Tuscan Pasta-Making Cooking Class in the Florence Countryside

Meet Fabio

Fabio grew up in Italy learning to cook alongside his mother in the family kitchen, where he developed a deep appreciation for traditional Italian home cooking. What began as helping with simple meals eventually became a lifelong passion, and today Fabio loves experimenting with recipes while staying true to the flavors of his region. Fabio specializes in Tuscan cuisine, which focuses on simple dishes made with seasonal, local ingredients of the highest quality. His cooking reflects the philosophy of Tuscan food - letting a few excellent ingredients shine. In addition to Tuscan recipes, Fabio also enjoys preparing Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes inspired by Italy’s diverse culinary traditions. Fabio lives with his wife, Christiane, a German journalist, in the beautiful Tuscan countryside just outside Florence, where they host guests for authentic Italian cooking experiences. During your visit, Fabio enjoys sharing stories about Florence, Tuscany, and Italy’s rich history and food culture, making the experience both culinary and cultural. An architect and designer by profession, Fabio has a passion for contemporary art as well as music, especially rock and jazz. In his free time he enjoys playing tennis and skiing. Joining Fabio for a Tuscan culinary experience near Florence offers guests the opportunity to experience authentic Italian home cooking while learning about the traditions, ingredients, and culture that shape the region’s cuisine.

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: (4-6 guests) Enjoy a unique Tuscan dining experience near Florence at the countryside home of Fabio and Christiane. Their house sits on a hill about 10 km from Florence’s historic center, surrounded by olive trees and beautiful views of the Tuscan landscape. Fabio and Christiane will welcome you into their cozy, colorful home with a refreshing drink before sharing stories about life in Florence and the surrounding countryside. Depending on the season, Fabio may also show you their olive trees and explain how olives are harvested and transformed into traditional Tuscan olive oil. Your authentic Tuscan home-cooked meal will be prepared using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu may include dishes such as tagliatelle with vegetarian ragù, squid risotto with wild fennel and orange peel, peposo alla fornacina with white beans (beef slow-cooked in red wine, garlic, and black pepper), or seppie in zimino (cuttlefish with spinach or chard). End your meal with a homemade dessert such as crostata with jam and dried fruit or a classic Italian apple pie, served with warm hospitality in the peaceful Tuscan countryside. This authentic dining experience near Florence offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine while connecting with locals in their home.

Cooking experience: (4-6 guests) Your experience takes place at Fabio and Christiane’s charming countryside home, approximately 30 minutes from central Florence, surrounded by olive trees and beautiful views of the Tuscan landscape. Upon arrival, your hosts will welcome you with a refreshing drink and share stories about life in Florence and the surrounding countryside. Depending on the season, Fabio may show you their olive trees and explain how olives are harvested and turned into traditional Tuscan olive oil. In their welcoming kitchen, enjoy a private, hands-on Tuscan cooking class tailored to your interests and preferences. Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch using traditional Italian pasta machines while discovering techniques for making different pasta shapes. Once your pasta is ready, prepare a seasonal Italian sauce, such as a fresh vegetable and herb sauce or a Sicilian-style sardine sauce. You'll also help create a traditional side dish, such as a vegetable flan or Fabio's signature baccalà con porri e cavolo viola (pan-stewed cod with leeks and purple cabbage). For dessert, prepare a classic Italian sweet, such as winter castagnaccio or summer panna cotta with strawberry coulis. Then sit down with your hosts to savor the meal you've prepared, accompanied by Tuscan wine (included). More than a pasta-making class, this private Florence countryside cooking class offers an opportunity to connect with local hosts, discover traditional Tuscan flavors, and enjoy warm Italian hospitality.

Market visit: (4-6 guests) Local Food Shop Visit: Begin your experience by meeting Fabio at Trattoria Donnini and follow him to a local food shop where Tuscan residents purchase their everyday ingredients. Spend approximately 30 minutes exploring the shop with Fabio as he introduces you to regional specialties and shares tips on selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients, from seasonal vegetables and local cheeses to fresh meat and fish. Together, choose ingredients for your cooking class and discover how locals shop for traditional Tuscan meals.

