I’ve explored cooking classes across Matera and discovered the best authentic experiences in this ancient city. Local instructors welcome small groups into traditional settings – from cave restaurants to family homes – where you’ll learn the secrets of Materan cuisine.
What I love: The market-to-kitchen private classes with nonna-style home cooks who teach you to make orecchiette pasta and classic regional dishes. These intimate sessions typically include shopping for ingredients at local markets, hands-on cooking in authentic kitchens, and of course, enjoying your creations over wine.
The standout experiences happen in local homes and historic cave restaurants, where generations-old recipes come to life through personal instruction. Most classes run 3-4 hours and include full meals.
Check out these top cooking experiences in Matera:
Good To Know
- Matera offers a variety of highly rated cooking classes, including private experiences at traditional farms, local homes, and historic cave restaurants.
- Classes provide hands-on instruction in preparing traditional Italian dishes, with a focus on fresh pasta and regional specialties.
- Cooking classes often include guided visits to local markets, allowing participants to enjoy the culinary culture of Matera.
- Classes cater to a range of group sizes, skill levels, and accessibility needs, ensuring a personalized and intimate learning experience.
- Cooking classes offer additional perks, such as discounts on local products and transportation, enhancing the overall value of the experience.
Matera Cooking Class
At the heart of Matera’s culinary scene lies the Matera Cooking Class, a highly-rated private experience that invites travelers to enjoy the region’s rich gastronomic traditions.
Hosted at a traditional farm, the class provides an opportunity to connect with a local family, prepare fresh pasta and classic dishes, and enjoy a casual meal featuring the prepared recipes.
With 61 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this cooking class promises an authentic taste of rural Matera, away from the typical tourist spots.
The hands-on experience, accompanied by wine and snacks, is ideal for a maximum of 6 travelers and is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Read our full review: Matera Cooking Class Review
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Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home With Tasting in Matera
A private cooking class at a local Cesarina’s home in Matera offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich culinary heritage.
During this hands-on experience, you’ll learn to prepare traditional fresh pasta and sauces from a local home cook. The class includes making three different pasta types and tasting the dishes with wine.
The customized lesson is tailored to the group’s ages and skill levels, ensuring a relaxed, informal setting. Strict sanitary measures are in place, and guests are advised to maintain distance and use masks if needed.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 4 reviews, this private cooking class is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Matera.
Read our full review: Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home With Tasting in Matera Review
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Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home in Matera
This hands-on experience offers travelers a chance to explore southern Italian culinary traditions.
Guests visit a local market with a private guide, then head to a Cesarina’s home for a private cooking class. Under the guidance of the local host, they’ll prepare three regional specialties, learning the secrets behind authentic southern Italian cuisine.
The class culminates in an enjoyable 3-course meal, complete with local wine. Throughout the experience, participants receive an official Le Cesarine apron and shopping bag as keepsakes.
With a focus on privacy and immersion, this class provides an intimate look into Matera’s food culture.
Read our full review: Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class at a Cesarinas Home in Matera Review
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Cooking Class in a Cave Restaurant in the Sassi of Matera
Travelers can expect a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at the Cooking Class in a Cave Restaurant in the Sassi of Matera. This 3-hour class begins at 10:00 am and is limited to a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Priced from $171.56 per person, the class includes a guided market visit, hands-on cooking with a chef, and complimentary alcoholic beverages and wine.
Nestled in the historic Sassi district, the cave restaurant offers a stunning backdrop for this immersive food adventure. With a perfect 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, this class is a must for foodies visiting Matera.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, making it a flexible option.
Read our full review: Cooking Class in a Cave Restaurant in the Sassi of Matera Review
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Dining Experience at a Locals Home in Montescaglioso With Cooking Demo
What better way to learn about the local culture of Montescaglioso than by dining at a resident’s home?
This private 4-course meal includes a seasonal starter, fresh pasta, a second course with a side dish, and a typical dessert.
You’ll also enjoy a private cooking demonstration. The meeting point is in Montescaglioso, and the full address of the host will be provided after booking for privacy reasons.
The experience ends back at the meeting point, which is near public transportation.
