If you’re craving a genuine taste of Rome beyond the usual tourist spots, this food tour combined with a pasta-making class at Roscioli offers a compelling way to eat, learn, and connect with the city’s culinary soul. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of an experience packed with flavor, stories, and authentic Italian hospitality.
What really makes this tour stand out is its ability to blend street food exploration, insider access to a renowned Roman kitchen, and a fun, hands-on cooking experience. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to understand Roman cuisine from the inside out, or travelers who want a memorable activity that combines culture, flavor, and a little bit of Italy’s secret culinary magic.
One thing to consider is the duration — at 2.5 hours, it’s a relatively short experience, which is great for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule, but might leave some wanting more time to truly savor every moment. Still, for those who want a concentrated dose of Roman food culture, this tour hits the mark.
This experience is ideal for adventurous eaters, culinary curious travelers, and anyone looking to create a memorable, tasty souvenir from Rome.
Key Points
- Authentic Hands-On Experience: Learn to make pasta from scratch guided by expert chefs.
- Cultural Stories & Secrets: Gain insights into Roman culinary traditions from knowledgeable locals.
- Mixed Sampling: Enjoy street food, curated wine pairings, and fresh gelato, offering a full sensory experience.
- Iconic Locations: Visit lively markets like Campo de’ Fiori and one of Rome’s most revered kitchens, Roscioli.
- Small Group Setting: Max 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
- Flexible & Practical: Book now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Taking in Rome: The Tour’s Itinerary
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Starting Point: Piazza del Biscione
The adventure kicks off at Piazza del Biscione, a charming spot in the heart of Rome. Here, the guide will gather your group and set the tone for a day filled with flavors and stories. Expect a friendly welcome and a quick rundown of the day’s plan.
Campo de’ Fiori Food Market
Next is a guided walk through Campo de’ Fiori, one of Rome’s most lively and historic markets. Spanning about 30 minutes, this stop offers a peek into local life and a chance to see fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and street snacks in action. This is where you’ll start to understand the ingredients that underpin Roman cuisine — vibrant, fresh, and full of character.
Reviewers note the street food here is a highlight, with one mentioning grabbing fresh pizza and arrosticini from vendors in the area. It’s a perfect moment to soak in the lively atmosphere, snap photos, and get inspired for cooking later.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
The heart of the experience is a visit to Roscioli’s Salumeria, a legendary spot beloved by locals and food aficionados alike. Here, you’ll taste authentic Roman street foods, and the guide will share stories about the history and significance of this place.
Many guests, like one who called it a “cute location in a restaurant,” appreciate the authentic setting. It’s a chance to sample Roman delicacies, understand their origins, and set the stage for the hands-on cooking to come.
More Great Tours NearbyRimessa Roscioli Cooking Class & Wine Tasting
The real magic happens at Rimessa Roscioli, where you’ll roll up your sleeves for a pasta-making class lasting about an hour. Guided by a talented chef, you’ll learn how to create pasta from scratch, transforming simple ingredients into something delicious and personal.
Participants rave about the instructors—some say the chefs are highly knowledgeable, engaging, and make the process fun rather than intimidating. You’ll not only watch but actively participate, kneading dough, shaping noodles, and discovering the secrets behind Roman pasta styles.
As you cook, curated wine pairings enhance the experience, making it a full sensory journey. Reviewers like one who notes that the class makes “a class into a full sensory experience,” highlighting how the wine complements the flavors.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Rome
- The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings
- Rome Trastevere Food Tour at Twilight With Eating Europe
- Rome Food Tour: Unlimited Tastings With Fine Wine & Barolo
- Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
- Rome: Trastevere Food Small Group Tour With Dinner and Wine
- Rome: Taste of Testaccio Food and Market Tour With Eating Europe
Famtamorgana Chiavari & Final Walk in Campo de’ Fiori
A quick stop at Fatamorgana Chiavari lets you sample their acclaimed gelato — the perfect sweet end to a day rich with flavors. The light, refreshing taste provides a nice contrast to the hearty pastas and street foods.
