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Host: Massimo
Venice, Italy
USD
$110-$134
per person
Meet Massimo
Massimo learned to cook from his family - they owned a restaurant for many generations. His mother and nonna (grandmother) were influential in his appreciation for food. That said, he has also spent time in the kitchens of restaurants in Germany and France. By profession, Massimo is a seaman - an officer with the Merchant Navy. He loves traveling, good food and good company. He has traveled all the world, but never gets tired of getting to know new people! He enjoys hosting travelers at his home so he can share his passion for cooking and his beautiful city.
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: (2-30 guests) Massimo lives in an ancient 600-year-old building in the heart of Venice with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo cooks dishes from the Veneto region - this includes Venice and Bologna. There is a strong tradition of serving both fish from the seaside and meat from the hills. A few dishes that you may enjoy during your meal with Massimo at his dining table are baked scallops or anchovies marinated in an orange sauce, salad, fish or meat pasta and homemade focaccia with rosemary. You will conclude your regional Italian meal with a warm chocolate or other Italian dessert.
Cooking experience: (2-30 guests) Join Massimo in his home kitchen for your Venice cooking class and learn to cook everyday Italian dishes. During your one-hour Italian cooking class in Venice learn to make homemade pasta and focaccia, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Learn about the tips and techniques involved in cooking Italian food before enjoying the meal you helped prepare with Massimo.
Market visit: (2-10 guests) Guided tour of Rialto market, walk with Massimo to Mercato di Rialto, one of the main Venetian markets - always crowded with locals who come to buy fresh ingredients. Listen to interesting stories as Massimo helps you explore the market, discover local fish and colorful fruit and vegetable stalls. Purchase fresh fish from one of the vendors before returning to his home for your cooking class.
Notes: Massimo can offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten free menus upon request. For groups larger than 10 guests and up to 20 guests, Massimo hosts at a different apartment in Venice with a large kitchen and garden near San Marco square. Please email reservations@travelingspoon.com for the exact location and pricing.
Languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish
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.-
Homemade rosemary and caramelized onion foccacia
-
Fresh salad with an Italian vinaigrette
-
Local prosciutto and Alpine cheeses with marmalade from Massimo's family farm or baked scallops
-
Strozzapretti, hand-rolled pasta in a homemade sauce
-
Italian dessert
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.
Best meal in Italy so far! Massimo has a lot of personality and he's a ton of fun. His cooking class was hands on. We ate and chat, then cooked and ate, then chat and ate again. It was three courses over 3 hours. We had so much fun and think he'd be a great addition to the Traveling Spoon community. Also, I'm not a fish lover and Massimo helped me love fish. We had a blast with Massimo!
Alex & Mike, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
Traveler reviews
5.0 (37)
Five stars.Massimo was an incredible host, so friendly and welcoming. His food was delicious and he gave us some great recommendations for Venice! One person in our party doesn’t eat fish and he easily worked around that, we visit the fresh market and he found delicious fresh vegetables to cook.His apartment is super lovely and is an ancient venue. Would 100% do this cooking class again next time we are in Venice.- stefanno October 29, 2024
Five stars.Massimo was an incredible host, so friendly and welcoming. His food was delicious and he gave us some great recommendations for Venice! One person in our party doesn’t eat fish and he easily worked around that, we visit the fresh market and he found delicious fresh vegetables to cook.His apartment is super lovely and is an ancient venue. Would 100% do this cooking class again next time we are in Venice.- stefanno October 29, 2024
This was well worth the money! Massimo is such an amazing host and went above and beyond what I was expected. The food was amazing and I would recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for a personalized cooking class in Venice.- Chelsea August 01, 2024
We did this for our last night in Venice and we are so glad we did! It was a lot of fun, Massimo were really pleasant, and really sweet, funny, and taught us some cool new things. We made 3 different pastas, and a ricotta cake for dessert. The food came out delicious and we got the recipes to make at home. 100% recommend .- kelly65 July 25, 2024
