Is prior cooking experience needed?

No—this workshop is designed for all skill levels and focuses on hands-on instruction.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Please notify Creattivando in advance to discuss any dietary needs or allergies.

What languages is the workshop offered in?

The workshop is primarily conducted in Italian; limited English may be available upon request.

Can children participate?

Yes, children are welcome and can join in under adult supervision.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

The historic Palazzo dei Rolli may have some accessibility challenges—contact Creattivando to confirm accommodations.

What is included in the price?

The price covers the cooking lesson, all ingredients, a glass of Ligurian wine, water, a dessert, a small gift, and entry to Palazzo dei Rolli.

Pasta & Pesto Workshop with Creattivando in Genova | Food Tour | Workshop

Set in the heart of Genova, Italy, Creattivando Laboratorio Esperienzale Art & Food invites food lovers and culture seekers alike to dive into an immersive culinary experience that extends beyond the plate. This two-hour Pasta & Pesto workshop uniquely combines hands-on cooking with a taste of Ligurian heritage, set inside the historic elegance of Palazzo dei Rolli.

Participants begin by crafting fresh pasta from flour and eggs, guided through traditional methods that connect generations of Ligurian cooks. The process is tactile and engaging — kneading dough, rolling it thin, and shaping it by hand ensures an intimate appreciation for pasta’s artisanal roots. Next comes the signature Genovese pesto made entirely by mortar and pestle using the region’s famous basil from the nearby district of Prà, preserving the herb’s vibrant flavor that modern blenders tend to mute.

The workshop’s location amplifies the experience. Palazzo dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its noble Renaissance architecture and rich history as a palatial residence for Genoese aristocracy, envelops guests in centuries of culture while they cook. The bright frescoes and vaulted ceilings make the cooking space feel more like a salon than a kitchen.

To complete the journey, participants savor their handmade pasta dressed in freshly crushed pesto, paired delicately with a glass of Ligurian wine, followed by a local sweet treat. This encounter punctuates the meal with flavors rooted in place and tradition. Creattivando offers not just a cooking lesson but a story of Liguria’s culinary identity, making it a standout cultural and outdoor-adjacent experience in the region.

Travelers visiting Genova will find this workshop an enriching complement to exploring Liguria’s famed coastline and terraces, providing an authentic, immersive way to connect with local food culture and history.