Pasta Making Class in Venice | Online Cooking Videos

HOW MY COOKING CLASSES IN VENICE- ITALY WORK

Feel free to email me, and I will reply shortly to confirm my availability. We will decide on the menu which will be tailored to your preferences. Once in Venice, we will meet in the city centre, Dorsoduro district, in San Barnaba square. My apartment is just one-minute walk from meeting point. We will start with a proper Italian coffee and some Venetian homemade biscotti before diving into the cooking session. I will guide you step-by-step, showing you what to do and giving you plenty of opportunities for hands-on practice. Cooking is simple and fun with a private cooking instructor to answer all your questions. Around 1.30 pm, we will enjoy the meal we have prepared and the class will wrap up by 2.30 pm. I will provide all the ingredients, just bring your enthusiasm!

WHAT WE WILL COOK

My culinary experience in Venice offers a chance to master iconic Italian recipes and traditional home-cooked family dishes. I also share simple, practical tips you can easily apply in your own kitchen every day. No problem if you have dietary restrictions, I will adapt the menu for you. Some examples of what we can cook together: homemade pasta with any kind of homemade sauce, fish risotto, potato gnocchi with bolognese sauce, eggplant parmigiana, lasagne from scratch, stew red meat with wine; local fish as an ingredient for pasta sauce, tiramisù dessert, gelato. We will use ingredients that are readily available everywhere, beginner-friendly methods, and common kitchen tools that everyone has at home. When you return home, you will be able to recreate all the recipes I taught you.

LUNCH WITH SOME GOOD ITALIAN WINE

Learning to cook also means knowing how to choose the right wine for the meal.  My cooking lessons in Venice are also an opportunity to taste wine from the Veneto region.  In Venice, for example, a “fish risotto” is accompanied by a “Prosecco” wine and “parmigiana” with the local red “Tai“ wine. I’m a wine lover and every day I treat myself to a good glass of a local vintage. My favourite wines are “Soave” and “Francia Corta“. I will be happy to share my knowledge with you.   I often attend professional wine tastings and always like to learn new things, at home I have a really good choice of local wine. Here is a list of local wines you’ll get the chance to try: “Prosecco“,  “Soave“, “Riesling“, “Lugana“, “Valpolicella“, “Refosco“, “Carménère“, “Tai“, “Bardolino“, “Rosso Colli Euganei“, “Piave” as an accompaniment to the food we’ll cook.

HANDS-ON COOKING CLASS

All of my culinary classes in Venice are hands-on. First, I will show you the method and then ask my guests to become familiar with the ingredients and practice the technique. The best way to learn is to do. You will always be under my expert guidance, so there’s no way to make mistakes. Italian cooking is easier than you may think, you just need to become more confident with the preparation skills needed to make delicious homemade Italian food.

PRIVATE COOKING LESSONS

I exclusively organize private cooking courses in Venice for up to 6 people. Once you book, the class is reserved just for you – I do not include other guests. My home becomes your private space, ensuring a cosy and family-friendly atmosphere. It will be the best opportunity to eat like a local.

CHOOSE YOUR MENU

Depending on your preference, you can choose different menus. Choices include a classical Italian lunch menu or Venetian specialities, which can all be updated with any required gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, or egg-free variations. You can also opt for a specific course dedicated to pasta or pizza. If you have any particular recipe/dish that you have already tried in any Italian restaurant and you want to learn how to make it at home, let me know and I will accommodate your request.

VENETIAN CUISINE

Ready for a truly Venetian cuisine experience? If you are a curious eater and when you travel you want to explore local food, together we can cook Venetian recipes. Many Venetian classics are low-cost. I can introduce you to the iconic Italian recipes for “risi e bisi” (risotto with peas), “sarde in saor” (sardines marinated in onions and vinegar), seafood risotto (with mussels and clams), “baccalà mantecato” (salted codfish cooked in milk), “seppie con il nero” (cuttlefish cooked in their ink), “pasta e fagioli“ (pasta and beans), “fegato alla veneziana” (veal liver cooked with onions and served with polenta), artichoke hearts, and/or “bigoi in salsa” (thick spaghetti  with an anchovy and onion sauce). “Polpette“ ( deep-fried meatballs) is also a beloved Venetian dish. If you love vegetables, you should try mushroom or pumpkin risotto, local asparagus or red radicchio.

