Hands-On Gnocchi Making & Local Market Tour | Private Cooking Class Experience Reviews

A Market and Kitchen Experience to Remember

Walking through Mercato Trionfale with Chef Chiara was an education in itself. She knew all the vendors and introduced us to seasonal produce, which made the experience feel so authentic. Making gnocchi afterward in the beautiful LivTours kitchen was the perfect follow-up. The butter and sage sauce we prepared was divine, and the vin santo with cantucci at the end was such a treat.

Gnocchi on a Thursday!

Our guide, Marco, explained that in Rome gnocchi is traditionally eaten on Thursdays, and luckily our class was on that very day. Starting at the market gave us a real sense of Roman daily life, away from tourist crowds. Rolling and shaping gnocchi by hand was more fun than I expected. Eating the dish we made with a glass of wine felt like such an accomplishment.

A Great Family Cooking Class

We booked this private class for our family of four, including our teenage kids. The market tour kept them engaged – especially the cheese and olive tastings. Later, in the kitchen, they loved rolling the dough and trying to make “perfect” gnocchi (not all of them were perfect, but delicious nonetheless). This was one of the best family activities we’ve ever done in Rome.

Culinary Education at Its Finest

The market tour was so much more than shopping – it was cultural storytelling. Our chef Elena explained Roman food traditions, pointing out why certain ingredients are only used in specific seasons. Making gnocchi with her guidance was approachable, even for someone like me who rarely cooks. The dessert wine and cantucci at the end felt very special.

Worth Every Penny

We’ve done cooking classes in other countries, but this one really stood out. The combination of market shopping and cooking created a complete picture of Roman life. The state-of-the-art kitchen was stunning, and the private setup felt luxurious. I especially appreciated the digital recipe booklet, which has already been used back home.

A Hands-On Adventure in Rome

I loved how immersive this experience was, from learning about Roman shopping habits to rolling dough in a high-end kitchen. Our side dish was roasted zucchini, chosen right from the market, and it paired beautifully with the gnocchi. The small details, like sipping wine with lunch, made it feel authentic.

Gnocchi and Memories

Chef Luca had a great sense of humor and kept us laughing throughout the class. The market tour was interactive, and he even negotiated a small tasting of pecorino at one of his favorite stalls. Our gnocchi with butter and sage sauce turned out silky and delicious. I’ll be talking about this day for years.

From Market Chaos to Kitchen Calm

The contrast between the lively market and the sleek cooking studio was striking. Both experiences were equally enjoyable. My husband particularly loved learning why Romans traditionally eat gnocchi on Thursdays. For me, it was the vin santo and cantucci finale that made it perfect.

Cooking Like Romans Do

This was our first time making gnocchi, and we discovered how fun (and slightly messy) it is! The market visit with Giulia was filled with colors, smells, and friendly conversations with vendors. We cooked a tomato and basil sauce with the freshest tomatoes I’ve ever tasted. Sitting down to enjoy it afterward felt like being part of a Roman family.

Market Meets Kitchen

Mercato Trionfale was buzzing with locals, and we would never have found some of the stalls on our own. Chef Davide made sure we tasted seasonal produce before choosing what to cook. Back in the kitchen, he gave us confidence to roll and cut gnocchi like pros. Ending the day with vin santo was the perfect Italian touch.