Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale in NYC

If you’re looking to combine culinary skills with a relaxed, fun evening in New York City, the Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale offered by Selfup might just be your next favorite experience. While we haven’t personally signed up for this class, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a lively, authentic, and delicious journey into Italian cuisine.

What makes this experience appealing? First, it’s a hands-on class designed for beginners—so no prior cooking experience is necessary. Second, the focus on making pasta from scratch is a highlight that many reviewers found rewarding and surprisingly doable. Lastly, the generous portions and a final tiramisu dessert make this a true feast, perfect for food lovers and casual cooks alike.

One potential consideration is that, despite being billed as a cooking class, some guests noted that most of the food is prepared ahead of time, which might disappoint those hoping to spend the entire session cooking from start to finish. Still, for most, the enjoyable atmosphere, expert guides, and ample tasting opportunities far outweigh this minor downside.

This experience suits anyone eager to learn Italian cooking basics, whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group. It’s perfect for foodies looking for a fun, interactive night, and for those wanting a memorable meal with a side of new skills.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: No prior cooking skills needed, making it accessible for everyone.
• Hands-On Learning: You’ll actively participate in creating a 3-course Italian meal.
• Authentic Flavors: Expect fresh ingredients like handmade mozzarella, pasta, and tiramisu.
• Generous Portions: Enjoy the dishes you’ve made in a relaxed, friendly environment.
• Skilled Guides: Chefs are praised for their personality, knowledge, and patience.
• Great Value: For $120, this includes instruction, ingredients, and a full meal with drinks.

Exploring the Experience: What You Can Expect

The Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale is set in a cozy Lower Manhattan venue, starting from 16 Beaver Street. The experience lasts around three hours, including hands-on cooking, eating, and mingling. You’ll pick an early or late start time to fit your schedule, and since the ticket is mobile, it’s easy to check in on your phone.

The Menu and Cooking Elements

Guests rave about the variety of dishes they get to prepare. You’ll start with a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, setting the tone for a meal bursting with flavor. The key highlight in ingredients is hand-stretched mozzarella, which many find fascinating, especially how it’s made from scratch—a truly artisanal touch that’s both fun and educational.

Moving onto the pasta, you’ll learn how to make ravioli filled with ricotta and fettuccine in marinara sauce. The process is described as very approachable, even for newcomers. Reviewers mention that making pasta is “a riot,” especially passing around the long strands of freshly rolled fettuccine, which is both satisfying and slightly humorous when it gets a little chaotic.

For the meat course, some guests get to prepare succulent chicken in marsala sauce, which elevates the meal beyond just pasta. The chefs are lauded for their ability to simplify complex techniques, making sure everyone feels confident in their cooking.

The Desserts and Final Touches

No Italian meal is complete without dessert, and here, the luscious tiramisu steals the show. Guests consistently describe it as “delightful” and “irresistible,” with many mentioning they left with enough to enjoy as breakfast the next morning. The process of making tiramisu is straightforward enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to feel like a real culinary achievement.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the class stays intimate and lively. Reviewers often describe the atmosphere as warm, fun, and inclusive—perfect for couples, friends, or even solo travelers who want to meet new people. The guides, including chefs like Paige, Alex, and Miguel, are described as personable, knowledgeable, and patient, making the class more a friendly gathering than a formal lesson.

Many reviewers mentioned that the instructors explained techniques clearly, which helps guests of various skill levels to participate fully. The class feels well-orchestrated, with a good pace and enough time for questions, hands-on work, and tasting.

The Value and Pricing

At $120 per person, this experience offers a lot. For that price, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re learning the secrets of Italian cooking from skilled chefs, enjoying a variety of dishes, and walking away with new skills. Several reviews pointed out that the generous portions meant most guests left full and happy, often with leftovers to take home.

While some critics felt that most of the food was pre-made, most agreed that the overall value, fun atmosphere, and quality of instruction justify the price. Plus, the inclusion of wine and snacks during the class makes it feel like a true culinary escape.

A Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start Point: 16 Beaver Street, a convenient location near public transportation, makes it easy to get to. The class kicks off with a welcome, often accompanied by a charcuterie board and wine, helping everyone relax and get into the Italian mood.

Salad and Starter: Guests typically start by assembling a fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Since this is a simple but flavorful opener, it sets the tone for the meal, emphasizing fresh ingredients.

Making Mozzarella: One of the most talked-about parts is creating hand-stretched mozzarella. Reviewers say this was an eye-opening experience, seeing how cheese can be crafted from scratch right in front of them.

Pasta Preparation: The core of the class involves rolling, filling, and shaping pasta—ravioli with ricotta, plus the long, hand-stretched fettuccine. The process is described as “fun,” with some guests taking photos of their own creations, and others passing the pasta around to see how it grows.

Main Course: The chefs prepare succulent chicken in marsala sauce—a dish that many describe as “culinary grace”—and the pasta is cooked to perfection. The chefs skillfully guide everyone through the process, ensuring even beginners feel confident.

Dessert: The star finale is the tiramisu, assembled together and shared amongst the group. Many guests comment on how delicious and authentic it tastes, often saying they can’t forget the flavor.

Enjoying the Meal: After cooking, everyone sits down to eat what they’ve made. The relaxed setting encourages conversation, laughter, and sharing tips—an ideal way to cap off an evening of culinary achievement.

Authenticity and Review Insights

Guests consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides—like Chef Paige, Chef Jenny, and Chef Ashley—who make the class engaging and approachable. Many appreciated the clear explanations and the fact that even those with minimal experience could participate confidently.

The reviews also note that the class isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating a memorable experience. For example, Alessandra_D calls it the “highlight of our weekend,” praising the incredible food and fun atmosphere. Others, like Milly_L, mention how fast the evening flies by due to the well-organized schedule and lively pacing.

Several guests also enjoyed the opportunity to learn fun facts about Italian cuisine, such as how mozzarella is made or the history behind certain dishes, adding educational value beyond just cooking.

Practical Details for Travelers

Location & Accessibility: The starting point at 16 Beaver Street is central and near public transportation, making it easy for NYC visitors to reach. The experience ends back at the same spot, simplifying logistics.

Duration: At about three hours, it’s a manageable evening activity that balances hands-on time with ample tasting and socializing.

Group Size: With a maximum of 20 participants, the class maintains an intimate, friendly vibe. This small group size encourages interaction with the chefs and fellow guests.

Price & Value: The $120 cost includes instruction, ingredients, all the dishes you prepare, and a final tiramisu. Many reviewers feel the experience offers good value, especially considering the quality of food and the learning aspect.

Weather & Cancellation: The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to bad conditions, a full refund or date change will be offered. Because it’s a small-group event, weather can impact scheduling, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

This Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale truly shines for those who want to learn authentic Italian cooking in a relaxed environment. It’s perfect for food lovers, couples seeking a fun date night, or groups of friends wanting to share a memorable culinary experience.

If your goal is to walk away with new skills and a full belly, and you don’t mind that some of the food is pre-made, this class offers terrific value. The focus on approachable techniques and the friendly atmosphere make it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking to add some Italian flair to their cooking repertoire.

However, if you’re expecting a full, immersive hands-on experience where every step is made from scratch, you might find some parts of the class less intensive than anticipated. Still, the lively vibe, generous portions, and expert guidance keep this experience highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed with beginners in mind, and many guests mention that even those with minimal cooking experience felt confident and learned a lot.

What is included in the price?
For $120, you get a three-hour hands-on cooking class, ingredients, instruction from professional chefs, and a full Italian meal, including pasta, salad, chicken marsala, and tiramisu. Drinks and snacks are also provided.

Can I choose an early or late start time?
Yes, you have the option to pick between an early or late start, making it flexible to fit your NYC schedule.

Where does the class take place?
The venue is located at 16 Beaver Street in Lower Manhattan, a convenient spot near public transportation.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While primarily geared toward adults, guests mention that all ages can enjoy the experience, especially since it’s very hands-on and fun.

What is the group size?
The class has a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a friendly and intimate environment.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guests rave about the guides, especially chefs like Paige, Jenny, and Miguel, praising their personable, clear, and patient teaching style.

Is there a dress code?
It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothes and an apron, as you’ll be actively cooking and handling ingredients.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the experience requires good weather, if canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

In a nutshell, the Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale offers a delightful mix of learning, eating, and socializing in a cozy NYC setting. With rave reviews for the guides, generous portions, and the chance to make pasta and tiramisu from scratch, it’s a fantastic pick for anyone keen on authentic Italian cuisine—or just looking for a fun, memorable night out. Perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers, this experience promises both skills and smiles—plus, plenty of delicious food to take home.