Then there are sweet Venetian specialities: “tiramisu“, made with creamy mascarpone and cocoa; “frittelle and galani” (treats eaten during Carnevale); and “zaeti” – biscuits made with polenta flour. Tiramisù dessert is the most well-known dessert from Veneto region. During my culinary experience, I always offer my guests some Venetian biscuits, pastries or cakes. All these dishes are both delicious and easy to prepare but may be difficult to find in popular tourist restaurants, where the focus is more international.

SEASONAL VEGETABLES FROM SANT’ ERASMO ISLAND

Not familiar with our local vegetables? My cooking school in Venice, Italy, provide the perfect opportunity to explore them. Sant’Erasmo, an island in the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon, is entirely dedicated to agriculture. Here, small family-run farms cultivate top-quality fruits and vegetables. The island is renowned throughout Italy for its asparagus, artichokes, peas, baby spinach, baby cauliflower, bitter cardoon, and an incredible variety of colourful salads, tomatoes and pumpkins. The 50 or so farming families of Sant’Erasmo sell their produce at the Rialto market. One unique Venetian speciality that every visitor should try is how we cook the “fondi di carciofo” (artichoke hearts). These are the disc-shaped bases left after removing the artichoke head, stalk, and leaves. Preserved in water and lemon, they are typically stewed with garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley, and they also make a fantastic addition to risotto.

Having decided on the menu together, I will take care of the ingredients. I go daily to the morning markets to buy everything needed for your chosen menu. I know where to buy the freshest ingredients. I have a personal list of the best Venetian bakeries, butcher shops, fishmongers, fruit and grocery stores. I buy fish strictly at the Rialto market because of the variety and quality of products they offer. Venice offers a large variety of daily markets and in each one, I personally know the shopkeepers. In addition, I know the best places to buy local wine.

OUR LOCAL FISH 

The fish I buy for my recipes comes from the historic Rialto market. Only by visiting it in person, can you truly appreciate the incredible variety of the fish it offers. Typical of our lagoon are the tiny, grey, sweet shrimps “schie“, cuttlefish and mussels. According to the local tradition, they are perfect ingredients for making a sauce to dress pasta. Sardines, mackerel, sole and sea bream are caught in the Adriatic. They can be baked in the oven or sautéed in the pan with white wine. Other types of fish, such as red tuna, octopus, and swordfish come from the Mediterranean. Once in Venice, don’t miss our local recipes based on fresh cod or the dried version.

MEAT-BASED RECIPES

Venice is not particularly renowned for its meat-based recipes, but there is one you absolutely have to try: meatballs  “polpette”. Unlike those from other regions of Italy, Venetian meatballs are deep-fried in oil. They are made from minced beef and potatoes, shaped into a unique flattened form, and are so tasty that it’s hard to eat just one – especially when enjoyed with friends in a bar alongside a good glass of wine. Another iconic, local dish is liver and onions, known as “fegato alla veneziana”. Once considered humble peasant food ( as offal was avoided by the wealthy) it has now become a pricey delicacy. Typically served with polenta, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that appeals to fans of traditional, rustic cuisine.

BEST VEGETARIAN CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN VENICE

If you are a vegetarian and looking for a menu featuring fresh, local vegetables, no problem – I will be happy to accommodate you. At the historic Rialto daily market, you will discover an impressive variety of seasonal produce. In the fall, I recommend recipes featuring pumpkin, mushrooms, and spinach. In winter, we will work with red radicchio, artichoke hearts, and broccoli. In spring, don’t miss peas, asparagus and zucchini flowers. In summer, we will focus on tomatoes and eggplants. Have you ever tried homemade parmigiana eggplants? Using these simple yet flavorful ingredients, I will guide you in creating healthy and delicious dishes. A selection of local cheese will also help us craft mouthwatering recipes.