We started at the Rialto Market where we met Massimo for a guided tour of the market and the fish market, which was perfect because my son is obsessed with fish. We picked out some shrimp and tuna for lunch along with some beautiful tomatoes. From here we walked with Massimo to his house were he prepared a beautiful lunch for us. He was amazing with my son…involved Jude in making pasta by hand, focaccia from scratch, and of course letting him touch the seafood. He prepared a tomato salad with the Cuore di Bue tomatoes we had purchased at the market, homemade pasta (strozzapreti pasta) with shrimp and tuna, homemade focaccia (half with rosemary and half with onion), artichoke hearts purchased from the market, an array of meats and cheeses with honey from the dolomites, and his families red and white wines from his hometown of Trieste. We were with him for about four hours and felt like we had been welcomed into an old friend’s home for a leisurely candle-lit lunch.- Christina July 21, 2024
The hystory of Venice in a plate.FUN - TASTY- AMAZING. The best seafood selected from a chef/sailor.Charming home. Thank you ! We come back again!- V5239S July 10, 2024
Genuine.Had a wonderful time learning how to make fresh pasta. Massimo is a sailor but also an amazing chef, made the experience extra fun, and eating the pasta at the end was yummy. 10/10 would recommend. He finish with a special game for us- and the ancient Venice was a dream with his stories! Massimo we come back!- Katherine July 10, 2024
I felt like a venetian.Just loved this experience. Took a day class with my family and we visit Rialto market and we do the best cooking class ever. Started at the Rialto Market, then went to the vegetable and seafood- Massimo an authentic saior from Venice was a great guide...and an amazing chef! The highlight is Massimo who is energetic, opinionated, open and welcoming. After picking the most interesting, we prepared a number of amazing dishes. Massimo asked my son to arrange some music and it felt more like a get-together among friends with an interest in cooking than a formal class- we share italian and american colture. If you want a formal class with a white apron and a textbook, this is probably not for you.Highly recommend this experience if you want to feel a bit of what it is to be a Venetian.Ps his ancient house and the quality of seafood was excellent.- Dream July 10, 2024
Amazing.A PRIVATE COOKING CLASS FOR MY FAMILY! Best experience. AND Best food of our vacation. Hands-down. Chef is knowledgeable, engaging, and makes the experience and comfortable and enjoyable, but Max is also a sailor full of stories of Venice and sea's stories. An occasion for visit Rialto market with him-taste the best fish- and cooking in his fancy ancient home!- willtoleo July 04, 2024
When my wife and I booked this, we had read amazing reviews but still did not know what to expect. We met up with Massimo near the market were he taught us a lot about the different seafood that comes into Venice and what it’s suppose to look like to ensure the freshness when cooking. He later on brought us in to his lovely home and treated us just like family. We drank, we cooked and we ate together like long lost friends. It was an incredible experience to learn more about the culture, Massimo himself and also enjoy a fantastic meal in the process. Thank you so much Massimo we hope to do another cooking class with you the next time we are in Venezia!- A3102E June 19, 2024
This cooking class with Massimo was fantastic! He is entertaining, charming, and an excellent chef. We drank, laughed, cooked and ate together in his home. This was truly an unforgettable experience.- J8857IU June 19, 2024
When my wife and I booked this, we had read amazing reviews but still did not know what to expect. We met up with Massimo near the market were he taught us a lot about the different seafood that comes into Venice and what it’s suppose to look like to ensure the freshness when cooking. He later on brought us in to his lovely home and treated us just like family. We drank, we cooked and we ate together like long lost friends. It was an incredible experience to learn more about the culture, Massimo himself and also enjoy a fantastic meal in the process. Thank you so much Massimo we hope to do another cooking class with you the next time we are in Venezia!- A3102E June 19, 2024
Where can I start. Best experience in Venice. Massimo was authentic, entertaining , and it was like a family meal prepared with lots of laughs and love. Learned many tips and most importantly when cooking from your heart nothing has to be perfect to be amazing. Food and company in our small group of 5 was so special. We will treasure this memory forever.- jamiem June 08, 2024
I'm a Signature travel agent and my clients just completed their dinner with Massimo in Venice. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!! They said it was spectacular. He was personable and everything was delicious!- Betsy May 29, 2024
