We had a great afternoon with Massimo. First, with shopped locally with him for the ingredients. Then he invited us into his home where we prepared three traditional dishes together. It also gave us an opportunity to chat about life in Rome and many other topics unrelated to cooking. It was exactly the experience we were hoping for.
Roman Cooking Class in a Local Home
Cook alongside a Roman host and learn dishes you can make again
The Finer Details
Be invited into a Roman home and feel the rhythm of everyday life in the city. Start with a traditional coffee and the famous maritozzo, then explore the neighborhood with your guide, visiting a historic artisanal deli, or norcineria, a lively bakery, and a local butcher. Your expert guide and host, born and raised in Rome, will share family memories, personal stories, and insights into the ingredients and techniques that make Roman cuisine so unique.
Back in their home kitchen, roll up your sleeves and cook classic dishes like Carbonara and saltimbocca alla Romana. Sit down to enjoy a meal you’ve created together, paired with local wine and antipasti from the market. Every step, from the shops to the cooking table, is designed to help you see, touch, and understand Rome’s culinary identity. By the end, you will take home more than simple recipes; you will leave with memories, stories, and a new understanding of Roman food and culture.
Choose this tour if…
- You want to learn Roman cooking and daily life in a real home, not a formal classroom
- You’re curious about the families, memories, and traditions behind the food
- You want a hands-on, fully tailored experience where everyone, from seasoned cooks to total beginners, is welcome
- You want to explore Roman family recipes, whether they’re familiar from your own childhood or completely new flavors to discover.
- You hope to take away memories, stories, and techniques that stay with you long after the meal ends.
What You’ll Taste
- Italian Antipasto – A selection of prosciutto, salami, and cheeses, served with fresh bread.
- Roman pasta dish – Roman cuisine is famous for its pasta dishes. You will enjoy a carbonara made with local guanciale and fresh eggs, or another dish from the Roman tradition.
- Main Course – Choice of Saltimbocca alla Romana or Roman-style meatballs.
- Wine – Local wine from the Lazio region to accompany your meal.
Route Details
The tour begins at Via Buonarroti, where you will meet your guide and host. From here, you will immediately head to get a coffee and a traditional maritozzo.
From there, your guide will take you to explore a historic artisanal deli with homemade pork products and local wines, a high-end bakery for fresh bread, and a renowned butcher shop to learn about Roman meats.
You will then return to the Expert’s private home and will prepare classic dishes, cook under your Expert’s instruction, and sit down for a complete lunch.
Logistics
You are prepaid for this tour and a number of tastings. During the course of this tour ,we will sample a variety of foods. If you have a food allergy or other dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can take this into account.
Accessibility
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
This experience is hosted in a private home located on the second floor without elevator access, and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Dietary restrictions
We are happy to accommodate dietary requirements whenever possible. All dietary requirements must be communicated at checkout so the host can prepare accordingly.
- Gluten-free options are available; however, as this experience takes place in a private home rather than a professional kitchen, cross-contamination cannot be entirely avoided.
- Vegetarian menus are readily available and can be requested by leaving a note in your order.
- No vegan alternatives possible: due to the nature of Roman cuisine, it is not possible to accommodate vegan alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? Yes, we are happy to accommodate dietary requirements whenever possible. Gluten-free options are available; however, as this experience takes place in a private home rather than a professional kitchen, cross-contamination cannot be entirely avoided. Vegetarian menus are readily available, and vegan alternatives can be arranged upon request. All dietary requirements must be communicated at checkout so the host can prepare accordingly.
Is it possible to book this experience for dinner? This experience is normally offered for lunch only, as it takes place in the host’s private home. For serious or special reasons, we can inquire about a dinner option, though it may not be possible.
Can the menu be customized? Yes, absolutely. The menu is 100% customizable. If there are specific dishes you would like to try or ingredients you prefer to avoid, please let us know at checkout, and the experience will be tailored to your preferences.
Can we bring children to this experience? Yes, children are welcome, especially if they enjoy trying new foods and are excited to participate in the kitchen. This hands-on experience can be a wonderful opportunity for curious young cooks to engage with Italian food and culture.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Local Private Home
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
It was so nice to go shopping with him, enjoy coffee and treats and learn about his process before the cooking even started! We loved our time with him and would love to do it again!
We spent a delightful morning in Rome with Massimo shopping, talking, cooking and eating Italian food. What better way to kick off our visit to Italy!
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