Note: Unlike typical Florence market tours, this experience does not visit tourist markets such as Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo Market, or Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Instead, you'll discover where locals shop for fresh ingredients before heading to Fabio and Christiane’s countryside home for your hands-on Tuscan cooking class.

Notes: 1. Transportation and meeting point: Meet Fabio at Trattoria Donnini and follow him to his countryside home in your own car or with a prearranged private driver. You must have your own car or a private driver who can accompany you throughout the experience, as taxis are not a practical option, especially for market tours involving multiple stops and waiting time. Please provide your WhatsApp number or a local contact number when booking so Fabio can reach you in case of delays.
2. Arriving without a car: If you do not have your own car, please book “Tuscan Pasta-Making Cooking Class with Transport from Florence” instead, which includes round-trip transportation from a central meeting point in Florence for an additional cost.
3. Dietary restrictions: Fabio can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Please mention any dietary restrictions when booking.
4. Wine: Wine is included in the price of your experience.
5. Cats: Please note that Fabio has cats in his home.
6. Air conditioning: As is common in many Italian homes, Fabio’s home does not have air conditioning.

Languages spoken: English, Italian

Sample menu

• Seasonal Welcome Drink
• First Course | Homemade pasta with a vegetarian, meat, or fish sauce, or Gnudi (Tuscan “naked ravioli” with ricotta and spinach)
• Main Course | Peposo - Tuscan slow-stewed beef with garlic, black pepper, and red wine or Seppie in Zimino - Cuttlefish with chard or a seasonal vegetarian dish
• Dessert | Crostata with homemade jam, Biscotti di Prato (traditional almond cookies), or Fabio’s apple pie

Traveler reviews

We loved the atmosphere of their home and got to experience making an authentic Italian meal. We would highly recommend this experience.

- skye November 02, 2026

My wife and I visited Italy for the first time in September 2026. We visited Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast. We went on multiple excursions/tours in each location and I can honestly say this was hands down the best experience we had. Fabio and his wife were gracious hosts and we thoroughly enjoyed their company. Fabio made the cooking class entertaining, hands-on and simply fun. Their farmhouse, where they hosted, was about 30 minutes outside of Florence. It was comfortable and charming. The experience was topped off with one of the best Italian meals we have ever had. It was absolutely delicious. We can't recommend this experience enough. If you enjoy great company, excellent Italian food and wine all in a welcoming and cozy setting, then this experience is for you!

- noel October 18, 2026

My husband and I traveled to Italy to celebrate our 40th anniversary, and we wanted a small, personal cooking class to make our trip even more memorable. Fabio and Christiane were absolutely wonderful hosts—warm, welcoming, and incredibly talented in the kitchen! Fabio is truly a master of risotto! We couldn't have asked for a better experience. If you're considering this class, don't hesitate. You're in for a real treat!

- diane October 09, 2026

This was one of our most favorite excursions! Fabio picked us up in Florence and the ride to his home had incredible views. On the way, we stopped at the market for supplies. Fabio took the opportunity to educate us on different fish and meat available in the market. At his home, he and Christiane felt like “old friends.” We laughed, cooked, talked and ate the night away. The time went really fast and was so enjoyable to be in their home cooking and learning. Fabio and I had communicated ahead of time and we were able to agree on the special dishes we were going to prepare that took my back to what my nonna would make.

- greg October 07, 2026

Our experience with Fabio and Christina and Fre (and Peppi!) was an absolutely authentic and delicious evening! Fabio worked with us to create a menu that was agreeable by all (we had vegans in the group) as well as very tasty. Many of the other cooking classes we researched focused on either gelato, pizza, tiramisu or pasta - and nothing against those dishes, but we wanted something a little more different but still 100% Italian and Fabio delivered. Dinner was enjoyed on the patio with a gorgeous sunset and great conversation into the evening. 10/10!

- mark September 14, 2026