The tour concludes with a gentle walk back through Campo de’ Fiori, giving you time to reflect, chat, and soak in the lively Roman atmosphere once more.
What’s Included & What’s Not
This tour offers excellent value with a local chef guiding the entire experience, small group sizes (max 12), and all ingredients and equipment needed for the cooking class. You’ll also enjoy curated Italian wine pairings and fresh gelato, truly rounding out the authentic experience.
Note: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan accordingly. The meeting point is straightforward, with a coordinator holding a clear sign, and the activity ends back at the start location.
Authentic, Engaging, and Delicious
Based on the glowing reviews, it’s clear this experience strikes a chord with participants. One traveler called it “our favorite activity,” praising the friendly guide Dalia and highlighting how the pasta was “the best we had anywhere in Italy.” The knowledgeable instructor and intimate setting made the class particularly memorable.
Another review emphasized the value of the guided street food tour combined with the hands-on cooking, noting that the guide’s insights made the experience more meaningful. People appreciated the small group size, which allowed for personal attention and lively conversations.
The quality of the food and wine is consistently praised — guests often mention the delicious sauces, excellent wine pairings, and vibrant street snacks — making this more than just a cooking class, but a genuine taste of Roman life.
The Practical Side: Timing, Price, and Suitability
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, great for fitting into a busy sightseeing day without feeling rushed. Starting times vary, so it’s wise to check availability and book ahead.
Pricing is reasonable considering the inclusions — a guided class, all ingredients, wine, and gelato — which together offer a full, authentic Roman culinary experience. While it’s not a large-group tour, the small size ensures you get personalized attention, making it suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to learn and taste.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for cooking. Also, if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, notifying the organizers beforehand is advised, as the experience is conducted in English and involves specific ingredients.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This experience appeals to foodies craving authentic Roman flavors and those interested in a hands-on activity that goes beyond just tasting. It’s perfect for travelers who want to connect with local culture through cuisine, learn practical skills, and enjoy curated wine pairings in an intimate setting.
It’s also ideal for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a memorable culinary adventure. Kids over a certain age might enjoy the experience, but it’s most suitable for those comfortable with a bit of cooking and standing.
Final Thoughts
This Rome food tour and pasta-making experience at Roscioli combines the best of local street food, insider culinary insights, and hands-on cooking, wrapped into a compact, fun, and flavorful package. You don’t just get to taste Rome; you get to live its culinary traditions, guided by passionate locals and expert chefs.
If you’re eager to learn new skills, enjoy curated wine pairings, and walk away with a delicious souvenir — your own handmade pasta — this tour offers fantastic value. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want an authentic, engaging, and delicious slice of Roman life.
FAQs
What is included in the tour?
The experience includes a local chef as instructor, all ingredients and equipment for cooking, a guided street food tour, wine tastings, and fresh gelato.
How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 2.5 hours, making it a great activity for a half-day outing in Rome.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to a small group of up to 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Are there any dietary restrictions I should notify?
Yes, if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s best to inform the organizers in advance to accommodate your needs.
Do I need to bring anything?
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for cooking. Everything needed for the class is provided.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll meet at the designated starting point and return there at the end.
Can I cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility for your travel plans.
What language is the tour conducted in?
The experience is conducted in English, with guides who are fluent and engaging.
In sum, this tour offers a fantastic way to dive into Rome’s culinary heart, blending street food, storytelling, and hands-on cooking into an experience that’s both educational and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, you’ll walk away with more than just a full belly — you’ll have a new appreciation for Roman cuisine and perhaps a new skill to impress friends back home.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Workshops & Classes in Rome
- Italian Cooking Class in Rome Master Pizza and Tiramisu
- Rome: Pasta Cooking Class with 3 Italian Spritz Cocktails
- Rome: Carbonara Cooking Class
- Rome: Pizza Pro, a Hands-On Cooking Class Castel Sant Angelo
- Cooking Class with a local “Mamma” in Soriano, little town close to Viterbo
- Pasta Cooking Class in Rome: Make Fettuccine & Tiramisu with Wine
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