Florence isn’t just the cradle of Renaissance art; it’s also a city where pasta is revered almost as much as Michelangelo’s David. Here, food isn’t just nourishment but a storytelling device, connecting you to centuries of tradition. Among the many ways to indulge in Italy’s pasta culture, a few stand out for their authenticity, skill, and fun factor. We especially like the Florence: Handmade Ravioli & Pasta Class with Unlimited Wine for its engaging storytelling and unlimited wine, and the Florence: Pizza or Pasta Class with Gelato at a Tuscan Farm for a countryside experience that combines delicious food with stunning views. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these tours are about more than just eating—they’re about learning, creating, and enjoying Italy’s most beloved dishes.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of pasta experiences to suit different tastes and schedules. From hands-on cooking classes like the Premium Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class to small-group food tours such as the Florence Food Tour with Truffle Pasta and Free Flowing Wine, there’s something for all. Other options include interactive pasta and tiramisu classes, countryside pasta workshops, and even sing-along pasta dinners. Below is a detailed look at each, highlighting what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
1. Florence: Pizza or Pasta Class with Gelato at a Tuscan Farm
At number one, this experience offers a true taste of Tuscany outside Florence, in the calm of the countryside. You learn to make pizza or pasta alongside a professional chef, with the added treat of crafting authentic gelato. The class lasts around 5 hours, perfect if you’re keen to combine cooking with a scenic escape from the city hustle. The setting in the rolling Tuscan hills makes it special, along with plenty of local wine and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests consistently rate it 5/5, praising the cheerful chef and the enjoyable meal that follows. This class is ideal if you want a laid-back, authentic experience combined with the chance to make something delicious from scratch. The only potential downside is the longer duration if you’re on a tight schedule. Bottom line: A fantastic choice for food lovers seeking countryside tranquility and hands-on fun.
2. Florence: Premium Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class
For around 3 hours in the heart of Florence, this class gives you the secrets of Italian pasta and gelato making with supportive, enthusiastic chefs. What’s unique here is the comprehensive hands-on experience—kneading, rolling, and cutting your own pasta, then mastering the art of gelato in an elegant kitchen. The class ends with enjoying your creations, paired with wine or soft drinks, and receiving a recipe book plus a certificate. Guests say it’s fun, informative, and delicious, with Tomasso and Jon earning praise for their teaching. It’s perfect for those who want to learn practical skills to recreate Italian dishes at home. The value for money is high given the quality of instruction and food. Good for: travelers who want a bit of both education and taste in a shorter time.
3. Florence: Handmade Ravioli & Pasta Class with Unlimited Wine
This lively 2 to 2.5-hour class takes you inside a 15th-century Medici stable for a memorable pasta-making adventure. Led by a super host, you’ll learn to craft fresh pasta from scratch—ravioli, pappardelle, and more—while soaking up Florence’s history and culture. The highlight is the unlimited wine and friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for social travelers. The reviews rave about the entertaining chef and the delicious homemade dishes. It’s a great choice if you’re after a cultural and culinary mash-up with plenty of tastings. Keep in mind the class might run over slightly, so plan accordingly. Bottom line: a spirited, authentic experience blending food, storytelling, and wine.
4. Florence Food Tour with Truffle Pasta, Steak & Free Flowing Wine
This tour offers a gourmet journey around Florence, combining food tastings and cultural insights. Over four hours, you’ll visit local trattorias for truffle pasta, Florentine steak, and artisanal gelato—all accompanied by free-flowing wine. The tour is limited to 15 people, ensuring a personalized experience. The guide shares stories about Florence’s culinary traditions, making it both educational and delicious. Reviewers appreciate the variety of food and the relaxed pace. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive food experience in a small group, with plenty of wine and a focus on local flavors. Be prepared for a hearty, full-bodied meal that can leave you satisfied for the rest of the evening. Bottom line: a top pick for foodies who want to sample Florence’s best dishes with a knowledgeable guide.
5. Authentic Pasta Class in Florence
This 3.5-hour class focuses on the basics of Italian pasta—from dough to plate. Led by friendly chefs, you’ll learn how to make three different types of pasta using seasonal, top-quality ingredients. The class emphasizes culinary tricks that help you replicate authentic pasta dishes at home. It’s particularly suited for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, with options available upon request. Guests rave about the fun, family-like atmosphere and the delicious results. The price is reasonable considering the personalized instruction and the skills you’ll gain. Bottom line: a solid pick for those looking for a well-rounded, hands-on cooking experience.
6. Florence: Pasta & Tiramisu Class with Unlimited Wine
This 3.5 to 4.5-hour class combines pasta, tiramisu, and local wines in a cozy small-group setting. You’ll learn to make tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce and fresh ricotta-filled ravioli, finishing with a classic tiramisu—while enjoying unlimited wine. The hosts are noted for their humor and engaging teaching style, making it a relaxed, fun experience. With excellent reviews praising the delicious food and friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive, indulgent night of cooking and tasting. It’s a great value given the duration, food, and wine included. Bottom line: a lively, full-flavor option that balances fun, learning, and indulgence.
7. Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in the heart of Florence
Centered in Florence’s historic center, this 3-hour class is all about authentic Italian flavors. You’ll learn to make pasta and gelato—two essentials of Italian cuisine—with professional guidance. The class is tailored for beginners and experienced cooks alike, offering a certificate and digital recipes to take home. The location in the city means no long travel, making it ideal for those on a tight schedule. Students emphasize the interactive, fun nature of the class and the delicious meal at the end. It’s especially good for families or first-timers looking for a well-rounded taste of Italy’s culinary arts. Bottom line: a perfect city-based introduction to pasta and gelato making.
8. Florence: Pasta-Making Class with Dinner, Wine and… SING!
This lively 3-hour experience is less about formal instruction and more about fun and community. You’ll cook fresh pasta from scratch, enjoy it with pummarola sauce, and share a glass of red wine. What sets it apart? The sing-along contest that turns the class into a dance party with prizes. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a memorable, humorous experience that ends with a full belly and new friends. The reviews highlight the lighthearted atmosphere and delicious homemade pasta. It’s best suited for young couples or groups wanting a casual, upbeat night. Be aware that it’s more entertainment than technique-focused. Bottom line: a fun night of pasta, wine, and singing.
9. Pasta Cooking class in the countryside
This 6.5-hour countryside outing takes you away from Florence’s hustle into the tranquil Tuscan hills. Round-trip transport is included, making it a hassle-free escape. You’ll learn to make two types of pasta, plus sauces and dessert, using local ingredients like olive oil and wine as you go. The small group size of 12 ensures personal attention from your hosts, Luca and Lorenzo, who receive rave reviews for their warmth and humor. The best part? A meal featuring your handiwork paired with unlimited wine and a scenic setting. It’s perfect for food lovers who appreciate a full-day experience with authentic, homemade dishes. Bottom line: ideal for those wanting a relaxed, immersive culinary adventure outside the city.
10. Florence Food Tour with Truffle Pasta, Steak & Free Flowing Wine
This 4-hour food tour takes you through Florence’s culinary scene with insider visits to local trattorias. You’ll taste truffle pasta, Florentine steak, and artisanal gelato, all with free-flowing wine. Led by a passionate local guide, it’s a delicious and informative way to see the city’s neighborhoods. The reviews mention the variety of authentic dishes and the personalized attention. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, small-group experience that combines sightseeing and tasting. Expect a generous and satisfying meal. The only downside might be the intensity of the food—pace yourself! Bottom line: ideal for those who want a full-flavored, curated food experience with local insight.
11. Florence: Pasta and Tiramisu Class with Unlimited Wine
This 2.5-hour class offers a quick but comprehensive dive into Italian pasta and tiramisu. Led by a professional chef, you’ll make fresh pasta and tiramisu from scratch, ending with a full meal enjoyed alongside unlimited Tuscan wine. The focus here is on simple techniques anyone can replicate at home, making it perfect for time-pressed travelers. The reviews praise the friendly instructor and the delicious dishes, noting it as a highlight of their trip. It’s best suited for those looking for a shorter, fun culinary experience with a focus on authentic recipes. Bottom line: a great pick for a quick, satisfying, and lively pasta session.
12. Handmade Pasta and Tiramisu class in Florence
This 3-hour class is led by a Cesarina, a master home cook, in a local Florence home. You’ll learn to roll pasta by hand and create two classic pasta dishes, ending with tiramisu. The experience emphasizes authentic Italian hospitality and small-group intimacy. Participants love the personalized tips and the warm atmosphere, with many citing it as a “must-do” in Florence. It’s ideal for those seeking an authentic, home-style experience that combines culture and cuisine. The class offers recipes and a sense of connection to Italian family traditions. Bottom line: perfect for travelers who want a true taste of Italy’s home-cooked pasta.
13. Florence: Ravioli & Pasta Class with Tiramisu and Unlimited Wine
Finally, this 2-hour interactive class in a traditional restaurant overlooking the Duomo teaches you to make ravioli and other pasta with a professional chef guide. The focus is on techniques and stories behind the dishes, plus unlimited wine to toast your success. Reviewers mention the personalized instruction and the delicious results. It’s perfect for short on time but eager for an authentic experience. The compact length makes it suitable for those with limited time but still wanting a hands-on, cultural activity. Bottom line: an excellent, intimate introduction to Italian pasta and tiramisu.
How to Choose Your Perfect Pasta Experience in Florence
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, available time, and what aspect of Italian cuisine excites you most. If you want an immersive countryside escape, the Tuscan farm class offers an authentic rural experience. For shorter city-based classes, the Florence: Pasta-Making Class with Dinner, Wine and… SING! provides fun entertainment. If your focus is on learning professional techniques, the Premium Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class or the Authentic Pasta Class in Florence are excellent choices. For those wishing to combine sightseeing with tasting, a small-group food tour ensures a well-rounded experience.
Final Thoughts
Florence offers a wide variety of pasta experiences, from intimate home-cooks to scenic countryside classes. If you’re after a delicious, hands-on cooking adventure, the Handmade Ravioli & Pasta Class with Unlimited Wine stands out for its lively atmosphere and generous pours. For a culinary tour combining culture, food, and wine, the Florence Food Tour with Truffle Pasta and Free Flowing Wine is hard to beat.
No matter which you choose, booking early is wise—these popular classes fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Whether you’re a food novice eager to learn or a culinary connoisseur wanting to refine your skills, Florence’s pasta experiences promise a memorable and tasty journey into Italy’s culinary heart.