Matera: Cooking Class in the Cave

Matera’s historic caves provide a unique setting for an unforgettable culinary experience. At Palazzo del Duca Hotel & Restaurant, travelers can enjoy the art of traditional pasta-making under the guidance of Chef Mario David. Over 90 minutes, you will knead, roll, and shape local ingredients into classic tagliatelle and ravioli – skills they can then savor in a delightful meal within the cave restaurant. It’s a chance to connect with Matera’s rich heritage while enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.

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Key Points

Hands-on pasta-making class led by Chef Mario David in the historic Sassi di Matera, showcasing authentic Italian techniques and locally-sourced ingredients.
Intimate dining experience in a natural cave restaurant within Matera, with dishes highlighting the region’s culinary heritage and sustainable practices.
Immersive 1.5-hour cooking class covering kneading, rolling, and shaping dough into tagliatelle and ravioli, followed by a meal in the cave setting.
Instruction available in both Italian and English, with a focus on engaging guests with the rich culinary traditions of Matera.
Pricing starts from €220 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a unique and memorable cooking adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Cooking Class Experience

Situated within the Palazzo del Duca Hotel & Restaurant, the cooking class in Matera offers participants an immersive culinary experience that blends local traditions with modern flair.

For 1.5 hours, guests learn to make homemade pasta under the guidance of Chef Mario David, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The class is priced from €220 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The instruction is provided in both Italian and English, allowing for a seamless experience. After the hands-on cooking, participants enjoy the fruits of their labor during a lunch or dinner in the natural cave restaurant.

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Exploring the Authentic Pasta-Making Process

As guests arrive at the Palazzo del Duca Hotel & Restaurant, they’re welcomed into the cozy confines of the kitchen, where Chef Mario David eagerly awaits to share the secrets of authentic Italian pasta-making.

Under his guidance, participants learn the art of kneading, rolling, and shaping dough into classic shapes like tagliatelle and ravioli. The chef emphasizes using locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients for a truly sustainable experience.

Guests actively participate, getting their hands dirty and perfecting their pasta-making skills. This hands-on class provides an intimate, immersive glimpse into the traditions of Matera’s celebrated culinary heritage.

Immersion in the Cave Restaurant Setting

After mastering the art of pasta-making, guests are whisked away to the cave restaurant, where they’ll savor the fruits of their labor.

The intimate, natural setting provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Nestled within the historic Sassi di Matera, the cave restaurant offers stunning views of the city.

Guests savor local dishes with an elegant twist, paired with a selection of regional wines. This unique culinary adventure seamlessly blends traditional flavors, innovative techniques, and the breathtaking beauty of Matera’s ancient landscape.

Guests savor local dishes with an elegant twist, paired with a selection of regional wines in this unique culinary adventure.

It’s an immersive experience that delights all the senses.

Savoring the Locally-Sourced Cuisine

Once guests have mastered the art of pasta-making, they savor the fruits of their labor in the intimate, natural setting of the cave restaurant.

The locally-sourced ingredients shine in the elegant dishes prepared by Chef Mario David. Perhaps it’s a rich, tomato-based pasta or a fresh, seasonal vegetable medley.

Whichever the selection, the flavors are vibrant and complemented by a carefully curated selection of local and organic wines.

This culinary experience seamlessly blends traditional Materan cuisine with modern flair, delighting the senses and leaving guests with a true taste of the region’s bounty.

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The Sustainability Aspect of the Experience

Sustainability is a key component of the cooking class experience in Matera. The class features fresh, locally-sourced "0 km" ingredients, minimizing the carbon footprint of the meal. This commitment to sustainability is evident in the table below, which showcases the origins and environmental impact of the class’s core ingredients.

| Ingredient | Origin | Environmental Impact |

| — | — | — |

| Pasta Dough | Local Farms | Low Emissions, Minimal Waste |

| Tomatoes | Local Orchards | Reduced Transportation, Organic Farming |

| Olive Oil | Local Estates | Sustainable Harvesting, Fair Trade |

| Wine | Local Vineyards | Organic, Biodynamic Production |

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Booking and Availability Details

How can one reserve a spot for the cooking class in Matera?

The class can be booked directly through the Palazzo del Duca Hotel & Restaurant’s website. A "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option is available, allowing interested parties to secure their spot without immediate payment.

Participants should check the website for starting times and availability, as class sizes are limited.

While transportation to the venue isn’t included in the package, the scenic location in the heart of Matera’s historic center is easily accessible.

With a 5/5 rating from previous guests, this hands-on culinary experience is sure to be a highlight of any visit to this captivating city.

Customer Testimonials and Ratings

With a 5/5 rating based on a single review, the cooking class in Matera has already captivated one guest.

Rachel from the United States praised the experience for being educational, fun, and delicious. She highlighted the beauty of the cave restaurant and the knowledge of the chef and team.

The cooking class in Matera was praised as educational, fun, and delicious, with the cave restaurant and knowledgeable staff highlighting the authentic experience.

This highly rated activity connects culinary skills with nature in a historical setting, allowing participants to learn to make typical homemade pasta using fresh, local ingredients.

The positive feedback suggests this cooking class offers a unique and memorable experience for those seeking an authentic taste of Matera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Cooking Class?

Yes, you can request dietary accommodations. The chef can accommodate special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free upon advance notice. Just let the staff know when you book the cooking class.

How Many Participants Are Typically in Each Cooking Class?

The cooking classes typically have around 8-12 participants per session, allowing for an intimate and hands-on experience with the chef. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a chance to learn from the expert instructor.

Are Private or Group Cooking Classes Available?

The cooking class offers both private and group options to suit different preferences. Participants can book a private session or join a small group class to learn alongside fellow foodies in the unique cave setting.

What Is the Dress Code for the Dining Experience?

No specific dress code is mentioned, but the dining experience takes place in an elegant cave restaurant setting. Casual yet presentable attire would be appropriate to comfortably enjoy the local cuisine and ambiance.

Can I Purchase Any of the Recipes or Ingredients After the Class?

The cooking class doesn’t offer the recipes or ingredients for purchase after the session, but participants can ask the chef for any tips or advice on replicating the dishes at home.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Matera during this exceptional cooking class. Discover the art of handcrafting pasta in a stunning cave setting, then indulge in a delightful meal showcasing locally-sourced ingredients. This immersive experience offers a truly memorable way to connect with the region’s vibrant food culture and sustainable practices. Don’t miss the chance to explore Matera’s gastronomic gems firsthand.