La Spezia: Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class With Lunch

Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Ligurian coast, La Spezia offers a vibrant culinary scene waiting to be explored. This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the local market, selecting the freshest ingredients before learning to prepare iconic seafood dishes under the guidance of a skilled chef. With a hands-on cooking lesson and a delightful lunch accompanied by Italian wine, this activity promises an unforgettable taste of the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Key Points

• Immersive experience exploring La Spezia’s local market, selecting fresh seafood and ingredients for a hands-on cooking class.
• Learn to prepare iconic Ligurian dishes like mussels, baccalà, gnocchi with pesto, and tiramisu under the guidance of a skilled chef.
• Intimate group setting with up to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized learning experience.
• Class includes a paired bottle of Italian wine and printed recipes to take home.
• Opportunity to discover the culinary traditions and flavors of the Ligurian coast.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Activity

This activity offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the local food culture of La Spezia.

Priced at $176.85 per person, the 3-hour experience is limited to 8 participants and is available in English, Italian, and French.

Guests will visit the local market, select fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare iconic seafood dishes like mussels and baccalà.

They’ll also make gnocchi with pesto and tiramisù, pairing the meal with hand-picked Italian wine.

The activity aims to equip participants with skills to shop and cook like a local, providing printed recipes to take home.

Booking Details

Free cancellation allows visitors to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning. To check availability for starting times, simply refer to the table below:

| Time Slot | Availability |

| — | — |

| 9:00 AM | Open |

| 12:00 PM | Limited |

| 3:00 PM | Sold Out |

This market visit and cooking class experience is capped at 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized learning environment.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors will learn the preparation of La Spezia’s famous mussels and baccalà (salt cod) during the cooking class.

Master the art of preparing La Spezia’s celebrated mussels and baccalà (salt cod) in an immersive cooking class.

The experience also includes:

1. Making gnocchi with fresh pesto and tiramisu dessert.

2. Pairing the meal with a hand-picked bottle of Italian wine.

3. Gaining skills to shop like a local for fresh, seasonal ingredients.

4. Taking home printed recipes for future cooking.

This intimate group setting allows participants to enjoy the local cuisine and culinary traditions of the Ligurian coast.

Itinerary Walkthrough

The experience begins with a stroll through the vibrant streets of La Spezia, where you will venture to the bustling local market.

Here, they’ll select fresh fish and seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, and artichokes.

Next, the group heads to a restaurant to learn the art of preparing La Spezia’s famous mussels and baccalà.

Under the guidance of a skilled chef, they’ll create gnocchi with fresh pesto and tiramisu.

The meal is paired with a hand-picked bottle of Italian wine.

Finally, participants take home printed recipes to recreate the dishes in their own kitchens.

More Great Tours Nearby

Local Market Exploration

As participants arrive at the market, they find themselves immersed in the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of La Spezia’s thriving local hub.

The stalls are brimming with an array of fresh, seasonal produce:

1. Glistening seafood, including the renowned mussels and baccalà.

2. Fragrant herbs and spices, perfect for enhancing the flavors of the day’s dishes.

3. Vibrant tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, and artichokes, all sourced from nearby farms.

4. Colorful fruits and vegetables, showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty.

Guided by the instructor, participants navigate the bustling market, selecting the finest ingredients to be used in their upcoming cooking class.

Hands-on Cooking Lesson

Donning their aprons, participants eagerly gather around the expansive kitchen counter as the instructor demonstrates the proper techniques for preparing the region’s signature seafood dishes.

With careful attention, they learn the intricate steps to make gnocchi with fresh pesto and the classic tiramisù dessert. The group works in tandem, chopping, mixing, and kneading as the aromas of the seaside specialties fill the air.

Under the expert guidance, they gain valuable culinary skills to shop and cook like a local. Enjoying the fruits of their labor, the group savors each delectable bite, paired with a hand-selected Italian wine.

Lunch With Local Wine Pairings

After the hands-on cooking lesson, participants sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

They’re served the seafood dishes they prepared, paired with a carefully selected bottle of local Italian wine.

The meal includes:

1. Fresh mussels in a flavorful broth.

2. Gnocchi tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce.

3. Tender baccalà (dried and salted cod) cooked to perfection.

4. A decadent tiramisu dessert to cap off the experience.

Savoring the meal, guests appreciate the depth of flavor and the skills they’ve gained to recreate these authentic Ligurian specialties at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?

The cooking class may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as it primarily focuses on preparing seafood dishes. However, the class may be able to accommodate dietary restrictions if requested in advance.

Do Participants Need to Bring Their Own Cooking Utensils?

No, participants don’t need to bring their own cooking utensils. The cooking class provides all the necessary equipment and tools for the hands-on cooking session, allowing participants to fully focus on learning the recipes and techniques.

Will the Instructor Provide Instructions in English as Well as Italian?

The instructor will provide instructions in English as well as Italian. According to the activity overview, the class is offered in multiple languages, including English, to accommodate participants from different backgrounds.

Can the Group Size Be Increased for Private Events?

The group size can be increased for private events. The cooking class typically limits participation to 8 participants, but the instructor may accommodate larger groups upon request for private bookings.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions That Cannot Be Accommodated?

The activity can accommodate various dietary restrictions with prior notice, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The chef works closely with participants to ensure their dietary needs are met during the cooking class and lunch.

The Sum Up

Exploring the vibrant culinary scene of La Spezia, this immersive experience offers a chance to discover the region’s fresh seafood and local flavors. Guided by a skilled chef, you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes while surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the local market. Savor the fruits of your labor, paired with a carefully selected Italian wine, for an unforgettable dining experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: