STAGING ENVIRONMENT — This is not production
Cookies! They are not just something we eat. This site uses cookies so we can provide you the best user experience and deliver advertising and offers that are relevant to you. To read more about our cookie policy, including how to change your cookie settings, please read our Privacy and Cookie Policy. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our cookie policy.
I accept
VIEW PHOTOS
VIEW PHOTOS

Host: Margherita

Bologna, Italy

USD
$69-$139 per person

Bolognese Home Cooking Class in Bologna’s Historic Center

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Margherita

Margherita grew up in Bologna and learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She loves learning about the history of cuisine in general and Italian cuisine in particular. As a Bolognese, she has a passion for local ingredients, food, cooking and sharing stories of the origin of various dishes she serves. Margherita would also love for travelers to try the real ‘spaghetti alla Bolognese’! Join her on this journey into Italian history and traditions while you share a traditional Bolognese meal. Margherita is excited to meet people who are curious about Italian culinary traditions and exchange stories and culture with them. It is also a great way for her to practice speaking in English!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) Margherita, a Bolognese, lives with her husband, Filippo, and my their son, Ferraù, in a beautiful home that has belonged to her family for a long time. She lives in the historical center of Bologna, and is excited to share her love for the history of the city and its culinary traditions. You can expect to try recipes from her city - dishes that are typically eaten in people’s homes in Bologna and also from her family recipe book – which has been passed down through generations. Through this experience you will learn about the history, cuisine and culture of Bologna. A few dishes that you might try are frittata di cipolle (eggs and onions), spaghetti alla Bolognese (Spaghetti served with a rich and flavorful meat sauce), Pollo alla cacciatora (chicken stew) and tiramisu. On the days Filippo is available, end your meal with some traditional music, as he would love to play the cello for you!

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) In your 2 hour hands-on Bolognese cooking class learn to make pasta from scratch. Margherita will take you through the step-by-step process of making the dough, shaping it, cooking it and also preparing the sauce to go with it. You can choose one from these different pasta options - tortellini burro e salvia or strichetti al sugo di tonno or pasta e fagioli or spaghetti alla Bolognese. After cooking, sit down to share the dish you helped prepare along with a few dishes that were pre prepared.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) Meet Margherita in Piazza Giuseppe Verdi and walk to the ancient market of Quadrilatero, a mecca for foodies and historic architecture buffs. The 'Quadrilateral' is a bustling area in Bologna’s city center with craft and trading traditions dating back to the middle ages. Here you will find stalls selling everything from fresh fish to local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, regional wines, homemade tortellini pasta and fresh Italian breads. A walk down the narrow streets lined with shops, vendors, and places to eat while Margherita introduces you to the local produce and how it is used in traditional Italian cooking. Enjoy a cup of coffee before you walk back to Margherita's apartment to cook with the ingredients you bought at the market (if you've selected the cooking class option).

Notes: Margherita's apartment is on the 1st floor and there is no elevator, so you need to walk up 39 steps. She can accommodate a lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diet, on request. Perfect Bolognese cooking class for beginners, families and food lovers.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Antipasto: Frittata di cipolle or Spuma di mortadella or Bruschetta
  • Primo: Tortellini burro e salvia or Strichetti al sugo di tonno or Pasta e fagioli or Spaghetti alla Bolognese
  • Secondo: Pollo alla cacciatora or polpette ai piselli
  • Dolce: Tiramisu

Traveler reviews

4.96 (24)
Loads of fun. Margherita’s home is warm and welcoming. Delicious meal - did some pasta rolling, made tiramisu, learned some correct pronunciation of Italian. A lovely, delightful evening.
- lisa February 13, 2026
Margherita not only taught us delicious recipes, her warm welcome and pride for her city made touring the market an unforgettable experience. She is a true gem in this historic city. The venue is also a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get to know Bologna on a local, non-touristy level.
- luis January 21, 2026
A very pleasant encounter with our host Margherita. A positive experience that met our expectations. We ate and drank well!
- Jeanpier November 08, 2025
This was an incredible experience for us. Margherita was a Fabulous host, chef and teacher. We laughed, learned and ate what we cooked. It was an Amazing Meal.
- Cynthia October 11, 2025
We had an amazing experience with Margherita making homemade Tagliatelle, Bolognese and Tiramisu! From the moment we walked in her lovely home it was like we were old friends. Her recipes were amazing! We all sat down and ate lunch together and shared stories and learned the history of Bologna Her cooking class was one of the high points of our trip!
- Quinn October 05, 2025
Read More

Margherita

$69-$139 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $79 $79
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $117 $99 $99
Market Tour
 $98 $78 $69
Market Tour + Meal
 $117 $98 $98
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $139 $119 $119
Alcohol
 $15 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $79 $79
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $117 $99 $99
Market Tour
 $98 $78 $69
Market Tour + Meal
 $117 $98 $98
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $139 $119 $119
Alcohol
 $15 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm 4:30pm-7:30pm
Market Tour
 10:30am-12:30pm 5:00pm-7:00pm
Market Tour+ Meal
 10:30am-12:30pm 5:00pm-7:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 10:00am-2:00pm 4:00pm-8:00pm

Meet Margherita

Margherita grew up in Bologna and learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She loves learning about the history of cuisine in general and Italian cuisine in particular. As a Bolognese, she has a passion for local ingredients, food, cooking and sharing stories of the origin of various dishes she serves. Margherita would also love for travelers to try the real ‘spaghetti alla Bolognese’! Join her on this journey into Italian history and traditions while you share a traditional Bolognese meal. Margherita is excited to meet people who are curious about Italian culinary traditions and exchange stories and culture with them. It is also a great way for her to practice speaking in English!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) Margherita, a Bolognese, lives with her husband, Filippo, and my their son, Ferraù, in a beautiful home that has belonged to her family for a long time. She lives in the historical center of Bologna, and is excited to share her love for the history of the city and its culinary traditions. You can expect to try recipes from her city - dishes that are typically eaten in people’s homes in Bologna and also from her family recipe book – which has been passed down through generations. Through this experience you will learn about the history, cuisine and culture of Bologna. A few dishes that you might try are frittata di cipolle (eggs and onions), spaghetti alla Bolognese (Spaghetti served with a rich and flavorful meat sauce), Pollo alla cacciatora (chicken stew) and tiramisu. On the days Filippo is available, end your meal with some traditional music, as he would love to play the cello for you!

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) In your 2 hour hands-on Bolognese cooking class learn to make pasta from scratch. Margherita will take you through the step-by-step process of making the dough, shaping it, cooking it and also preparing the sauce to go with it. You can choose one from these different pasta options - tortellini burro e salvia or strichetti al sugo di tonno or pasta e fagioli or spaghetti alla Bolognese. After cooking, sit down to share the dish you helped prepare along with a few dishes that were pre prepared.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) Meet Margherita in Piazza Giuseppe Verdi and walk to the ancient market of Quadrilatero, a mecca for foodies and historic architecture buffs. The 'Quadrilateral' is a bustling area in Bologna’s city center with craft and trading traditions dating back to the middle ages. Here you will find stalls selling everything from fresh fish to local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, regional wines, homemade tortellini pasta and fresh Italian breads. A walk down the narrow streets lined with shops, vendors, and places to eat while Margherita introduces you to the local produce and how it is used in traditional Italian cooking. Enjoy a cup of coffee before you walk back to Margherita's apartment to cook with the ingredients you bought at the market (if you've selected the cooking class option).

Notes: Margherita's apartment is on the 1st floor and there is no elevator, so you need to walk up 39 steps. She can accommodate a lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diet, on request. Perfect Bolognese cooking class for beginners, families and food lovers.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Antipasto: Frittata di cipolle or Spuma di mortadella or Bruschetta
  • Primo: Tortellini burro e salvia or Strichetti al sugo di tonno or Pasta e fagioli or Spaghetti alla Bolognese
  • Secondo: Pollo alla cacciatora or polpette ai piselli
  • Dolce: Tiramisu

Traveler reviews

4.96 (24)
Loads of fun. Margherita’s home is warm and welcoming. Delicious meal - did some pasta rolling, made tiramisu, learned some correct pronunciation of Italian. A lovely, delightful evening.
- lisa February 13, 2026
Margherita not only taught us delicious recipes, her warm welcome and pride for her city made touring the market an unforgettable experience. She is a true gem in this historic city. The venue is also a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get to know Bologna on a local, non-touristy level.
- luis January 21, 2026
A very pleasant encounter with our host Margherita. A positive experience that met our expectations. We ate and drank well!
- Jeanpier November 08, 2025
This was an incredible experience for us. Margherita was a Fabulous host, chef and teacher. We laughed, learned and ate what we cooked. It was an Amazing Meal.
- Cynthia October 11, 2025
We had an amazing experience with Margherita making homemade Tagliatelle, Bolognese and Tiramisu! From the moment we walked in her lovely home it was like we were old friends. Her recipes were amazing! We all sat down and ate lunch together and shared stories and learned the history of Bologna Her cooking class was one of the high points of our trip!
- Quinn October 05, 2025
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $79 $79
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $117 $99 $99
Market Tour
 $98 $78 $69
Market Tour + Meal
 $117 $98 $98
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $139 $119 $119
Alcohol
 $15 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $99 $79 $79
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $117 $99 $99
Market Tour
 $98 $78 $69
Market Tour + Meal
 $117 $98 $98
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $139 $119 $119
Alcohol
 $15 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm 4:30pm-7:30pm
Market Tour
 10:30am-12:30pm 5:00pm-7:00pm
Market Tour+ Meal
 10:30am-12:30pm 5:00pm-7:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 10:00am-2:00pm 4:00pm-8:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.