Pasta Class Florence is a top-rated pasta cooking class based in the heart of Florence.
In 2018 Michele Gualtieri launched a pasta-making workshop in Florence, starting in his grandmother’s home.
The venture quickly grew, moving to a dedicated space in Florence and later expanding internationally with cooking classes in California. Then the business thrived, leading to the opening of a second location in 2022.
Today, the workshop continues to offer authentic Italian pasta-making experiences, supported by a dedicated team, while expanding its reach through online content and new ventures.
Our cooking classes in Florence offer an immersive culinary experience where you will learn to create original Italian pasta recipes in a warm and welcoming environment.
let's make fresh pasta together
Our cooking classes are designed to be educational and enjoyable, allowing participants to have fun and share laughter in a convivial atmosphere, just as happens in real Italian homes. You will discover not only the authentic techniques for making fresh pasta the traditional way, but also the pleasure of cooking and dining together.
Guided by our skilled chefs, you will master the art of pasta-making, from kneading the dough to creating various of pasta shapes. Each session is enriched with interesting insights into the history and culture of Italian cuisine, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.
Share our passion for Italian pasta with you!
OUR TEAM
MICHELE GUALTIERI
FOUNDER
My grandmother taught me everything I know about Italian gastronomic tradition. Born in Bologna, home of authentic handmade fresh pasta, she left me not only her technique and recipes but also all her passion and love for Italian cuisine.
After many years spent in various starred restaurants in London and Italy, I felt it was time for me to go back to my roots. Back to where my true passion for food was born. So, I opened a workshop in the heart of Florence where I now offer pasta cooking classes but most of all, I share my love for pasta with anyone who wants to come by!
MARCO BENEVENTO
CO-FOUNDER
Energetic and motivated, we were thrilled when Marco joined our fresh pasta cooking classes.
Marco is always excited to take on the next challenge and move our team forward.
With many years of experience in the best kitchens, he is the perfect teacher to accompany and guide you through the amazing world of fresh pasta.
MARCO BLAKE
PAOLINI
Born in Florence to an English mother and a father from Romagna, Marco Blake began working when he was only 15 years old, during the summer seasons. In 2008, he left for Sao Paulo and New York, where he had his first experiences working abroad. Marco spent the next three years in London, approaching fine dining and also working in the spectacular The Gherkin. After more years of travel, he returned to Florence where he became chef of a small downtown restaurant. Today we are happy that he is one of our teachers!
ANDREA
PIZZOLANTE
Andrea is a chef and pastry chef born and raised in Milan, with a Southern family background.
His cooking philosophy has been influenced by his life experience all over Italy and in different countries such as Australia, New Zealand and England in Michelin starred restaurants and five star hotels. In all his work, Andrea always puts that touch of tradition that ties him to the cooking he learned from his grandmother. He’s waiting for you to take this cooking trip together!
DAVIDE
RIZZARDI
Born and raised in the Belluno area, Davide lived in Canada for many years and still divides his time between Montreal and Florence. His career began in 2003 and since then Davide has worked in restaurants of all kinds, first around Italy and then in Canada. 3 years ago, he decided it was time to take a different path and started teaching cooking and culinary techniques around the world. Today he is one of our teachers and brings his great love for cooking to every lesson.
SIMONE
STRAZZULLO
He comes from a small town in Maremma, southern Tuscany, with a lot of passion for cooking and great determination. Despite being only 30 years old, Simone has been working in the restaurant industry for 14 years: ever since he was a child, he has dreamed of being a cook, to sharing memories and experiences through food. After working in a restaurant with two Michelin stars and holding the position of head chef in a restaurant in London, Simone returned to his homeland and landed at Pasta Class Florence.