Max was amazing! Such a unique experience! We toured the market and got a little history lesson along the way. Max’s home was so charming and the meal was amazing. Learned a lot about the Italian style of cooking and lessons we could take home with us. Would highly recommend this unique experience!!- landra_r May 27, 2024
Massimo was a great host and chef. Fun and educational. Tasty food and a good teacher. He brought special treats from his family’s viOnstar and farm.- Kath May 21, 2024
Could not recommend Massimo and this experience more! My boyfriend and I met him in the market where he showed us around before heading back to his apartment to cook up what we had just picked out. He was full of amazing stories and interesting tidbits but was also extremely attentive and flexible to what we were most interested in, and on top of that is one of the kindest and friendliest people I’ve ever met. The actual cooking was extremely fun and perfect for both experienced chefs and beginners, and they were clearly authentic and long-practiced traditional recipes, which we had a blast learning. I cannot stress enough, if you have time for one activity while in Venice, make it this.- T6826W May 21, 2024
What a delight and surprise our tour and cooking class with Massimo was for us. Learning about the availability of produce and seafood local to Venice. Then the surprise of cooking in his flat, the stories of his family and the fun of music, laughter and making pasta and focaccia. Which were have reproduced here back in the states. We both would highly recommend this if you visit Venice.- Q5179M May 12, 2024
Massimo is the absolute best! He was attentive, kind, and had great conversation as we collaborated to make the most delicious meal we have had while on our honeymoon in Italy! He even gave us a special surprise because it was our honeymoon. We are thankful for this experience and look forward to the opportunity of welcoming Massimo into our own home in the future!- rafaelaf May 11, 2024
Loved the market tour, making the raviolis and eating!amazing seafood We had wine homemade with the meal. Our group loosened up after that! I learned how to make pasta which I have never made before.- W9583 April 01, 2024
The most fun cooking class ever! This was such a fun class, from learning about local fish, meat, veg, balsamic vinegar, and mediterranena flavours at the market to making pasta, bolognese, and homemade focaccia, it was a blast. We had a very fun guide/chef Massimo, and the food was so good! We were here celebrating our engagement and it was fun learning how to make a beautiful Italian meal together complete with delicious red table wine. We'd love to come back and highly recommend!- 158esla March 30, 2024
This was the highlight of our trip! Massimo was amazing and went above and beyond. When we arrived he had apps ready for us along with champagne with a magical game! We then learned to make fresh pasta and focaccia …which was honestly the best I had! Massimo was informative and made us laugh the whole time. His place is a quick walk from the market so very easy to get to. Definitely recommend this if you are spending some time in Venice!- mariaaa March 30, 2024
Thank you Massimo. Your cooking class was the highlights of our trip to Italy! Great stories teller, a true sailor and amazing cook. It was a warm, wonderful experience. We had a lovely time learning how to cook but also learning about Italian culture and way of life.- aminov March 05, 2024
We are a big group ...friends , family....and Massimo was one of the group!! From the moment we booked the experiential cooking class, we were looking forward to it more than anything in Venezia! Welcoming and inviting ambience and location the other guests made it fun, we laughed all evening! Massimo and his amazing meal was beyond expectations he explained every delicious course and we ate very well. Highly recommend this as it's not a typical cooking class but definitely unique and most memorable part of our trip for sure! Grazie mille Massimo!- massi February 24, 2024
This was the highlight of our visit to Venice. We meet Massimo at he took us to the market which was interesting and fun then back to his place where he prepared a fantastic lunch. He made us feel like family and we would definitely do it again- michael February 18, 2024
Massimo was an incredible guide and host. He met us promptly near the Rialto market and gave us a tour of the market while picking up some seafood for our lunch. We then went to his Venice apartment for our class and meal. Massimo was a great instructor and host letting us get as involved as we wanted. He was also very accommodating of my wife’s dietary preferences. Highly recommended tour- Christopher November 23, 2023
What an amazing experience! Massimo invited us into his home like we were family. He told us interesting facts about food from his region and he gave us a super entertaining cooking lesson. We had a great time and we now have a friend in Venice.- Chris_S June 10, 2023
Massimo was the ultimate host! We were in Venice for the first time and he truly made our experience unforgettable. He was kind, fun, full of knowledge and made us feel at home. The food was AMAZING!!! Massimo sure has some high quality chef skills. Highly recommend this experience:) 11/10 recommend!!!!- Melissa June 10, 2023
My husband and I did this tour/shopping trip to Rialto fish market and lunch cooking class with Massimo on my birthday as a special treat while we were in Venice. It was a wonderful experience, Massimo was such fun to talk to about his family and history and traditions of cooking and we made fantastic focaccia, hand made pasta with shrimp and a fish sauce that was scrumptious. We ate the lunch after with him and also had a beautiful local greens salad, wine from his family, prosciutto, cheese to go with the focaccia and ended with a decadent dessert, it was worth every moment and a lovely experience with Massimo. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves good food and learning first hand about some of the food culture of Venice.- erinsY51 May 14, 2023
Massimo is an extremely charming host and a talented cook. He is genuinely enthusiastic and friendly. He was also flexible enough to accommodate a vegetarian in our group. We had a really enjoyable time and I recommend this experience unreservedly.- Adrian May 10, 2023
What a fabulous way to end our Venice trip with a cooking experience with Massimo! We were met at a cafe near the Rialto markets and then taken to the best seafood stall where Massimo carefully and thoughtfully chose the best seafood for our meal: Tuna steak, mussels, scampi and octopus!!! We were welcomed into Massimo’s home where we were taken on a taste tour of flavoursome Italian family cooking! Lots of wine, conversation, food of course and fun. Massimo made us feel like we were old friends. An experience not to be missed !!!!- Christina April 20, 2023
The ultimate combination of hospitality, local knowledge and good humour. Thoroughly recommend to first time visitors or even locals!- clinton January 20, 2023
Massimo is one of the last sailors of Venice....he guide us to Rialto market and we prepared in his charming Venetian house the best meal of our whole trip!!! he is a true story teller, he cooks very well, and it was the best way to understand this enchanted city. we want to do this experience again as soon as possible!- Dream January 06, 2023
Massimo was genuinely fantastic. We consider it the highlight of the trip. We will treasure his hospitality and shared experiences for a lifetime. If you want a genuine taste of Venetian and Italian life, I can't think of a better way. He also gave us great tips on places to eat- Rober_L January 01, 2023
Massimo was very entertaining and taught us authentic pasta and focaccia recipes. We had fun and learned a lot too. Thank you Massimo for passing on family recipes.- Tricia_W September 15, 2022
In a place supported by and dependent on tourism, it's a rare opportunity to have an intimate interaction with a local doing an everyday task – shopping in the Rialto market, cooking together and enjoying a meal with wine and conversation. We were warmly welcomed to the affable chef's home. Massimo was both attentive and flexible. It was a perfect afternoon.- Patricia_P June 10, 2022
We had a great time with Massimo. He received us at his home with ease and shared his family cooking recipes with us in a good mood. We have fond memories of this moment of genuine and warm sharing. Ciao Massimo !! (translated by Google))- Andr_V October 03, 2021
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $120 | $110 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $134 | $124 |
|
Alcohol
|
$10 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $120 | $110 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $134 | $124 |
|
Alcohol
|
$10 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
Experience Timings
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
|
Cooking Experience+ Meal
|
11:00am-2:00pm | 6:00pm-9:00pm |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
10:00am-2:00pm |
Meet Massimo
Massimo learned to cook from his family - they owned a restaurant for many generations. His mother and nonna (grandmother) were influential in his appreciation for food. That said, he has also spent time in the kitchens of restaurants in Germany and France. By profession, Massimo is a seaman - an officer with the Merchant Navy. He loves traveling, good food and good company. He has traveled all the world, but never gets tired of getting to know new people! He enjoys hosting travelers at his home so he can share his passion for cooking and his beautiful city.
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: (2-30 guests) Massimo lives in an ancient 600-year-old building in the heart of Venice with a beautiful outdoor terrace. Massimo cooks dishes from the Veneto region - this includes Venice and Bologna. There is a strong tradition of serving both fish from the seaside and meat from the hills. A few dishes that you may enjoy during your meal with Massimo at his dining table are baked scallops or anchovies marinated in an orange sauce, salad, fish or meat pasta and homemade focaccia with rosemary. You will conclude your regional Italian meal with a warm chocolate or other Italian dessert.
Cooking experience: (2-30 guests) Join Massimo in his home kitchen for your Venice cooking class and learn to cook everyday Italian dishes. During your one-hour Italian cooking class in Venice learn to make homemade pasta and focaccia, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Learn about the tips and techniques involved in cooking Italian food before enjoying the meal you helped prepare with Massimo.
Market visit: (2-10 guests) Guided tour of Rialto market, walk with Massimo to Mercato di Rialto, one of the main Venetian markets - always crowded with locals who come to buy fresh ingredients. Listen to interesting stories as Massimo helps you explore the market, discover local fish and colorful fruit and vegetable stalls. Purchase fresh fish from one of the vendors before returning to his home for your cooking class.
Notes: Massimo can offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten free menus upon request. For groups larger than 10 guests and up to 20 guests, Massimo hosts at a different apartment in Venice with a large kitchen and garden near San Marco square. Please email reservations@travelingspoon.com for the exact location and pricing.
Languages spoken: English, Italian, Spanish
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.-
Homemade rosemary and caramelized onion foccacia
-
Fresh salad with an Italian vinaigrette
-
Local prosciutto and Alpine cheeses with marmalade from Massimo's family farm or baked scallops
-
Strozzapretti, hand-rolled pasta in a homemade sauce
-
Italian dessert
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.
Best meal in Italy so far! Massimo has a lot of personality and he's a ton of fun. His cooking class was hands on. We ate and chat, then cooked and ate, then chat and ate again. It was three courses over 3 hours. We had so much fun and think he'd be a great addition to the Traveling Spoon community. Also, I'm not a fish lover and Massimo helped me love fish. We had a blast with Massimo!
Alex & Mike, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
Traveler reviews
5.0 (37)
Five stars.Massimo was an incredible host, so friendly and welcoming. His food was delicious and he gave us some great recommendations for Venice! One person in our party doesn’t eat fish and he easily worked around that, we visit the fresh market and he found delicious fresh vegetables to cook.His apartment is super lovely and is an ancient venue. Would 100% do this cooking class again next time we are in Venice.- stefanno October 29, 2024
Five stars.Massimo was an incredible host, so friendly and welcoming. His food was delicious and he gave us some great recommendations for Venice! One person in our party doesn’t eat fish and he easily worked around that, we visit the fresh market and he found delicious fresh vegetables to cook.His apartment is super lovely and is an ancient venue. Would 100% do this cooking class again next time we are in Venice.- stefanno October 29, 2024
This was well worth the money! Massimo is such an amazing host and went above and beyond what I was expected. The food was amazing and I would recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for a personalized cooking class in Venice.- Chelsea August 01, 2024
We did this for our last night in Venice and we are so glad we did! It was a lot of fun, Massimo were really pleasant, and really sweet, funny, and taught us some cool new things. We made 3 different pastas, and a ricotta cake for dessert. The food came out delicious and we got the recipes to make at home. 100% recommend .- kelly65 July 25, 2024
We started at the Rialto Market where we met Massimo for a guided tour of the market and the fish market, which was perfect because my son is obsessed with fish. We picked out some shrimp and tuna for lunch along with some beautiful tomatoes. From here we walked with Massimo to his house were he prepared a beautiful lunch for us. He was amazing with my son…involved Jude in making pasta by hand, focaccia from scratch, and of course letting him touch the seafood. He prepared a tomato salad with the Cuore di Bue tomatoes we had purchased at the market, homemade pasta (strozzapreti pasta) with shrimp and tuna, homemade focaccia (half with rosemary and half with onion), artichoke hearts purchased from the market, an array of meats and cheeses with honey from the dolomites, and his families red and white wines from his hometown of Trieste. We were with him for about four hours and felt like we had been welcomed into an old friend’s home for a leisurely candle-lit lunch.- Christina July 21, 2024
The hystory of Venice in a plate.FUN - TASTY- AMAZING. The best seafood selected from a chef/sailor.Charming home. Thank you ! We come back again!- V5239S July 10, 2024
Genuine.Had a wonderful time learning how to make fresh pasta. Massimo is a sailor but also an amazing chef, made the experience extra fun, and eating the pasta at the end was yummy. 10/10 would recommend. He finish with a special game for us- and the ancient Venice was a dream with his stories! Massimo we come back!- Katherine July 10, 2024
I felt like a venetian.Just loved this experience. Took a day class with my family and we visit Rialto market and we do the best cooking class ever. Started at the Rialto Market, then went to the vegetable and seafood- Massimo an authentic saior from Venice was a great guide...and an amazing chef! The highlight is Massimo who is energetic, opinionated, open and welcoming. After picking the most interesting, we prepared a number of amazing dishes. Massimo asked my son to arrange some music and it felt more like a get-together among friends with an interest in cooking than a formal class- we share italian and american colture. If you want a formal class with a white apron and a textbook, this is probably not for you.Highly recommend this experience if you want to feel a bit of what it is to be a Venetian.Ps his ancient house and the quality of seafood was excellent.- Dream July 10, 2024
Amazing.A PRIVATE COOKING CLASS FOR MY FAMILY! Best experience. AND Best food of our vacation. Hands-down. Chef is knowledgeable, engaging, and makes the experience and comfortable and enjoyable, but Max is also a sailor full of stories of Venice and sea's stories. An occasion for visit Rialto market with him-taste the best fish- and cooking in his fancy ancient home!- willtoleo July 04, 2024
When my wife and I booked this, we had read amazing reviews but still did not know what to expect. We met up with Massimo near the market were he taught us a lot about the different seafood that comes into Venice and what it’s suppose to look like to ensure the freshness when cooking. He later on brought us in to his lovely home and treated us just like family. We drank, we cooked and we ate together like long lost friends. It was an incredible experience to learn more about the culture, Massimo himself and also enjoy a fantastic meal in the process. Thank you so much Massimo we hope to do another cooking class with you the next time we are in Venezia!- A3102E June 19, 2024
This cooking class with Massimo was fantastic! He is entertaining, charming, and an excellent chef. We drank, laughed, cooked and ate together in his home. This was truly an unforgettable experience.- J8857IU June 19, 2024
When my wife and I booked this, we had read amazing reviews but still did not know what to expect. We met up with Massimo near the market were he taught us a lot about the different seafood that comes into Venice and what it’s suppose to look like to ensure the freshness when cooking. He later on brought us in to his lovely home and treated us just like family. We drank, we cooked and we ate together like long lost friends. It was an incredible experience to learn more about the culture, Massimo himself and also enjoy a fantastic meal in the process. Thank you so much Massimo we hope to do another cooking class with you the next time we are in Venezia!- A3102E June 19, 2024
Where can I start. Best experience in Venice. Massimo was authentic, entertaining , and it was like a family meal prepared with lots of laughs and love. Learned many tips and most importantly when cooking from your heart nothing has to be perfect to be amazing. Food and company in our small group of 5 was so special. We will treasure this memory forever.- jamiem June 08, 2024
I'm a Signature travel agent and my clients just completed their dinner with Massimo in Venice. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!! They said it was spectacular. He was personable and everything was delicious!- Betsy May 29, 2024
Max was amazing! Such a unique experience! We toured the market and got a little history lesson along the way. Max’s home was so charming and the meal was amazing. Learned a lot about the Italian style of cooking and lessons we could take home with us. Would highly recommend this unique experience!!- landra_r May 27, 2024
Massimo was a great host and chef. Fun and educational. Tasty food and a good teacher. He brought special treats from his family’s viOnstar and farm.- Kath May 21, 2024
Could not recommend Massimo and this experience more! My boyfriend and I met him in the market where he showed us around before heading back to his apartment to cook up what we had just picked out. He was full of amazing stories and interesting tidbits but was also extremely attentive and flexible to what we were most interested in, and on top of that is one of the kindest and friendliest people I’ve ever met. The actual cooking was extremely fun and perfect for both experienced chefs and beginners, and they were clearly authentic and long-practiced traditional recipes, which we had a blast learning. I cannot stress enough, if you have time for one activity while in Venice, make it this.- T6826W May 21, 2024
What a delight and surprise our tour and cooking class with Massimo was for us. Learning about the availability of produce and seafood local to Venice. Then the surprise of cooking in his flat, the stories of his family and the fun of music, laughter and making pasta and focaccia. Which were have reproduced here back in the states. We both would highly recommend this if you visit Venice.- Q5179M May 12, 2024
Massimo is the absolute best! He was attentive, kind, and had great conversation as we collaborated to make the most delicious meal we have had while on our honeymoon in Italy! He even gave us a special surprise because it was our honeymoon. We are thankful for this experience and look forward to the opportunity of welcoming Massimo into our own home in the future!- rafaelaf May 11, 2024
Loved the market tour, making the raviolis and eating!amazing seafood We had wine homemade with the meal. Our group loosened up after that! I learned how to make pasta which I have never made before.- W9583 April 01, 2024
The most fun cooking class ever! This was such a fun class, from learning about local fish, meat, veg, balsamic vinegar, and mediterranena flavours at the market to making pasta, bolognese, and homemade focaccia, it was a blast. We had a very fun guide/chef Massimo, and the food was so good! We were here celebrating our engagement and it was fun learning how to make a beautiful Italian meal together complete with delicious red table wine. We'd love to come back and highly recommend!- 158esla March 30, 2024
This was the highlight of our trip! Massimo was amazing and went above and beyond. When we arrived he had apps ready for us along with champagne with a magical game! We then learned to make fresh pasta and focaccia …which was honestly the best I had! Massimo was informative and made us laugh the whole time. His place is a quick walk from the market so very easy to get to. Definitely recommend this if you are spending some time in Venice!- mariaaa March 30, 2024
Thank you Massimo. Your cooking class was the highlights of our trip to Italy! Great stories teller, a true sailor and amazing cook. It was a warm, wonderful experience. We had a lovely time learning how to cook but also learning about Italian culture and way of life.- aminov March 05, 2024
We are a big group ...friends , family....and Massimo was one of the group!! From the moment we booked the experiential cooking class, we were looking forward to it more than anything in Venezia! Welcoming and inviting ambience and location the other guests made it fun, we laughed all evening! Massimo and his amazing meal was beyond expectations he explained every delicious course and we ate very well. Highly recommend this as it's not a typical cooking class but definitely unique and most memorable part of our trip for sure! Grazie mille Massimo!- massi February 24, 2024
This was the highlight of our visit to Venice. We meet Massimo at he took us to the market which was interesting and fun then back to his place where he prepared a fantastic lunch. He made us feel like family and we would definitely do it again- michael February 18, 2024
Massimo was an incredible guide and host. He met us promptly near the Rialto market and gave us a tour of the market while picking up some seafood for our lunch. We then went to his Venice apartment for our class and meal. Massimo was a great instructor and host letting us get as involved as we wanted. He was also very accommodating of my wife’s dietary preferences. Highly recommended tour- Christopher November 23, 2023
What an amazing experience! Massimo invited us into his home like we were family. He told us interesting facts about food from his region and he gave us a super entertaining cooking lesson. We had a great time and we now have a friend in Venice.- Chris_S June 10, 2023
