than this three-hour class. Using fresh seasonal produce, you’ll get to learn how to make regional specialities like aubergine parmigiana with smoked scamorza cheese, roasted cherry tomato and whipped ricotta bruschetta and perfect pan-fried prawns. Fresh pasta is still on the menu, but instead of ragu you’ll get to pair it with more creative flavour combinations, like mussels, cream and saffron. As if that wasn’t enough, the workshop includes unlimited prosecco and wines too. From £175 per person.
Italian Cooking Class – Full Day
This full-day cookery experience gives travellers the chance to try their hand at a variety of different techniques. The course is designed for beginners and kicks off with an introduction to some of Italy’s most popular herbs and how to use them. Fresh pasta, risotto, arancini and pizza are all on the menu. The class can be adapted for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-intolerant customers too. The experience takes place at The Cooking Academy, a reputable school in leafy Rickmansworth, and includes lunch and refreshments, as well as wine, beer or a soft drink. From £199 per person.
Cooking Class and Portabello Market Tour
This full-day tour combines a top-notch cookery workshop with a tour around London’s beloved Portobello Road market. Days kick off with an hour-long guided tour with your instructor to learn about how to select the best quality ingredients and draw inspiration from seasonal produce for your Italian dishes. Back in the kitchen, you’ll get to cook a variety of dishes including a selection of antipasti, fresh pasta, risotto and a seasonal dessert, all washed down by unlimited prosecco and wine. The experience takes place at Enrica Rocca Cooking School, one of the capital’s most highly-esteemed Italian cookery schools. From £255 per person.