Funny Cooking Class in Genova with Local Chef: Full Ligurian Menu

A Tasty Journey into Ligurian Cuisine in Genoa

If you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience in Genoa, this Fun Cooking Class with Chef Fabrizio offers a delightful way to learn the secrets of Ligurian flavors in just over four hours. Based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it’s clear this tour provides more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a warm, engaging dive into local traditions.

What makes this experience stand out? First, Chef Fabrizio’s lively, humorous teaching style makes even complex dishes approachable. Second, the chance to prepare a complete Ligurian menu—from appetizers to dessert—means you’ll leave with practical skills and confidence to recreate these dishes at home. Third, the delicious food, paired with good wine and the friendly company, ensures a memorable, satisfying evening.

One potential consideration is the price: at $167.62 per person, it’s an investment, but given the quality of ingredients, expert guidance, and the full meal included, many will find it well worth it. This tour suits anyone eager to learn authentic recipes, enjoy local wine, and share a relaxed, fun atmosphere—perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, or those wanting a taste of Genoa’s culinary soul.

Good To Know

• Authentic Ligurian dishes: Learn to make staple recipes like focaccia, gnocchi with pesto, and panissa.
• Expert guidance: Chef Fabrizio’s engaging, humorous style makes cooking accessible and enjoyable.
• All-inclusive: Ingredients, utensils, and a full, delicious meal are provided.
• Cultural immersion: Prepare regional dishes in a spacious, beautiful setting in central Genoa.
• Wine and conviviality: Enjoy your creations with a good glass of wine among lively chatter.
• Suitable for all levels: No prior cooking experience needed; fun for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

A Deep Dive Into the Ligurian Cooking Experience

The Setting and Group Size

This cooking class takes place in a spacious, attractive venue right in the heart of Genoa, making it easy to combine with sightseeing before or after. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the atmosphere remains intimate enough for everyone to participate actively and receive personal attention. Guests report that the environment is welcoming and well-organized, with all necessary utensils and ingredients ready at hand.

The Start: Meeting Chef Fabrizio

Your culinary journey begins at 3:00 pm at Via Malta 4. Fabrizio, the chef, greets everyone with warmth and humor, setting the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable class. His background is rooted in family cooking—he’s spent years running restaurants and a home-based spot called Nonna Leo, named after his grandmother. Expect stories along with the cooking tips, which add richness to the experience.

The Menu and Its Highlights

The menu is carefully curated to showcase the best of Ligurian cuisine, with dishes crafted from high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll learn and prepare:

• Appetizer: Panissa
• Made from chickpea flour, panissa is seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and pepper. It’s a crispy, satisfying start that showcases simple, flavorful ingredients emblematic of the region. You’ll learn what makes panissa a beloved street food and how to perfect its texture at home.

• Focaccia Variety
• You’ll prepare three types of focaccia: seasoned with oil and salt, topped with onions, and with cherry tomatoes and olives. Fabrizio makes the best focaccia in Genoa, and he’ll teach you the secrets behind its airy crumb and flavorful toppings—something you won’t find in any deli.

• First Course: Gnocchi with Pesto
• Making gnocchi from scratch might sound intimidating, but Fabrizio’s step-by-step guidance makes it straightforward. You’ll also learn how to prepare Genoese pesto, a vibrant basil sauce with pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, perfectly balanced to coat your homemade gnocchi.

• Second Course: Focaccia di Recco
• A regional specialty, this thin, cheese-filled focaccia is a revelation. Filled with stracchino, it’s baked to a delicate crisp, offering an irresistible combination of crispy crust and creamy filling. This dish is a must-try in Genoa, and Fabrizio’s method promises authentic, restaurant-quality results.

• Dessert: Panera
• The meal concludes with Panera, a traditional Ligurian sweet bread. It’s a sweet, comforting finish, perfectly suited to round out your culinary adventure.