A VIDEO BY PASTA GRANNIES ABOUT ITALIAN RECIPES

Have a look at this video by Pasta Grannies, one of my favourite YouTube Channels. It gives useful insights into Venice, local recipes and Venetian apartments, as well as showing how friendly the locals can be!

PASTA MAKING CLASS IN VENICE

If you are a pasta lover, I recommend my comprehensive pasta making class in Venice. I will teach you how to choose the right flour, use a basic pasta machine, and shape pasta. You can learn to make stuffed pasta and/or lasagna. Pasta will hold no more secrets from you. Starting with semolina and eggs, we will make everything from scratch. This course is especially fun for families with children – they love the hands-on experience.

ITALIAN BREAKFAST WITH ME

To all my guests, I offer a traditional Italian breakfast with cappuccino and homemade sweets. It’s a time to relax and get to know each other. It is also an opportunity to learn how we make coffee at home in Italy and how to use an Italian moka pot. You will enjoy traditional Venetian treats like “zaetti” ( cornflour biscuits with raisins) as well as rice and almond cookies. This is your chance to try Venetian sweet delicatessen and understand what the Italian word “acquolina” ( mouthwatering) means.

 THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

My recipes use ingredients typical of the Mediterranean diet: extra virgin olive oil, fish rather than meat, seasonal vegetables bought at the local market, fresh homemade pasta, Italian rice and fresh or dried legumes –  nothing frozen! The eggs I buy are from shops supplied by small farms, the cheeses local varieties made from milk produced in the Italian Alps and the meat always ‘made in Italy’. I use salt sparingly and create flavour with a range of fresh herbs and spices. And I know the best places to buy wine. For those who want to learn how to cook, I suggest starting with “soffritto,” a basic preparation typical of Italian cuisine.

DIET RESTRICTIONS

If you follow any particular type of diet, have dietary restrictions or have limits imposed by your religion, it is not a problem. I can arrange the menu according to your preferences. If you follow a lactose-free or egg-free diet, it will be easy for me to adapt each recipe to your needs. If you follow a gluten-free diet but still want to learn how to make pasta, that’s no problem. I will choose naturally gluten-free flours for you and teach you all the tricks to make your diet easier.

WINE TASTING

In addition to cooking classes, I can also organize private wine tastings for small groups. I offer a selection of wine from Veneto region accompanied with some Venetian nibbles. It is an opportunity for those who want to get closer to Italian wine and are curious to discover the wines of our territory. I focus on teaching a method for tasting and for recognizing quality. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a wine-tasting event.

WHERE IN VENICE

My apartment where I organize my cooking classes in Venice is located in the Dorsoduro district, in the city centre. It is a very quiet area, conveniently accessible by public transportation. The neighbourhood is full of local stores, with nice daily markets where locals buy their groceries. There are many famous pastry and ice cream shops, as well as local bakeries and famous wine bars. It will be my pleasure to help you choose places to visit after the cooking class.

MY KITCHEN IN VENICE

I host my clients in the apartment where I live. It is a typical Venetian house well organized to welcome my guests. In my spacious kitchen, there is a large work table. I have no sophisticated or electric equipment because I am used to doing everything by hand. For cooking, you don’t need expensive equipment, rather a few well-chosen tools. I can teach you how to choose the right equipment for your kitchen. My kitchen is very well equipped with a large worktable, a gas oven and stovetop and many utensils. None of my recipes require special appliances or instruments. I do have a food processor but I never use it! I prefer to prepare everything by hand. I have a pasta machine (manual Italian pasta machine by Imperia) for rolling pasta dough – a simple model you can buy anywhere, as well as pasta cutters, a blender, stainless steel saucepans with thick bases and good kitchen knives. Are you ready to start your cooking classes in Venice Italy with me?