Massimo was the ultimate host! We were in Venice for the first time and he truly made our experience unforgettable. He was kind, fun, full of knowledge and made us feel at home. The food was AMAZING!!! Massimo sure has some high quality chef skills. Highly recommend this experience:) 11/10 recommend!!!!- Melissa June 10, 2023
My husband and I did this tour/shopping trip to Rialto fish market and lunch cooking class with Massimo on my birthday as a special treat while we were in Venice. It was a wonderful experience, Massimo was such fun to talk to about his family and history and traditions of cooking and we made fantastic focaccia, hand made pasta with shrimp and a fish sauce that was scrumptious. We ate the lunch after with him and also had a beautiful local greens salad, wine from his family, prosciutto, cheese to go with the focaccia and ended with a decadent dessert, it was worth every moment and a lovely experience with Massimo. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves good food and learning first hand about some of the food culture of Venice.- erinsY51 May 14, 2023
Massimo is an extremely charming host and a talented cook. He is genuinely enthusiastic and friendly. He was also flexible enough to accommodate a vegetarian in our group. We had a really enjoyable time and I recommend this experience unreservedly.- Adrian May 10, 2023
What a fabulous way to end our Venice trip with a cooking experience with Massimo! We were met at a cafe near the Rialto markets and then taken to the best seafood stall where Massimo carefully and thoughtfully chose the best seafood for our meal: Tuna steak, mussels, scampi and octopus!!! We were welcomed into Massimo’s home where we were taken on a taste tour of flavoursome Italian family cooking! Lots of wine, conversation, food of course and fun. Massimo made us feel like we were old friends. An experience not to be missed !!!!- Christina April 20, 2023
The ultimate combination of hospitality, local knowledge and good humour. Thoroughly recommend to first time visitors or even locals!- clinton January 20, 2023
Massimo is one of the last sailors of Venice....he guide us to Rialto market and we prepared in his charming Venetian house the best meal of our whole trip!!! he is a true story teller, he cooks very well, and it was the best way to understand this enchanted city. we want to do this experience again as soon as possible!- Dream January 06, 2023
Massimo was genuinely fantastic. We consider it the highlight of the trip. We will treasure his hospitality and shared experiences for a lifetime. If you want a genuine taste of Venetian and Italian life, I can't think of a better way. He also gave us great tips on places to eat- Rober_L January 01, 2023
Massimo was very entertaining and taught us authentic pasta and focaccia recipes. We had fun and learned a lot too. Thank you Massimo for passing on family recipes.- Tricia_W September 15, 2022
In a place supported by and dependent on tourism, it's a rare opportunity to have an intimate interaction with a local doing an everyday task – shopping in the Rialto market, cooking together and enjoying a meal with wine and conversation. We were warmly welcomed to the affable chef's home. Massimo was both attentive and flexible. It was a perfect afternoon.- Patricia_P June 10, 2022
We had a great time with Massimo. He received us at his home with ease and shared his family cooking recipes with us in a good mood. We have fond memories of this moment of genuine and warm sharing. Ciao Massimo !! (translated by Google))- Andr_V October 03, 2021
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Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $120 | $110 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $134 | $124 |
|
Alcohol
|
$10 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| 1 person | 2-4 ppl | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $120 | $110 |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
Not offered | $134 | $124 |
|
Alcohol
|
$10 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
Experience Timings
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
|
Cooking Experience+ Meal
|
11:00am-2:00pm | 6:00pm-9:00pm |
|
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
|
10:00am-2:00pm |
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
- > Cancellations and refunds
- > Contact host
- > Dietary restrictions
- > More questions
- > Alcohol
- > Changing timing
- > Credit card and payment
- > Meeting location and directions
- > Pricing
- > Private experiences
- > Process and timing
- > Safety and security
- > Transportation
- > Traveling solo
- > Traveling with family
You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% 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.
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