The Cooking Process and Atmosphere

Throughout the class, Fabrizio’s engaging and humorous demeanor makes the cooking feel less like a lesson and more like hanging out with a friendly, talented chef. Expect plenty of laughter, good-natured teasing, and personal anecdotes about Ligurian food culture. Guests frequently mention feeling involved in every step, from kneading dough to seasoning sauces—an immersive experience that boosts confidence.

Tasting and Pairings

After the cooking, everyone gathers around to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The dishes are served in a relaxed setting, accompanied by a quality glass of local wine, often cited as a highlight. The shared meal is more than just eating; it’s a social event, full of chatter and camaraderie, with many guests remarking that they felt like part of Fabrizio’s family.

Authenticity and Value

Guests consistently praise the freshness and authenticity of the dishes. One review mentions that the focaccia is so good, it rivals what you’ll find in Genoa’s best delicatessens. The full menu, combined with all ingredients and utensils, makes this a practical choice for travelers eager to bring a piece of Liguria home.

While $167.62 per person might seem steep compared to typical cooking classes, many find that the included meal, wine, and expert instruction justify the price. It’s a comprehensive experience that combines culinary skills with cultural insights, making it well worth the cost for foodies.

Accessibility and Practical Details

• Duration: About 4.5 hours, allowing enough time to cook, eat, and chat without feeling rushed.
• Language: Offered in English and Italian, making it accessible to a broad audience.
• Booking: Popularity is high; most guests book about 25 days in advance, confirming the tour’s appeal.
• Location: Close to public transportation, easy to reach from central Genoa.

What Reviewers Love Most

• Chef Fabrizio’s personality: His engaging, humorous approach keeps the mood light and fun.
• Delicious, authentic dishes: Many mention that the food is not only tasty but also tastes remarkably like what you’d find in Genoa.
• Sharing with others: The convivial atmosphere encourages chatting and making new friends.
• The wine: Excellent pairing, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Who’s This Tour Perfect For?

This cooking class is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to tangibly experience Genoa through its flavors. Food lovers, amateur chefs, and anyone interested in regional Italian cuisine will find this especially rewarding. It’s also a great choice for groups or couples looking for a relaxed, interactive activity that combines learning and fun.

If you’re after a structured, guided culinary adventure that emphasizes authentic flavors and social interaction, this experience will leave your taste buds and memory bank satisfied.

The Sum Up

This Ligurian cooking class delivers a mix of authenticity, fun, and delicious results. The chance to learn regional recipes directly from Chef Fabrizio, combined with the warm, lively atmosphere, makes it a standout activity in Genoa. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, you’ll appreciate the clear instructions and the opportunity to taste your own creations paired with good wine.

For those eager to dive into Ligurian cuisine, enjoy a relaxed social setting, and come away with new skills, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s a genuine, hearty experience that captures the essence of Genoa’s flavors and hospitality.

FAQ

Is this cooking class suitable for beginners?
Yes, no prior cooking experience is needed. Chef Fabrizio’s step-by-step instructions are designed to be approachable for all skill levels.

What is included in the price?
All ingredients, utensils, and the full meal you prepare are included. You’ll also enjoy a glass of wine during the meal.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, giving ample time for cooking, eating, and socializing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Via Malta 4 in Genoa and ends back at the same location.

Is there an age limit?
While not explicitly stated, the lively, social nature suggests it’s suitable for most adults, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What language is the class offered in?
The class is available in both English and Italian.

What makes Fabrizio a good guide?
Guests mention his engaging personality, humor, and passion for sharing Ligurian culinary traditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation needed to reach the venue?
No, it’s located near public transportation, making it easy to access in central Genoa.

Is this experience only about cooking, or is there sightseeing involved?
It’s focused on hands-on cooking and enjoying the meal afterward, with no sightseeing component included.

This detailed, authentic Ligurian cooking class offers an enriching mix of culinary skills, local culture, and lively companionship—ideal for anyone eager to experience Genoa’s food scene beyond the usual tourist spots.