LOOKING FOR THE BEST COOKING SCHOOLS IN ITALY?

Are you planning a vacation to Italy and dreaming of an unforgettable culinary experience while learning all of nonna’s secrets? In my country, you’ll find a variety of Italian cooking schools designed for tourists, with classes offered in English. I’d be happy to help you choose the perfect one. An Italian cooking lesson is a must for food lovers! Here are some ideas for your trip: take a pizza-making class in Venice, a traditional nonna-style cooking lesson in Rome, or a baking course in Milan. If you’re interested in fish-based dishes, the best culinary schools are in Sicily. For bread-making enthusiasts, Puglia is the ideal region. Other great options include Parma, Genoa, or Portofino. If you’re looking for luxury cooking classes with famous chefs, consider the Gritti Palace in Venice. Many hotels across the country also offer “week-long cooking classes in Italy” or “three- to five-day cooking courses” in the countryside, where you can experience hands-on workshops based on local recipes. To start planning your vacation, ask yourself: what would you like to cook?

ABOUT ME – MY COOKING LESSON REVIEWS

Reviews are a good way to understand if my guests are happy with my cookery experience in Venice. Please be sure to check them out on TripAdvisor or on Google Maps. There must be a reason why so many people rate my classes with five stars.

MY ONLINE COOKING VIDEOS

If you like to cook, but can’t come to Italy to take part in my cooking classes in Venice, you can try my online Italian cooking classes. In 2020, I created an online platform where you can subscribe and have access to pre-recorded videos where I teach basic Italian cooking classics. My online course at Accademia di Cucina Italiana is the best solution for those who want to learn from the comfort of their home. All cooking videos are in English with comprehensive charts. On my YouTube channel, Accademia di Cucina Italiana, you can watch short videos to get an idea about all the recipes you can learn by subscribing to my online courses. My videos are designed for English-speaking people.

VENICE IN THE NEWSPAPERS 

It is quite easy to find news about Venice in international newspapers. But it’s difficult to find accurate news that will help tourists find their way around a very complex city. If you give it a try and type “Venice” on Google, you will find thousands of articles. It is better to have a clear idea and know what to look for. If you are interested in food and wine in Venice, you can do a more select search. On the attached pdf, you will find an article from “The Spectator” newspaper by Tania Gold about food in Venice. The interview also talks about me and my work as a cooking instructor. The Spectator – article about cooking classes in Venice by Accademia di Cucina Italiana.

SOMETHING ABOUT HOW WE LIVE IN VENICE

In 2021, I had the opportunity to participate in a French documentary, by France 5 – “Echappées belles Venise”,  about life in Venice. You can see me in this video at minute 29′. What about booking a cooking class in Venice Italy with me? Click on the bottom and write me an email. See you in Venice.

SOMETHING ABOUT ME

My name is Gioia, I’m a nutrition psychologist with 22 years of experience. I’m also a professional cooking instructor. In Venice, I organize private cooking classes for beginners who want to learn Italian cooking. In my life, I help people on a diet by teaching them how to prepare healthy and tasty dishes. Born and raised in Venice, I come from a traditional Venetian family. I have spent my entire life in what I consider the most beautiful city of the world. Coming from a large family, I learned to cook from my grandmother, and I still use her recipes today. Please, read more here about Gioia Tiozzo and see what I do. I’m not a therapist in the classic sense; rather, I teach practical ways to improve your daily life and change your habits. I work with families who need to organize their lifestyles without restrictions but with healthy and practical options. Here you find more about Gioia Tiozzo.

BOOK A CULINARY CLASS IN VENICE ITALY

Do you want to book one of my cooking classes in Venice Italy for two or for your family? Send me an email and I will reply shortly to confirm my availability. See you in Venice.