Lecce isn’t just about baroque architecture and lively piazzas; it’s also a fantastic place to learn about local cuisine through hands-on cooking classes. What makes Lecce especially appealing for food lovers is its authentic regional dishes, made with seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. Among the many experiences available, the Cooking class, dinner, and wine tasting in Corigliano really stands out for its warm family atmosphere and comprehensive culinary immersion. Meanwhile, the Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing offers a charming taste of Lecce’s most famous pasta, perfect for those short on time but eager to learn. For a more in-depth, full-evening experience, the Pasta Cooking Classes and Apulian Recipes provide detailed instruction and local history, making it ideal for serious foodies. These experiences highlight Lecce’s culinary richness, combining local ingredients with regional traditions.
To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of the top options:
- A family-run experience in Corigliano combining pasta-making, dinner, and wine (Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce)
- A central Lecce class focusing on oregchiette pasta and wine pairing (Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing)
- An all-around pasta masterclass with local recipes and history (Pasta Cooking Classes and Apulian Recipes)
- A home-based experience in Bari featuring cavatelli and capunti, including wine (Bari: Home Cooking Class)
- A historic Masseria near Lecce focusing on traditional pasta and meatballs with wine (Lecce: Traditional Pasta Cooking Class)
1. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
This top-rated experience, with a perfect 5.0/5 from 215 reviews, offers an authentic taste of Salento life. Enza and her family invite you into their charming villa in Corigliano d’Otranto, a small town full of history and character, just 15 minutes from Lecce. The highlight is learning how to make orecchiette and macaroni using traditional Apulian techniques—a skill that’s surprisingly accessible and satisfying. The class lasts about three and a half hours and culminates in a shared dinner with homemade pasta, regional sauces, and local wines.
What makes this experience unique is the warm family atmosphere. Enza’s patient instruction and Antonio’s cheerful videos create a relaxed, friendly environment. Many reviewers mention how the hosts make everyone feel like old friends. The setting, in a genuine Salento home, adds an extra layer of authenticity. If you love cooking, local wine, and engaging hosts, this is a perfect choice. It’s also highly praised for its value—around $91.50 per person for a memorable, full evening.
Bottom line: This class is ideal if you want a true taste of Salento hospitality combined with hands-on cooking in a beautiful, welcoming setting.
2. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing in Lecce
Located in the heart of Lecce’s historic center, this class offers a fun, interactive way to master one of Puglia’s signature dishes—oregchiette pasta. For about two hours, you’ll meet your hosts at a charming osteria tucked into one of the city’s picturesque lanes. The lesson focuses on rolling and shaping the pasta by hand, giving you an authentic experience that captures Lecce’s culinary spirit. Afterward, sit down for a guided wine tasting featuring four regional wines paired with cheeses, cold cuts, and focaccia.
This small-group experience emphasizes personal attention and the lively atmosphere of a traditional osteria. Although some reviews mention larger groups affecting visibility and hearing instructions, most guests find the interaction warm and engaging, often praising the friendly chef and the relaxed setting. Priced at around $77, it offers a good balance of culinary skill-building and regional wine tasting.
If your goal is to quickly learn a regional specialty while enjoying wine in a lively environment, this class delivers. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a taste of local pasta craft combined with regional flavors.
Bottom line: Perfect for those short on time but eager to learn how to make oregchiette, with a bonus wine tasting to enhance your experience.
3. Pasta Cooking Classes and Apulian Recipes
This class offers a comprehensive, four-hour journey into regional pasta traditions. Hosted by a knowledgeable local, you’ll learn how to make several types of pasta from scratch, including classic recipes from Lecce and Salento. The host shares insights into local culture and history, enriching the cooking experience with stories that connect the food to the region’s identity. It’s ideal for travelers wanting an in-depth, hands-on experience that combines culinary skills with cultural understanding.
Guests rave about the engaging host, Paola, who is praised for her warmth and expertise. She helps you prepare and cook pasta, then sits down with you to enjoy a delicious dinner. The setting, in her beautiful home, offers a cozy, authentic environment. The price around $92 is justified by the detailed instruction and the opportunity to learn about local recipes and traditions.
This class is suited for serious food lovers who want more than just a quick lesson—it’s a full immersion into Lecce’s pasta-making heritage. The focus on history and culture makes it stand out from more straightforward classes.
Bottom line: If you’re after a deep dive into regional pasta recipes with a friendly host, this class offers excellent value and memorable learning.
4. Bari: Home Cooking Class- Make Cavatelli & Capunti with Wine
Although based in Bari, this experience is worth considering if you’re exploring the broader Puglia region. It’s a hands-on home cooking class in a welcoming local residence where you’ll learn to prepare cavatelli and capunti—two iconic pasta shapes. The class lasts about three hours and includes an antipasto, two pasta courses, and dessert, all paired with regional wines. You get to experience genuine Apulian hospitality in a cozy, authentic setting.
The class’s strength is the personalized, intimate atmosphere—perfect for small groups or couples seeking an authentic, local experience. The focus on traditional recipes and local wines makes this a well-rounded culinary outing. Pricing details aren’t specified, but the experience’s emphasis on local culture and cuisine offers good value for food and wine lovers.
If you’re interested in Puglian pasta and want a relaxed, true-to-region experience in a local home, this is a solid choice. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy a culinary journey with wine, making it ideal for a leisurely evening.
Bottom line: A great option for lovers of traditional pasta and local wine who want the comfort of a home setting.
5. Lecce: Traditional Pasta Cooking Class with Wine
This three-hour class offers a taste of Salento’s culinary traditions with a focus on making pasta and meatballs in a historic Masseria near Lecce. You’ll learn how to prepare three types of pasta—orecchiette, maccheroni, and sagne—and enjoy them with tasty local sauces. The experience includes a glass of local wine and sharing stories of regional cuisine in a warm, authentic atmosphere.
Guests appreciate the hands-on approach and the chance to connect with regional flavors in a historic setting. The class price is good value for the depth of experience, and the host’s warmth adds a personal touch. The mix of pasta, meatballs, and wine makes this experience especially appealing for those who want a classic Salento dinner with cultural insights.
Ideal for travelers who want to learn traditional recipes and enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment. The historic Masseria setting enhances the experience, making it more than just a cooking lesson.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a comprehensive introduction to Salento’s pasta and meatball traditions, paired with regional wine in a historic setting.
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Lecce
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and culinary interests. If you’re after an authentic family experience with dinner and wine, Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano offers unmatched warmth and local charm. For a quick, hands-on pasta lesson with wine tasting, the Orecchiette Cooking Class is perfect. If you want a more detailed, culturally rich experience, the Pasta Cooking Classes and Apulian Recipes will give you a full immersion.
Those interested in regional specialties like capunti and cavatelli might prefer the Bari home cooking class, while history and traditional recipes are central in the Lecce traditional pasta class.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, since these classes tend to fill up. Check availability and consider your preferred pace—whether a quick taste or a full culinary dive—before making your choice.
In summary, Lecce offers a fantastic variety of cooking classes that suit every interest and schedule. Whether you want a family-style dinner with wine, a focused pasta workshop, or an in-depth cultural experience, there’s something for all. For serious food lovers, booking one of these authentic experiences will add a delicious, memorable layer to your trip.