Priced from $91.14 per person, you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Most travelers can participate, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Dining Experience at a Locals Home in Montescaglioso With Cooking Demo Review
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Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Policoro
For those seeking an immersive culinary adventure in Policoro, the Group Market Tour and Cooking Class promises an engaging experience.
Operated by the renowned Cesarine, this 3-hour tour and class accommodates up to 12 travelers and costs $159.77 per person.
The experience includes a local market tour, hands-on pasta and tiramisu making, and a tasting session featuring wine, beverages, and coffee.
Travelers will enjoy an Italian aperitivo of Prosecco and nibbles, and all fees and taxes are included.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this class offers a flexible and authentic way to discover Policoro’s culinary delights.
Read our full review: Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Policoro Review
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Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo at a Local Home in Policoro
Often, visitors to Policoro are invited into a local’s home for a delightful Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo experience.
Guests can watch the host prepare traditional dishes and pick up cooking tips during the private, four-course meal. The menu features a seasonal starter, fresh pasta, a second course of meat, and a regional dessert, all accompanied by wine, beverages, and coffee.
Participants have the chance to connect with the host, learn family recipes, and enjoy Italy’s welcoming culture.
This hands-on culinary experience in a private home setting provides an authentic taste of Policoro’s local cuisine and hospitality.
Read our full review: Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo at a Local Home in Policoro Review
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Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Matera
Amidst the captivating stone facades of Matera, visitors are invited to embark on a delightful small group market tour and cooking class.
Led by a local cook, this intimate experience allows you to discover the region’s fresh ingredients and learn to prepare iconic dishes like pasta and tiramisu. The class is capped at 12 participants, ensuring a personalized setting.
You’ll savor an Italian aperitivo, enjoy a tasting session with wine and coffee, and take home an official ‘Cesarine’ apron as a memento.
With flexible booking and cancellation policies, this cooking class is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Matera.
Read our full review: Small Group Market Tour and Cooking Class in Matera Review
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Private Cooking Class With Lunch or Dinner at a Locals Home in Policoro
Deep within the picturesque town of Policoro, in the heart of Matera, lies a captivating opportunity to learn about the region’s culinary traditions.
Priced from $155.48 per person, this private cooking class with lunch or dinner at a local’s home offers an intimate, hands-on experience. You’ll learn to prepare a 3-course meal, including a seasonal starter, fresh pasta, and a classic dessert like tiramisu or crostata.
The class includes local wines, water, soft drinks, and Italian espresso. With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a private group setting, this is a must-try for any foodie visiting Matera.
Read our full review: Private Cooking Class With Lunch or Dinner at a Locals Home in Policoro Review
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Private Market Tour, Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo in Policoro
For those seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Matera, the private market tour, lunch or dinner, and cooking demo in Policoro offers a captivating opportunity.
Priced from £117.28 per person, this experience includes a tour of the local market, a 4-course meal with wine and beverages, and a cooking demonstration where guests can watch the host prepare a dish.
The menu features a seasonal starter, fresh pasta, a second course with a side, and a typical dessert.
With a private, intimate setting and transportation to the meeting point, this experience provides a unique chance to take in the culinary traditions of Policoro.
Read our full review: Private Market Tour, Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo in Policoro Review
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Cooking Class in Matera With Lunch for Small Groups
In Matera, travelers can enjoy the art of Italian cuisine through a captivating cooking class.
The class offers a fresh pasta workshop, where you will learn to make homemade pasta from scratch. The experience includes a delicious lunch, ensuring travelers get to savor the fruits of their labor.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the class provides an intimate and personalized setting. The meeting point is at Rione S. Biagio, 52, 75100 Matera MT, Italy, and private transportation is provided.
Participants will also receive a 10% discount coupon at MòVado Food & Drink for typical products or drinks.
Booking is flexible, with a free cancellation option and a pay-later option available.
Read our full review: Cooking Class in Matera With Lunch for Small Groups Review
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The Sum Up
Matera offers an array of immersive cooking experiences, from private classes in local homes to demonstrations in cave restaurants. Whether you’re seeking a hands-on market tour, a tasting menu, or an intimate dining experience, you’ll find a class to suit your interests and culinary skills. These unique offerings allow visitors to explore Matera’s rich food culture and traditions, making for a truly memorable gastronomic adventure.